New reef tank

[verojeremy]

For my refugium I have live rock, live sand, 2 mangroves and some stuff thats green and looks like it has bubbles on it I think its some sort of caulerpa, is that good?

 

[verojeremy]

And I was wondering if my refugium setup is good at all and if there are any mods I can do to it, It is: i have water coming into tank from pvc the into a sock filter thing and I have live rock in that part then it goes over a baffle I think its called into a deep sand bed about 4-5 inches with some calupera I think then another baffle to my return pump I have like a regular workshop light over the algae is that good enought I can see amphiopods samll feather dusters and brittle stars and I even see a small snail but for some reason my nitrates ar still about 60 between 40 and 80 but I was also told I dont need a protein skimmer.

 

[verojeremy]

OH and I have 2 red mangroves.

 

[clown-keeper99]

Quote:
Originally Posted by verojeremy http:///t/388508/new-reef-tank/40#post_3430882
OK so I would take that as a yes and right now as far as cuc I have 1 brittle starfish, 1 red starfish, 5 astrea snail, 5 nassaria snails, and 1 emerald crab
I would personaly have a larger CUC
I would have a minimum of 50 hermits/snails

 

[verojeremy]

I know I am slowly building it up.

 

[verojeremy]

Sorry and I have 5 hermits.

 

[verojeremy]

Could my cleaner died because he ate a little of my grape calupera. i am getting rid of it either tomorrow or by Wednesday when I go pick up some chaeto and maybe some more mangroves luckily I know the people from algagen and have already gotten 2 free copeopod things from them and a zoo plankton thing so I thank them a lot anyway it was in my refugium but a little got in tank and saw him eat some.
How long till mangroves start to actually take nitrates out of water an I was wondering how do you trim them as well as chaeto.

 

[verojeremy]

so would chaeto and 2 mangroves work.

 

[gemmy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by verojeremy http:///t/388508/new-reef-tank/60#post_3431079
so would chaeto and 2 mangroves work.
Your goal with adding the chaeto and mangroves is to reduce nitrates, correct? Chaeto is effective in aiding in this process, however I think mangroves will have a minimal effect on the nitrates unless you have vast quantities of mangroves. Good husbandry practices with the aid of chaeto can help reduce your nitrates.

 

[verojeremy]

OK so any way I have ulva or sea lettuce, some chaeto and 2 mangroves.
What is chaeto husbandry.

 

[verojeremy]

My nitrates are still reading pretty high at about 80-70 ppm what are better ways to lower it. I have done water changes an nothing changed I used the API saltwater test kit.

 

[luvmyreef]

Have you tested your newly made saltwater for nitrates? Also, what do you run in your filter? If you have one that is.

 

[jerth6932]

What is your procedure of changing your water? Are you preparing your own water? If so are you using RO water to do it? If you are using LFS water, check the water for Nitrates. Water changes are the best way to reduce them quickly.

 

[verojeremy]

I get them fro a lfs I told you I was told you don't need to have a protein skimmer. But I also have a lot of detritus on the bottom of tank how do I get that out I thought a small siphon(if so where would i get one or how do I make one) and my dad told the sand is to fine.

 

[luvmyreef]

A protein skimmer is not a filter. You prob. just found your source of nitrates if you have detritus accumulating. You can siphon your sand to remove it. Buy the kit like siphon-kleen or python.

 

[jerth6932]

Quote:
Originally Posted by verojeremy http:///t/388508/new-reef-tank/60#post_3431592
I get them fro a lfs I told you I was told you don't need to have a protein skimmer. But I also have a lot of detritus on the bottom of tank how do I get that out I thought a small siphon(if so where would i get one or how do I make one) and my dad told the sand is to fine.
I would test their water, they aren't above being contaminated with something. I quality check my LFS to my standards.... I would take your hand and stir up the detrius that you have, then do the water change, siphoning out any floating debris. (for 1guydude, or use a turkey baster if you have one to get to the tight spots).

 

[verojeremy]

So could I get a siphon like tghat at ***** or petsmaet because then that would be the easiest

 

[jerth6932]

Quote:
Originally Posted by verojeremy http:///t/388508/new-reef-tank/60#post_3431624
So could I get a siphon like tghat at ***** or petsmaet because then that would be the easiest
Yeah, the ones people use on fresh water? That's what I use my my tanks, one I got from them, they were a lot cheaper there then my LFS.

 

[luvmyreef]

Check their website, but I am sure you can.

 

[gemmy]

Also, API is infamous for having inaccurate readings on their nitrate test. You may want to consider getting a seachem test kit. Also, if there is detritus buildup on the bottom of the tank, you may want to consider positioning a power head towards the bottom.