steve the plumb
In Memoriam
I have been running my tank for two years with 3 inches of crushed coral.
Please help with not so successful reef
- Thread starter sds
- Start date
Alaskan Reefer
New member
1. Get a real skimmer -- Deltec MCE600 will handle that tank size, but definitely pushing it with that bioload
2. Fix the RO membrane
3. Ditch the biowheel once the skimmer is running well (not before then, probably need it with the bioload / lack of filtration)
4. Ditch, or at least seriously thin, the crushed coral -- and if any stays it must be siphon cleaned weekly
5. Forget all of the dosing, what is the point
2. Fix the RO membrane
3. Ditch the biowheel once the skimmer is running well (not before then, probably need it with the bioload / lack of filtration)
4. Ditch, or at least seriously thin, the crushed coral -- and if any stays it must be siphon cleaned weekly
5. Forget all of the dosing, what is the point
rustybucket145
New member
I might be wrong but the 65k +/- spectrum is the preferred choice of algae??? Does he have any Hermit crabs or Snails? I am with everyone else on the skimmer issue. Over the course of time the nutrients in his tank have built up and it will only get worse from here if nothing is done to correct the problem. I wouldn't stop dosing entirely but I think everything should be 'cut back'. Maybee a once a week dose of everything just less of it than what is listed on the bottle.
If I had that tank this would be my list of 'Things to Do':
1. Purchase and install 10k MH bulbs
2. Purchase Skimmer (cheap skimmers work better than no skimmers)
3. Change crushed coral to DSB by adding 4" of aragonite or sand to the crushed coral (will eliminate the need to vacum the crushed coral)
4. Buy about 50 Hermit Crabs and 50 Snails (if he doesn't already have)
5. Get new RO Membrane. (I would use tap water until it is fixed)
6. Install everything, Turn the Skimmer on high and make it work hard for a week or two.
7. Throw all the filters in the trash can but keep the pumps for flow. (or sell them on ebay to fund the new supplies.
8. Sit back and watch the tank turn into something beautiful.
If I had that tank this would be my list of 'Things to Do':
1. Purchase and install 10k MH bulbs
2. Purchase Skimmer (cheap skimmers work better than no skimmers)
3. Change crushed coral to DSB by adding 4" of aragonite or sand to the crushed coral (will eliminate the need to vacum the crushed coral)
4. Buy about 50 Hermit Crabs and 50 Snails (if he doesn't already have)
5. Get new RO Membrane. (I would use tap water until it is fixed)
6. Install everything, Turn the Skimmer on high and make it work hard for a week or two.
7. Throw all the filters in the trash can but keep the pumps for flow. (or sell them on ebay to fund the new supplies.
8. Sit back and watch the tank turn into something beautiful.
Rungeg
New member
I was wondering why no one suggested the css 220 That is what I would do with 10k bulbs, and a HOB Refugium with chaeto also scrap the crushed coral. The bio wheels are OK as long as they dont have build up on them. I would also increase the flow with Tunze or Seio depending on pocketbook, and either do a DSB or a remote DSB. Also stop dosing so much stuff Iron is for algae growth, just keep the calc. alk. PH, and Mag at the right levels. If these things are done the tank will be better
Alaskan Reefer
New member
The Coralife SS is an excellent skimmer for the money.
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