Nano Tank & Chaeto

[Mykawl]

So I have a IM 14 gallon, there is only 1 extra chamber in the back and that is where I have a ghost protein skimmer.

I’m wanting to add Chaeto to the system, and it seems I have three options.

1.) replace skimmer with Chaeto & chaetomax refugium light

2.) buy some sort of media reactor and do a DIY Chaeto reactor (this would look the coolest but can’t imagine how pods would ever get out of it into the display)

3.) hob refugium, https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Exter...ocphy=9011272&hvtargid=pla-312497369661&psc=1

Option #1 doesn’t seem to be very viable because I’m pretty sure after I added the skimmer my pH went from 8.0 to 8.3 and that is good right? I think I mess around with my the nozzles on my return pump and Hydor nano way too much trying to keep surface agitation but also good current towards the bottom. Currently I am using the spinstream nozzle for the return pump and have the mini power head on the front of tank (opposite of return pump) pointed at the overflow at the back.

Anyways does this seem accurate that a skimmer can effect pH that much and will take care of all my oxygen/aeration and gas exchange needs?

Option #2 doesn’t seem preferable either because it looks like it will cost over $100 to make a Chaeto reactor and that’s even if I do it right lol

As for option #3 is the link I provided the go to for this scenario? New here so not sure what the normal method is for nutrient management in nano tanks.

 

[lapin]

The question really is, why do you want to add chaeto. In a small tank water changes will take care of most issues. Pods will live in rocks until something eats them. They eat mostly film algaes and phyto.

 

[Mykawl]

okay I like your answer it seems I’m overdoing/thinking it? Reasoning behind wanting Chaeto is itd be awesome to get a pod population started something for the fish to do/eat and to keep nitrate /phosphate down.

Will purigen /phosguard keep that in check? Also can you overdo it with phosguard?

nitrate is currently 20-40 I have a GSP that won’t open up granted I haven’t done really any water changes. It’s been a rough start

 

[lapin]

You want to reduce the nitrate and phosphate with water changes. I would start with a 50% change and see how your GSP reacts. Then in 1 week do another 50% change. This should bring your nitrate down to 5 to 10. It will also reduce your phosphate if it is high. By doing regular water changes (10%) you will keep the nutrients in check and add the trace elements your coral needs to be healthy.