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I have a problem. I`ve been running my new PC lights (PetSupplyLiquidator.com) for about 3 weeks and already the bulbs (catalina brand) have developed dark spots! Can anyone recommend a better brand 96w PC? Straight pin or square, I`ll just change the endcaps. Could it be the ballast causing...

Hi, are crabs dangerous to corals? My liverock (from Liverocks.com :D ) came with some small crabs and numerous other critters. Yesterday I purchased a pumping Xenia and some yellow polyps. I am now worried that the crabs will damage my corals. Should I get rid of them? If so, what`s the...

Hi, I started my cycle 4 days ago. Kept the lights on for 12 hrs. Now my beautiful rock from Liverocks.com is turning brownish. Is this normal? Should I leave the lights off during cycle? I`m afraid to loose the gorgeous purple/redish algae on the rocks. :cry: One more question. Should I add a...

I have been making RO water and storing it in a 35 gal Rubbermaid container. The container was purchased brand new, I just rinsed it with hot water and started to trickle RO into it. Well, I am concerned because the plastic has a strong "rubber-plastic" smell to it. I tasted a cup of the RO...

Ok, I was all set on doing a 4-5" DSB, until I read the horrors of hobbyists with DSBs. I understand that no matter what one does, the sand bed will crash in about 4 years. It will release phosphates and the algae will grow out of control 8O . I really like the look of sand over bare bottom...

What would you guys/gals recommend for a refugium substrate? 1. HD tropical play sand - I have this in the display tank 4" deep 2. CaribSea Mineral Mud - Is it better than HD sand? $19 a gallon 3. Kent Marine Biosediment - How bout it? $20 for 12lbs Thanks, Paul.

I am about to install my bulkheads into my drilled bottom tank and sump. The instructions say to wet the rubber gasket before installation. I have read somewhere to put some petroleum (vaseline) jelly on the seals so they won`t dry up over time. Now, which method should I use? Thanks, Paul.

Today I brought home 4 pieces of what used to be live rock. My friend had a reef which he turned into a brackish fish tank. I want to use the rocks for my base foundation. What is the best way to "disinfect" them? I was thinking of boiling each peace for a while. Or is there a better way...

I am going to order 100 lbs of live rock, but before I do that, I need at least 50 lbs of base rock. Can someone point me to a good dry base rock? Also, is this the proper procedure - Step one: dry base rock, then sand, followed by live rock? Thanks, Paul.

I am about to purchase an Iwaki pump. I have two choices - USA built or Japanese. The specs are identical for both, but the price difference is significant. Does anyone know the pros/cons for the pumps? The only info I got is that the USA models run a little bit hotter. Which should not be a...

Hope this does not sound stupid - A 96w pc uses up 96w of electricity? Or, does it produce 96w of light but uses like 30w? The reason I ask is because at Home Depot the spiral flourescents use 19w but produce 75w light output. :roll: Thanks, Paul.

What is the ideal flow through a refugium in gph? I will have a 65 gal main tank and a 20 gal refugium. I am thinking of going with the Iwaki MD20RLXT rated at 540 gph at 4' head. Would that be sufficient? Thanks, Paul.

Hi, does anyone from NY know which Home Depot carries Tropical Play Sand? I have gone to 5 Depots and no luck, they only had the yellow play sand :( . Thanks, Paul.

Ok, I think I have finalized my setup. 65 gal reef ready tank 288w pc DSB 100 lbs LR Refugium AquaC Remora HOB skimmer Questions - Do I really need the DSB? Would 1-2" of aragonite sand do? Can I do 1-2" of crushed coral instead of the sand? Which one is more beneficial? My refugium will be...

Hi, I have successful set up a beautiful fresh water aquarium. I would like to take the next step into salt water :D . I only have room for a 38 gal. tank. I am worried that my room is a bit too hot for a reef tank :cry: . The salesman at my lfs told me that the temp. should not exceed 77 F. Is...

Hi, I am setting up a 75 gallon fresh water tank, it will be heavly planted and contain a fair amount of fish. My question is - should I get the Eheim wet/dry canister style filter or just the regular Eheim canister filter? Will the wet/dry take away any nutrients that the plants require...