new project...

nm reef

nm reef

Active Member
...I guess I have another client to add to my list. A local doctor contacted us about helping with a algae problem in his room divider 90 gal reef. Its been set up for a couple of years and appears to lack regular maintenance. Great set up....viewable from two sides....lightly stocked except for a niger that may need to go. Currently has a seaclone skimmer but will soon be running a ASM g1....found a canister filter that appears to have some sort of phosphate sponge media in it(been in there since installation 2 years ago. I removed it and will either clean it up and replace the media or install a couple of phosban reactors instead. Lighting is a pair of old and worn out 175 MH's and a pair of 65 watt PC actinics. Lighting will be replaced soon. Not sure of the return pump but it appears to be functioning. The docs major concern is a growing hair algae problem and the recent loss of a couple of corals. The first time I visited with him I found three things that jumped out at me right away:
1- no water changes in the 2 years its been running
2-Nitrates above 100ppm
3-none of the lamps have been changed out since installation over two years ago.
Went back yesterday and did a 10 gal water change and plan to return once a week to do additional water changes until nitrates are under control. Also went thru the filtration system and will clean/discard/upgrade as needed. Then return the lighting to new condition....(lamps have never been changed). Overall its a great little system just in dire need of some attention. This makes 4 client systems now....in addition to a 220 Oceanic...100 bow front...and a sweet little elderly ladies 29 oceanic...business is growing and funds help to cover the maintenance/improvements on my reef.
 
nm reef

nm reef

Active Member
...another look ... I'm looking forward to working on this system....its the first system I've ever messed with that is viewable from two sides....it'll be fun to watch it develop and flourish.
 
nm reef

nm reef

Active Member
The first two shots are from the "game room side"...this one is from the living room side....
 
nm reef

nm reef

Active Member
I don't charge by the hour....each client is charged differently depending on several factors. One I charge a flat monthly fee and go there every other day to feed/clean/inspect/top-off. Another client I go visit once a week and charge $10...so it really depends on the clients needs and the amount of work involved.
 
T

thomas712

Guest
Normally I would suggest a larger water change, but with it being 2 years or so I'd have to agree with your 10 gallon decision. That would take things slow enough so as to not shock the system so drastically.
NM - I'd be interested to know what the doctor has been topping off with and maybe what it tests for nitrates and such.
LOL - I can just see the ole beasle jumping in on this thread, telling the doc to just load up the system with plants and tap water. I know I should be shot just for thinking it.
As always thanks for sharing NMR
Thomas
 
nm reef

nm reef

Active Member
Nitrates are above 100....and phosphates are .5...salinity was 1.027 and he tops off with tap water. Or did....plus he uses some weird tap water conditioner stuff.
Its not in real bad shape....it'll just take some time to turn it back around.:thinking:
 
stuckinfla

stuckinfla

Active Member
I agree, It could look worse...I think with some "Wizardry", he'll be fine. Keep us posted, and congrats on new business!
 
golfish

golfish

Active Member

Originally posted by NM reef
or install a couple of phosban reactors instead.
I woudn't do that..IME, these thing can do more harm then good in a high nutrient system like that..
I'd also bump up the skimmer to the G-2 for that size tank.
A few WC's, some carbon and an RO system should bring it back to prime..Got to admit it doesn't look bad..
OK, that will be 25.00 for my service.
 
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