nornrad
New Member
Ok Folks! This is my first post. I've been perusing the posts and learned alot. Now I need some direct help.
I have a small 20G high. I'm using a Fluval 103, and have an aerator & thermometer going. I have the following fish/inverts in the tank: Sailfin Tank, Orange Percula, Tomato Percula, Blue Hippo Tang, 2 3-stripe Damsels, 8 turbo snails, 1 little red crab (like an emerald crab, only brick red), 1 Cleaner Shrimp, a Candy-Stripe Goby that lives with a shrimp that looks like a lobster, 6 zebra Hermit Crabs and one Bubble-Tip Sea Anemome. I also have 2 small pieces of live rock with polyp thingies on them.
Here's my dilema: I can't seem to get the Nitrates down below 20ppm. I haven't lost any creatures (except for 2 bi-colored Angels about 10 weeks into the tank setup, but I was told that they are sensitive and tough to keep) but I'm concerned about the Nitrates. I've done water changes (weekly), I've vacummed the substrate, I even used a Bio-zyme product. Still, 20ppm.
SHOULD I BE?
I got that Prizm skimmer and I didn't like it for 2 reasons: 1st, it's too big for my tank, and second, it's freaking LOUD!
Do I need a protein skimmer? If so, is the Cyclone a good one? Is it quiet?
I've also have begun to question whether I need a better filter. Should I get a wet/dry? If so, I'm looking at the Eheim Professional and the Supreme Skilter. Does anyone have info on these? Or is there something better? I'd like to stay under $200.
Today is Sat, Apr. 13th, and I plan to make a 2hr drive tomorrow to a place that has EVERYTHING that one could need/want for a marine tank. Any input before noon on Sunday would be GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks,
Dennis
I have a small 20G high. I'm using a Fluval 103, and have an aerator & thermometer going. I have the following fish/inverts in the tank: Sailfin Tank, Orange Percula, Tomato Percula, Blue Hippo Tang, 2 3-stripe Damsels, 8 turbo snails, 1 little red crab (like an emerald crab, only brick red), 1 Cleaner Shrimp, a Candy-Stripe Goby that lives with a shrimp that looks like a lobster, 6 zebra Hermit Crabs and one Bubble-Tip Sea Anemome. I also have 2 small pieces of live rock with polyp thingies on them.
Here's my dilema: I can't seem to get the Nitrates down below 20ppm. I haven't lost any creatures (except for 2 bi-colored Angels about 10 weeks into the tank setup, but I was told that they are sensitive and tough to keep) but I'm concerned about the Nitrates. I've done water changes (weekly), I've vacummed the substrate, I even used a Bio-zyme product. Still, 20ppm.
SHOULD I BE?
I got that Prizm skimmer and I didn't like it for 2 reasons: 1st, it's too big for my tank, and second, it's freaking LOUD!
Do I need a protein skimmer? If so, is the Cyclone a good one? Is it quiet?
I've also have begun to question whether I need a better filter. Should I get a wet/dry? If so, I'm looking at the Eheim Professional and the Supreme Skilter. Does anyone have info on these? Or is there something better? I'd like to stay under $200.
Today is Sat, Apr. 13th, and I plan to make a 2hr drive tomorrow to a place that has EVERYTHING that one could need/want for a marine tank. Any input before noon on Sunday would be GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks,
Dennis
