A few things I see. This tank is new/newer and may not be cycled and you have quite a few fish in this tank and As suspected, this tank does not have an overflow and instead external filters being a canister which is a mechanical filter. You want to have mechanical , biological and chemical to manage proper water quality. The canister will polish water and trap particles via the cartridge and foam inserts.
Chemical is what traps and breaks down chemical compounds such as feces and uneaten food often accomplished with use of carbon and GFO as examples
Biological is what utilizes the natural process of biological filtration such as use of ceramic nuggets, bio blocks, and microscopic bacteria surfaces as examples. Best it to add or use a hang on refugium such as Reef octopus or AquaMaxx unit and even the new one at BRS as shown below
An Ammonia spike may have been very possible and often undetectable after the spike event.
The readings suggest with this bioload and newer tank that you are getting false readings and using an API kit which is tricky with readings and you are getting false readings. Disregard the nitrite level as it pertains to freshwater unless super high (above 200)
I Highly suggest taking a water sample to a store that does NOT use Api kits and have them test your ammonia and nitrates and compare readings- then you'll know where your levels truly are at
I will never trust a $7 badge or $25 master kit to sustain hundreds of dollars in livestock.
Additionally, the salinity is a little low- Bring up to 1.024 gradually.
Skip to the beginning of the images gallery
Details
Beneficial Biological Filtration & Microfauna Sanctuary
- Hang-On-Back Design Means No Plumbing Required
- Includes 110 GPH Sicce Pump
- Convenient Viewing Portal
- Intelligent Baffle Design
- Quick and Easy Maintenance
The AquaReady Hang-On-Back Refugium is designed for supporting the growth of macroalgae to improve water quality and provide microfauna as food for aquarium inhabitants. It features a high-quality Sicce return pump, a baffle housing for media inclusion, a large viewing panel for algae monitoring, and an outlet sponge to minimize microbubbles.
How Does This Fit into Your System?
The Refugium is a tank mounted refugium for growing macroalgae, which improves water quality and can provide food to inhabitants in the form of microfauna. The HOB-R works well for aquariums 20 gallons and larger where the length is at least 17" and the glass/rim thickness is no greater than 0.75".
How Can This Help My Aquarium?
A refugium containing macroalgae will help to control nitrates and phosphates by consuming them as the macroalgae grows. Additionally, macroalgae will compete with nuisance algae within the aquarium, and assist your filtration system in keeping your aquarium water clean.
A refugium can also harbor many beneficial invertebrates, which consume uneaten food or detritus. Invertebrates such as copepods and amphipods will thrive in the safety of the refugium. The presence of an active refugium will ensure a constant supply of these important organisms to help support the aquarium’s food chain and break down nuisance organics.
A refugium light is not included and is needed to grow macroalgae. It is recommended that refugium lighting be run on the opposite light schedule to the main aquarium.
The AquaReady Commitment
We know that you and your aquarium depend on effective and easy to use equipment that is built to last. AquaReady is fully committed to the success of your aquarium experience, which is why every AquaReady Hang-On-Back Refugium comes standard with a 1 Year Warranty.
