New-ish tank owner with algae issues

[GoVols]

I'm just so laid back Freddie...
I might even test my nitrates this month now though...

(insert chill surfer emoji)

Salty,
(lol) I got my rhythm down that I hardly test them that much either.

I have to test my big three a lot. I use the Red Sea ABC+ powder with Colors C & D.
The ABC+ already has Colors A & B in it and it bumps the big 3 all at one time.

Freddie

 

[TracyT0105]

I guess we now know the source of nitrate; bio balls, filter sock/pad and maybe juice..XD There are so many variables in this hobby.

Ok, so if I get rid of the bio balls and just have the filter pads and sock, would that be sufficient for the water entering the sump prior to entering the skimmer or should I add more pads, something else, etc?

 

[GoVols]

Ok, so if I get rid of the bio balls and just have the filter pads and sock, would that be sufficient for the water entering the sump prior to entering the skimmer or should I add more pads, something else, etc?

Read Randy's article about nitrates. (Read his point #5 slowly)
I just let "live rock" do it's job and gas off nitrates.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/8/chemistry

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Ok, so if I get rid of the bio balls and just have the filter pads and sock, would that be sufficient for the water entering the sump prior to entering the skimmer or should I add more pads, something else, etc?

My .02

If you have a sock and change regularly its all you really need. You can put a "polish", before the pump if you like.
The difficulty right now appears to be detritus building up. Ie, sump, sock, bio balls. to reduce that in general most just use a sock.
Skimmer generally don't reduce particles that much so you should be ok.

 

[TracyT0105]

I'm definitely going to be overhauling the sump this weekend. Thank you guys so much for all the help. I'm really eager for my tank to look awesome at last.

 

[dylana407]

You don't need the pad and sock. The only purpose for the sock is used to keep the sump clean. Reefers who used socks have multiple to switch out every 3 days then throw them in the washer.

 

[Peeptoad]

You don't need the pad and sock. The only purpose for the sock is used to keep the sump clean. Reefers who used socks have multiple to switch out every 3 days then throw them in the washer.

I'm honestly quite lazy, once a week I take the sock off (switch it with a clean one) Turn it inside out and rinse it with a 10% bleach solution, rinse again and let them hang dry. I have 3 socks that I cycle through!

 

[GoVols]

I just use the 220 micron Red Sea nylon mesh sock. (1 of these last about 6 months)
Blow it out every 2-3 days with a garden hose or kitchen sink sprayer, while I'm cleaning my skimmers neck.

 

[Stolireef]

How are you testing your RODI unit with test strips. For RODI water, you need to use a TDS (total dissolved solids) in the product water. Anything higher than 0 and you need to put in new filters (usually, I change my carbon and particulate filters about every 4 months and my DI resins about once per year).

 

[Freestyler]

I have had a similar problem and have found that JBL Silicate ex placed between the filter pads removed all the diatoms in a couple of days and started to target feed so to cut down on detritus. Alternating frozen brine shrimp and soft pellets helped.

 

[Peeptoad]

TracyT0105 Any updates?