Yup didn’t make it a year

[anthonygf]

If OP “does nothing” then he will continue having the issue with his overflow levels going to low. A change needs to be made so he won’t need to keep tinkering with the gate valve, which causes him inconvenience. I would hate having to keep readjusting my gate valves. OP has valid feelings of frustration.

Yes of course, that is why I suggested to remove the UV and cheato reactor pump and then let it settle and figure out the level issues. Once the level issues are taken care of then start the UV and cheato back up.

 

[doubleshot00]

I'm willing to bet this is your water level issue as well. Just loop the uv in the sump, not into the dt; just one return to the dt, not two fighting each other...

May shut it down for a while and see if it stays level for a few weeks. Im willing to try anything at this point.

 

[doubleshot00]

I’m so sorry about your troubles and can definitely identify with the feeling of just wanting to walk away. I almost shut down my tank a few months ago but I’m now cautiously optimistic. It sucks walking by your tank and feeling your gut churn. I don’t have any words of technical wisdom but I just wanted to send you some positive vibes and let you know you’re not alone.

Yeah if it wasn’t my living room/kitchen I would just let it go. Scrap the glass and see what happens.

 

[TokenReefer]

I do agree tho you may have success if you just relaxe a little. Maybe get into a more laxed routine of whatever your weekly maintenance is and skip testing (and hassle). You're putting in a lot of work and it may seem your level of effort isn't paying off immediately and this can cause frustrations which is totally understandable but the timeline for this hobby is a lot slower than others I think...

 

[anthonygf]

I have been reefing for 7 years and still learning, making mistakes and dealing with pests. Don't give up, with time your tank will age to perfection or close to it. Go slow and deal with issues a little at a time.

 

[ninjamyst]

sounds like you doing too much....

i rarely test and when i do, it's only alk. I just set up a new IM 20 with new dry rocks and some biomedia from my main tank. Didn't test, added corals within the first week, and 2 months later, all is well. This hobby can be devastating when you do too much and chase numbers. That's why people always say to follow KISS (Keep It Stupid Simple). Water from RODI, decent light, decent flow, match nutrients import with export...that's all you really need. Skip equipments you don't need. It pains me to see people tinker with their tank day in and day out. Your tank WILL stabilize. Let it do its thing. People get dino cuz they go crazy with equipments and additives that strip the water of all nutrients while not adding back the right amount of nutrients.

 

[Jo'Reefer]

I think im done. That amount if time i spend testing, inspecting and adjusting things in my tanks is so time consuming. Like it’s annoying. This is the most frustrating hobby I’ve ever been into where nothing goes as planned. Its like going out on the boat but you literally always break down or you never catch fish.

I really don’t see how anyone is successful in this hobby. I have been so diligent in testing and keeping everything as perfect as i can but it is taking up a ton of my time.

My wife wants me to end it.

I had a 90 running transferred everything over to a new 90 no issues until last week. Levels tanked over 2 days and now have dinos. Everyone said i need a sump. I got a sump. All i do is keep adjusting the gate valve because the water level in the tank after about a 2 weeks it goes down. Like literally don’t get why its doing it. I literally hate my tank.

Had a fluval wanted a nicer tank so got a new IM15. Transferred everything over. It has dinos now and all the coralline on the rock is dying.

Im at a lost for words how terrible everything goes in this hobby. I want to succeed but everything is against me.

I am no where near as knowledgeable as most of the experts here but I am learning as are you.. I too have had many of the same problems! Never give up! It's always darkest before dawn! You got this.. just breathe! Fix one thing at a time and learn from the vast experiences and knowledge this forum has to offer.. I am just over 1 year into Reefing and although it can be very challenging and frustrating consider it a learning curve! Professionals are born from practice! Keep practicing until you become a professional! Cheers brotha keep your head up!

 

[Steph72]

Yeah if it wasn’t my living room/kitchen I would just let it go. Scrap the glass and see what happens.

Mine is also in our main living area

 

[anthonygf]

I have been reefing 7 years now and it still can be challenging.
edit, oh I said that already, sorry.

 

[doubleshot00]

I think tomorrow ill shut down the uv and try to get the water level corrected. Deal with one issue at a time for now.

 

[doubleshot00]

I have been reefing 7 years now and it still can be challenging.
edit, oh I said that already, sorry.

R2r has some glitches in the matrix sometimes

 

[anthonygf]

I think tomorrow ill shut down the uv and try to get the water level corrected. Deal with one issue at a time for now.

How are you running your cheato?

 

[HankstankXXL750 Verified Sponsor]

@doubleshot00 from what I have read so far, I would make a couple of suggestions.
1. Quit testing so much. I test nitrates and phosphates once a week. Watch for trends to know where and what to do. Don’t know how many fish you have, but if your afraid of tanking your nutrients you may need to feed a little more. (Based on age of tank and others saying your corals are not consuming it.

2. You showed the pics of the emergency overflow but not the main. Your water should remain just above the main return pipe and remain constant. If the water level drops I would assume that it doesn’t return unless your return pipe is well below water level. Pics of that could be good. The water level should change in your sump, not in your tank.

3. Patience, patience and more patience. As everyone says, nothing in this hobby happens overnight. I’m obsessive compulsive and was spending way too much time chasing everything and making changes. Once I quit obsessing and relaxed things got far easier.

I’ve been known to go too many directions at once. Changing this and that to get it “perfect”. The best general advise I have gotten on R2R was to set back and let nature take action.

Best of luck.

 

[anthonygf]

I have a HOB refugium that I have taken down for cleaning, that was 6 months ago. I don't see any difference yet. But will install it again soon so I can have some macro algae and a home for pods.

 

[doubleshot00]

@doubleshot00 from what I have read so far, I would make a couple of suggestions.
1. Quit testing so much. I test nitrates and phosphates once a week. Watch for trends to know where and what to do. Don’t know how many fish you have, but if your afraid of tanking your nutrients you may need to feed a little more. (Based on age of tank and others saying your corals are not consuming it.

2. You showed the pics of the emergency overflow but not the main. Your water should remain just above the main return pipe and remain constant. If the water level drops I would assume that it doesn’t return unless your return pipe is well below water level. Pics of that could be good. The water level should change in your sump, not in your tank.

3. Patience, patience and more patience. As everyone says, nothing in this hobby happens overnight. I’m obsessive compulsive and was spending way too much time chasing everything and making changes. Once I quit obsessing and relaxed things got far easier.

I’ve been known to go too many directions at once. Changing this and that to get it “perfect”. The best general advise I have gotten on R2R was to set back and let nature take action.

Best of luck.

Ill post a pics you requested tomorrow.

I know im doing to much but im just a nervous nelly. Was trying to avoid issues like dinos but got them.

 

[doubleshot00]

How are you running your cheato?

In a chamber in my sump. I have the light only on for a few hours.

 

[anthonygf]

In a chamber in my sump. I have the light only on for a few hours.

I have no room in my sump that is why I have the HOB AquaFuge2 large.

 

[doubleshot00]

I have no room in my sump that is why I have the HOB AquaFuge2 large.

I have one to from my old tank. It worked ok but now that I have a chamber and a nice light i can get it ti grow like crazy if I want to.

 

[jabberwock]

I don't have any questions for you. I don't have any advice for you , except this... If it does not bring you joy, don't do it. Don't feel bad about hanging it up for now. The rut starts in a few days where I am. Rehome the live stock. Keep all of your gear. Clean it all up good and store it in case you decide to pick it back up. I got out in 2018. I got back in 4 years later and I am glad I had most of my gear in storage. Don't sweat it.

 

[Lavey29]

I read most of this and I have to say, hearing my wife say " I told you so" over and over again is enough motivation for me to never surrender and quit. I'd grab a 12 pack and game on every day. No way I'd let her win the fish battle. Say a prayer to Posideon. We are all pulling for you OP.