Need a little help!

[kirklandp]

Hey guys, I have alot of questions that I need answering please!
1. I am running 250 w hqi and t5 actinics on my 30 gallon right now but im having to turn the lights on and off manually. Do I need to have a timer to keep harder corals like acro and birdsnest? Also, how long should I be running each?

2. I have a small CUC in this tank but cant get away from a little bit of brown algea. I have a couple snails and bl hermits and 2 emaralds but there still seems to be the brown algea build up. What do i need to be looking out for and doing?

3. looking to upgrade to a canister filter. I currently am running an aquaclear 55 for it and it does the job but im looking at a canister filter with uv. Will that also help with the brown algea and bubble algea?

4. Finally, i would like to know whats the best and cheapest way to get corals around here. I live far away from any LFS and cant afford to gas up the alcoholic truck i drive lol.... so my question is does anyone out there know of small frags of hammer, torch, frogspawn, basically anything that anyone might be in an overabundance with?

thanks
pat

 

[caudill187]

1. The timer isn't necessary just cheap and makes thing much more convenient. I'd run the actinics for 8-10 and the halides for 6-8 and I'd probably go with a shorter photoperiod for that big light on a relatively small tank.
2. The brownish, dusty algae is usually diatoms that feed on silicates and pop up in new tanks or with new equipment. As long as your tank maintenance is good they should limit themselves but Phosguard or GFO absorbs silicates.
3. I don't have experience with canister filters but have read about them. I would ditch the canister filter Idea and go with a sump, or HOB filter where you can occassionally use carbon or phosphate adsorbing media. Some people use canister filters with success but they can be problematic nutrient sinks, nitrate generators and seem unnecessarily complicated to me.
4. I would find a local club and attend a swap. Do some trading with fellow reefers either that way or on the forum. There are some great sponsors here on R2r that could make you a nice deal as well.

Just my experience.....hope it helps

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

+1, ditch the canister filter. The aquaclear is a good start, try modding it. These guys sell a kit:AquaClear 50 Media Basket A little expensive, but I have heard great stuff about them. The diatoms are normal, how old is your tank?

 

[kirklandp]

1. The timer isn't necessary just cheap and makes thing much more convenient. I'd run the actinics for 8-10 and the halides for 6-8 and I'd probably go with a shorter photoperiod for that big light on a relatively small tank.
2. The brownish, dusty algae is usually diatoms that feed on silicates and pop up in new tanks or with new equipment. As long as your tank maintenance is good they should limit themselves but Phosguard or GFO absorbs silicates.
3. I don't have experience with canister filters but have read about them. I would ditch the canister filter Idea and go with a sump, or HOB filter where you can occassionally use carbon or phosphate adsorbing media. Some people use canister filters with success but they can be problematic nutrient sinks, nitrate generators and seem unnecessarily complicated to me.
4. I would find a local club and attend a swap. Do some trading with fellow reefers either that way or on the forum. There are some great sponsors here on R2r that could make you a nice deal as well.

Just my experience.....hope it helps

Awesome! thanks alot for your info!

 

[kirklandp]

+1, ditch the canister filter. The aquaclear is a good start, try modding it. These guys sell a kit:AquaClear 50 Media Basket A little expensive, but I have heard great stuff about them. The diatoms are normal, how old is your tank?

Its around a year old this month. I just upgraded it from a 20 to the 30 just for more room to work with!

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Diatoms should be gone, look into a skimmer, It could be red slime. Live aquaria is okay for corals