Tank Questions!

[tommygunn17]

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/images/icons/icon5.gif" alt="" /> [B]Tank Questions[/B]
I have a 75g. that has been set for over a yr. It has MH & atenics on timers as well as a overflow sump. I have several frags, that seemed to be doing well, but they r not thriving like i see in some tanks. I would like to get more coral & fish.. any sugestions...
Thx, T.

 

[skriz]

post some details on your setup. (ie. what bulbs and wattages, water parameters, are you dosing anything, etc.)

 

[tommygunn17]

I have two MH pendants at 175 watts & two actenic 420 @ 24''. Everclear overflow sump. Rio 2100 return pump, 3 power heads.. I have used a Coral accel in the past as well as a calcium sup.

 

[bzwaagstra]

How about water flow (i.e. power heads and such)? Do you have a skimmer? And what are your water chemistry test results? How often do you change water and how much at a time?

Also, how about a closeup picture so we can see what you are talking about. I find that helps.

 

[tommygunn17]

I tested the water last week, I forget the specs however everything tested okay. I have 2 powereads in the tank for flow. Including my sump return. I recently purchased a spinner for the new powerhead. I did a 10-15% water change today. I normally do a water change every month to a month and a half.

 

[tommygunn17]

pictures of tank
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[bzwaagstra]

OK ... lets get specific. Sorry to be a stickler on this but the sooner we get clear on the foundation stuff the better.

Lets look at your chemistry first. Can you test for any or all of the following? If so let us know the results.
Amonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Ph
Carbonate Hardnes
Alkalinity
Calcium

Also, I did not see a response on the skimmer question.

 

[bzwaagstra]

Thanks for the pics ... that does help. In fact, it looks good.

 

[dakota9]

What's the Kelvin rating on your bulbs? I'd been using a 15K bulb for a few months then it went out. I borrowed Loren's 10K fixture, and my corals are experiencing huge growth, and it's only been a week. They must have been dormant a while, but in just one week, I've noticed huge changes in the coral size. The light is somewhat yellow, but you can't argue with the results.

 

[tommygunn17]

I just took the emperor filter off the back of the tank, bout a month ago. Currently i do not have a skimmer, would this help that much... I will due a another test & postthe results for u tommorow.... Thats for all ur help....T.

 

[dakota9]

A skimmer will definately help!

 

[jetchris]

yes a skimmer for your size tank is almost necessary, i reccommend an octopus skimmer - dont buy a corallife!

 

[wbholwell]

I don't think coralife super skimmers are bad, but I do think the Octopus skimmers are the best bang for the buck (I just received my NW 150).

By the way, is Octopus now SWC?

 

[skriz]

A skimmer will really help the water quality. My skimmer has been down for a while and you wouldn't belive the crap that is all over my tank now.

 

[tommygunn17]

is this something i need to purchase via the internet,, or go up to capp. bay store to purchase.

 

[linda lee]

tommygunn17;79448 wrote: is this something i need to purchase via the internet,, or go up to capp. bay store to purchase.

I wouldn't get a skimmer at the LFS unless you happened upon a really good deal on a sale item.

I would first post in the *Want to Buy* forum that you're looking for a skimmer for a 75g tank. You'll probably get quite a few replies since so many members have equipment available. Research the skimmers in the posts responding to your request and ask questions.

If you don't find a skimmer from an ARC member, you might check with one of the ARC sponsors (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=219">AquaBuys</a> comes to mind). A purchase of this nature would make it worth your while to get an ARC membership to take advantage of sponsor discounts. An [IMG]http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=893">ARC membership</a> pays for itself in no time especially for someone like yourself who is setting up a new tank.

So... this would be the order for my search:

1st Check ~ ARC forum/member/used skimmer/post a WTB ad
2nd Check ~ [IMG]http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=7">ARC sponsor</a>
3rd Check ~ Internet store (such as [IMG]http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/shop.cfm?c=3578">DrsFoster&Smith</a> or [IMG]http://www.marinedepot.com/">Marine Depot</a>)
4th Check ~ Local Fish Store

Here's a [IMG]http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=7524">good thread</a> for reading up on skimmers. Cameron posted his spreadsheet on this thread which offers a skimmer comparison.

Best of luck!

~Linda