no protien skimmer/sump

[katiegurl83]

I do not have a protien skimmer or sump, I am saving up for one. Until then what I can do to try to prolong and keep my bubble coral and rose brain coral doing well. Is it frequent water changes?


Any suggestions....

 

[shag26272]

weekly water changes

 

[chkra_hp]

After the cycle period, how often should i change my water? I do have a skimmer but no sump nor fuge though. and also how much should i change? 10~25%?

 

[dime079]

im no expert but im thinking w/ basic filtration (no sump / no skimmer) you should try to do the most possible. have you already over come your initial spikes?

 

[shag26272]

I would at the minimum do 10% every month, but test your levels and if they need to be lowered then do more changes to bring them down

 

[dime079]

katie, is this your 35g? if so i would try AT LEAST 10% a week even after your spikes and even if your params are normal. this will help in nutrient export.

 

[Frick-n-Frags]

go real easy on the fish load/feeding

IF you really want to keep your stony corals alive
and if you don't already have these 3 things:

buy a calcium test kit
buy an alkalinity test kit
buy a pH test kit or meter

then you can use a bunch of dirt cheap household chemicals to keep those 3 things in line. that and decent waterchanges should keep you in fine shape.


also, calibrate your hydrometer so you can keep your water the right salinity - this is cheap and easy to do, no matter what kind of hydrometer you have. just do it, especially a plastic swing arm one. those are usually way off.


BONUS!!!!!! ALL this info is available here at RC