75g Lurking danger and Leafy Seadragons

[vlangel]

@wvned, how is the flow in the 75g FW tank using the FX 4? I am deciding if I need the extra flow of the FX 6 or if the FX 4 is enough. What do you think for a SW reef tank? I am leaning toward the FX 6.

 

[vlangel]

I have never done anything like that on a SW tank. Hope it does what you want. I get about 6-8 weeks on the FX4 and then the flow falls off and I have to service it.
Mine is filled with rings and Seachem Matrix.

That is helpful to know. Thank you for sharing that. That is funny, you were answering my question as I was asking it!

 

[wvned]

I do not think the flow would be significant for a reef tank. The filter has a v shaped return that you can somewhat point. It makes the plastic plants sway back and forth. Thats about it.
I also had to modify the intake to get some surface skimming going.

 

[vlangel]

I do not think the flow would be significant for a reef tank. The filter has a v shaped return that you can somewhat point. It makes the plastic plants sway back and forth. Thats about it.
I also had to modify the intake to get some surface skimming going.

I don't need a huge amount of flow since I have an mp 10, mp 40 and a Carefree Fish wave maker but I was hoping for surface agitation. I also have considered swapping out the intake and output with glass lily pipes.

 

[Uncle99]

I stuck with the Aquaclear as it was easy to swap the sponge every 2-3 days which I needed to do to keep nitrates on the low end.

I find HOB filters need regular cleaning

I get all my water movement via gyres.

 

[vlangel]

I stuck with the Aquaclear as it was easy to swap the sponge every 2-3 days which I needed to do to keep nitrates on the low end.

I find HOB filters need regular cleaning

I get all my water movement via gyres.

Thank you for sharing. I also like how easy it is to clean and swap out media/sponge in the AquaClear.

I also get water movement from the powerheads in the tank.

What I liked about the Fluval FX canister is that I could do a water change from a nozzle that is built into it. I guess I could buy a rio pump and suction cup it to the side of the tank and have 20ft or so of flex tubing attached to it to run the water out my nearby window. At 65 yrs old I don't want to carry 5g buckets too much longer.

A canister would be quieter as well, although maybe not $350 quieter!

With my tank having so many macroalgae in it, nutrients are not as problematic as most reef tanks.

 

[vlangel]

I am still pondering the canister question. I tested my water and I was a bit taken back to see that NO3 was only 10 ppm but PO4 was 1 ppm! I bought some PhosGuard today and added it in the back chamber of the AquaClear to hopefully bring the phosphates down. I am going to skip a water change this week but I did add a little AFR to replenish the water.

The green macros look so good! My codium has never grown so fast and the new moss balls and shaving brushes all look real nice. Even the ulva is holding its own with the tang picking at it. And I am so excited that one of the red mangroves leaves opened which is so cool. The red macros look ok but are growing slower at the moment.

The new chalk bass is shy but it comes out to eat and none of the other fish pay any attention to it.

The feather dusters are so beautiful as are the RFAs. I really like how the tank is adjusting. The sand has a reddish rusty algae but its not awful. Here are some pics:

 

[griss]

Wow, I always look forward to your updates and pictures.

 

[vlangel]

Wow, I always look forward to your updates and pictures.

Wow George, thanks! I appreciate the positive feedback.