reactor and or skimmer, or just a filter bag for PO4 sponge?

[ouling]

I just bought a Fluval M40 for my home office. After adding 8lbs of deadrock and 8 lbs of live rock 7 days ago, along with 10 lbs of dry but semi-live sand, I'm starting to see algae on the live rocks. I do not have any test kits but I'm pretty sure it's caused by elevated phosphate and nitrates. The two piece of coral I have in there looks fine.

I ordered the Kent phosphate sponge and active carbons. The idea is to put the media in filter bags and throw it in the chambers. Would a reactor be beneficial in this situation? Or is it unnecessary since the media will need to be replaced 1 - 5 days anyways? I think the water will be able to flow through the filter bag quite well, although unevenly.

Would adding a skimmer be better?

Thanks

 

[jennm]

M40 - 14 gallons, yes?

The algae is likely a diatom bloom, which is normal and expected in a new tank. Parameter testing is a must, but at this point, you're waiting out the cycle anyway, so take the time to get some test kits or at least get the water tested so you have some baseline parameters.

It's hard to find a decent skimmer for such a small tank. I've always relied on Seachem Purigen, which the folks at Seachem affectionately refer to as a protein skimmer in a bag. Seachem Phosguard for phosphates if that's indicated, and maybe some Matrix for extra biological filtration, and Matrix Carbon. The Matrix bio media will not need to be changed, that's where beneficial bacteria colonize.

The Phosguard is similar material to the Kent product, but the Seachem media is spherical and more efficient, versus the Kent product which is "chips" of a similar substance. Matrix Carbon is also spherical and provides better contact with the water as it flows through. Seachem also makes a product called SeaGel which is a mixture of Phosguard and Matrix Carbon. All 4 products (Matrix Carbon, Phosguard, Seagel and Purigen) are sold in bulk jars AND in 100 ml bags which, while a bit more expensive, are very convenient for small tanks and small filters.

The frequency of replacement will depend on your tank. Matrix Bio should remain there always, Purigen can go for up to 6 weeks and can be regenerated and reused. Phosguard will depend on how much phosphate you have, testing will determine when it needs to be replaced (when phosphates begin to rise again, it's time to change it) and Matrix Carbon should be good for 4-6 weeks depending. As with any activated carbon, it will be most effective in the first 24-48 hours.

To answer your question about skimmer or reactor, if you can fit a reactor, I'd go with that, otherwise put your chemical media in an area of good flow in the filter chambers. If you decide to get a skimmer, the best small skimmer I've seen is the Tunze 9002 but it may not fit on your tank. Others I've experimented with, weren't worth the bother - money was better spent elsewhere.

Jenn

 

[axio]

Doesn't the M40 come with a skimmer? The kits we got in did at least.

 

[ouling]

Thanks for the info. I may just buy a few lbs of Purigen since I dont' want a skimmer sticking out the top.

Thanks