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Finally getting started - Page 7

post #121 of 133
10/12/10 at 7:03pm

PH buffers are a temporary effect that simply masks a problem.  They will only correct the PH issue if alkalinity is actually low, otherwise they will just make the problem worse.

 

If low Alkalinity isn't the problem then you need to stop covering up the problem and look for a cause.  Three most common causes:

 

Excess CO2

 

Metabolic acids from decaying organic matter

 

Insufficient waterflow

 

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post #122 of 133
10/13/10 at 9:49am
Thread Starter 
The water I use is ro/di and I tested it and the ph tested at 7.4. My dt water usually tests at 8.0 without adding buffer. I don't have a test for dkh, alkalinity, or calcium. I can pick those up today however. I have 2 1250 gph rated powerheads and return pump. Could it be adding top off water weekly at a considerably lower ph ve the issue? My lights are on at 8pm and off at 2am.
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post #123 of 133
10/13/10 at 4:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by daking View Post

The water I use is ro/di and I tested it and the ph tested at 7.4. My dt water usually tests at 8.0 without adding buffer. I don't have a test for dkh, alkalinity, or calcium. I can pick those up today however. I have 2 1250 gph rated powerheads and return pump. Could it be adding top off water weekly at a considerably lower ph ve the issue? My lights are on at 8pm and off at 2am.


Ca and alkalinity (dKH) do have a direct effect on pH.

 

That being said, if you're consistently adding water that has a lower pH than what is in your tank, that could be your issue.

 

A consistent pH of 8.0 isn't bad, as long as it stays consistent.

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post #124 of 133
10/13/10 at 6:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by daking View Post

The water I use is ro/di and I tested it and the ph tested at 7.4. My dt water usually tests at 8.0 without adding buffer. I don't have a test for dkh, alkalinity, or calcium. I can pick those up today however. I have 2 1250 gph rated powerheads and return pump. Could it be adding top off water weekly at a considerably lower ph ve the issue? My lights are on at 8pm and off at 2am.


Don't worry about the PH of the fresh water you add to your tank.  It will not affect the PH of the tank.
 

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post #125 of 133
10/16/10 at 2:32pm
Thread Starter 
Water change time? I have had my first group in the dt for 2 weeks with 2 clownfish being in a few days, everything is testing ok that I can test for. I have not yet purchased the kit for alkalinity, may just take a water sample and have my lfs test it for free. But I figure it's time for my 1st water change. It's a 55 gal and how much water would be recommended? 5 gallons?, 10 gallons?
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post #126 of 133
10/16/10 at 3:15pm

Pick an amount that is convenient for you.  That way there's less chance of skipping it. 

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post #127 of 133
10/16/10 at 3:55pm
Thread Starter 
I'll do 5 gallons this time.
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post #128 of 133
12/6/10 at 6:56pm
Thread Starter 
Hello again guys, it's been a while but I've had my tank going for 3 months now it I figured it would be time for an update. My stock list includes but is not limited to:

2 clownfish, 1 yellow goby, 1 yellowtail damsel, 2 cleaner shrimp, 1 peppermint, 1 lawnmower blenny, 1 scooter blenny, 1 hammer coral, 1 torch, 1 flowerpot, and about 10 snails.

Everything seems to be going smoothly as far as water tests and water quality that I can test for except green hair algae. I've been doing weekly 5 gallon water changes. I'm thinking that it's about time to add the all important skimmer. I feed pellets every other day and phytoplankton weekly. All fish appear to be happy on all fronts, especially the lawnmower blenny. It just seems to be too much for him. Maybe it's that I need more snails. The other thing is it seems that I'm getting areas where the sand is clumping, is there anything i can do about this? Thanks for any advice you guys can give, without this forum I'd be lost. Here's a few pic of the tank and thanks again for all the help!

Picture quality could be better but not bad for iPhone!!

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post #129 of 133
12/6/10 at 7:00pm

Maybe I'm blind, BUT I don't see the green hair algae...I don't see any algaeshrug.gif

 

IMO if you are gonna have corals...get the skimmer asap.........The aquascaping looks great too....

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post #130 of 133
12/6/10 at 7:02pm

The tank is coming along. I would definitely add some snails, and I would add different types like cerith, nerite and a couple of nassies.

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post #131 of 133
12/6/10 at 7:29pm
Thread Starter 
Sounds good. Any ideas to prevent the sand from clumping together?
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post #132 of 133
12/6/10 at 7:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by daking View Post

ASounds good. Any ideas to prevent the sand from clumping together?

sand sifters/stirrers

 

nassarius snails, a conch, stuff that Moves the sand

 

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post #133 of 133
12/7/10 at 6:26am
Thread Starter 
I have about 6 now, is there any rule thumb when it comes to adding snails like so many per gal or per lbs of lr? All the algae is on the live rock, would u recommend adding about 10 more? Also I seem to have some areas with purple and deep red coraline algae but does it take alot longer than 3 months to see most of the lr covered? My powerheads seem to have more coverage than all my rocks. Could it be the green algae is preventing growth in the areas it is located, poor water movement, or not enough time?
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