Help a newb out!

[steveo9043]

So I recently got into the hobby. I have a 72 gallon bow front I bought used from someone local on craigslist. So far everything i bought is in working condition and the tank holds water perfectly. I got it setup last week.

Day 1

Day 4

Day 7 (I don't know if I like my TV being bigger then my tank lol)

Anyways on some of the live rock I have some growth some was a aiptasia I know and there are a few others I cant identify

I don't know what is "good" or what is "bad" obviously the aiptasia is bad and will be taken care of by peppermint shrimp (hopefully). Some insight on what the other things are would be great. I have done some looking around but I mis ID'ed the aiptasia so more seasoned opinions would be great.

also the valve on the end of this pump

Just spins freely and does not close down the flow at all. I think it was a part that came with my CPR fuge that was included in my used purchase. However I can not find anywhere that sells it!

Thanks for the help ahead of time and I hope to make the frag swap on the 20th.

 

[Bretts05jeep]

The first picture is a kenya tree and looks like some closed daisy polyps. The second is just some algae. As for the pump is it for the skimmer or for the return pump. If its for the return pump you can buy a ball valve at any hardware store and install it into the return line.

 

[steveo9043]

Thanks! I thought it was a kenya tree but again wasn't sure. I just have basic lighting (1 48in florescent) will it survive with that? I am trying to buy some used LED's off of someone in the area but have not got a PM back from him yet.

As for the pump. I believe it is the pump that connects to the inlet on the refugium. In the 3rd picture of the tank you can see the small pump that is connected right now. I don't believe its supposed to be there. (I should of asked the guy more questions when I bought it)

 

[kawicivic]

Kenya tree might make it with reg. flourescents but def. doesnt require LEDs. They are lower light corals but you probably want at least compact flourescents in the long term. If you are going to want more light demanding corals then just go ahead and get the leds and make sure you keep the kenya lower in the aquarium.

The valve that spins freely - is there an air line inlet on it somehwere? it might be for a skimmer? That is just a guess based on the fact that the pump in the tank appears to have an air line with it. Its under water so its not sucking in air at the moment. If this is a fuge/skimmer system then you will want the airline above water and the bubbles will help filter your tank.

Keep checking out stuff on here and you will be rolling in no time (and then you will REALLy have an issue with having a tv bigger than your tank - especially if you are already starting to feel that way. Your pic makes it appear that you have a pretty big tv as well- your wallet is in trouble!!)

 

[steveo9043]

Yea I have been searching pictures of the Refugium and just saw that the line needs to be above water!

Tv is a 55in my Christmas present to myself. I wanted it in my room but was told I can't have a bigger tv in my room then there is in the living room!

I do eventually plan to have coral that needs better lighting and someone local is selling them for a decent price.

As for my wallet I also am into cars and drive a 2012 camaro SS.... My wallet hates me.

 

[steveo9043]

Now I don't know what the larger pump was used for... Just movement?

 

[Bretts05jeep]

If that pump is not hooked up to anything it does not need to be used. Im almost sure it is suposto to be hooked up to a protiene skimmer.

 

[steveo9043]

Hmmm well I didn't get a skimmer with it, besides the one built into my Refugium. I now have the plastic hose outside of the water and its loud! Also the box that's supposed to be a protein skimmer is getting filled up with water fast! I don't think something is right

 

[Bretts05jeep]

Do you have a pump hooked up to the skimmer. Is it possable to get a couple pictures of the sump set up.

 

[steveo9043]

Forgive my ignorance if I'm incorrect but I don't have a sump just a hob Refugium. I took some pictures. Now that I have the plastic tube out of the water I have micro bubbles like crazy!

View attachment 206234
View attachment 206235



The built in skimmer looks to be working right now. Excess bubbles are making it back into the DT but I have read it can take 48-72 hours to break in.

There is no sand or rock in the Refugium yet.

No sump either, just the hob.

 

[steveo9043]

Don't know why these didn't show on last post.

 

[kawicivic]

is there a large o-ring or rubber band on the box that is filling up with water? normally there is something that allows you to adjust how high the box sits. This allows you to skim a little drier (by raising it).

I am not sure why it would be so loud. Do you know what kind of pump it is?

I am wondering if that is just an extra or different pump for the refugium skimmer. I am not sure. As long as everything has movement and there are no empty holes, I am not sure you need to worry about it. You could try emailing the guy on cl?

 

[steveo9043]

Nothing I saw that adjusts the height of the box. There is an air control on the end of the plastic tube now that allows for adjusting the aeration and the bubbles. I think I have that down. The pump needs to be replaced. I took it apart to clean the inside and the shaft is very loose in it causing it to wobble as it spins. I think that is causing the rock tumbling noise. I have to crawl through the stand to get behind it and look for a height adjustment.

 

[steveo9043]

I will try looking for the guys email as well. Hope he replies.

 

[DopeCantWin]

Where are you located, I'm sure someone here wouldn't mind taking a trip and explaining some stuff for you.

 

[steveo9043]

Glendale heights

 

[Bretts05jeep]

This is a picture of the black rubber ring around the cup that is used to adjust the height of of the skimmer cup.

This is the pump my HOB CPR skimmer came with. I got it used so im not sure if its orgional. It is very low power so im thinking maby your pump is to big.

I ditched the air valve on my intake tube and replaced it with this wood block. You can find them at most pet stores for a couple bucks by the airline tubing. Than instead of using the air valve to control the skimmer level I would use the rubberband to adjust the cup hight.

The CPR skimmer comes with this bio bail and thats what kept the micro bubbles form entering my tank. Im not sure if the CPR refugium uses it also. If it did and you wanted to replace it if you google it you will find it.

Hope this helps a little.

 

[steveo9043]

Helps a lot! I do not have that rubber band. Also the pump I have connected right now is at 295 gph. The rio600rv which is supposed to come with Refugium new is only 200gph. Maybe that's why? Anyone know a local shop that carries rio pumps? Marinedepot has it for $22.

 

[Bretts05jeep]

Not likely to find a pump that small at a pet store because it is not something that most people are looking for.

 

[steveo9043]

After doing some reading on replacement pumps, the one I have is highly suggested as a replacement. Going to do a little more research before I buy a replacement. Going to try and find a gasket/rubber band to fit as well. Oh and the bio stuff.