Where should I start

G

GarrettCurl

New member
Where do you think I should start my improvements to have more success. I'm on a wifely budget of a measly $50 a week aquarium allowance. So, I don't have much cash to spend.

Water - RO (no di) unit in the garage that is giving me 23 tds

Tank, sump - 180 aga with two black drilled overflow boxes. I have a 30 gal sump and a 20 gal refuge ( the refuge is not much more than a poop depository right now.

Lighting - Current outer orbit 72" with 3 250w, 14k, metal halides; 8, 34watt t5ho; and moolights. ( all are on a timer).

I have an auto top off set up.

water flow - 2 hydro coralia magnum 5 (rated at 1650gph). I also have a 1000 gph pump that is mounted on the glass, serving as a powerhead. The refuge has little to no water movement ( i'm going to get a little powerhead for it today). The main pump is super weak its a danner in sump pump rated at 1200gph.

Skimmer - Coralife Super Skimmer Needle Wheel - up to 220 Gallon.

For water parameters - I have pretty much relied on water changes. I use reef crystals salt, and do about a 20% change every other week.

I feed every other day. Phosphate are low enough to where I can go about two weeks between glass scrubs.

Livestock:

Fishies - 1 yellow tang, 1 coral beauty, 1 clownfish, 3 chromis, 1 dragon goby (I want a low bio load until I get a better skimmer).

Others - about 10 hermit crabs, 2 gigantic brittle stars (they are like 11" diameter). And probably 20 big turbo snails (I think they bred because my rock is littered with thousands of tiny snails). Possibly a tiger pistol shrimp ( I have not seen him in like 5 months but I still hear that tell tale "snap".

Corals too many to list (I was given the bulk of my coral and do not know exactly what I have) but I have a bit of everything; sps, lps, and softies.

I also have about 150lbs of live rock (it is super purple).

I'll post pictures as soon as I can find my camera.
 
Well I started by completely redoing my electrical, and my refug. I bought a power head for the refug and will be putting in a deep sand bed.
 
I would start first by replacing your filters and RO membrane in your filter unit.
In my opinion 23 tds is way too high. I change mine out when the tds goesw above 5.
I would look at the 75 gpd or 150 gpd membranes and replace both the wound and carbon pre filters.
You will be going through alot of water to keep up with the needs of a 180.
 
I wish I had $50 a week! Ypu could get some really nice things if you save up your money for a couple weeks. My hubby gives me a hard time if I spend $50 on anything!

I get my RO membranes from Airwaterice, and have always been happy with their prices/service. They have a nice 150gpd that includes a flow restrictor.
 
I've been reading and I guess that my tds is pretty dang high. The filter was given to me and I replaced the ro membrane about 8 months ago. I'm not sure how long the other carbon filters have been in the system but I'm thinking that this is the root of all my problems. I tds'd the water directly out of the tube and it was 22.
 
RO membranes need to generally be replaced once a year and the pre filters should be replaced every 6 months.
You will see a change in your tank with cleaner water.
 
I always change my DI, carbon and micron cartridges together when my TDS gets up to 2, and then when that doesn't last long I do the RO membrane. But our water here in SC has a TDS of 30 coming out of the sink, so they all tend to last a while.
 
I'm placing an order on all new filters next weeks, and adding a DI will shortly follow. I would describe my current marine habitat as - all the animals are able to survive but I have not established an environment where they can all thrive. Hopefully, with an improvement in water quality I will see an improvement in the overall health of my corals. I have had the system for a year but, as you all know, it takes a good amount of time to learn enough just to stop killing stuff. Thankfully, I am no longer killing anything. On the bright side, everything that has survived could probably live through a zombie apocalypse. So what should I do with all of my make up water once I do get my set-up... I have about 100gal of 22tds water in my garage.
 
goreefer said:
RO membranes need to generally be replaced once a year and the pre filters should be replaced every 6 months.
You will see a change in your tank with cleaner water.
Click to expand...

I've had mine for years and bought replacements for it, but never had to swap them out yet. Still getting 5 TDS on the meter.
 
I have used Bulk Reef Supply for filters. Most of the time you can get someone to join a BFS order and have enough for free shipping. Ha!
 
Garrett, I'd listen to Garry on this one (goreefer). Replacing your RO/DI components will be the best thing you can do for your tank. You'll always have time for corals and fish but if the foundation of your system isn't sound, those inhabitants won't do well.

Also, I think a wifely budget of $50/week is pretty generous! Be happy you guys are doing a budget. Many young couples are not and end up in financial ruin. You'll be happy later that you guys were responsible now.
 
Actually, the $50 is my entire weekly entertainent budget, and according to the boss "booze ain't food." So if I want a six pack, I can't tack it on to the weekly grocery list. I try to devote as much of the $50 as I can. You are right Mel we do try to be strict. Pay early, play late that is the motto I usually try to stick with. My big focus, right now, will be getting the tds way down.
 
So, I have a pending sell on some speakers that will give me some cash to replace my rodi. I'm thinking about buying a whole new unit. The one I have, well it was given to me and it is only ro. Do they sell di only modules? If could add the di module to what I already have that would be great.
 
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