Nanoreefnewbie 2012 nano contest entry

[intarsiabox]

Originally Posted by coolhandgoose

You definitely can't use just any old silicone, that will definitely cause problems!
I use SCS1200 made by GE. You can find it at contractors store, not Home Depot.

That's the silicone I was think of!

[nanoreefnewbie]

Originally Posted by intarsiabox

Don't use GE Silicone I or II, they may say 100% silicone but also have mildew inhibators that can kill your tank mates. There are silicones made specifically for aquariums, some much cheaper than others, but I can't recall the name right now. I know Grizz uses it, maybe he'll refresh my memory.

You say don't use GE some one else says use GE there's that mixed answers again or just don't use GE I or II

[nanoreefnewbie]

Originally Posted by intarsiabox

Test your fresh ro/di water with your test kit. The results should read zero. If you are getting any sort of reading then I would say the test kit is faulty. 2lbs of live rock over this amount of time and the number of water changes you have done shouldn't still be adding to your nitrate problem. What was your dry rock source?

I bought the dry and live rock off a fellow can reefer

[mrhasan]

Originally Posted by nanoreefnewbie

You say don't use GE some one else says use GE there's that mixed answers again or just don't use GE I or II

Dont use GE I and II. That's what I can confirm. I use silicons from LFS. Few bucks more but its a premium I am willing to pay to stay out of risk.

[Enigma]

Originally Posted by nanoreefnewbie

I'm using the api saltwater mater marine test kit...i tested every second day and nitrates didn't lower a tad...maybe 20 ppm then shoot right back up in a few days...

How long have you had the test? Was it new? Is there an expiry date on it? Has it ever given you a low or "zero" reading at any point?

[coolhandgoose]

Sorry for the confusion. GE makes about 100 different kinds of silicone. The ones you get from Home Depot are the silicone I and II, don't use this. Get the SCS1200 which you get from a contractors store. Or get the stuff from the LFS.

Again sorry for the confusion.

[nanoreefnewbie]

Well here are perimeters again

My unmixed ro water all read zero even nitrates so not faulty or out dated kit...

For saltwater in tank(not in mixing bucket)

Ph 7.8
Ammonia 0.25 ppm (shocked cause been zero for weeks now)
Nitrite 0ppm
Nitrate 40-80ppm
Phosphate 0.5ppm
Temp 78-79 degrees
Sality1.026-.027

[nanoreefnewbie]

Originally Posted by coolhandgoose

Sorry for the confusion. GE makes about 100 different kinds of silicone. The ones you get from Home Depot are the silicone I and II, don't use this. Get the SCS1200 which you get from a contractors store. Or get the stuff from the LFS.

Again sorry for the confusion.

OH okay thank you

[nanoreefnewbie]

Originally Posted by Enigma

How long have you had the test? Was it new? Is there an expiry date on it? Has it ever given you a low or "zero" reading at any point?

Bought the test new and ammonia nitrites have read zero never nitrates

[nanoreefnewbie]

Originally Posted by mrhasan

Dont use GE I and II. That's what I can confirm. I use silicons from LFS. Few bucks more but its a premium I am willing to pay to stay out of risk.

I haven't cheap out so I thought time too step it up I'm willing too pay for the non stress