Recent content by nickthapainter

Afternoon everyone, Mixed up a batch of salt water for the Sunday waterchange, and accidently added too much salt (specific gravity of 1.030). I'm waiting for the RO unit to kick out some more fresh water. Just wondering how much I'm going to need to dilute the salt water mix back down to...

Quick question about these ballasts.... Hellolights carries an equivalent model (specs/price) http://www.hellolights.com/25unmagm58ba.html They also carry an equivalent ballast (electronic instead of magnetic) for $50 more. The electronic ballasts supposedly put out less heat and are more...

From what I've gathered: 1. there's a limit to how much calcium can be added with a Nilsen system -- limited to how much top off water goes in daily -- I wouldn't think this would become an issue though unless you have a dedicated SPS/clam tank. 2. Nilsen set-ups are more compact and...

I take it there are 2 main types: calcium reactors and Nilsen reactors. The standard calcium reactors use CO2 to dissolve a calcium based substrate whereas a Nilsen reactor takes powdered calcium and makes a solution of calcium hydroxide (Kalwasser?); the effluent then beeing dosed into the...

definitely something to take into account! Cheers everyone

Just need a couple of clarifications before placing an order... The B-Ionic 2 part seems like a quality product for keeping calcium/alk in check. I haven't tested my water for either yet (tank still settling, doing 20 gal per week water changes). I'll of course test both before adding any...

Since my tank has been running my average sleep hours per night has decreased from 8 hours to around 5 -- I've become a nocturnal pod watching addict! whole-heartedly agree!

Can't see the attachment -- what sort of file extension does MS Paint put out (jpeg/gif etc)? Don't forget that images are limited sizewise.

$2800 in one month for my tank. Have about another $600 or so to finish everything, and then will come the livestock bill...

Lovely tank! What plant is that (top left)? Does your tang eat any?

I'm in the middle of putting together the same set-up. I'll be using the old wet/dry filter for the sump/skimmer area and a 50 gallon tank for the refuge. My drain line is split: far left goes to fuge, far right goes to skimmer. From the skimmer, water goes through the bubble trap and then to...

don't forget tank depth affects lighting: deeper the tank, harder it is to light it throughout

use the "calculators" link at the top of the page: it will give you how much sand you need depending on the dimensions of the tank and the sandbed depth you wish. (nifty little tool)

I prefer the look of black as opposed to the blue background frequently seen. As for the paint itsels, use a standard water based paint (flat finish). You can also stick with the backing. If an salt does come between the two, peel it back and clean.

I'm still fighting the brown algae (new tank syndrome for me). The snails and crabs seem to be helping. A lot of flow will also help. Running a closed loop or powerheads will help with this (dual overflows just won't be enough)