Wish i never started

[ACEofNONE]

So...this is my tank. Like the subject says, i wish i never started this thing. Ive had enough of it. Its only 30g and i have $1800 in it and dont even have a fish. Its been running for 25 days hasnt cycled yet and is slap full of micro bubbles. I know, before you say it, the first thing i should do is get rid of that canister filter, its a "nitrate factory". Ok thats all well and good but how do i get rid of all the dust and debris floating around in the tank? Suck it out with a straw? Im not downing anyone in this forum, ive just had enough. I researched everything i could for months before i started this thing. I give up, i should have stuck with freshwater.

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[Davesgt]

whoa chill brotha it will be ok trust me! maybe one of us can help you out by process of elimination. First of all dont worry about the canister filter, i have a friend who has a 55 gallon running on a magnum 350 canister and has great success with his corals and thats his only filter. If i may try to help, where might you micro bubble be coming from.

 

[usingthejohn]

What's your substrate-sad? I can't tell from the photos. I'm new, too. But when I started, I also had a canister filter and after adding sand, it was cloudy as all hell. The canister just cleaned out the water. As for micro bubbles, I'll leave that for the experienced members

 

[usingthejohn]

-sand

 

[usingthejohn]

Oh I see the power head. My only thought is it may be blowing your sand around?

 

[larangcon]

It's beautiful, just need to find out where the micro bubbles are coming from.

 

[kschweer]

Try putting some filter floss in your canister to pick up the smaller stuff. Also make sure that the hoses on the canister are very tight at the connection points. May sound odd but they can draw air from loose connections. I would also try to take apart the canister filter and clean it very well. Remove the impeller and clean it and the "hole" it fits in. When putting it back together also make sure the cap is tightly sealed. If you're still getting micro bubbles after that I would start looking at your skimmer and powerheads to make sure they are operating properly. And most importantly DON'T give up. Tanks can be pretty trying at times but in the end it is all worth it. Let me know how those suggestions work out for you or if you need any more help. Best of luck!

 

[stylaster]

My guess is the skimmer, does the skimmer have a block of foam on the return side?

 

[Davesgt]

As these guys have stated with some good ideas!. Check all fittings to make sure they have no air drawing in cause canisters can gather pockets of air and create micro bubbles. Another good thing to do is, on the skimmer pump is to prefilter, some people dont like doing it but it will help keep larger particles out of your equipment that can cause performance loss and in the end sometimes kill off faster than normal. The return on the skimmer you could use a floss pad to help with micro bubbles if that is where it is coming from.

 

[ritter6788]

Get the prefilter box for the skimmer. It catches the microbubbles.

AquaC Remora Pro Pre-skimmer

 

[mike007]

First of all you are using a Remora skimmer. I have one on a 100 gallon tank and it is awesome. Get rid of the canister filter. Your live rock and skimmer is all you need. I also use a hang on filter with carbon no pads. I am a little concerned about your powerhead it looks rather large and may be too much. You need to test your water or have your lfs teat it and let us know results. I have used a bacterial additive before to get the cycle kick started also. You do not need anything thing else added to this tank at this time. When it clears up and you decide to add fish or corals go slow and let the tank acclimate to changes. Also my advice to everyone is not to overfeed your tank or you will have problems. You have alot invested my friend be patient and it will work out. We are here to help.

 

[ACEofNONE]

Ok...i know i went overboard. Everyone is giving really good advice. The past few days ive just been getting real frustrated with it. My wife has been against the idea of starting a SW tank from day one. My lil boy loves it though even if theres not a fish in it. I know i need to just slow down and relax. After testing everything the micro bubbles are definitely coming from the skimmer. I looked inside and didnt see a foam pad in the return. I actually have the pre-skimmer box. I havent put it on yet because after reading the reviews people say i dosnt work unless you have the exact water level.


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[usingthejohn]

For my very first sump, that's what I did:

A plastic 15qt sterilite bucket and those Rubbermaid plastic drawers which I stuffed with various filters. It's a lot easier to clean out, and it taught me a lot regarding how saltwater tanks filter. All in all, it was a $20 lesson.

Like you, my kids enjoy looking at the tank. When you add the first fish, they'll truly enjoy it.

 

[ACEofNONE]

@ mike007 thanks for the advise. I would use a hang on filter but i dont have room because of the remora skimmer and the hob refugium. I thought the power head might be too big also its what they told me i needed at the LFS. I have it turned down on the lowest setting. About only needing a skimmer and LR is what i have been reading in all the forums. The only reason i put the canister filter on is because of all the dust particles and debris in the tank.


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[ACEofNONE]

The canister is a 3 stage. The only thing i have in it is 2 layers of ( i forget what its called) its blue i guess filter floss per stage


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[mike007]

You can also put your carbon in a bag and place it where the water exits the skimmer. But you don't need it now. The skimmer box is great because all the bad stuff is at the top of your water column. I use one myself. You do not need any skimmer pads or anything else. I think that if you are not adding anything to your tank your powerhead my be stirring things up. Keep it simple my friend. I have had a reef tank for years and i keep it simple . There are alot of crap out there they want you to buy that you don't have to have have to be successfull.

 

[ACEofNONE]

Thanks mike. Ill give the pre-skimmer box a try.


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[A-SpecUA6]

LOL. I know how you feel bro. I have set up my second reef tank now and I have learned SO much more. What has helped me tremendously this time around was buying some things used. I have saved literally more than 50% of what I would have payed. And PATIENCE is really important, hang in there bud. Don't give up!

 

[ReeferBob]

The skimmer needs to break in. It will return less bubbles once it does. For now, use all the pieces that came with it, as long as you keep up with evaporation, it will be fine.

As far as cycle, how do you know it hasn't cycled? If you didn't put anything organic in the tank, it may not show any sign of a cycle. Put in a fresh shrimp from the grocery store to kick start the cycle. Or else you can use pure ammonia from the hardware store (a few drops).

This is a hobby about patience.

Also are you using RO/DI water?

 

[ACEofNONE]

Lol thanks A-spec


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