DonCollins
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Stability is essential in these closed systems. Correcting the PH swings, would be a step in the right direction, if not the solution. Good gas exchange and proper aeration are components of a healthy tank. I've never used lids, jumpers or not.
But isn't my QT just as unstable as my DT with the pH fluctuation? Is it more detrimental in a larger system? I thought aeration & gas exchange were done adequately via protein skimmer, 4 outflows from sump, & the 2 powerheads? I did switch to a covered tank right before the power outage (going on 2 years ago), but did not notice an immediate problem. Could this have been an insidious issue that worsened since then with the tank covers & now has reached the breaking point? Also, my 20 gal QT is also covered except for a small strip at the back, although it does have aeration stirring up the entire surface at the top. Is that where I'm lacking in gas exchange? My DT is very smooth on the water surface with very little disruption since I always had the powerheads pointing out not up. How would I know for sure that I have a dissolved oxygen issue? I'm gun-shy to place anything in it without knowing for sure what the issue is & that I've remedied it. Thanks so much for your expertise!
Don