The Sink or Swim Method!

Barrie · #1 08-14-2009, 04:14 PM

Thanks for the we;come and opinions you guys, this is exactly what I was hoping for. I do believe we'll be getting a skimmer this weekend. I personally am all for the simple skimerless method but as my wonderful husband is the one who does the maintenance and 'fiddling' with all our tanks, I will defer to him on this one. He's absolutely immersed in the research and LOVES all the technical crap that bores me to tears!!! LOL Fortunately (well probably UNfortunately for our bank account!) we live close enough to J&L Aquatics that we can go into town this weekend and get a half decent HOB skimmer. With all the other noise in this room, what's one more gadget?

I'm glad to hear about the dosing, though I know once he's done the research we'll be progressing there eventually too but in the meantime we probably won't kill anything.

There's a frag swap in Vancouver next weekend I think - should we go or would it be too soon to even consider adding a frag or two (remember this is all cured rock and whatnot - though we did just add the clowns this week).

Lance · #2 08-14-2009, 05:24 PM

Welcome, and I hope you enjoy your new hobby. (A warning though, it's addictive!) Feel free to ask lots of questions as you'll get some pretty good advice on this forum. Good Luck and Happy Reefkeeping.

danny zubot · #3 08-14-2009, 07:26 PM

Welcome to Canreef!

I agree that dosing won't be needed yet. Wait until you get into some more advanced corals, and you WILL get into them eventually.

The only thing I really think is missing other than a skimmer is more flow. 1 Koralia #1 doesn't seam like enough flow for that tank. Round and Hex tanks are a bit of a challenge when it comes to flow. If it were my tank I'd add at least one more Koralia #2 or even a #3. It will help with nutrient export and your fish and corals will love it.

One question; what are you running in your Fluval?

Barrie · #4 08-14-2009, 09:18 PM

Sorry, I wasn't clear! We added a second Koralia and have the Fluval outflow on quite high power (near the surface, churns the water a bit). Both Koralias are on one 'wall' about 4 or 5 inches from the top of the tank, facing the opposite wall a bit further down - making the current swirl the zoas (I think that's what they are) quite a bit. There's current from top to bottom without it being directed right at the rock. We read that directing it at the rock will scour it - not good, right?

As for media in the Fluval - here's where I have to curb dh a bit now & then. Last night, he added foam filters to the canister along with carbon. It had been running for a while empty - read somewhere that carbon is good. Not sure why he added the foam filters, but they'll be coming out tonight for sure. We're going to leave the carbon in for now (something about water clarity?). We're open to suggestions, believe me!! But I think everyone will agree with me that the foam needs to go asap.

How do you guys deal with something that dies and you can't reach it without completely dismantling the aquascape? We have a snail that looks like its not going to make it (upside down at the back of the tank for more than a day). So far our nitrite and ammonia are 0, nitrate is 5ppm. I'm going to take a quick video tonight to show the way the current rolls through it. Any excuse to look at the tank! LOL

Yup, we're hooked!! Thanks for all the information, much appreciated!

mseepman · #5 08-14-2009, 11:22 PM

Welcome to Canreef, I'm sure you will find the answers you are looking for here as this bunch of people are always looking to help.

The tank is looking good...now that you're in SW, expect the urge to upgrade to hit you soon.

danny zubot · #6 08-15-2009, 01:05 AM

I have snails die in my tank all the time. Mostly due to predation from the hermit crabs though. If you have hermint crabs they will take care of the snail for you, they probably want it's shell. If you don't have hermits I still wouldn't worry about it, unless the snail is huge.

Good to hear that you are taking out the foam filters, they'll just be a PITA.

no_bs · #7 08-15-2009, 02:22 AM

Welcome to canreef. Congrats on your "free" tank!!
Didn't i tell you two you'd love the salt

I'm glad you have found your way here, there is lots of knowledge here. Although it sounds like you have been busy researching already. Before you know it you'll be the answering the questions.
Welcome aboard, Brenda (30g, overcrowed)

Ian · #8 08-15-2009, 03:15 AM

Welcome to canreef
fair warning this hobby is an addiction and free is a myth

My 29 gallon from last spring has now added a 90 gallon and the house we are going to be building has a fish room and 200 plus gallon already in planning.....to bad the rest of the house is not fully planned out ....hehe. I have a very patient wife
enjoy the new tank