45 Gallon Build-Questions

[BirdGuy21]

My TDS has dual sensors. First is between the RO membrane and the DI stage, second is after the DI stage. My before DI is usually 10-20 and my after is 0. For rejection rate, get 2 containers and run waste into 1 and RODI water into the other and measure how much each has in it after a set period of time. 3:1 is about average.

So it's recommended then to install an inline TDS meter? I've been using a handheld to test the finished water. I believe the brand is Electricky, or something like that?

I'll calculate my rejection rate this weekend as well. Can't wait to have a long weekend to tinker around.

 

[BirdGuy21]

Starting to experience some brown algae like growth on the sand and some rock- could these be diatoms? Light is running from 3pm-11:15pm. I’m also wondering if my CUC is too small or insufficient. Only see two or three snails and hermits.

Also, dumb question for snail ID. I think the first picture is a Trochus snail? Not sure what the second is.

 

[BirdGuy21]

Alright another newbie question that I think I know the answer too.

In the back compartments there is a lot of debri that is resting on the bottom. Most of it looks to be broken pieces of the MarinePure block. The one skimmer clogged up last night with pieces of loose chaeto that made their way into the other compartment and when I reached in to fish it out and remove the skimmer for cleaning, it looked like a snow storm in the tank. I’m safe to vacuum all this out of the back compartments, right?