W1ngz
Failed Padawan
Yeah, I had completely forgotten that myself as well until I was trying to help sort out someone else a few weeks ago who's numbers were all over the place.
Help noob
- Thread starter Vibrantg
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Yeah, I had completely forgotten that myself as well until I was trying to help sort out someone else a few weeks ago who's numbers were all over the place.
JCOLE
Grower of the Small Polyps
That is why I like the Hanna Checkers. They read the colors for me and spit out a number to read.
resortez
Active Member
Curious to know what you mean by putting another filter? What’s strange about the particles in the picture is that they only appear to be at the top of the water column, could it be micro bubbles from the return pump? Is there a skimmer & if so, that could be releasing micro bubbles. I’m assuming bubbles because it’s strange to only see solid particles floating in the upper half of the water & not seeing it settle in the lower half. I would do as another member suggested & unplug the main pump for a few minutes & see if the particles settle or float to the top. If they float to the top & pop, maybe check your water level. If they settle, then it’s solids & it would help to pull out some water from the tank to rinse the sponges in. I could be completely wrong about the bubbles but I find it odd to only see specs in the upper half. Good luck.
LBReefer
Well-Known Member
I'd recommend investing in a RODI kit and new test kits. API is really hard to read.
There's a sticky on here about starting a reef tank. I'd also recommend the BRS 52 weeks of reefing. I still go back and use them as a point of reference.
There's a sticky on here about starting a reef tank. I'd also recommend the BRS 52 weeks of reefing. I still go back and use them as a point of reference.
W1ngz
Failed Padawan
That sort of depends on the value you place on your arms and legs... lol
Many people don't consider 400$ to be much at all for such fundamental gear, and some can't manage 100$. You can get a basic 4 stage with no guages or meters, and expand on the system later as you learn your needs, or you can spend it all up front and maybe spend more than was strictly necessary.
Check out the systems at Bulk Reef Supply, and compare with something small and portable like an RO Buddie.
LBReefer
Well-Known Member
One of the more painful lessons I learned was that it is ultimately cheaper to buy good equipment once rather than buying starter equipment and upgrading later. I use the BRS RODI system. My city uses chloramines, so I needed the 5 stage system.
burningbaal
Active Member
I'd definitely be buying an rodi unit. In my city, the water is so clean, I can probably run a 2-3 stage unit with no DI, but I wouldn't because it's hard to know what's gotten through the membrane. But if your city water is excellent like mine, a 4 stage would be more than reasonable. But since your current situation opened you using tap water for tipoff, even a very-basic setup will be a big win. I'm a fan of brs and melev rodi units, but there are tons of options.
Important note on rodi is this: soonest everything can be upgraded later. Upgrading to a higher flow rate membrane may not be as easy, but I'd almost never necessary.
Next, I tend to agree about the test kits, but you will be fine with cheap kits until it's ready for corals, the fish and even most clean up crew are pretty robust to water quality variations. I definitely wouldn't bother testing alkalinity, Ca, or Mg during this cycling except pure curiosity.
I think you said it's only a couple weeks old? Everyone's guess is probably right about the clouding. I just got through a bacterial bloom in a new tank, stirred up sand is super possible with find sand in a new tank (the biofilm that will form helps keep it down). Could be bubbles as mentioned already, can you give a detailed description of the equipment and the water flow system (pumps/etc).
Do you have a build thread here? It's going to be much quicker to help if I had an idea what your were trying to accomplish. What fish/corals are you interested in? What equipment are you planning to use? What dimensions? Sump? Lighting?
Sorry to bombard you, but I can be way more helpful with lots of context. You can pm if you want, happy to help
Important note on rodi is this: soonest everything can be upgraded later. Upgrading to a higher flow rate membrane may not be as easy, but I'd almost never necessary.
Next, I tend to agree about the test kits, but you will be fine with cheap kits until it's ready for corals, the fish and even most clean up crew are pretty robust to water quality variations. I definitely wouldn't bother testing alkalinity, Ca, or Mg during this cycling except pure curiosity.
I think you said it's only a couple weeks old? Everyone's guess is probably right about the clouding. I just got through a bacterial bloom in a new tank, stirred up sand is super possible with find sand in a new tank (the biofilm that will form helps keep it down). Could be bubbles as mentioned already, can you give a detailed description of the equipment and the water flow system (pumps/etc).
Do you have a build thread here? It's going to be much quicker to help if I had an idea what your were trying to accomplish. What fish/corals are you interested in? What equipment are you planning to use? What dimensions? Sump? Lighting?
Sorry to bombard you, but I can be way more helpful with lots of context. You can pm if you want, happy to help
burningbaal
Active Member
There's two things mainly. One is that many rodi systems come with a TDS meter so you can get the output water has 0 or 1 ppm TDS (total dissolved solids). This can miss a few thoughts, so it might be a good idea to also test it for ammonia, but you shouldn't have to do this regularly.
