Hustlers 300G Panzer Project (Up and Running)

[bryceschutte]

JUst a quick heads up to look out for. I had a 90 gal tank in my basement right in front of a window like you have. I got a lot of condensation on the window when it got cold outside. It was enough that i ended up having to replace the window frame and some drywall. I recommend a large dehumidifier.

[Myka]

Lookin good!!!

Keep an eye on nitrate with that reactor on there, but it should be darn good at keeping ammonia and nitrite at zero. I wonder if the bio-thingies in there are a knock off of the Kaldnes media. Kaldnes media is supposed to tumble freely in the water which is supposed to make is self-cleaning. I know there are a lot of people who swear by the Kaldnes media on fish only systems - Dan Underwood of Seahorse Source Inc comes to mind.

Kaldnes comes in two sizes, K1 and K3. This is K1 media (I think it is about 3/4" around), is this what yours looks like?

[Hustler]

Yup those are them for sure just black.
So far everything seems pretty stable

[Myka]

Originally Posted by Hustler

Yup those are them for sure just black.
So far everything seems pretty stable

Well, that's cool. I am very interested to see how they work for you in the long run. They shouldn't build up nitrate as much as bioballs do because they should be self-cleaning. Some of the reason bioballs create so much nitrate is because they trap so much crap in them which keeps the crap from getting to the skimmer where it can be removed instead of breaking down. Using filter socks on the overflows to remove a bunch of the solids from the water as it enters the sump will also help keep that crap out of the media. Are you using filter socks? Imo they are a "must have" on a FOWLR, and often a very good option for reef tanks too.

That Kaldnes media is $50 per gallon. I imagine that reactor was not cheap! It better work!

[Hustler]

LOL yup this salt hobby isnt cheap
I will keep my eye on everything and post them sometime.
I used to pull my bio balls aside swish them and shopvac the tar water out from under them monthly so i know what your saying but watching this thing churn constantly im sure atleast that part of the problem is long bone.
Its also air injected like the skimmer so it really shakes those little balls around lol

[Myka]

Originally Posted by Hustler

Its also air injected like the skimmer so it really shakes those little balls around lol

Really? That's a great idea. Man, that reactor is going to be a powerhouse!!! Now, if they made it more affordable I could use a couple of them!

[Leah]

How the heck did you add all those fish with no problems and in such a new tank?

Tank is really nicely done. I vote for a hidden sump.