Equipment

[Erick Merfeld]

I have cascade 1000 canister filter
And a fluval led light

 

[Erick Merfeld]

I am currently running cascade 1000 canister filter and a fluval LED light bar. Thoughts?

 

[twilliard]

I would look into a good hang on back skimmer.

Something like these
http://www.marinedepot.com/Hang_On_Protein_Skimmers_for_Aquariums_Reefs-FIPSHO-ct.html

 

[twilliard]

I am currently running cascade 1000 canister filter and a fluval LED light bar. Thoughts?

People frown on canisters, personally I would just run carbon in it

 

[millertyler22]

I use the reef octupus bh-1000 hob skimmer on my 55g reef and it works wonderful plenty off skimate ever other day or so but break in took about 2-3weeks

 

[Erick Merfeld]

I would like to see pictures of your tank? what do you mean break in time?

 

[twilliard]

Break in time is the amount of time for the bacteria to form on the inside of the skimmer and pump.

 

[Erick Merfeld]

I see. Can you put up pctures of your tanks?

 

[millertyler22]

My tank is only about 3 months old I'm haveing a little diatom bloom right now

 

[Erick Merfeld]

nice tank! is this your first tank?

 

[millertyler22]

Well kinda I started with a 10g 2 years ago then 20 last year now 55g in August lol I had huge problems with the 10g the I restarted with the 20l completely except for my clowns lol then

 

[Erick Merfeld]

i see. well thats cool. ya i really like learning all of these things and hoping to get an awesome tank put together soon!

 

[millertyler22]

Well the number one most important piece of equipment is A ro/di unit the second is u not slacking on maintenance at least that's what I've learned

 

[dbl]

Agreed on starting with a rodi unit...the one thing you will always need is water! Take a look at the link below for a great unit that won't break the bank.

http://spectrapure.com/RO-RODI/RODI-SYSTEMS/Refurbished-90-GPD-RODI-System

 

[Erick Merfeld]

Thanks guys. By maintenance you mean testing regularly and cleaning along with water changes when needed? Also what tests should I be doing and how often?

 

[millertyler22]

Well I regular maintenance in my case includes 10g water change once a week at that time I pull out my pumps and clean them I also use a power head to clean the live rock from ditrius and unbeaten food I always empty my protein skimmer and clean it

 

[Erick Merfeld]

Okay. How do you take the water out of your tank? I'm using a siphon but it does not suck everything out. Very weak suction. What are your nitrate reading usually at? Mine vary from 20 and 40ppm. I know that is high but I can't seem to get it below those readings. Will RO and skimmer help bring those number down further along with water changes?

 

[millertyler22]

Deffenetly water changes will help I'm not sure what mine our I don't test for them since my cycle...the reason nitrates are high is because there is a good source for them generally this is organics water changes and skimming will help IMO

 

[millertyler22]

I use 1/2 flexible pipe from an old canister filter

 

[Erick Merfeld]

Thanks guys