Recent content by bry1105

Thanks for the additional info on PhosGuard. I've already got some Chemi-Pure Elite on the way, but if it doesn't provide the results I'm hoping for I'll definately try it.

Another product that gets loads of great reviews is Poly Filter. It appears to do basically the same thing as Chemi-Pure Elite except in pad form. If one were to use both Chemi-Pure Elite & Poly Filter, would the pad be placed before or after the Chemi-Pure? Another way to look at it is, is Poly...

I have a 46 gallon bowfront. On top of it I've got an Aqueon Vera-top & 36" strip light (single 24" 17W T8 bulb). I do not have plants, it's just a simple freshwater tank, but should I still upgrade? I'm considering several options: 1) Replacing the strip light with a similar Aqueon "Deluxe"...

See my initial post: It's just a simple 24" 17W T8 daylight bulb. Nothing fancy and nothing I would think would put out so much light as to cause problems.

I've placed an order at Drs. F&S for a phospathe test kit and Chemi-pure Elite. I think this route is the only one I've yet to try. On a slightly different note, I've read very contradictory things about how light affects diatoms. Some say too much light causes it, and some say a lack of...

A little more info: it's 46 gallons, unplanted, and has white gravel (great for diatoms, eh?).

I think I've read every article & forum post on the world wide interwebs about eliminating diatoms and nothing seems to work. My tank is several years old and my single T8 bulb is only on for 4 hours a day. I have a quality canister filter and do 30% water changes every 14 days. My well water is...

My well water is extremely hard & smelly so Ive got an old RODI stystem which I am thinking about taking out the RO membrane & DI resin so that just the 5 micron sediment filter & 1 micron carbon block are left. (RO & DI not necessary / probably overkill for freshwater). About what TDS should a...

How do I know which sand has silicates in it? I don't want problems with diatoms.

I have ordered from them a time or two. No problems.

I am having trouble with diatoms which I have learned is caused by silicates and/or phospahte. I use Caribsea Super Naturals sand for substrate. Does anyone know if this sand has silicates in it which are feeding the diatoms? What sand does not have silicates in it?

Its a 45 gallon bowfront. Actually it would be the Rena xp3. Im gonna see if Marineland will send me a new filter head. One thing I will try in the future is using silicone grease on all my gaskets/o-rings at each maintenance. Maybe the seals will last longer (if thats even the problem).

The Rena XP2 pumps 300 gph which is perfect for my 45 gallon bowfront, but it only has 2 media baskets. I'd really like 3 for foam, carbon, and ceramic rings. How would you go about using only 2 baskets?

Im sick of my marineland c-360 giving me problems (leaking now) so Im looking for a new canister. Id prefer an Eheim, but theyre a little pricey. So Im trying to decide between the Rena xp2 and the Fluval 306. Any suggestions? Thanks! :fish2:

Ive got the same 46 bowfront. Had it for a few years now. Let me know how the vacuum works. I need something that works!