So a little updating on my 30 gallon rimless tank build.
I've added a Hydor Slim Skim to the tank. To accomplish this, I had to remove 1 of two media racks (One on each side), so well see if that has a detrimental effect. I don't think it will and I took my old Stevie T rack which fits in the chamber right next to the protein skimmer. It fits pretty darn perfectly with the water from the spillover water going directly into the spill chamber of my protein skimmer, then flows out of the bottom, then up through the Stevie T rack holding Chem-Pure & Purigen, the overflows into the middle pump chamber.
Nothing too Gunky coming from the Protein Skimmer, but there is some foam action and definite discoloration, so something is getting skimmed. What I have observed is the skimmer is very quiet! Hopefully, it will provide good service and help with maintaining my small tank!
On the other side, the water spill directly into the original media rack with floss, more purigen and chem-pure!
My latest water measurements:
pH 8.0
Am 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrates 5
I've added an elegance coral, which I think is doing well? My little peppermint shrimp got into a fight with my ecotech pump, and well, lost. I cleaned him out of the pump this morning and will be making a trip to the LFS for a replacement.
My fish are all doing well, but I do have to say that my Royal Gamma is a bit of a bully. He doesn't seem to bother the other fish, but he swims around and knocks hermits down of the rock work. I know he's probably being territorial, but its something to see.
My coco worm lost his feathers.
I've done some reading, and it could be from stress, sudden changes in tank conditions, which I have ruled out, or any number of other causes. It's definitely still alive and comes right up to the edge of the tube, retracts quickly if approached, but I hope he grows his red and white dusters back! I'm squirting some liquid plankton his way occasionally and hoping for the best! Anyone have any experience with this?
All in all, everything is going well, the tank inhabitants are happy and seem healthy. I hope the same for all of you and wish you the very best in the coming year!
Best Regards,
Mike