Worried I've Designed my Tank Improperly

[Travis Wagner]

Hello! I've had my RSR 525 XL setup for about one year now and it has been going well. Over the summer I changed to a sump that has a larger fuge, but not place for filter socks. My rockscape is also what I would call wall-like, with some open branches in the center. I've got an MP40 on each side, blowing towards each other, and two gyres along the back glass blowing behind the rockscape. I've noted that lately I've got sediment/particulate setting on the rocks and a layer of algae beginning to coat them- I'm worried its cyanobacteria. I'm running carbon and gfo media in reactors, don't have nitrate or phosphate readings available at this time. Should I integrate socks into the sump to catch particulate matter? Should I re-arrange the rocks for better flow? Should I change my powerhead setup? I can provide photos if needed.

 

[Iván Olalla]

Yes, an image is worth a thousand words, please do

 

[TessGlo]

Should I integrate socks into the sump to catch particulate matter?

You don't have to, some people use settling tanks to collect particulate/ detritus. However, I would given the concerns you express. Better yet, program your powerheads to kick on to 100% once or a few times a day and you will be amazed by what filter socks will collect.

I've noted that lately I've got sediment/particulate setting on the rocks and a layer of algae beginning to coat them- I'm worried its cyanobacteria.

You will know if you have cyano because its bright red/ maroon colored. Don't panic about cyano, its easy to resolve and typically does not bother corals in early stages, it just looks bad. You may want to start using a turkey baster or hand held powerhead to blow off your rocks during weekly maintenance, ideally a bit before you change the filter sock so you can fully remove what you dislodged. I've found that no matter how much flow I have there are areas/ crevices that collect detritus and if left to accumulate they will provide a nice home for algae/ cyano.

Should I re-arrange the rocks for better flow? Should I change my powerhead setup?

Hard to say without a photo, but you have plenty of powerheads for a 100 + gal tank, if you like the rockwork as is, my guess is you should be able to arrange enough flow to make it work.

 

[Silent]

I am definitely a fan of filter socks or some kind of media to remove particulates. At one time i used a basket filled with filter floss and it worked great.

 

[Travis Wagner]

Here’s some photos from this evening, sorry for the quality, best I could muster with my phone.

 

[MTBake]

I would use a turkey baster to blow out the rock work. Don't be afraid to really go to town with the turkey baster. Blast the heck out of the rock and underneath it. You won't hurt your corals with the baster unless you physically hit them with it. You'll be amazed at what you get outta there. I do this once a week minimum. Even getting the sand bed very well.