Recent content by Steppa

I'm also looking into this now. Is this over-kill for a beginner or worth the price? I see a lot of people with the Oceanic systems (and they seem to like it) but this setup seems slightly better with the built-in skimmer and better lighting..? TIA! :)

? What's the advantage of replacing the bioballs with live rubble? I'm looking into getting a RSM system and I'm trying to plan a head for everything I need. :) Thanks!

No one? Anyone..? :(

Sorry, that's what I meant. Mud in the Fuge but then what do you put in the main tank? Sand? And how much of it..?

What about a Mud system..? What I've heard is that a DSB is not needed and might even cause problems if you use it with mud. Is this true? I was thinking of doing an EcoSystem with mud and a 1 - 2" sand bed. Thoughts?

Cool. I agree. Overstocking is the problem and I can see why. First of all, I'm trying to do a 120gal tank. I thought I could get a kick butt system if I put $3K into it (that's a lot of money, right?). Well, come to find out, I'll need $5K or more to set it up correctly and support the bio-load...

How about an Eco System setup? I heard that those are awesome and you can add Chaeto to that, right? I'm guessing that might even be better then a W/D or a standard sump with live rubble. This is how I want to setup my 120gal.

Ahh! More responses! This is VERY interesting. So, what I take out of this is either people are over-stocking their tank for the type/amount of filtration they have OR the tank is over-stocked for the total amount of water volume and the 'trace elements' that's needed is getting used up to...

So PC, what did you have in the tank for the first year? Based on your experience, it sounds like water changes ARE needed but I'm wondering at that interval and how large. I suppose that will fluctuate for every person depending on filtration, tank location, stock, etc.. I guess I'll just have...

Okay. So forget that I said they 'never' need to be done. But how about pushing out longer then what we're thinking currently. Maybe a 10% change every 6 months..? Maybe if we were to buy those bottles that claim to 'replace trace elements' would push it out even another 6 months..! I dunno...

Yes, but how much does doing the water change help? I know that it can really help dilute nitrates but a correctly setup tank and filter system should already be breaking down the nitrates. So assuming that your filter system is working correctly, does one really need to do water changes? Maybe...

I wonder if the reason for doing water changes has been lost over time. What I mean by this is, it seems that the main reason is to help lower nitrates. I know it also helps replenish trace elements but I wonder how much/many "trace elements" you really gain out of doing this.

If your waters green, then get a UV light. That will clean it up. I have a 1500gal pond which started to turn green so I bought a UV light and in two days, it was looking clear as day.

Just wondering if there's anyone that doesn't do water changes or does them infrequently (like once a year)? I remember someone posted that they've only done one water change in over a year and the tank was doing great.

I see what you're saying.. Again, good point. :D