Justin1989
Aquarium Advice Activist
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I could only see those causing issues in the long run. however your chaeto is most likely tearing up your nitrates.
Still having high nitrate issues
- Thread starter catmel
- Start date
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I could only see those causing issues in the long run. however your chaeto is most likely tearing up your nitrates.
OP
OP
catmel
Aquarium Advice FINatic
Thanks... I'll try removing the HOB and adding a bit of cheato to the main until I get a sump going to see if that helps. Thanks!
Tank2379
Aquarium Advice Addict
If you have 80lbs of LR ditch the HOB and get a HOB Skimmer with 2 Koralia's if you have any current or flow in your take already. CPR Bak-Pak 2R+ skimmer would work perfect for your system.
CaptainAhab
Thanx but no.....
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- Jun 2, 2008
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she has a skimmer
'Buy a more expensive skimmer? ( I have the coralife rated up to 65 gallons.. seems to be making good skimmate though)'
'Buy a more expensive skimmer? ( I have the coralife rated up to 65 gallons.. seems to be making good skimmate though)'
Tank2379
Aquarium Advice Addict
thincat
Aquarium Advice Addict
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Melinda, Kurt is giving you great advice. It's the only way to truely trouble shoot your problem. Nothing happens fast except errors in a SW tank so take it slow and you should be Okay.
TC
TC
Kurt_Nelson
Aquarium Advice Addict
Ahhh... shucks. 
But seriously, I don't have a problem with HOB filters, and my gut feel is that it isn't causing the problem here. Catmel strikes me as someone that is pretty meticulous when it comes to tank maintenance. And I know for a fact that HOBs filters don't equal nitrates. I have two myself and have barely measurable nitrates (0.5-1.0) that are just a little over my freshly made salt water.
BUT... it also won't hurt to remove it for a while and see what happens. If nothing improves, at least that's one more thing to cross off the list.
But seriously, I don't have a problem with HOB filters, and my gut feel is that it isn't causing the problem here. Catmel strikes me as someone that is pretty meticulous when it comes to tank maintenance. And I know for a fact that HOBs filters don't equal nitrates. I have two myself and have barely measurable nitrates (0.5-1.0) that are just a little over my freshly made salt water.
BUT... it also won't hurt to remove it for a while and see what happens. If nothing improves, at least that's one more thing to cross off the list.
OP
OP
catmel
Aquarium Advice FINatic
Ahhh... shucks.
But seriously, I don't have a problem with HOB filters, and my gut feel is that it isn't causing the problem here. Catmel strikes me as someone that is pretty meticulous when it comes to tank maintenance. And I know for a fact that HOBs filters don't equal nitrates. I have two myself and have barely measurable nitrates (0.5-1.0) that are just a little over my freshly made salt water.
BUT... it also won't hurt to remove it for a while and see what happens. If nothing improves, at least that's one more thing to cross off the list.
heh Thanks
I do try to take care of my fishies. To a point I actually enjoy tank maintance. I turned off my HOB filter, going to try it for a bit untl I can afford to get a sum / fuge.Are there any good 'how to' type sites for adding a sump to a non drilled tank? I'm quite clueless there.
I appreciate everyones help so far tons!!
Tank2379
Aquarium Advice Addict
I just put one together on my 55.... Depending on how big your stand is I would recommend a 20Gallon Sump/ Refugium for your system or larger if you can fit one under your tank. I had to do a 10gallon since I only had room just for that. Check out what I did with mine.
The Over flow box I got is an Eshopps off of RC for real cheap almost brand new if you can find someone that is offering one for you I would get it. 2nd I got a Return Pump, I think Mag Drives are a good brand to get I have the Mag 7 since my Overflow was rated for 800GPH my Mag7 is rated for 700GPH this should do the just fine.
Here is my Sump I drill the hole myself with a 45mm Glass drill bit from BRS.
You will have to do some plumbing If you do it you can use 1' PVC piping
Return Side
The Over flow box I got is an Eshopps off of RC for real cheap almost brand new if you can find someone that is offering one for you I would get it. 2nd I got a Return Pump, I think Mag Drives are a good brand to get I have the Mag 7 since my Overflow was rated for 800GPH my Mag7 is rated for 700GPH this should do the just fine.
Here is my Sump I drill the hole myself with a 45mm Glass drill bit from BRS.
You will have to do some plumbing If you do it you can use 1' PVC piping
Return Side
Tank2379
Aquarium Advice Addict
Here is the sump and refugium under the tank.
Finished
The reason I drilled the tank was becasue I was going to attach a second 10Gallon tank as a whole Refugium But when I was plumbing them together I cracked it. I put to much pressure moving it around. Just in case if you were wondering.
Finished
The reason I drilled the tank was becasue I was going to attach a second 10Gallon tank as a whole Refugium But when I was plumbing them together I cracked it. I put to much pressure moving it around. Just in case if you were wondering.
OP
OP
catmel
Aquarium Advice FINatic
Wow looks great. I just have to figure out how to do all this LOL.
MichaelsLilGray
Aquarium Advice FINatic
its really not that complicated when you sit down and just do it. if you keep looking around and wondering whats involved.. its more complicated than it really will be. that was the case for me anyways.
Justin1989
Aquarium Advice Activist
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Tank2379
Aquarium Advice Addict
I would look on You Tube, There are a lot of video's that should show you how to put a Sump together with a Fuge.... That's how I figured out what I wanted to do....
divedeep1689
Aquarium Advice Addict
i would like to now this as well wat type of lighting does this alage need to survive?
divedeep1689
Aquarium Advice Addict
Chaeto Chaetomorpha macro algae - eBay (item 260410597727 end time May-21-09 11:15:00 PDT)
is this a good alage for a fuge
is this a good alage for a fuge
OP
OP
catmel
Aquarium Advice FINatic
Thanks as always
I would stick to your standard 6500k-10k bulbs for macroalgae growth. Some people keep their lighting on 24/7; however, a reverse daylight cycle is sufficient. I personally like the Aqualight Mini, but on a whole depends on the size of your refugium. The macroalgae will eventually have to be trimmed of excessive growth or asexual behavior can develope regardless of your lighting sequence. If you dose chemicals, make sure you dose before the intake of your return and after your refugium due to chemical concentrations possibly causing your macroalgae to turn asexual. The best macroalgaes to utilize are Chaetomorpha and Grape Caulerpa (Caulerpa racemosa seems to be most popular, but there are other "grape" varieties). Due to the sheer size Chaetomorpha can attain in a refugium, it would be wise to keep it well trimmed so not to encroach other macroalgae species and also prevent detritus buildup. Refugiums need alot of flow to keep the macroalgaes flush.
MichaelsLilGray
Aquarium Advice FINatic
i cheated a little with my cheato... i had a old beretta water filter gallon.. thing... a jug lol whatever... i put it in there... put my feed line into that jug first.. then let it fall into the refuge... then do its thing... that way the cheato is in one spot. and not just taking over my refuge =D ill submit a pic in a bit.
MichaelsLilGray
Aquarium Advice FINatic
Keep in mind this was my first feeble attempt at a sump/refuge.. so yeah.. its not that pretty lol
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