Search results

  1. caspervtx

    Sump question -

    I have read about DIY sumps but the one thing I can NOT find is information on how to match the overflow with the return pump. For example, for several reasons I have decided I want a CPR HOB overflow. They state they are rated for 600 gph. But when I look for a "matching" return pump I can...
  2. caspervtx

    Water Parameters

    I have a 55 gallon tank that has cycled. Coraline growing on base rock. Three purchased corals (Xenia, Green Star Polyps and what I think is Alevora) along with Zoos and a Mushroom - all surviving. I have a cleanup crew - Emerald crab, hermits, snails (several types), 4 Peppermints, Fire and...
  3. caspervtx

    Help with black patch on live rock

    Hope someone can tell me what this is? I have this "black patch" on what I call my Polyp rock. Its on the lower side and is "expanding." I've felt it and its softer than the rock but doesn't feel "spongy" to me in the sense you can push in on it. Seems to be, for want of a better word, a thin...
  4. caspervtx

    Building a sump - flow numbers

    I apparently am search challenged. I can not seem to find any links that tell how to determine the flow rate out of a tank and into a sump and thus the matching flow back up from a pump. Can someone point me to the right place?
  5. caspervtx

    Top off %??

    How much freshwater topoff can be done before it is time to replace with salt water? I have a 55 gallon tank and in the space of about 4 days I have lost approximately 5 gallons of water from evaporation. That's 10% and about the equivalent of what I plan to replace by water change biweekly...
  6. caspervtx

    What am I seeing with these parameters?

    I posted in another thread that I got my tank up and running (55 gallons) with some old water change water (about 25 gallons or so) and fresh water (about 20 gallons or so). I added this water to a tank with 40 pounds of base rock. I also added 30 pounds of live rock that I purchased for the...
  7. caspervtx

    Help making salt water

    My first attempt to make salt water isn't exactly a success. I need to do a water change. Using Red Sea salt and followed the directions to make 10 gallons. Put 10 gallons of RO water into a 35 gallon tub. Put in 2.8 pounds of salt. Threw in an off brand power head rated at 170 gph. 24...
  8. caspervtx

    Getting set up - need polyp ID

    I got some old and new water from a local seller - about 50/50 to get the tank started today . Also got 30 lbs of live rock. One of the rocks I selected had polyps attached already. Can anyone give me an idea of what these are? I think half of them are colonies of a brown zoa the other I can...
  9. caspervtx

    Live rock vs. Live rock

    Ok I'm confused. When I first saw live rock in my LFS it was essentially "barren" rock with algaie covering (very simplified explanation). Last week I found a site that sells live rock from the Gulf of Mexico. They sell and ship their rock with all sorts of corals and critters "intact" and...
  10. caspervtx

    Finally getting started

    I had some finances work out so now i"m moving to get my tank set up . Wanted to run this plan by the ones with experience . After all my reading it makes sense to me but .... 1. Have a 55 gallon tank with "standard" accessories (filter, lights and heater). 2. Have the standard filter hung on...
  11. caspervtx

    Dirty sand

    The attached picture is from a local chain LFS. While I have read enough to not want to get my livestock from there - I do go in and like to look at the critters. IN most of their tanks the sand has this color to it. I never see anything like this in the pictures of the tanks posted here. Is...
  12. caspervtx

    RO vs Distilled water

    Is distilled water sold for water coolers (the large "jugs" that get turned upside down) equatable to RO for Marine purposes? I am sure they are purified and filtered but wondering if there is anything else put in them that would negate their use? Casper
  13. caspervtx

    "Waste Water"?

    I am just getting started. I live in Northeast Florida where the water table is relatively close to the surface and near to the St. Johns. I realize we, responsible aquarists, are not do just dump livestock into the environment if we get tired of it or it grows too large or whatever. But what...
  14. caspervtx

    Multiple filtration methods?

    Another silly question Ok so I lost out on the 150 gallon but I have a 55 gallon on hand. I am having to go very slow due to $$$$ issues but I'm reading and planning. I am not planning on a sump on my initial start up. This may happen later or I may just keep the 55 as an integral unit for...
  15. caspervtx

    First silly question

    I have finally succumed to the hobby bug again. However, I am branching from my history of freshwater aquaria and am going to delve into Salt Water. I have been reading the forum for the past week for so and watching You Tube and reading what I can. I have purchased a gude to Reef Tanks for...
Top