For weeks now I've been preparing to replace my sump on the grow-out system. The old sump held 10 gallons and was too small for 80 gallons of 10 fish per gallon, especially since they are all getting so big!
My new sump holds 50 gallons when half filled and extends beyond the stand, making filter changes easier. I can use more bioballs for the wet dry. Maybe I'll try some DSL.
Today I took off from work to do the big tear down and install. I completely replaced my drains and my returns making them much more functional and simplified. I took a peak inside my 40 watt UV and to my surprise, the quartz sleeve is as clean as when I bought it. No algae at all! It has been 9 months, and I expected more algae.
Got it all done with no leaks in the plumbing. Even more remarkable is that I did not have to make a trip to the harware store!
Still need to work on the airlines and the electrical. But things are running, water is flowing and the now 600 clownfish are still alive, despite all the commotion and banging.
Mama clownfish looked like she was going to lay eggs this morning. By afternoon, I thought she would explode, but still no laying occured. Then this evening, she finally decided on a spot and got busy. Unfortunately, it is not a spot I would have chosen. It seems that she has either laid them upside down on a rock facing the back, and or on the floor by the rock. I can only see a few eggs on the floor. There are only a few there, and I think she was so large, she had to have laid more. I am glad she is laying, but I wish she would pick a spot I can see! I had it so good before I moved them. Their nest was always in the front of the aquarium in full view.
But I am happy for the nest. It is 11 days since their last nest, which was small and I did not collect the larvae. But 11 days is their old schedule, so I hope this is a sign of good things to come.
It's been a good day.
Kathy
My new sump holds 50 gallons when half filled and extends beyond the stand, making filter changes easier. I can use more bioballs for the wet dry. Maybe I'll try some DSL.
Today I took off from work to do the big tear down and install. I completely replaced my drains and my returns making them much more functional and simplified. I took a peak inside my 40 watt UV and to my surprise, the quartz sleeve is as clean as when I bought it. No algae at all! It has been 9 months, and I expected more algae.
Got it all done with no leaks in the plumbing. Even more remarkable is that I did not have to make a trip to the harware store!
Still need to work on the airlines and the electrical. But things are running, water is flowing and the now 600 clownfish are still alive, despite all the commotion and banging.
Mama clownfish looked like she was going to lay eggs this morning. By afternoon, I thought she would explode, but still no laying occured. Then this evening, she finally decided on a spot and got busy. Unfortunately, it is not a spot I would have chosen. It seems that she has either laid them upside down on a rock facing the back, and or on the floor by the rock. I can only see a few eggs on the floor. There are only a few there, and I think she was so large, she had to have laid more. I am glad she is laying, but I wish she would pick a spot I can see! I had it so good before I moved them. Their nest was always in the front of the aquarium in full view.
But I am happy for the nest. It is 11 days since their last nest, which was small and I did not collect the larvae. But 11 days is their old schedule, so I hope this is a sign of good things to come.
It's been a good day.
Kathy
