Looking for help in texas

[tj w]

Need someone to do a large overhaul on my system. Located in abilene tx. Need some guidance and help on my 300 gallon.

 

[charleslotz]

I'm a bit far " north houston" but if you take pics and post what your trying to do ,... There are many on this forum that will help guide you ,... Suggest you start a tread in large tank forum. There you will get the advise and help ,... No matter how bad it is most will not judge but help.... Better to get the collective input from many with experiance than just one person locally. There are solutions for just about any budget,... And some really experienced reefers that frequent r2r for the single purpose and opportunity to help... Others. Labor is the easy part ( weekend trip!!!!) getting It right the fist time is challenging.

Hope this helps.....

 

[tj w]

Yes it does help, didnt even think about posting in the large tank forum. Ive really had a hard time finding someone to come in and set up more equipment and get things right the first time. Here's a few pics of the tank as it sits now. Ive lost 15 fish in the last 2 weeks. Havent lost any in a week so i guess things have calmed down. They were showing a lot of stress spots. Apparently i put too many in too quickly.

 

[tj w]

 

[IronVulture]

Definitely slow down on stocking take things slow, do a lot of research and have an overall plan. Try to stay away from impulse buys know what you want and take your time to find it. No deal is so great it won't come back around again later down the road with the odd exception.

 

[tj w]

For sure have slowed down. Really want to add an ato and maybe an apex system. Getting tired of hauling buckets everyday. Yes i do use rodi water only. Here's a couple of updated tank pics i took a few mins ago. Not really getting any coral growth. Dont know what im missing. Only dosing bio calcium right now. Protein skimmer is off because it continues to overflow even on the lowest setting. If someone was around my area id be willing to pay whatever for some help. Not very mechanically inclined at all. Thanks again

 

[tj w]

 

[IronVulture]

I'm in Sugarland area south of Houston but there are tons of Texas reefers here maybe someone is close enough to help you. For now I would most definitely put an ATO on your system the fluctuating water level in your sump could be the reason your skimmer is not performing as expected. Can you add more details about your entire system including how long it has been running everything you test for lighting and pluming. A few pictures of your sump area would be nice to try and see why you can't get your skimmer set.

 

[charleslotz]

Slow like molasses ,... Have you decided what method your using ,... Carbon dosing, pellets, macro algue ,.. Assume you have sump skimmer etc etc,... Give us a run down of what you got and your stock list for livestock and coral,... Dosing , ... Water change schedule ,... ,... What are your paramitors ,... And how long has it been running ,.... ... Let's see if we can help!,,

 

[tj w]

System has been up since August 30. Im using two current orbit pro 72" led strips. I test for nitrates,alk,dkh,and phosphates. I just got a calc and mag hanah tester that i havent used yet. Here are some pics of my sump.

 

[tj w]

Ive been using carbon inside my filter sock for the last month. Ive been changing out 80 gallons a month. Here's my current stock.
1 yellow tang
1 scopas tang
1 niger trigger
1 coral beauty angel
1 melunurus wrasse
3 firefish
3 bangai cardinals
1 lawnmower blenny
1 sand sifting goby
1 cleaner wrasse

 

[tj w]

 

[tj w]

I dose 8 teaspoons if biocalcium every 3-4 days if i remember to do so. I mix it well with tank water before pouring.

 

[Amiller295]

I live in Dallas, but will be in Abilene around Christmas. Let me know if you want to meet up.

 

[tj w]

That would be great. Need all the help i can get. My tank is pretty clean of algae and the sand is pretty clean. Just cant seem to get things growing.

 

[charleslotz]

Skimmer looks to deep that a coralline skimmer ? ,... Read up on that skimmer ...think they need 6- 8 inches of water to work effectively , I would rise it up ,... + 1 on the auto topoff to keep the level consistent.... Your next purchace should be auto topoff and perhaps consider a better skimmer ... Would also start thinking about nutrient export, bio pellets , refurgium , carbon dosing etc ..... allot of fish ,... and nitrate will build up ...

 

[tj w]

Yes it is a coralline skimmer. I hate it. Dont know if i can raise it too much more. The collection cup is almost hitting the bottom of the stand. It has a fuge in the back of the sump. I have some liverock in there and just ordered a light for it.

 

[tj w]

Move to large tank 180 g plus forum please mods

 

[charleslotz]

I would focus on getting the skimmer replaced or put at the right depth to work properly,... If you have no height seems you have no alternative.... But to get new skimmer and topoff.


What is the height of the water level and inside stand dimensions height perhaps we can suggest an appropriate skimmer,..

I would also ask what your plan is with the tank , mostly softies , lps, sps ,... This will determine what size skimmer... Like bio pellets or carbon dosing I would suggest a stronger skimmer, and a different way to manage alk, etc...

Also consider not to add anything without testing, just looking at your tank and coral considering your water change schedule don't think you need calcium Suplement.

Do you have an aquarium controller , cheapest will be to add a topoff onto your Controller, see marine depot has their topoff on sale at the moment if budget is your concern. There are some good product for around 100 dollars... Key is to look for two float valves in my opinion. Also might be a good option to buy a controller with topoff to to help you with temp and dosing as you progress, a budget friendly is a reefkeer light , were apex also have a Junior model. Would say right now the skimmer and a consistent lvl is a priority...