More Random Questions

[davehead86]

Planning the 65 gallon move. Im having some questions as I get closer to that point.

1. I have durso drains. They make no noise. The amount of water they move is underwhelming to say the least. I have a Vectra M1 and it is calibrated at 35% which equates out to something like 600 GPH for the system. Im just not sure if that really is enough flow for a 65 gallon. I have two MP10w that will go in the tank with another Korila at 600 gph for the flow at the back of the tank. Will that move enough water around with the return plumbing? Am I just worrying too much? SPS dominant is the goal.


2. I have some GHA in my current tank. Its not taken over, just some low flow spots where food probably sat too long. If I move these rocks into the sump is there really a benefit of keeping algae growing in the sump and out of the display tank?

3. Should I clean my temp probe and ph probe? How do I do that without ruining them? Vinegar bath and a green kitchen scrubber or just a damp paper towel?

4. Evaporation. A 20 gallon does not evaporate that much. THis new setup is going through like a gallon a day :lolspin: Not used to that just yet. Can I cover the sump to help reduce evaporation? Parts will still have to be exposed and the main DT will still be open air. Will covering 50% of the open water even help with the evap at all?

 

[bitwise]

2. I have some GHA in my current tank. Its not taken over, just some low flow spots where food probably sat too long. If I move these rocks into the sump is there really a benefit of keeping algae growing in the sump and out of the display tank?

If your sump has no light the algae will probably die pretty quickly.

 

[davehead86]

If your sump has no light the algae will probably die pretty quickly.

Good point, so the question then becomes. If I add one of those cheapo LED bulbs from Home depot and keep the algae alive will it prevent algae in the DT?

 

[nereefpat]

1. 600gph is plenty to through the sump on a 65gal display. Powerhead in the display, as you mentioned, get you the flow you need.

2. Unless you set up a turf scrubbers type system, hair algae in a sump probably won't do much for nutrient export, IMO. Look into ATS, and macroalgae while you're at it, and see if that's something you might be interested in.

3. I would just clean the probes with water. I've washed pH probes with detergent before, but it probably isn't needed in this case. The pH probe probably has some type of storage solution (KCl perhaps), so use that if it's sitting out for a long time. Some pH probes have ports for adding solution too, so don't get anything in there.

4. My 90 gal sumpless evaporated about a gallon a day, so that sounds about right. You can use some glass coverage if you want. the skimmer and exposed areas should still give plenty for gas exchange. In time, with sps, you may want that evaporation for extra limewater. Just something to think about.

 

[davehead86]

1. 600gph is plenty to through the sump on a 65gal display. Powerhead in the display, as you mentioned, get you the flow you need.

2. Unless you set up a turf scrubbers type system, hair algae in a sump probably won't do much for nutrient export, IMO. Look into ATS, and macroalgae while you're at it, and see if that's something you might be interested in.

3. I would just clean the probes with water. I've washed pH probes with detergent before, but it probably isn't needed in this case. The pH probe probably has some type of storage solution (KCl perhaps), so use that if it's sitting out for a long time. Some pH probes have ports for adding solution too, so don't get anything in there.

4. My 90 gal sumpless evaporated about a gallon a day, so that sounds about right. You can use some glass coverage if you want. the skimmer and exposed areas should still give plenty for gas exchange. In time, with sps, you may want that evaporation for extra limewater. Just something to think about.

So there are more questions. I have a doser and want to dose two part for the system. Will I still need the doser if I use kalwasser in the ato? Are there other things I should be dosing for sps like magnesium or other trace elements? These seem like some more advanced questions for the sps forum perhaps?




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[nereefpat]

Sometimes limewater isn't enough to keep up with the alk and Ca in a heavily stocked tank. It's up to you if you want to use lime or the 2 part, or both. Since you're already setup to use 2 part, you may just want to do it that way.

As for the Mg, it's used much slower than the other two. Water changes may be enough. You'll just have to test and see.

I'm not an sps guy, so someone else will have to give you advice on other additives. I just wouldn't add anything that you can't test for.

I know that isn't very specific, but hope it helps anyway