New set up of JBJ 28 is not collecting waste.. I'm going crazy!!

[camellia]

I set this tank up a week ago using 1/2 cleaned sand from my JBJ 12 all my cultured rock from the 12 and bought more cultured rock totalling apx. 35+ pounds in tank total.
I had to swap out fast because I blew up my hood on the 12 gallon.
All water prams have been perfect, I'm checking every 2 days.
I've put my live stock, fish and corals in 6 days ago and everyone is happy....except me... I've got red slime alegy starting and little bubbles on many rock areas and diatoms starting.

I'm not pulling out ANY waste!!!

Im loosing my mind (and sleep) trying to fiquire out what I'm doing wrong. I have a lot of corals that I would really hate to lose.

I've got the manual and seem to have everything set up as required but the filter is NEVR dirty. I have it pushed up as close as possible to return intake. I removed the carbon and installed 2 new softer better filter sponges and still nothing! I even added a full length filter spong behind the media basket and between the return flow of the skimmer.

I installed a remora c MJ 1200 skimmer (used) that also appears installed correctly but it is only collecting a light green tea like substance.

I also added a power head that I've directed to go sideways across the tank.

My 12 JBJ filters were filled with debris every other night, I'm so frustrated!

And ideas, suggestions, reccomandations would be VERY much appreciated!!

 

[clay4au]

That green tea is what the skimmer is pulling out. You can move the O ring up and down the collection cup so it sit higher or lower. Green tea sounds like its skimming too wet and would need to be raised up a little bit.

PS if he cleaned it well, like it was new again it may take a week or so to get broke in again.

 

[camellia]

Thanks Clay,
I did have the collection cup sitting down thinking the opposit (bought this used).

The sand was quite clean but I can see the debris going into the filter intake and floating every where as i stir up the diatom in the sand bed.
It's quite dirty, even causing red slime algae.

I honestly feel its impossible for the (new softer, denser) sponge filters not to be accumulating this if I have this set up correctly. My 12 gal (used same sponge type) would have been filthy. Yet, it's not a difficult set up! I'm totally stumped!

 

[camellia]

Suggestions please on why my filters still clean!!!
Please Ya All....

 

[camellia]

Thank you so much Chris,
I will order it today and give it a try.

Due to the lack of responses, I'm feeling like I am wrong?
Do you think the filter sponges should be collecting and be dirty when rinsed out?
I've even got red slim fungus and diatom!

 

[camellia]

I did add 20lbs of new sand and just a few cups of the old sand due to no time to cycle.
I am looking at it as we speak and there is crap floating everywhere and a film covering the entire top!
After moving the skimmer collection cup up, it is bubbling up more but content is still green thin liquid! UGH! It just does not seem right!!
Do you collect a lot with the filter floss?

 

[gareefer]

The film on top of the water means you need more surface agitation. Point the power head more towards the surface and see if that helps. You might need to get another power head in there to get more flow. As for the skimmer, you will just have to keep messing with it until you get it set perfect. If its skimming wet just keep moving the cup higher until you find the sweet spot.

 

[camellia]

I just moved things around. I will continue until I get gunk,...I really want gunk
Thank you

 

[dball711]

Can you post a picture of the back of your tank?

 

[mustangcaleb]

i always skimmed wet with my remora, and i have a feeling its just like wht youre skimming except yours is green. out of curiousity, when was your last water change?

 

[camellia]

Thanks guys,
Got it fiquired out.The media carpartment was too far back and most of the water was flowing in front of it. I added a slim filter Behind it to keep it in place.
The skimmer was a matter of just raising The collection tray.
Sorry, it's a new tank to me so I'm a newbiee!
Posting pictures today.
Appreciate ya