Red Sea Max Owners Club

[JohnL]

This thread was automatically split due to performance issues. You can find the rest of the thread here: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=11004255#post11004255

[Rue]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11000968#post11000968 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by josh&jana
rue
yeah that would work or run the egg crate on an angle from on side of the tank to the other so you have variying heights to place corals


Good idea! I wouldn't have thought of that!

Reefer82...I was wondering about that too...if something used comes up for a good price...I might have to consider it...

Reefmack...I had thought early on that it would be fun to get something 'rare' for this area, and then see if I can propagate it for our local reef 'underground'...nice group of folk from those I've met...but only on a very small scale...

[Tylt33]

First again after the auto copied message! Two threads in a row!!!

[LaurentSeattle]

Dang... I was watching the split and Tylt beat me by a few microseconds...

[Rue]

LOL...that was scary...

We split...just like an anemone! :rollface:

[Tylt33]

I have the first real post two splits in a row.... I WIN TEH INTERNETZ!!!

[donna53w]

:rollface: I've been here for awhile now and just want to say thank you for such a well-informed, friendly place to visit.

Rue, Bubbles is gorgeous. I would like a BTA in the future, but was worried it would get too large for my tank. Do you have any concerns about it stinging other corals? Congrats, lovely new addition.

I'm glad to see other newbies joining and read their posts enthusiastically, too. Being new to the RSM, but not to reef aquariums, is a great thrill for us. (my husband & I).

:confused: Our RSM has been running for almost 3 weeks. However we are going to add more aragonite and LR tomorrow as our sandbed is approx. 1 - 1&1/2" now & we would like to at least double that. Also, only have 28lbs LR, and are going to add another 20 tomorrow. I am sure this will set our maturation time back, but rather now, than when we actually have livestock in there. Here are a few things we are needing help with:

:confused: We have a large bloom of bright green algae, covering the glass & substrate. We left the lights off just about all day because our timer was inadvertently set for 12 hrs! Now we have set it for 10 hours. Is that OK?
We also have that ugly thick looking purple/red algae with bubbles in it, it's growing in size and is on most of our rock. Is this OK? Also some green fine filament tree-like algae - is it hair algae, should we try to pull it out?

:confused: Sorry for the list, but this is the last for now.:D Our water level in the back chambers is about 2" lower than the front tank. I did a top off & it really didn't seem to level it out. I cleaned the black sponge (cut down to about 2") and white pad tonight. When I removed them, the water level in the back chamber came up
.... I find this confusing, as how can the back water be lower than the tank? Is there a simple explanation & should the water levels be the same? Should I just leave the sponge & pad out? We have LR in powerhead chamber, under the pumps.

:eek: I know, I know, this is the last question, I promise. Is anyone using the Tunze Osmolator auto top off with the stock hood? Where should we put the float? Which chamber, can we use the hole for the optional fan and place the float in the heater or skimmer chamber? Thanks, I look forward to your replies and help.
Donna

[Reefmack]

Hard to believe this thread has split again!

Tylt33 - I checked Foster & Smith last night and they had the 12g fluorescent aquapod for $130, and the the HQI version for $280! Almost 2x the price of the HQI version at Marine Depot - really strange! I hope you all get it at that price, and I'm guessing it may be a mistake in their system that they'll have to pay for up to the point that they fix it. I should jump on it myself, but have just spent too much recently on other tank related stuff.

Rue - I think you should raise the Duncans - those are hard to find, and I don't even see them listed on the online supplier sites that I checked.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

donna53W - WELCOME to Reef Central and our little RSM club! If you've been reading for a while you may already know about the nice website that MAXreefer set up for us RSM owners:

http://rsmreefers.com

On your questions all I can offer is my opinions:

You may want to cut back on the light to 6 hours. I did that at the start and it seemed to help with both diatom & green algae.

The purple/red algae sounds like it may be cyanobacteria. I never had much of it, but I think increased flow may help with it? The rocks you could brush & try to siphon it out. I think it's just another phase that will pass as the tank ages more.

The hair algae you can try to pull off, or use a toothbrush on the rocks. You could even pull the rocks out if it's not too much of a pain & scrub them off in a bucket of SW. I still get occasional small patches of it after 6 months, and I wish they made some kind of small tool that could grip that slippery stuff and pull it off. My little patches are unfortunately always in a hard to reach spot - between my yellow polyps or corals, or in small crevices in my rock that makes it hard to get out even with a toothbrush. If anyone has found something that will get a good grip on hair algae please tell us!

I think the lower water level in back is just the way it is. Only so much water can exit through the gate - and with the 2 pumps pulling it out there's always a deficit of water level in the back. If you shut off the pumps you'll see the level go up. But, I think that lower water level in back is necessary to get any surface skimming to occur. A necessary evil? And you may already know that if you don't keep the pads clean, or remove them, they'll plug up, lower the level in back even more, starve the pumps, and create a bubble storm in the tank. The same will be caused by having the back gate up too far (or having a big star or anemone block the gate!).

I'm running the Osmolator, but I don't have the stock hood anymore. No idea if the sensors will fit in the back with the hood in place or not. You might get a better idea by checking out the equipment tab on my blog on RSMreefers.com - I have pictures of my Tunze sensors in there. I know the floats (there are 2 sensors - one optical and one backup float sensor) won't fit in the heater compartment. Mine are in the skimmer compartment - but I don't have the RSM skimmer anymore either. Whether they'd fit in that space on the left side of the skimmer I don't know.

If you can post any pics of the red & green algae it would help. Almost all of our tanks have gone through an "ugly" stage!

I hope all that is of some help. Good luck with the tank!

[Reefmack]

tylt33 - looks to me like Rue had the last and first post in the new split. But you can have credit if you give Rue credit for forcing the split! :)

hexbinary - the white patches may be some coralline die-off. I wouldn't worry about that or the green algae this early.

[Hodge]

I've had to keep my lighting down to 8 hrs a day to keep algae blooms under control. I do have more CUC coming this weekend, the snails I do have are doing an awesome job, just not enough of them.

I've taken my black filter out completely now and am trying a single piece of Fluval polishing pad (white 3/4" thick). So far seems to be ok. I never did get much gunk when rinsing the black filter, only the white one.

Is it normal to have my CUC checking out my new Zoo frags. One frag knocked over this morning by a snail (the only one not on the sand bed, of course). Last night my peppermint was all over a couple of frags...Looking for aiptasia?? The frags are mounted on LR, so guess there might be some tasty stuff on them.

[Hodge]

My new replacement hood fans (which were totally quite) are now making the infamous "2 min jet engine start up" noise...argh.

[Reefmack]

Hodge - bummer on the fans - not the first time I've heard of the replacements making noise. I never tried it but there's a way to remove a piece on the right side of the hood that will let you try to reseat the fans. Maybe that's all they need. I think the snaps or whatever holding that side piece are on the bottom of the side.

Snails are great at knocking frags off rock. So are Linkia stars. The peppermint may just be looking for food, but I've read that they can at times take a munch on some polyps. I have peppermints & often wondered if they were eating some of my yellow polyps as those polyps resemble aiptasia. I've never heard of the perrmints eating zoas though, if that's what you have. I suppose it possible, but my guess is they're just looking for food.

Here's a question for all: I was just looking through my Marine Depot and Foster & Smith catalogs at lunch (another sign of addiction!) and noticed that Chem Marin makes a product called STOP Hair Algae. You spread it on hair algae, turn off the pumps for a few hours, and it kills it. Supposedly reef safe as long as you don't put it onto a coral. Had a couple good reviews too. I may order some to get rid of the little patches of practically inaccessible stuff that I get once in a while. Applied with a plastic tipped hypo like Joe's Juice is. Has anyone tried it?

[donna53w]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11006190#post11006190 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Hodge
I've had to keep my lighting down to 8 hrs a day to keep algae blooms under control. I do have more CUC coming this weekend, the snails I do have are doing an awesome job, just not enough of them.

I've taken my black filter out completely now and am trying a single piece of Fluval polishing pad (white 3/4" thick). So far seems to be ok. I never did get much gunk when rinsing the black filter, only the white one.



Hodge, I agree, the black foam filter doesn't catch much of anything. However, I have no fish or corals that I am feeding at this time, so maybe it will be useful when I hit that point??:confused: The white pad gets absolutely filthy in no time and requires cleaning, cleaning, cleaning.

I absolutely have to cut way back on the lighting times, too.


Donna

[donna53w]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11006221#post11006221 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Hodge
My new replacement hood fans (which were totally quite) are now making the infamous "2 min jet engine start up" noise...argh.

I too have the replacements, and at start up, the do sound like a jet but the noise subsides as they get 'wound up' and running smoothly. I really hope they don't go the way of the old fans.:rolleye1:

Donna

[Reefmack]

Hodge - not the first time people have complained about the replacements getting noisy. I've never done it, but there's a way to get that plastic panel off the right side of the RSM hood - to be able to reseat the fans. I think the panel connectors are on the bottom of that side.

I was just looking through Marine Depot and Foster & Smith catalogs during lunch (the reef addiction never stops!), and saw a Chem Marin product called STOP Hair Algae. I might get some and try it one the little patches I get that are practically inaccesible with a toothbrush. Reef safe as long as you don't put it directly on a hard or soft coral, and biodegradable. Anyone tried it???

[donna53w]

3 weeks into tank set-up. Lots of algae. Should I remove the purple stuff (in last picture)?

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b188/donna53w/PA190012.jpg IMG]http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b188/donna53w/PA190010.jpg[/IMG] http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b188/donna53w/PA190011.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b188/donna53w/PA190009.jpg

Sorry the shot of the aragonite substrate is very blurry. However, I have little tufts of hair algae sprouting up in there, too!! Is hair algae a normal part of the maturing process & it will go away eventually or should I be taking aggressive measures to eliminate it now ... like removing rock, scrubbing & starting from scratch?

Any other thoughts or advice welcome.
Thanks.

Donna

[Reefmack]

donna - the purple stuff - it is soft or hard? If it's hard it may be new coralline growing. It doesn't really look like the color of cyano to me. If it's soft & easily removable it's not coralline.

Things don't look too bad yet, and I'm guessing most of what you're seeing are just normal phases in a new tank. If you can remove the algae on the substrate by siphoning you might try it before you add the extra substrate (or just cover it up with new and it'll starve from no light). If you have only little tufts on the rock it may not be worth the time & hassle of pulling rocks out to scrub. Maybe if it gets a lot worse.

Just my opinons - hopefully you'll get some from other people.

[donna53w]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11007128#post11007128 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefmack
donna - the purple stuff - it is soft or hard? Ie.

It's soft, and gets full of bubbles. Since I shut the lights off all day yesterday, the bubbles have deflated quite a bit. No, it's not coraline.

[Reefmack]

If it's soft & bubbly I'd probably brush the purple stuff off & try to suction as much of it out as possible. The lights always make the bubbles appear - part of photosynthesis I guess. It may get worse before it gets better, but it's a period we all had to suffer through.

[mbdave]

Hey gang, Donna if you have excess nutrients (nitrate, phosphate)=algae. The slime stuff is a crazy charachter its actually bateria. Still though it loves nutrients and areas of low to no circulation....... Try water changes and an extra pump. If your still curing rock though just ride it out.
Reefer22 your in IN, theres great stores there, Premium Aquatics in indianapolis takes walk ins and has some sweet fish and verts, Inland Aquatics has a great selection of cultured fish and verts. No real need to worry about fish shipping when you are fortunate enough (as I am) to be in IN (or OH) :)

Chow.

[Tylt33]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11005581#post11005581 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefmack
tylt33 - looks to me like Rue had the last and first post in the new split. But you can have credit if you give Rue credit for forcing the split! :)

hexbinary - the white patches may be some coralline die-off. I wouldn't worry about that or the green algae this early.

Fine, Rue caused the split :P But Rue's post was then auto posted to the top of this thread. I was the first new poster in the thread... and that's two splits in a row. I'm going to have to keep the trend going!!!

[mbdave]

The lid prop, 3/4" CPVC cut to size to hold up the hood during work.


<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/dyoung4/Skimmermodandpumpmod.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

[Reefmack]

Tylt33 - you get the honor of starting 2 splits in a row :) Rue (and Titans I believe) get the honor of causing the last 2 splits!

mbdave - nice pipe mod. I used to just use a folded over hunk of corrugated box to prop it open. Either one avoids needing a second person, or an entry into the "dreaded power center"!

My fears of last night were confirmed this evening. Last night I saw (again) my big electric blue legged hermit attacking one of my big turbos. I managed to knock it off, but before I headed off to bed it was back attacking the snail again. Too late to mess with it so I let nature take it's course. Tonight I see the hermit sporting a new suit of clothes - at the expense of the big turbo. And this is after I bought new and bigger empty shells a week ago - he checked them out but wouldn't accept any. I think the hermit is not long for this world, as I'd rather have the turbos, and the hermit is big enough to cause problems with other things. The hermit came in on my rock 6 months ago and I was concerned about his size at that time, but he behaved himself till recently. To top it all off, he was just back at his old shell looking like he might switch back into that one - grrrrr! He better watch out the next time he's in a position that I can fish him out with a net! I tried to get a picture of him, but couldn't get a decent angle to take a pic. So I gave up & grabbed a quick pic of my pair of clowns:

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s205/mackwork/clowns10_19_07.jpg

I'm not into naming my fish - anyone want to name them for me? :confused:

[LaurentSeattle]

What about Reef and Mack ?

[mbdave]

George and Laura, Bill and Hilliary, Nancy and Ron????

[LaurentSeattle]

or Nicolas and Cecilia?

[donna53w]

Reefmack ... great shot!! How about Lois & Clark (Kent)? :rollface: 'had a good chuckle with the Presidents' and First Ladies' names, tho!

mbdave, yes I am just starting out ... 3 weeks into it. BTW, I like your lid prop.

Today I spent a lot ... a lot ... of time reading :reading: and sorting things through.:)

Then I tore apart my rock, cleaned some of the worst hair algae on the rock with tank water, then put it back in, mixed with another batch of LR I got today. That puts me at about 53-55lbs. It's very, very porous... Christmas Island. A bit difficult to make decent shelves with, tho.

I had rinsed extra sand ... rinsed & rinsed some more and then added enough to my original sand - sandbed is now approx 3" or a bit more.

Now I have a sandstorm :eek: so I can't take any pics yet.

Now I'll leave everything alone & let nature take it's course and be patient ....:o

Donna

[GDESQUIRE]

Pebbles and Bam-Bam

[Reefmack]

Good ideas, and thanks, but I'll avoid the Bill & Hillary one :mixed: I'll give the others some thought though and see if any other names are proposed. Right now I'm leaning towards Pebbles & Bam Bam. Sorry - no prizes will be awarded - my reef budget has been exceeded. :)

Donna - leave some room for corals! :lol:

GDESQUIRE - posting at 3:30 am? My goodness! :eek2:

[hexbinary]

what's the ideal temperature for a reef tank? and do you guys get alot of variance during the day with your RSM due to the lights?

[Reefmack]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11013427#post11013427 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hexbinary
what's the ideal temperature for a reef tank? and do you guys get alot of variance during the day with your RSM due to the lights?

That's a debatable question! All kinds of opinions too, and I'm not sure there's a definite answer. Reef temperatures vary quite a bit from one area to another, plus night vs. daytime, and seasonal variations. I can't really remember what I've read but 78-83 is a range I seem to recall. I usually run at 79 something 24 hours a day, with an occasional dip to 78.4 and an occasional high of low 80s. It seems like most people may shoot for 79, but I don't really know. Good question - hopefully we'll get some other responses on where they run their RSM temperatures. I'm interested too.

[MAXreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11013427#post11013427 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hexbinary
what's the ideal temperature for a reef tank? and do you guys get alot of variance during the day with your RSM due to the lights?

I second Reefmack.
78 - 83 is a range most people go for.
Me personally I try to keep the water at 80. When I started I had the tank at 77 but when I started raising to 79-80 it seemed the fish and corals liked it better.
If you don't run a chiller you might see the water temperature slightly higher during the day when the lights are on and then it drops during the night with no lights on.
Most important is to keep the temperature at a constant level without any big drops or raises.

Michael
MAXreefer

[MAXreefer]

That was a good question Hexbinary.

I just added a poll for this at the RSMreefers website.
Please guys visit the Poll page and let everybody know.

Michael
MAXreefer

[hexbinary]

I'm not wanting to buy a chiller unless I have to since it's a pretty big expense, but I see quite a bit of variation in temperature over the day, and I would like to see something a bit more stable.I'm usually around 81-83.

I need to get a PC based probe so I can generate a graph to really monitor it :)

If I have to buy a chiller, I think the wife will ask questions..lol

[Reefmack]

MAXreefer - I was going to suggest you put a poll on RSMreefers.com but you beat me to it!

hexbinary - just my opinion but 81-83 may not be terrible, as long as it doesn't get above 83. Do you have the add-on cooling fan in the back of the tank? That usually will drop it a degree, but you'll need to add more topoff water due to more evaporation.

[donna53w]

It seems that 79 and upwards to 82-84 is the average. A fluctuation of 2 degrees is acceptable. Also, in the oceans, it is natural to see temperature fluctuations, as the water is never at a constant temp. Just my opinion, but I have never had a problem with temp fluctuations if they are not severe ... within that 2 degrees. I aim for 80, & am comfortable if it rises a bit.

Donna

[LaurentSeattle]

Quarantine Tank

I am considering starting a QT/Hospital tank using the JBJ Nano Cube 6g. (found it for $128 online) I need a small tank because my place is quite small...

Is this a good choice?
Are there better options out there?
How many of you have a QT tank already?

Thanks!
Laurent

[hexbinary]

cool, I forgot about the cooling fan add-on, i'll get that first....it should do the job for awhle. I am concerned about when summer comes, I'll have to get the chiller anyway.

Might make for a good xmas present..i'm in no rush., I have nothing in the tank other than the LR now.

Thinking of picking up a couple of hermit crabs later today...I don't want to rush, but my parameters seem very good, and I have plenty of algae :)

[MAXreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11013892#post11013892 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by donna53w
It seems that 79 and upwards to 82-84 is the average. A fluctuation of 2 degrees is acceptable. Also, in the oceans, it is natural to see temperature fluctuations, as the water is never at a constant temp. Just my opinion, but I have never had a problem with temp fluctuations if they are not severe ... within that 2 degrees. I aim for 80, & am comfortable if it rises a bit.

Donna

I agree with you Donna. I might have expressed myself wrongly.
A fluctuation of 2 degrees is definitely not an issue and even normal IMO.
What I meant in my previous post regarding a constant level is trying to avoid for example a day temperature of 81 with a drop to 76 or so during the night.

Michael

[Reefmack]

Laurent - about an hour ago I was looking through a F&S catalog and saw the 6 gallon Nanocube & was thinking it would make a nice work or QT tank.

[Reefmack]

On the reef temps. here's a post with all kinds of opinions and counter-opinions:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1230086&highlight=reef+and+temperature

[Titans]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11013914#post11013914 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LaurentSeattle

How many of you have a QT tank already?

Thanks!
Laurent

I do =) It's a 10 gallon plastic tank with power compact lighting and HOB filter. Cost me $25 at my LFS. It's called an Oddysea 10. I have pictures on the RSMreefers site of the tank with a yellow tail damsel currently being QT'ed. The tank is split with a divider and on the opposite side is a big chunk of chaetomorpha.

[bookpile]

Laurent,

I have used a regular 10 gallon tank with an aquaclear HOB filter for a quarantine tank. When I had my 65 gallon tank I wanted a coral beauty and went through two of them that died in the quarantine tank after about a week. I'm not sure if the ones from my LFS had something wrong with them, or if it was too difficult to maintain suitable water conditions in the quarantine. I always felt like it was a little of both but haven't used a quarantine since.

If you have room for that 12 gallon aquapod we've been talking about that would work well and is a good deal.

I picked up my CUC from Fedex yesterday, I can't believe how little the cleaner shrimp is. I have to keep setting up corals that the sea urchin plows over. I hope he helps with the purple hair algae.

[mbdave]

On the temp I have always shot for 79-83 but the main thing is to get to the temp you wish for and stay consistant with it. Swings are very stressful to the fish so even if your at the low end or high end of that range just stick with it and avoid swings.

Also went to phishybusiness today and WOW they have the new I think it was Current nano all in one tank and its sweet. It is rimmless, has a skimmer, top off, 34 gallons and other goodies PB had it for a great price. Kinda wish I would have debated a tank a few more months............. Also got some sweeeeet zoanthids will post pics when they open nice:)

[donna53w]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11013937#post11013937 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MAXreefer
I agree with you Donna. I might have expressed myself wrongly.
A fluctuation of 2 degrees is definitely not an issue and even normal IMO.
What I meant in my previous post regarding a constant level is trying to avoid for example a day temperature of 81 with a drop to 76 or so during the night.

Michael

And I agree with you!:D I wasn't directing my reply at you ... no harm done.:)

Donna

[Reefmack]

mbdave - was it actually the Cadlights 34g that you saw? That's what it sounded like to me - built in fuge, cooling unit, skimmer, etc. Check out cadlights.com. The rimless look doesn't appeal to me but the rest of the tank is well thought out. But, I'm sure it has problems like all of the all-in-one units do. I still wonder if that little fuge is really worth much.

[donna53w]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11013914#post11013914 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LaurentSeattle
Quarantine Tank

I am considering starting a QT/Hospital tank using the JBJ Nano Cube 6g. (found it for $128 online) I need a small tank because my place is quite small...

Is this a good choice?
Are there better options out there?
How many of you have a QT tank already?

Thanks!
Laurent

Laurent, I haven't set my QT up yet since we moved. It's a 24g tank I've had around for years. I use the hob Aquaclear and keep the tank simple. No sand in the bottom, etc. I like the Aquaclear because I can use various types of media in it ... for removal of medications, treatments, etc. No skimmer ... basically bare bone set up. Trying to keep the parameters as close as those in your DT is paramount for success. Just a suggestion, but could you use a simple 10g aquarium? My reasoning is this ... in treating & dosing, it is easier to do the math.:strange:
Whatever you choose, it's a great thing to have the QT/hospital tank set up.
Donna

[bookpile]

It could have been the Current Solana tanka that he saw. It looks pretty neat. I had been considering the cadlights tank too instead of the RSM but have since seen some pretty scary threads about it on www.nano-reefs.com apparantly the tolerances are sloppy and the lights are dangerous.

Here's a link to a thread with the solana in it.

solana (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1225842)

[Tylt33]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11013914#post11013914 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LaurentSeattle
Quarantine Tank

I am considering starting a QT/Hospital tank using the JBJ Nano Cube 6g. (found it for $128 online) I need a small tank because my place is quite small...

Is this a good choice?
Are there better options out there?
How many of you have a QT tank already?

Thanks!
Laurent

Get the 12g Aquadpod HQI for $149 (price mistake) at marinedepot.com and get it quick. Normally it's twice that price, and if you ever wanted to use it for something else, you'd have a great set of lights.

[mbdave]

RM nope not the cadlights
http://phishybusiness.com/store/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=34&products_id=792

That pic does not do it justice.

[mbdave]

On the quarentine tank I use a 10 or 20 gallon tank with a sponge filter covered (on the sides) with a green garbage bag. Also I use large pvc fittings for shelter in the tank. The sponge filter is for aireation not really biological do water changes for that, the cover is to avoid stress on the fish slowly introduce it to outside movement, the PVC is so the fish can feel secure, oh yeah don't forget a heater all this is about 50-60 bucks tops.

[brycek]

Just have a question.......What are your the thoughts on removing all the filtration from the back of the RSM and running an external canister filter?

[donna53w]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11017155#post11017155 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by brycek
Just have a question.......What are your the thoughts on removing all the filtration from the back of the RSM and running an external canister filter?

I ran a cannister filter on a larger aquarium, and it was not the best way to go. All you are doing is adding a glorified power head, and making more work & cleaning. We actually ran mostly LR rubble in the cannister. If the pads are kept in, and not cleaned very, very regularly, it will result in ammonia, nitrite, & nitrate accumulations.

The RSM really doesn't need anything that the cannister has. Just my opinion. Hope this helps.

Donna:)

[Laggy]

I dont mind rimless tanks but that fixture which is thankfully sold separatly looks pritty bad. I just cant stand tanks without canopies for the most part.

[josh&jana]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11017477#post11017477 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by donna53w
I ran a cannister filter on a larger aquarium, and it was not the best way to go. All you are doing is adding a glorified power head, and making more work & cleaning. We actually ran mostly LR rubble in the cannister. If the pads are kept in, and not cleaned very, very regularly, it will result in ammonia, nitrite, & nitrate accumulations.

The RSM really doesn't need anything that the cannister has. Just my opinion. Hope this helps.

Donna:)

im with you on that one donna:D

[Reefmack]

I'm having a heck of a time getting a post in here. Sorry if multples show up.

I've often thought a small cannister might be good just to run carbon or a similar toxic absorber in. It would sure be easier to change it out frequently, rather than having to pull the pumps out.

[donna53w]

[i]<a

I've often thought a small cannister might be good just to run carbon or a similar toxic absorber in. It would sure be easier to change it out frequently, rather than having to pull the pumps out. [/B]

This may be a dumb question, but why can't we run carbon, phosban, etc on top of the skimmer pump, instead of the black foam & white pad?

[Reefmack]

Donna - a coarser grade of carbon might work there, but fine particle things like Chemi-Pure, etc. compact a lot & cut the flow too much in that location, or on the left of the skimmer = starved pumps & microbubbles.

[LaurentSeattle]

Thanks to all who responded about the QT...

The price of the 12g Nano Cube is really unbeatable but I simply do not have enough room for it in my kitchen. I thing I will go with the 6g.

Some news in my build thread, (Click the red house) and here are some "teasers" ... ;)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2246/1679999359_3d3aea4045_s.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2264/1679999339_ba7eb10f3d_s.jpg

[donna53w]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11021338#post11021338 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefmack
Donna - a coarser grade of carbon might work there, but fine particle things like Chemi-Pure, etc. compact a lot & cut the flow too much in that location, or on the left of the skimmer = starved pumps & microbubbles.

Thanks for the info. I didn't realize that. Do u mean that these products can't be used in the pump compartment either? That's a bummer.:(

[Reefmack]

No - they can be used in the pump compartment - they seem to interfere there less - maybe as the water is pulled upward through them and it keeps the granules suspended?

[Laggy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11020887#post11020887 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefmack
I'm having a heck of a time getting a post in here. Sorry if multples show up.

I've often thought a small cannister might be good just to run carbon or a similar toxic absorber in. It would sure be easier to change it out frequently, rather than having to pull the pumps out.

If thats what you want to do just get a phosban reactor or numerous other brands of the same thing.

kent phos reactor (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage.aspx?PageAlias=filters_kent_marine_phos_reactor)

phosban reactor (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem.aspx?idproduct=TL4311)

[Reefmack]

Actually, I'll skip both the cannister and the reactors - too many things hooked up now! :)

I just looked at some pics I took today, and I'm still amazed by how corals can look so different under different lighting. One example - a rock of zoas that look mostly yellow and pink under the MH lights, and glow in multicolors under actinics:

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s205/mackwork/Zoa4MH10_21_07.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s205/mackwork/Zoa1Act10_21_07.jpg

If I was selling these I'd sell them showing the picture taken under actinics. Let the buyer beware LOL!

[lpsluver]

Okay, here are pictures. The sump is still a work in progress. I've leak tested and made sure everything operated as designed and then the weekend was over.

Here it goes...The stand and the electrical. Lots of cords but you get the general idea.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/152258sump_002.jpg
Next, I made a cutout for the overflow so I could keep the hood in tact.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/152258sump_010.jpg
Here is the sump (Thanks Manny, the sump builder). It has 3 chambers and the water will be flowing clockwise once installed.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/152258sump_007.jpg
Next I'm testing the overflow and sump for proper flow (i.e. does it really work?)
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/152258sump_012.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/152258sump_013.jpg
A close up of the overflow.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/152258sump_014.jpg
And finally, with the equipment in place.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/152258sump_017.jpg
Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to show it in the cabinet in operation!

[donna53w]

lpsluver, great job! I am looking forward to more pics and updates. Thanks.
Donna

[Reefmack]

Looks great lpsluver!

[stathis]

Show us the way, lpslover...
I didn't understand exacty the overflow , but i think my questions will be answered from your new photos.
Great job.

[mbdave]

Donna I run phosban inbetween two pieces of poly flter on top of the skimmer pump works great.
Skimmer mod update, Not to brag but this mod has really worked for me now its tweaked in and doind great lot less bubbles ans much more consistant skimming.

[Reefer82]

lpsluver - Great progress on that sump. Waiting for the final OK.

mbdave - Where is Inland Aquatics located? I haven't heard of that one. I new on out here is Paradise Reef, it is located very close to Premium from what I've heard...like a few blocks away.

[mbdave]

LaurentSeattle Fosters and Smith have 6 gal nano cubes for 101.99 on sale now.

Inland is in Terre Haute west of Indy I guess about 45 to an hour.

[LaurentSeattle]

QT Tank again...

Thanks MBDave. I was almost decided for the JBJ 6g when I realized that I would not be able to fully open the hood in the planned location (because of kitchen cabinets)... I am now considering the JBJ 12g that comes with a free stand for $211 incl. delivery at a reputable online store.

Any better option?

[GDESQUIRE]

Skimmer Mod of the Year!!!!

O.K. How would you like to vastly improve the RSM skimmer, make it virtually silent and dare I say get rid of the dreaded micro bubbles?????

How would you like to accomplish all of the above with a mod that costs pennies and takes less than 5 minutes?

I've found a way to increase the amount of foam that rises in the collection cup - no, it's not cutting the neck shorter.

This mod also keeps the water level in the skimmer slightly higher than the water level surrounding the skimmer thereby aiding foam collection. A stronger pump?

Nope.

I took the air suction line and connected it to the collection cup thereby creating negative pressure (suction) which helps pull the foam up inside the neck. You can use an airline connector or use the existing suction line. Drill a small enough hole in the lid so that the connector or line, whichever you use, makes a tight fit. Connect the suction line and your done.

If someone will volunteer to post my pics I will be happy to forward them for insertion. Otherwise follow the link below to view the pics. I happened to use an adjustable flow valve in case I wanted to tinker with the amount of suction.

http://homepage.mac.com/gdesquire/

[LaurentSeattle]

I volunteer to post the pics... Just a sec... :)

[LaurentSeattle]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2001/1701915402_fb2169a942_o.png

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2162/1701915380_1b71bd36c5_o.png

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2019/1701915352_ebb6d6062f_o.png

[GDESQUIRE]

By the way, it creates a silence similiar to having the skimmer turned off. And it works.

I am applying for a Patent so you guys and gals have to pay me a buck to use it.

Address to be supplied upon request.

Only kidding!

[GDESQUIRE]

Thanks LaurantSeattle. I never got the hang of the pics thing.

[LaurentSeattle]

GDESQUIRE: Where the blue piece can be found? I want to try this mod. Finally, here is one compatible with my DIY skills...

[GDESQUIRE]

The blue piece came from an airline kit. However, it is redundant since the airflow can be adjusted with the air control valve supplied by RSM. You can simply insert the black tube into the hole you drill and use a small amount of crazy glue if needed. If you drill the hole slightly smaller than the black tube, it will fit snug. The idea is to get a tight fit that won't allow air to enter.

Thanks for posting the pics LaueantSeattle.

[brycek]

GDESQUIRE: Does the back lid still fully close with that mod? What did you use to drill the hole with?

[LaurentSeattle]

I just finished the skimmer "mod of the year".

I can at least confirm two things:

- It takes less than 5 minutes
- It definitely kills for good the suction noise of the skimmer and just for that this is indeed a VERY GOOD mod...

No changes in micro-bubbles here so far.
Too early to check the skimmer foam.

[Tylt33]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11029908#post11029908 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LaurentSeattle
QT Tank again...

Thanks MBDave. I was almost decided for the JBJ 6g when I realized that I would not be able to fully open the hood in the planned location (because of kitchen cabinets)... I am now considering the JBJ 12g that comes with a free stand for $211 incl. delivery at a reputable online store.

Any better option?

Why not get the 12g Aqua Pod that comes with Metal Halides for a lot less??? You can get it with the stand delivered for less than that too!

[GDESQUIRE]

The lid closes. I used a small drill.

[josh&jana]

gdesquire
thats using your head mate, so simple and in theory should work, what made you think of that, how long since you had done the mod was that pic taken....

[GDESQUIRE]

The pic was taken one hour after the mod.

[Reefmack]

Awesomely simple skimmer mod GDESQUIRE! I'm tempted to unhook my Remora and try it.

[lpsluver]

Okay. I got the sump in the stand and it is running. The system still requires some tweaking. The overflow is noisy (what a surprise) and attempts to silence create restart problems when power is interrupted. I will be modifying it by making a DIY Durso and make go to 1" PVC for the overflow to allow for more flow which, theoretically should silence the slurping. If I want to increase the flow I may need to rethink the plumbing because you sure can hear that water rushing through the tubing on its' way to the sump. The skimmer (Octopus NW-110) has not produced anything yet and I am not sure if it is because it is sitting in a new acrylic sump that needs to get "conditioned" or if the skimmer needs to be raised up a bit. I'll post some more pictures soon.

[Hodge]

Had a weird one last night.
Did my weekly water change and then fired up the skimmer afterwards and it pumped water up into the cup until I turned it off. The cup was full of water in 30 seconds. Emptied the cup, checked everything (all ok) fired it back up and it did the same thing. I have left it off for now until I can figure out what's going on.

Any suggestions on a siphon hose that can do a decent job of suctioning algae and stuff without draining my 10% changes in 20 seconds or less. I'm using a piece 1/2" hose and was wondering if anyone has tried 1/4" air line hose for siphoning??

[Reefmack]

lpsluver - I'm sure you'll figure it all out. Maybe the skimmer and the sump both need to run a bit to get rid of any manufacturing residues before the skimmer will show anything?

Hodge - weird on the skimmer filling with water, The air line isn't in the water is it? On the siphon, I bought a larger one and had the same problem you do - drains too fast! I went back to a smaller one I had (smaller diameter suction end & smaller diameter tubing), and now I get a chance to use it on the gravel, etc. without draining water so quickly. 1/4" air line might take forever to drain though - maybe something in between?

[LaurentSeattle]

Update on GDEsquire skimmer mod:

I did run the modded skimmer overnight with no noticeable improvement in performance. Mitigating factor: My skimmer usually produces very little foam during the night.

I will update later tonight.

[nappi82]

So I just placed my newly aquired BTA from Liveaquaria in the tank and bang power goes out....typical. Good news the power came on in like 1.5 hours and the BTA is attached in the spot I left him...looks very health (first purchase from Liveauaria...nice!). Anyway so when the pwer came back on I have microbubbles everywhere in the tank? I though I was one of the luck ones as to I never really had a problem.

gd-Nice skimmer mod by the way will try!

[Reefer82]

Hodge - Python makes a very small, yet efficient siphon. I have one for my 5 gal hex and it takes about 3min to drain it half. That should give you roughly 5min or so...not too bad.

GDESQUIRE - Great idea! Will give that a try in the next day or two.

lpsluver - On a 1 to 10 how noisy is that overflow and water flow noise? My RSM is in my living room and I don't want to have to crank up the receiver to drown it out.

[Reefer82]

Just FYI Premium Aquatics has 24gal PC lighted Aquapods on clearance for $119 for anyone needing a nice QT.

[LaurentSeattle]

Nano Planner

I have started to use it... It works very nicely on the Mac as a widget. Free and very discreet ad links.

http://www.current-usa.com/nanoplanner.html

Hope that helps fellow reefers...

[aarazorfish]

Hey guys,

Allow me to bust up the rythem, but I'm having a littlle problem with my chiller — BUBBLES! Holy crap is it bad. I have a Current 1/10 with a 1200 Maxi and the bubble are completely out of control.

Does anyone have the set-up running? Did you have bubbles?

Thanks!

aarf

[lpsluver]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11037742#post11037742 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefer82
lpsluver - On a 1 to 10 how noisy is that overflow and water flow noise? My RSM is in my living room and I don't want to have to crank up the receiver to drown it out. Right now it is noisy/annoying. I bought all the parts to 1) modify the overflow by making it a Durso overflow. This should eliminate the noise, except for the flow through the tubing; 2) rebuild the overflow out of 1" PVC and make a Durso adaptation. This will be noiseless and should help with flow noise since it can handle more flow and will not be tumbling water through the piping.

Funny thing is, my wife was saying that I was ignoring her this weekend while working on the sump and overflow and wanted me to be finished with it already and quit fiddling with it. She is home Today and has to listen to the gurgling of the overflow and will me more then ready for me to fiddle with it/fix it when I get home.:p

[lpsluver]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11039985#post11039985 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aarazorfish
Hey guys,

Allow me to bust up the rythem, but I'm having a littlle problem with my chiller — BUBBLES! Holy crap is it bad. I have a Current 1/10 with a 1200 Maxi and the bubble are completely out of control.

Does anyone have the set-up running? Did you have bubbles?

Thanks!

aarf I have the same set up. I'm not having any problems like this. Check a couple of things. Make sure the MJ1200 is in sufficient water so it is not drawing in air as well as water. Make sure all of your connections are not leaking. If your flow is quick enough it could be sucking in air through any fitting/connection that is not tight.

[Reefmack]

lpsluver - I get the same comment about being ignored also. Unfortunately it's true to some extent - it seems like the tanks always need something done to them, whether it's maintenance or mods. Good luck solving the overflow noise.

Laurent - thanks for the software link. I'd seen that once in the past and forgot where I'd seen it. I'll definitely download and install it tonight. The price is right too!

Hodge - did you ever figure out what was up with the skimmer cup filling up with water in 30 seconds?

nappi82 - good luck with the new BTA. Did the microbubbles get back to normal? Maybe it was just temporary due the power shortage?

[aarazorfish]

lpsluver - where do you have your return set?

aarf

[lpsluver]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11040339#post11040339 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aarazorfish
lpsluver - where do you have your return set?

aarf I have the chiller return about 8" down the into the bubble trap/heater section (area between the skimmer and LR/Pump chamber).

[aarazorfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11040408#post11040408 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lpsluver
I have the chiller return about 8" down the into the bubble trap/heater section (area between the skimmer and LR/Pump chamber).

Cool, that's how I have it too. Are you using hose clamps at all? I'm nervous about using stainless steel clamps, but your thought about air getting in is one I'd like to address. However, all my seals seemed tight. Maybe I'll check the seating rings on the chiller itself again.

I fina;;y had a bubble-free tank until this chiller showed up. But I gotta tell you, it keeps the temperature spot-on.

Sorry I'm rambling on, but I have one more question for you, was your chiller reading the wrong temp? Cause I have an American Marine digital and the temp on that and the one on my chiller are about 2 degrees off.

thanks for sticking with this. ha!

aarf

[Hodge]

Did the MOY last night. It is quieter, foam production seems about the same or less. I have to wait to see about MB's as my lights went off shortly after the mod.

[lpsluver]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11040489#post11040489 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aarazorfish
Cool, that's how I have it too. Are you using hose clamps at all? I'm nervous about using stainless steel clamps, but your thought about air getting in is one I'd like to address. However, all my seals seemed tight. Maybe I'll check the seating rings on the chiller itself again.

I fina;;y had a bubble-free tank until this chiller showed up. But I gotta tell you, it keeps the temperature spot-on.

Sorry I'm rambling on, but I have one more question for you, was your chiller reading the wrong temp? Cause I have an American Marine digital and the temp on that and the one on my chiller are about 2 degrees off.

thanks for sticking with this. ha!

aarf I use the stainless steel clamps on the fittings on the chiller. There are no (or shouldn't be) any worries about salt water in that location. I don't use a clamp on the pump because the tubing is snug enough to hold the pump in place and I really don't care if it is water tight. :) I think my temp is pretty close to spot on. I believe there is a way to change the temp display to create an offset to "calibrate the temp. Do consider which instrument is correct before doing any changing though. Your American Marine Digital may be the unit that needs to be calibrated.

[aarazorfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11041163#post11041163 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lpsluver
I use the stainless steel clamps on the fittings on the chiller. There are no (or shouldn't be) any worries about salt water in that location. I don't use a clamp on the pump because the tubing is snug enough to hold the pump in place and I really don't care if it is water tight. :) I think my temp is pretty close to spot on. I believe there is a way to change the temp display to create an offset to "calibrate the temp. Do consider which instrument is correct before doing any changing though. Your American Marine Digital may be the unit that needs to be calibrated.


Yeah, already calibrated the thermometer. Perfect.

Ok, we'll I'll check for those airleaks tonite and get back to you. thanks for the help!

aarf

[MAXreefer]

Update for the RSMreefers

We welcome:
"Houmax" from Houston, TX
"MDHatter22" from New York,NY
"ReeferLV" from Las Vegas, NV

Update:
More blogs are coming up from new owners to document their setup and progress.
Added a few pics to PrimoPaul's gallery

Some numbers:
9428 unique visitors
129714 Page Views

Michael
MAXreefer

[Reefmack]

MAXreefer - I checked out the new RSMreefers and...Wow! That Scolymia in ReeferLV's RSM gallery is beautifully huge! PrimoPaul's tank sure looks different now with the corals added. Nice.

[brycek]

I was talking to the guy at my LFS last night(they don't sell Red Sea products at all) about the RSM skimmer and the latest mod on here etc. Anyway he told me that he would custom make me a skimmer and only charge me for the acrylic and pump if I can give him the exact dimensions of the skimmer chamber on th RSM. I have been looking around maybe in the wrong places. Does anyone have the dimensions? I am willing to give him a try and see how it works.
a

[mbdave]

From tonight, not the greatest but my camera is not thew greatest:)

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/dyoung4/Latesttankpics006.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Sweet ricordea yume love this mushroom,

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/dyoung4/Latesttankpics005.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Scopas, blastmussa, and some nice red macro thats growing.

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/dyoung4/Latesttankpics004.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Middle right

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/dyoung4/Latesttankpics003.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

My bubble mushrooms, "LOVE THEM"

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/dyoung4/Latesttankpics002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Full tank

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/dyoung4/Latesttankpics001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Nice new palythoas
Good reefing!

[LaurentSeattle]

Just wanted to show off my latest pictures...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2255/1734756019_998f292f3f_o.png

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2365/1734755979_88f0b0502b_o.png

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2134/1734755971_bdb6527799_o.png

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2319/1734755969_6c064f473f_o.png

And the inevitable FTS:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2193/1734756035_a7d90182d2_o.png

All pictures as of tonight...

[Reefmack]

Wow - the tank looks great mbdave! Those colors are great. Where'd you get that red macro?

Nice pics Laurent!

[MAXreefer]

As always great pictures Laurent!!

Great progress with your tank!

Michael
MAXreefer

Maybe I should start a photo contest for the nicest RSM at the RSMreefers?

[mbdave]

Reefmack it just grew out of some Bali rock I am lucky for that.

[Reefersteve]

Any one trying an elegance in there RSM, I picked one up last week and I have to say it is my favorite piece I have and seen in a while.

Also, I cant believe the number of mods being posted here, some many great Ideas. Thanks for sharing

MBDave, how is your skimmer mod doing, I think you posted before the split?

Thanks Steve

[mbdave]

It is much better than the original skimmer. It always skims and I have allot less bubbles. As you can see above the tank is really waking up. I got a new skimmer today that I am doing the mod to and some improvements I have developed since the original mod. Can't wait to get it done!!!

[Reefersteve]

Right on, keep us posted on your progress.

Cheers

[Reefmack]

mbdave - great hitchhiker on the red macro. I wish I could find that stuff available. It sounds like you may be able to go into business soon making modded RSM skimmers. Maybe you should patent that thing!

I like those nice reds you have mbdave. I wish I could get some red corals or macro to liven up my rock. I have a group of several nice, bright red mushrooms that came on my LR, but they're all on the left side of my rock and barely visible. I guess I need to frag/relocate some to the front. Since we're posting some FTS today here's where I'm at as of Sunday. The new zoas are starting to multiply now, and the pom pom xenia is multiplying into new branches & separating into separate colonies. The $^% Xenia elongata (upper left) is getting out of control again, and it's now aggravating my clam. Time to hack it off again this weekend.

Help - Anyone know the best way to move a crocea clam? Do you carefully cut the byssal threads underneath? Will that kill it? I'd really like to move it, since the yellow Figi has really grown and is shading the Crocea as well as the Xenia. I'm afraid I'll lose the clam if I leave it where it is.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s205/mackwork/FTS100010_21_07.jpg

[brycek]

Hey has anyone every bought any livestock from PETCO? I just received a flyer from them with a 25% off any saltwater fish coupon.
Also has a coupon for 25% off for Aquatic Gardens Premium Marine Salt Mix. I have never heard of it and just wondering if it is worth me getting a bag.

[LaurentSeattle]

Reefmack: this is a nTotM shot! Go enter the contest, I believe it is still time...

Brycek: PetCo, PetSmart, etc are very hard to categorize: The quality of the livestock varies greatly and truly depends on the team in charge of the fish department. I have seen the worst and the best in these chains... For anything else, go online: Everything is twice the price at LFS's or big pet chain stores. Even with a 25% coupon, you will still pay 50% more, at best...

And thanks all for the nice comments about the pictures... But I really would like to have nicer stuff to shoot...

[aarazorfish]

I HATE MY RSM!!

Guys...don't know what to do anymore. This is a continuation of the problem I had earlier today — although now I find out my never ending bubble storm is the fault my skimmer?? Which has been working flawlessly for the last week until I put my chiller in. HOWEVER, it's not the chiller. Turned off the chiller, and moved out the pump and return: bubbles. Turned off the skimmer, reinstalled the chiller and ran it: NO bubbles. Sealed the bottom, left and half the right side of the skimmer: bubbles. Conclusion, for whatever reason, my skimmer has decided to blow massive bubbles since yesterday. What a piece of CRAP!! Anyone have any thoughts about this situation? Is anyone going skimmerLESS? Should I upgrade to a REMORA or TUNZE? I've been up until 3:00am the past 2 nights and basically my wife is going to murder me. WHY did RS make such a flawed skimmer??

We could have all done bigger tanks from scratch and paid LESS than all the upgrades we're adding to this box!

Can you tell I'm a touch P/Oed? HA!

All suggestions welcomed.

aarf

[LaurentSeattle]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11046506#post11046506 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aarazorfish
Guys...don't know what to do anymore. My wife is going to murder me. HA!

All suggestions welcomed.



I strongly suggest going wifeless for a little while... ;)

Because bubbles are here to stay and impossible to get completely rid of in the RSM...

[GDESQUIRE]

Reefmack - to remove the crocea you do have to cut the byssal threads. A small very sharp knife might do the trick. The idea is to apply a small upward movement to the clam so that you can cut the thread nearest the rock. If done correctly, the clam will be fine.

[Z-ReefKeeper]

aarazorfish:

The RSM skimmer is just not worth the aggravation in my opinion. After about a month of fiddling with mine I decided to suck it up and buy the Tunze Nano DOC 9002 skimmer. The skimmer has been rock solid since installing it.

I would ditch the stock RSM skimmer and go with the Tunze.

[aarazorfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11046632#post11046632 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LaurentSeattle
I strongly suggest going wifeless for a little while... ;)

Because bubbles are here to stay and impossible to get completely rid of in the RSM...

Completely impossible to get rid of I understand, but a constant flow of bubbles is unacceptable.

Again, if anyone has an upgraded skimmer rig they are using and happy with, please let me know.

Thanks!

aarf

[Reefmack]

brycek - I've bought FW fish from my local Petco, and have always been impressed with the FW section - cleanliness of tanks, health of fish, etc. But the SW section has always left a lot to be desired - big aiptasia in the invert tanks, and the fish not always looking in the best shape. I haven't been to mine in a couple months, but maybe it's gotten better. Every store can be different. My Petsmart only sells FW fish. As Laurent said, for non-livestock items at least, the things I buy online are typically 1/2 the price in the store, the selection is often much greater, and even with shipping a much better deal.

Laurent - I went & entered the nTotM. I did that a while back just for the heck of it. Not a lot of entries this month for some reason. I think mbdave, yourself & many others should enter as well.

GDESQUIRE - thanks for the info. on removing the Crocea. I hope to find time to do that, and relocate it, this Saturday.

On the microbubbles, I still get a few, even with replacing the RSM skimmer. I think mine are due to the top of the pumps always partially out of the water, and air entering the pump casing. Not the greatest design to have the pumps not submerged. Hopefully RSM will address that in future tanks and drop them an inch or two to keep them totally submerged.

aarazorfish - make sure your circ pump fittings are all on tight - that piece that snaps on can come off too easily. No need to pull the pumps - just check them with your hand.

[lpsluver]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11032363#post11032363 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lpsluver
Okay. I got the sump in the stand and it is running. The system still requires some tweaking. The overflow is noisy (what a surprise) and attempts to silence create restart problems when power is interrupted. I will be modifying it by making a DIY Durso and make go to 1" PVC for the overflow to allow for more flow which, theoretically should silence the slurping. If I want to increase the flow I may need to rethink the plumbing because you sure can hear that water rushing through the tubing on its' way to the sump. The skimmer (Octopus NW-110) has not produced anything yet and I am not sure if it is because it is sitting in a new acrylic sump that needs to get "conditioned" or if the skimmer needs to be raised up a bit. I'll post some more pictures soon. Alright, the latest update. We have success! I modified the DIY overflow by making it a Durso overflow, with a twist. The twist is that I cut some of the riser out while installing the Durso and in place of the removed section I put in a PVC compression repair coupling. This coupling allows me to adjust the level of the water in the tank (raise it up and down), which is now a function of the level overflow. The gate in the RSM is only acting as a surface skimmer now. This mod allowed me to turn the pump flow all the way to the max with no gurgling noise what so ever. The only noise I have is the flow of the water though the piping/tubing, the hum of the crappy return pumps for the RSM and a little noise from the skimmer (oh yeah, and the fans). The skimmer is still breaking in but it looks like I should be getting icky gunk any time now.

Reefer82...the unit is about as quiet/noisy as it was before so I don't think there would be any need to turn up the volume to drown out the noise.;)

[aarazorfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11047635#post11047635 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefmack
brycek -

On the microbubbles, I still get a few, even with replacing the RSM skimmer. I think mine are due to the top of the pumps always partially out of the water, and air entering the pump casing. Not the greatest design to have the pumps not submerged. Hopefully RSM will address that in future tanks and drop them an inch or two to keep them totally submerged.

aarazorfish - make sure your circ pump fittings are all on tight - that piece that snaps on can come off too easily. No need to pull the pumps - just check them with your hand.

Hey Mack,

Yeah, everything is tight. It's totally not the return pumps that's causing the issue, for whatever reason I'm not getting proper circulation from the skimmer. Even with the air valve practically shut, it's still flushing an incredible amount of bubbles through the system. I tried and retried every configuration last night and the only time there are no bubble is when the skimmer is OFF.

Sincerely,
At A Loss For Words — HA!

By the way, this is MDHatter22 (Mike) from the RSM owners site. For whatever reason, that log in name wasn't available on here, yet no one else has it.

[donna53w]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11028017#post11028017 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mbdave
Donna I run phosban inbetween two pieces of poly flter on top of the skimmer pump works great.


Thanks mbdave. I am glad there's a simple solution to placing media above the skimmer pump. That saves a lot of fiddling around, removing pumps etc., and I have the pump chamber full of LR rubble.

Donna:)

[lpsluver]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11048061#post11048061 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aarazorfish
Hey Mack,

Yeah, everything is tight. It's totally not the return pumps that's causing the issue, for whatever reason I'm not getting proper circulation from the skimmer. Even with the air valve practically shut, it's still flushing an incredible amount of bubbles through the system. I tried and retried every configuration last night and the only time there are no bubble is when the skimmer is OFF.
aara...This is exactly why I had a sump/fuge made for the cabinet, it contains my bigger and much better skimmer and will be a fuge. Protein skimmers are too important for reef tanks to have to deal with the POS skimmers that are supplied with these units. I know some have them that actually work but they are rare birds. Or they are like MBDave who essentially redesigned the unit to make it work. My skimmer compartment is now just an extra reservoir that contains my chiller pump and my overflow. Guess what...no bubbles, with the exception of the rare times the return pumps get starved for water.

[donna53w]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11046506#post11046506 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aarazorfish


Guys...don't know what to do anymore. This is a continuation of the problem I had earlier today — although now I find out my never ending bubble storm is the fault my skimmer??

aarf

This may be a dumb suggestion, but have you checked the position of the gate intake to the skimmer? Is it closed too far ... if it isn't already ... push it all the way down to open it completely and see if that makes a difference. Another obvious, but possibly overlooked suggestion ... do you need to add top off water? Are any sponges, etc. sucked up onto bottom of your pumps?
You've probably long since checked these things, but sometimes it's the simple ones that get overlooked.

Good Luck.
Donna

[donna53w]

[i]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11047635#post11047635 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefmack

Laurent - I went & entered the nTotM. I did that a while back just for the heck of it. Not a lot of entries this month for some reason. I think mbdave, yourself & many others should enter as well.

G[/B]


Wow!!!:thumbsup: You guys ... those tanks are absolutely gorgeous. Yes, I agree, enter the TOTM ... all of you. All those pics are so inspiring & I have a long way to go until the tank is mature enough to even begin adding anything!!! It's really nice to see what you have done ... and how well you have done it!!!
Donna

[Reefmack]

donna - thanks. Good suggestion on the gate, etc. too. I agree that we sometimes overlook the simple things and head right into discussing the more complex ones. I noticed last night that the level in my pump chamber seemed a bit lower than usual so I cleaned my filter - made no difference. Then I checked the gate and my big blue Linkia had again partially obstructed the flow by blocking it with a couple arms. After a gentle nudge he went over and crawled onto the rock work.

[aarazorfish]

Hey Mack,

I notice you have a Remora, and you can obviously see from the past 24 hours my frustration with the stock unit. My question is this: if I installed a Remora, would I still have a place for my chiller pump?

Thanks,

mike

[lpsluver]

Mike,

Unless you are either willing to remove the skimmer compartment cover or the hood the Remora is not the route to take. It is a good skimmer in my experience but Mack is using it because he removed his hood to install his Orbit lighting fixture. If you want something that will just slip into the existing space go with the Tunze 9002. It fits right in there and from all reports is whisper quiet and no bubbles. And it is about 30-40 dollars cheaper than the Remora.

[Reefmack]

aarazorfish - lpsluver is correct - I have no RSM hood to deal with. I'm not even sure if the Remora would fit with the skimmer flap removed, and still allow the hood to be fully raised. with no hood - yes, there would be space for the chiller pump & tubing. With the hood the Tunze Nano Doc 9002 would be the way to go.

Question for those running the Tunze - since the Tunze is mounted on the heater pane, that would block the usual chiller access point through the back - yes? Anyone running the Tunze and a skimmer? Did you put the pump & chiller pipes on the right side of the Tunze?

[aarazorfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11048917#post11048917 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefmack
aarazorfish - lpsluver is correct - I have no RSM hood to deal with. I'm not even sure if the Remora would fit with the skimmer flap removed, and still allow the hood to be fully raised. with no hood - yes, there would be space for the chiller pump & tubing. With the hood the Tunze Nano Doc 9002 would be the way to go.

You have BOTH been gentlemen and scholars. I have a Tunze 9002 already being overnighted as we speak.

Thanks for all the GREAT advice.

mike

[Reefmack]

AArazorfish - read up - I added a comment.

[lpsluver]

You're surely welcome (I know...stop calling me Shirley:lol: )Welcome to the "no longer using the POS RSM skimmer club". Your T-Shirt is on the way:lmao:

[aarazorfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11048917#post11048917 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefmack
aarazorfish - lpsluver is correct - I have no RSM hood to deal with. I'm not even sure if the Remora would fit with the skimmer flap removed, and still allow the hood to be fully raised. with no hood - yes, there would be space for the chiller pump & tubing. With the hood the Tunze Nano Doc 9002 would be the way to go.

Question for those running the Tunze - since the Tunze is mounted on the heater pane, that would block the usual chiller access point through the back - yes? Anyone running the Tunze and a skimmer? Did you put the pump & chiller pipes on the right side of the Tunze?


Thanks, worst case, I could run the chiller pump to the right of the skimmer, or mod up another way to mount the Tunze on the right. Based on what you've seen, would a modded mount work?

aarf

[Hodge]

Aarf, I feel your pain...went thru the same thing as you. RSM eventually sent me a new skimmer, which I finally installed last night. I will give it a couple days to break in but so far it acting about the same as the old one.
I found with the MOTY mounted in the skimmer lid, the hose was getting pinched when I closed the lid. Having a spare cup now, I drilled a hole (7/32" is a nice tight fit) in the end of the the cup instead...lid closes, no pinched hose and not a big deal to pull the hose out to clean the cup.

[Reefmack]

aarazorfish - I had the Tunze in for a short time. Long story - I lost the air screw into the tank and into my rock within 1/2 hour. IMO it would have to mounted on the heater pane, but I'm sure you'll figure out how to put the chiller pipes on the right side of it, and be able to close the hood. I think Josh was able to do that, and maybe some others running the Tunze. I think it could be mounted on the lip of the power cord center, but not with the hood on. If there's any other way to mount it I'm not aware of it.

[aarazorfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11049243#post11049243 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefmack
aarazorfish - I had the Tunze in for a short time. Long story - I lost the air screw into the tank and into my rock within 1/2 hour. IMO it would have to mounted on the heater pane, but I'm sure you'll figure out how to put the chiller pipes on the right side of it, and be able to close the hood. I think Josh was able to do that, and maybe some others running the Tunze. I think it could be mounted on the lip of the power cord center, but not with the hood on. If there's any other way to mount it I'm not aware of it.

Not too concerned about closing the hood — you're talking about the back part of the hood right? Not the MAIN hood?

Was the air screw on the Tunze a PITA? So you have the Tunze running now right? Or are you still with the Remora?

[Reefmack]

Still the Remora here. I may yet try the Tunze again. The air screw loss wasn't from it being a PITA - it was from my my lack of attention to what I was doing - I loosened it too much and plop it went into the main tank, into a crevice in my rock. I ordered some spares. The plastic screw eventually made it's way to a cavern under my rock, and my serpent star has eventually pushed it to a place I could probably get at it, but it's not bothering anything and not very visible. I had it mounted on the power center lip - in that location the hood wouldn't be usable.

Mounted on the heater pane no problem - at the worst the back flap might not fully shut, but if you drop the skimmer low enough even that will close. Maybe someone with the Tunze will pop in here with a pic and be able to give you a better idea.

[Reefmack]

aarazorfish - I found a picture that Josh had me post for him a while ago. It's the Tunze mounted in the RSM - on the hearter panel. It should give you an idea how it sits. That black sponge in the picture is a piece of the orginal RSM filter that Josh rigged up as part of a DIY filter for the Tunze - the sponge in the picture is not in the original spot where it was over the RSM skimmer pump.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s205/mackwork/Josh9002Cup.jpg

On the chiller - it may be that a hole saw or drill bit might be needed to drill spaces in that back lip to get the chiller pipes through, but I'm not sure about that. I haven't had a need for a chiller. Like I said hopefully someone with the Tunze and chiller will have some answers.

[aarazorfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11050029#post11050029 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefmack
aarazorfish - I found a picture that Josh had me post for him a while ago. It's the Tunze mounted in the RSM - on the hearter panel. It should give you an idea how it sits. That black sponge in the picture is a piece of the orginal RSM filter that Josh rigged up as part of a DIY filter for the Tunze - the sponge in the picture is not in the original spot where it was over the RSM skimmer pump.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s205/mackwork/Josh9002Cup.jpg

On the chiller - it may be that a hole saw or drill bit might be needed to drill spaces in that back lip to get the chiller pipes through, but I'm not sure about that. I haven't had a need for a chiller. Like I said hopefully someone with the Tunze and chiller will have some answers.


The Tunze is on the way. Will be here in the morning. Yeah, I'm going to first see if it's possible to mount on the right, if not, we'll make the chiller pump work where the foam usually goes. The foam is basically useless anyway. I'm not worried about losing the rear hood flap. I leave it open for ventilation anyway.

aarf

[Stuart60611]

Well, after about 6 months of peaceful co-existence, My royal gramma and yellow tail damsel have started to not get along. A few minor squirmishes, but the real problem is my gramma will now only come out at feeding time and remains hidden in the rockwork for all remaining time. I have decided that I need to get the yellow tail damsel out of the tank. However, the fish is impossible to catch. I have tried to lure him to the top with food to quickly net him without success. He goes hidden in the rock work. I definitely do not want to go through the pain removing all my rock and corals to get the damsel out of my tank Any ideas on how to catch him? I hate to have to get rid of the damsel, but if I have to pick between the damsel and the gramma, the gramma wins.

[Reefmack]

Stuart - sounds like my dottyback Pseudochromis and yellow tail, but in my case the dottyback rules, and makes the damsel go hide for a while. Neither one hides all the time though, and the dottyback has always preferred the rock work even in pre-damsel days. Skirmishes but only quick chases. If no actual harm is being done maybe just live with the situation? Pulling all the rock out would be a real pain!

[Stuart60611]

Reefmack:

No real harm is being done, and the gramma is eating. But it really sucks b/c I NEVER see him execpt for when he quickly darts out of the rock work to eat. It really takes the enjoyment out of having the fish. The gramma used to also go into the rock work but spent plenty of time in the open. I miss the fish. As such, I do want to get the damsel out. Just looking for a good way of doing so.

Also, my gramma used to also dominate. Like your situation, there would be the occassional chase and nothing more b/c the damsel backed down. However, the tables have turned and now the damsel is dominating, even though he is smaller. You take notice of that as it relates to your situation b/c I believe it is only a matter of time until your damsel gets the best of your gramma, and you will see your gramma hide all the time like mine.

[Reefmack]

I'll keep an eye on it Stuart! If you come up with a way let us know.

[lpsluver]

Now don't laugh. In the local reef club forum that I visit as much as this one there are some really experienced reefers that have had success with very small barbless, baited fish hooks. Perhaps from the fly fishing side of things. Do a search in the FMAS forum, there is also info about a successful DIY fish trap made from coke bottles and wire ties. .http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1235461 (http://)

If that Gramma is hiding, and it had gotten progressively worse over time, I don't think it will get any better. Damsels are one of the fish that I avoid like the plague (or like Xenia, Sorry Mack :p ). I've seen it written that they, as a genus, are pound for pound, the meanest fish going. I tend to believe it

[Stuart60611]

lpsluver:

Thanks for the info. Will check it out. But once I remove the damsel, the gramma should gradually resume its prior behavior of not hiding, right?

[lpsluver]

I do believe that will be the case. Happy fishing. Let us know how it goes. If you are successful you can probably get a small credit for it at your LFS.

[Reefmack]

What happens if you get a bite from the wrong fish darting in for the bait? :) If you do get the damsel by "fishing" have it mounted & put on a small wall - maybe above the tank LOL!

[mbdave]

aarazorfish,
Dude drop the pumps and do the mbdave skimmer mod.

[Reefmack]

aarazorfish - you probably already had this question - does your skimmer pump have the blue fitting on it? The blue fitting is an RSM upgrade to help with microbubbles.

[Hodge]

Update:
24hrs with the replacement skimmer and it's not any better than the original. Time to try the Mbdave mod I think.

[LaurentSeattle]

A quick update on the GDEsquire skimmer mod:

- Yesterday night, I widen a bit the little hole in the lid of the collection cup to make sure that the air pipe was not blocked.
- Let it run overnight and all day today with the lid open to make sure that closing the lid does not block the air pipe.

No luck: No change in skimming performance and no change with bubbles. I really do not understand why this does not work for me.

That said, the mod makes the skimmer almost totally silent, killing for good the suction noise.

[Reefmack]

Hodge - it can take a few days or more for a new skimmer to break in and wash out residuals and oils from manufacturing. I'm doubtful you'll see a difference, but in fairness to RSM I'd give it the normal break-in period that any skimmer usually requires.

[Reefmack]

Laurent - your results again support my feeling that no 2 RSM skimmers are identical. You used to get good results didn't you? Did it recently start performing worse than it used to? Maybe it's just that your tank is a lot cleaner now?

[LaurentSeattle]

ReefMack: Yes: Skimming performance started to decline when pest algae started to recede. And yes, the tank is much cleaner now. On the other hand, I have increased the "bioload" recently with the introduction of new fishes and corals and I have not seen any significant change in what I am getting in the collection cup: It is mostly green stinky stuff. Maybe because I am catching and evacuating plenty of fish poop in my (rinsed daily) white pad?

[aarazorfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11052059#post11052059 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mbdave
aarazorfish,
Dude drop the pumps and do the mbdave skimmer mod.

Got the Tunze coming Friday morning...mo money mo money mo money. Who cares, as long as the bubbles go bye-bye, I don't care what it costs.

[aarazorfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11052140#post11052140 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefmack
aarazorfish - you probably already had this question - does your skimmer pump have the blue fitting on it? The blue fitting is an RSM upgrade to help with microbubbles.

Mack,

I have the "GOOD" skimmer. Whatever. Upgrade!

Thanks,

m

[nymotts]

here are some recent pics.
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c117/nymotts/newtank10-21-07007.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c117/nymotts/newtank10-21-07006.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c117/nymotts/newtank10-21-07050.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c117/nymotts/newtank10-21-07013.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c117/nymotts/newtank10-21-07003.jpg

[donna53w]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11054468#post11054468 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nymotts
here are some recent pics.
[

Very nice set up. Great photos, too!

I am always amazed & concerned (at times) at what types of fish & corals are placed in these smaller tanks.
Is that a yellow tang? They get large, and need a good length of water (ie. 90g tank) to swim in. Just my opinion, but tangs really aren't a good candidate for our small aquariums, they may survive, but they won't thrive.
And a seahorse ... how long have you had it? Does it get enough food, being a slow eater, and with the other fish in there that are 'fast eaters'.
Donna

[fotoman68]

Where is the post on how to drop the pumps ? Man Red Sea sure was retarded when they designed this thing.

[Reefmack]

Laurent - maybe it is the cleaner tank and cleaning the pad daily that has you getting less skimmate. See what you get in a few days.

nymotts - good to see you drop in here again. The tank looks like a few things have grown a lot since the last time I saw it- looking good! I was also going to ask if the seahorse is able to get enough to eat, but I'm guessing you make sure it does. No comment on the tang - I'm not part of the tang police force :)

aarazorfish - keep us posted on your Tunze install. Give it a few days to break in before drawing any conclusions.

fotoman68 - it took me a while to find it, but the pump mod posts were in the last split. Here's a link to pictures of it (below the skimmer mod pictures). Information on it would be on pages before & after this one:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1201445&perpage=25&pagenumber=36

I agree - it seems to me that the pumps should have been dropped another 2 inches to keep them from being starved so easily.

[aarazorfish]

Good morning fellow tank tweakers. Another morning, and another question (problem?). Is anyone using an American Marine wireless thermometer? If so I ask the following:

1) Is it accurate?
2) If it's not, can it be recelibrated to be accurate or do you just call and get a new one.

I ask because all of a sudden it seems to be off. I put an old fashioned mercury thermometer in there and lo and behold, 2 degrees off.

Any thoughts? Comments? Other hobby suggestions? HA! Kidding, you gotta love this.

-aarf

[serenity]

These are neat little tanks, I think I may get one just to play with in my office!

[donna53w]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11056092#post11056092 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by serenity
These are neat little tanks, I think I may get one just to play with in my office!

Serenity, go for it!:) There's tons of good info here about these 'little guys'. We've had larger tanks before this one, like you, and are just in the process of waiting for our water to mature (Patience, Grasshopper :p )in our new RSM. Keep us posted.
Donna

[fotoman68]

REEFMACK - thank you. That mod makes sense. Did you try it ?

[Rue]

You guys are busy posters! Miss a couple of days and there is a novel's worth of catching up to do!!! :D

Nice pics nymotts! I had the same tang/sea horse questions as the others...:lol:

I caved and brought home 2 baby percula clowns this afternoon...and a blue shrimp (Heteropeneus longimanus). The shrimp is sort of an impulse buy - I was intrigued by him last time I was in the reef store...apparently they eat bryopsis...which I don't think I have...but this guy is so cool...huge! And hopefully more of a swimmer than a hider like the peppermint shrimp. Colouring is unremarkable...

The 2 clowns were the last remaining ones from the previous shipment...both were picked on, so some finage needs to regrow...they're eating well and are nicely marked...hopefully they'll colour up a bit more in my tank once they settle in...

I could have waited to get 'fresh' ones from the next shipment...but these guys needed a home so we'll see how they do...

Anyone wanna bet they adopt the frogspawn and NOT the anenome? ;)

[donna53w]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11058959#post11058959 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rue


I caved and brought home 2 baby percula clowns this afternoon...and a blue shrimp (Heteropeneus longimanus). The shrimp is sort of an impulse buy - I was intrigued by him last time I was in the reef store...apparently they eat bryopsis...which I don't think I have...but this guy is so cool...huge! And hopefully more of a swimmer than a hider like the peppermint shrimp. Colouring is unremarkable...

The 2 clowns were the last remaining ones from the previous shipment...both were picked on, so some finage needs to regrow...they're eating well and are nicely marked...hopefully they'll colour up a bit more in my tank once they settle in...

I could have waited to get 'fresh' ones from the next shipment...but these guys needed a home so we'll see how they do...

Anyone wanna bet they adopt the frogspawn and NOT the anenome? ;)

Congratulations on your new fish ... glad you gave them a home:fun4: ... and your blue shrimp. Could you post a pic, if he/she comes out for a photo session? I have to live vicariously through everyone else here until my tank is matured ... I love to see & hear what everyone else is up to with their livestock.:D

[Reefmack]

fotoman - nope - I haven't tried the pump mod. The way I mess things up I'm not sure I will. If I do, I'd like to try to find a fitting of the same size & thread of the pump fitting so I could put a plastic nut on the side that the hose would attach to, so that I could fasten the pumpheads securely.

mbdave - do you get any vibration from the pump mod in the manner that you did it?

Rue - congrats on the new percs & blue shrimp! I'll have to do a search on the shrimp & see if I can find a picture of it. Hopefully the percs will prefer the anemone over the frogspawn.

On another note, you may all find this RC post interesting. That's all I'll say about it:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=11059081#post11059081

:(

[Rue]

Thanks guys! I did find a good pic of the shrimp on-line...if I have a chance later tonight I'll post it...I think it's a he-shrimp ;)...he has a pair of extremely elongated pleopods for feeding...or rather he has one...the other seems to be missing...if I can see, I'll check for gonopods...

Read the link Reefmack...dunno what to say...I say you're right and they're wrong...but it is their site...I suppose we could start our own forum in 'our' site...

I post in more than one forum regardless so it's not a hug issue for me to add one more...

[Rue]

*ACK* Damn shrimp leapt out of the RSM as I was gently putting him in...

...and landed **SPLAT** on the floor...

I think he's okay...lol...or that's going to be a rather sad waste of $27...

[Reefmack]

Rue - be careful posting that shrimp link :) And stop with the invert anatomy terms! Just kidding! My biology degree is too ancient to remember them all LOL. On the link - I feel I got my point made, and my opinion stated, and can't say much more. I'm normally never an argumentive person, unless I think something is unfair. Anyway - I'm off to seach on Heteropeneus longimanus, but I'll avoid looking at any gonopod pics. :eek2:

Oh noooooo - I posted and your post was there on the leaping shrimp. Hope it's OK.

[mbdave]

No vibration that I noticed Reefmack.

I think the skimmers all perform different due to so many variables. The back chamber depth changes the skimmer level so easy and the air adjustment, also the open bottom. Though my mods are not for the quesy they so far are working pretty good. My advice is if you plan on the skimmer mod buy another skimmer from RS just in case it goes wrong (50 bucks) and also you will have adequate time to put into the mod. If someone wants to try the mod I would do it for them but can't promise speedy delivery and of course cost for the materials, and maybe a gift certificate to foster and smith ;)

Try it, when you master the adjustments you will love it.

[Reefmack]

Rue - The only links (and very few) I can find on Heteropeneus longimanus are in French and possibly German. I found one picture but it was a brown spotted shrimp - maybe you have a blue morph?

mbdave - good feedback on the lack of vibrations with the pump mod!

[Reefmack]

Here's a question for those running an RO/DI, and the ability to measure TDS. I got a TDS meter today, and the TDS of my untreated tap water shows 56 ppm. I've been contemplating getting a full fledged RO/DI to replace my little API carbon/DI resin gizmo. My treated water surprisingly shows 0 ppm TDS, but I recently replaced the cartridge. I still plan on getting the RO/DI in the near future, but I was wondering what kind of readings others are getting on their untreated tap water? I assume my untreated tap water TDS of 56 is low as the water hardness here in my area is only 20-30ppm - very soft.

[mbdave]

My TDS going into the RO/DI is low its like in the 50-60 range. Reefmack if your looking for an RO/DI check out aquafx they are good and CHEAP!
Also I am starting a 40 breeder tank it will be a laggon style reef because I want an anemone and the RSM is out of room so I need another tank. I would like to write a blog of it here if you guys are not interested in a non RSM If you are not interested I will not write it here.

[ledford1]

I was hoping you might be able to help me out. I'm checking on the RSM as a potential purchase but have some questions...

I would like to keep rics/zoas/LPS and a clam or two. I don't believe the standard 2x55 T5 lighting is enough for that though. I have check out NanoCustoms for the lighting upgrades. Have people tried the 70w and/or the 150w HQI hoods? Is there a heat issue with these lights, or are they adequately fanned/cooled?

Beyond NanoCustoms, where is the best place to purchase a RSM nano? This seemed to be the best deal I could find:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Red-Sea-MAX-complete-reef-system-WITH-stand-Black_W0QQitemZ230168784975QQihZ013QQcategoryZ20755QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Is anyone running a sump in the stand along with the RSM? Is adding a sump easy to do on this nano?


Thanks.

[Reefmack]

mbdave - do you know the water hardness of your tap water - do you have soft water also? Speaking only for myself - no problem for me if you want to post the 40 breeder tank progress here. But, you might get a more varied audience if you set up a thread like Laurent did, and it would all be in one thread - as fast as this thread moves posts on your 40g tank would get buried & split quickly.

[mbdave]

The stock lights are fine for what you want to keep.

[Reefmack]

ledford1 - I'll send you a private message on what I believe is the lowest cost supplier of the tank. Go back a page or three to see some info. from someone who has just installed a sump.

If it's not too late, I'd avoid the ebay sale - it might be an older tank model. Just my opinion - it may be fine, but I don't think Red Sea uses UPS for shipping tanks, unless things have changed. They usually use Fed Ex.

[LaurentSeattle]

MbDave: Open a build thread! I will tag along. I plan starting one later on, when my first tank has matured.

The eBay sale: The ad clearly states it is one of the latest model and the seller has 100% good feedback.

[LaurentSeattle]

Rue: I finally found a good picture of the blue shrimp:

http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/3866781/2/istockphoto_3866781_blue_shrimp_escape.jpg

;)

[nappi82]

new pics of BTA and gold stripe maroon clown:

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee243/nappi82/Picture001.jpg



http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee243/nappi82/Picture003.jpg

[Reefmack]

Laurent - that pic doesn't at all look like the Heteropeneus longimanus that I found on the net :)

nappi82 - great pictures of the anemone hosting the clown! Nice fish too!

For all the picture lovers (like me) here's a closeup I got a few days ago of my devils hand leather:

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s205/mackwork/Devil.jpg

[mbdave]

Dumb question, where do I put the build thread?

[LaurentSeattle]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11061038#post11061038 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mbdave
Dumb question, where do I put the build thread?

Right here, in the Nano section. Some others have done so already.

[bookpile]

ledford1, Just wanted to let you know that that is the same seller I bought my tank from. It shipped right from RSM and was fully covered under the warranty, which I have used twice with no problems. I'm not sure about the shipping though as mine came fedex freight.

In other news I got my salifert calcium and alkalinity tests. I added some of the Kent marine part a and b to increase the levels slightly. Hopefully I can get this purple hair algae under control.

All the livestock is doing well, except the urchin is a bulldozer and keeps knocking all my corals over.

[Stuart60611]

Well, I just wanted to update the thread that using the plastic bottle DYI trap, I was able to catch the yellow tail damsel. I set the trap just outside his cave home and baited it with some pellets. I caught my six line wrasse twice in the trap first, but after about 3 hours, the damsel finally broke down and went in after carefully checking the trap out for a couple of hours. Luckily, I saw it happen and quickly got the bottle out of the tank b/4 he could escape.

Now I am just hoping that my gramma reverts to his old behavior and stops hiding all the time. Glad to get the damsel out. He started to become a bruit and even started taking a couple shots at my valentini puffer.

[donna53w]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11061766#post11061766 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Stuart60611
Well, I just wanted to update the thread that using the plastic bottle DYI trap, I was able to catch the yellow tail damsel.

That's really good news. :) Your Gramma should be out & about as soon as it realizes there is no threat. Good to get the damsel out, before it stressed the other inhabitants to the point of getting ick. Your tank will be peaceful once again.:rollface:

Donna

[lpsluver]

Stuart...I'm glad to see you had success geeting that damsel.

Update...As promised here are some final pictures of my working fuge. Let me know your thoughts.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/152258sump_021.jpg

And a close up of the fuge section.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/152258sump_023.jpg

Michael/Maxreefer...feel free to upload the fuge pictures to my RSMreefer profile. It is a 19 gallon fuge with an Octopus NW-110 skimmer and a Mag 5 return. Has a DIY overflow.

[dme330i]

I took a one-year break from the hobby as I relocated to Charlotte from Atlanta. Now that we're settled in, time to get started again.While I was used to a larger tank (previous tank was a 150G - primarily SPS), we wanted to go smaller this time around and found a good deal on an AIO with the Red Sea Max.

The set up is really a good deal, considering that you get a tank, lighting, pumps and skimmer all in a neatly packaged unit. While some may think it's a premium, add it up - you won't save much by purchasing individually. Morevover, how many times have you seen a reef set up that looks cluttered - e.g., skimmer here, ATO there, bucket here, lights there. There's some price to be paid in getting a nicely packaged system. Also, I have not had any issues with the tank - skimmer works well, no micro bubbles, temp runs 1.5 - 2 degrees higher than the ambient room temperature. So far so good.

I realize the stock lighting has limitations, so we decided to set this up as a softie and LPS tank.So, day one - bought sand and salt.I'm impatient, so I decided not to do any mail order rock. I bit the bullet and bought all of my rock local, paying premium $ for very cured rock - ranging in price $5 - 7.99/lb. I transported the rock from my local stores in a cooler full of SW to prevent any die-off. This would prevent cycling peaks and allow me to move more quickly.

I don't have any pics of day 1-4. Days 2-4, I added rock. Day 3, I added a green chromis and on day 5 I added a small GSP and two tank-bred baby oscellaris (3/4").

Day 5

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-9/1279599/ftsday5.jpg

[dme330i]

Day 7 - added more rock from a local tank

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-9/1279599/ftsday5.jpg


Day 8 - finally settled on aquascaping

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-9/1279599/ftsday8.jpg

[dme330i]

Took a trip to Atlanta over the w/e and picked up a few pieces from Nemo Fish.

Green Brain

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-9/1279599/greenbrain2.jpg

Candy Cane

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-9/1279599/cc.jpg

Shroom Rock

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-9/1279599/shrooms.jpg

[dme330i]

Day 10 -

I've read many complaints about the skimmer and micro bubbles.

My skimmer works great and I don't have any issues with micro bubbles.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-9/1279599/ftsday10.jpg

[dme330i]

Day 13.

NH3 - 0
NO2 - 0
NO3 - 0

Over the last few days added:

Last few days added:

Basket Star
Toadstool Leather
Frogspawn
Frilly Mushrooms
Feather Duster
Sally Lightfoot Crab

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-9/1279599/fts13.JPG


http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-9/1279599/feather.JPG


http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-9/1279599/mush.JPG

[dme330i]

Day 20

Added:

- Blue Favia
- Large Candy Cane
- Green Bubble
- Pom Pom Xenia


http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-9/1279599/FTSDay20.JPG

[fotoman68]

great looking tank. What is that green thing hanging on the upper back wall between your return pumps and gate ?

[Reefmack]

lpsluver - the sump/fuge turned out great - good job! I really like that.

dme330i - the tank looks great! Those multicolored mushrooms from Nemofish in Atlanta are gorgeous. Wow, when you said you were impatient you were right on! Looks like your starting to get some brown diatom algae, but you might have enough coral in the tank already to starve the other rock from light :) Did you get the rock from Nemo Fish, Fintastic, Frank & Pegs, Petland or ? How does Nemo Fish in Atlanta compare to the Nemo Fish on Monroe Road? If they have what I want Nemo Fish in Charlotte has great prices, and Chris is a nice guy and a great help. Good luck with the new tank & let us know how it's going. Nice to hear someone didn't have to suffer through the microbubble problem.

I was going to ask the same question fotoman did - is that a chaeto holder in back or???

>>>>>>>>>>>

Update: I did my weekly water change this morning, and after I dropped the tank level by about 3-4 gallons I removed some small patches of algae, then commenced to removing some Xenia. When I got done & went to bring the level back up with fresh SW, I noticed the tank was already close to back to the original level - I forgot to turn the ATO off while I was working in the tank! Siphoned some water back out again, adjusted my stored SW up a bit with a minor salt addition and luckily got my salinity back.

I may post this in the DIY thread as a "Near perfect Xenia removal tool"......

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s205/mackwork/XeniaRemoval.jpg

I had a brainstorm of using a wide office clamp to hold onto Xenia while cutting off the base below the clamp with scissors. I even tied a piece of string to the clamp with a weight on the other end should I drop the clamp - not needed. I found that the clamp has strong enough springs that it will grab the Xenia, and with a twist rip it off the rock, and even hold onto it while removing a whole hunk in one piece. It's even easy to grab small colonies off the rock. The Xenia (elongata) had grown so big that it was shading my Crocea clam, and in contact with 1/2 the mantle and the clam's mantle was only opening half way. After removing the Xenia the clam immediately open up fully and after several days is getting full light exposure once again.

[Rue]

Great pics everyone! I still can't get over how clean everyone's tank is...I just spent an hour and half doing a water change and harvesting macroalgae...I can see things a bit better again! :lol:

My baby clowns are fine...and are checking out my slowly dying LTP...

I also had a scare and thought the blue shrimp was dead...but he was just playing possum...

[dme330i]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11063618#post11063618 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefmack

dme330i - the tank looks great! Those multicolored mushrooms from Nemofish in Atlanta are gorgeous. Wow, when you said you were impatient you were right on! Looks like your starting to get some brown diatom algae, but you might have enough coral in the tank already to starve the other rock from light :) Did you get the rock from Nemo Fish, Fintastic, Frank & Pegs, Petland or ? How does Nemo Fish in Atlanta compare to the Nemo Fish on Monroe Road? If they have what I want Nemo Fish in Charlotte has great prices, and Chris is a nice guy and a great help. Good luck with the new tank & let us know how it's going. Nice to hear someone didn't have to suffer through the microbubble problem.

I was going to ask the same question fotoman did - is that a chaeto holder in back or???
[/B]

Thanks.

Yes - diatoms were in bloom from day 11 - 17. My initial water was done with tap water (TDS 152) as my RO unit had not arrived yet. Diatoms were totally gone by day 21.

Most of the rock came from Nemo Fish in CLT. Most of the corals came from Nemo Fish. I got the red macro and some rubble for the last chamber from Fintastic. Got the GSP and baby clowns from Coral Dynamics. The large candy cane, leather and green shrooms came from local reefers.

Agree that Nemo fish has great prices and Chris is a great guy.

I got the tray in the back from target. It's a soap dish holder with suction cups - works perfect for holding Chaeto. My stomatellas like to hang out in the Chaeto.

Will have to take an updated pic - today is day 25. Got a firefish.

[Reefmack]

Rue - my tank just looks cleaner in pictures. Sounds like the LTP isn't doing well - sorry. Hopefully it will improve. Have you tried moving it to a different spot?

dme330i - Pardon me for not saying welcome to our RSM Club! Sounds like you picked up a few things from RASOC too. I thought that looked like chaeto on the back - nice idea for holding the chaeto - have you seen any growth in it in that setup? I'll have to check for that red macro next time my wallet will support a trip to Fintastic.

[fotoman68]

what does chaeto do ?

[Reefmack]

consumes nitrates

[dme330i]

Surprisingly, I've seen a lot of growth (bioload is pushing through the N cycle). The tray gets a lot of light. I pruned a small handful today.

Yup - got the leather from Darrell and the candy cane from Jack.

Just did a group order from Two Part Solutions - my auto lifter and ATO switches will be in next week. I'll start topping off with Kalkwasser. My evaporation seems to be around 30 - 40 oz./day.

[Rue]

The LTP has been doing badly since I got it early September. I haven't moved it since I don't think the tank would provide a better location the way it's set up...plus, it can move itself if it wanted, and it hasn't tried...

It's eating a bit, so I'm taking that as a good sign...I hope it recovers...it's beautiful...or rather...it WAS beautiful :(

...as an aside...today was the first day I saw the Fromia 'walking' around the tank...how cute is that??? It can motor pretty well on those thousand teeny-tiny feet...:lol:

[elekamit]

mbdave, what coral is that in the pic below (circled) ?

http://www.reef-center-host.com/pix/albums/userpics/10059/Latesttankpics002.jpg

[Rue]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11060378#post11060378 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LaurentSeattle
Rue: I finally found a good picture of the blue shrimp:

http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/3866781/2/istockphoto_3866781_blue_shrimp_escape.jpg

;)

...LOL...

Now THAT's a BLUE shrimp...:lol:

[Reefmack]

elekamit - I asked about that one too, and mbdave said it was a type of macroalgae that grew from his live rock. It's really beautiful - I wish I could find it somewhere. It almost looks like a type of sponge to me.

Rue - good sign that at least the LTP is eating a bit. I rarely see my Fromia move - it's just in a different spot a minute later! I just looked at my lawnmower blenny and it's got a fat little belly now. I had been worried about him since he doesn't get much algae to eat anymore, was getting skinny, and wouldn't take the sheet algae. Now that he's out there chasing down flake food & mysis with the rest of the crew he's really put some weight on.

dme330i - I'll have to look for that soap holder next time I'm at Target. I used to keep chaeto on one side in the tank but it was a bit messy and strings would break off and wrap around my devils hand and choke the fingers. The soap deal looks better at keeping it in check. I've been adding a Kent Tech CB 2 part, but I've thought about putting some kalkwasser in my ATO reservoir. With an open hood and cooling fans my top off was running about 3/4 gallon/day. But that may drop off soon as the room the tank is in gets pretty cool in the winter, and I doubt I'll need the fans.

[Rue]

Yes, I hope it makes it...but although it's eating...it keeps slowly looking worse...

...off-topic: My parrot can now snore like my husband :eek2:

[Reefmack]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11065947#post11065947 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rue
...off-topic: My parrot can now snore like my husband :shock:

Oh nooooooooo! :)

[Rue]

...lol...I know...

My husband, the dog (can't tell who's who some evenings) and now the bird...:lol:

[mjoener]

WOW!
Everyones stuff looks so good!
I have to post some pics of my new sps!

[Tylt33]

Has anyone had any of their fish get stuck against their intake gate? My clownfish got stuck against the gate the other morning, and then yesterday my roommate walked into my room to check our router, and he said my goby was stuck against the gate. Are my fish retarded or has this happened to anyone else? I'm surprised it didn't kill them!

[josh&jana]

tylt33
yeah my LM blenny sticks himself to the gate and wakes me up in the middle of the night with the pumps starving for water and a bubble storm in the tank.

[Reefmack]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11065991#post11065991 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rue
...My husband, the dog (can't tell who's who some evenings) and now the bird...:lol:

Rue - are you sure you're not included also? :rollface:

Took a very quick flash pic of my brain (Trachyphyllia geoffroyi)fully opened up & ready to be fed. I should have set up the tripod & took more time with it, but I was lazy. I'm amazed at how much these things swell up after the lights are off.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s205/mackwork/Brain2-1.jpg

[dme330i]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11065753#post11065753 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by elekamit
mbdave, what coral is that in the pic below (circled) ?


Not 100% positive, but it looks like Fauchea.

[Rue]

Yes, the brains amaze me too...now that mine is fully healed up he's showing a lot more 'personality' :lol:

This morning my clowns had abandoned the LTP and were wooing the Mag Float...:rolleye1:

...and sadly...I have to admit to snoring...I've been told I do...but apparently I'm not loud enough to bring the roof down (as are some others who shall remain nameless...)...

[Reefmack]

Rue - do you think the clowns are aggravating the LTP to poor health? I've read that can happen with some corals and even young anemones. My clowns seem to prefer to be hosted by my Koralia pump - they're found near it most of the time.

[Rue]

I imagine it would be possible. But I've had the LTP since September...and the clowns only arrived on Friday.

[Reefmack]

Probably not then

[Reefer82]

Great looking tanks everyone that's posted pics! Been busy and not much time to get on here lately.

lpsluver - I need to get a move on that fuge. Looks good. That is basically how I want it to look/work. Did you remove the shelf in the stand? I figured it out at around 16 gallons max with leaving the shelf intact.

A pair of clowns to be added hopefully this week bringing the count to 3 fish. What types of anemone would everyone suggest. I'd rather have one with some color. I think I've seen a green BTA? Let me know if I'm wrong on that one.

[mbdave]

That coral is some kind of macro algae I have not tried to look it up. Anyone??

[lpsluver]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11070460#post11070460 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefer82
lpsluver - I need to get a move on that fuge. Looks good. That is basically how I want it to look/work. Did you remove the shelf in the stand? I figured it out at around 16 gallons max with leaving the shelf intact. Yep. No more shelf. Want to maximize the sump i could put in there. That is also why I wound up installing everything on the walls.

[GDESQUIRE]

Reefer82 - Bubble Tip Anenome. Known to host most clowns.
Reefmack - Nice shot of the brain

[Rue]

Mine's a green Bubble-tip...very pretty...

[Reefmack]

mbdave - as dme330i said - maybe Fauchea on the red algae. I also found a picture online of Family Rhodymeniaceae that looked very similar. Difficult to ID of lot of the algae types as there are so many. Probably a lot not eveb classified yet.

[Hodge]

I have been dealing with brown diatom algae (orangy brown stuff) for the last couple weeks. It slowly covered most of my exposed rock and and then boom it was gone yesterday??
I did a regular water change the night before and changed the bag of Fluval Phos-x ?? I've been running above my LR rubble.

I didn't have a test kit for phosphates until yesterday so don't know if I had elevated levels or not...test last night = near zero phosphates.

Could a replacement bag of phosphate remover type stuff, a water change and reduced lighting (kept the lights off an extra 6hrs) have that quick of an effect or did it just die off?? either way I'm glad its gone.

[Reefmack]

Hodge - that's pretty quick. Maybe it was a combination of all of those things that did it. Mine didn't disappear that quickly.

[Reefmack]

Hodge - that's pretty quick. Maybe it was a combination of all of those things that did it. Mine didn't disappear that quickly.

[aarazorfish]

Hey Mack,

After a lot of screwing in and unscrewing and a schematic assist from Josh & Jana, the Tunze is in. Running about 12 hours and obviously nothing to report. The cup did fill up with water for some reason at first, but hasn't since. No bubbles which is awesome and plenty of room now for other fun mods in the back if I want.

Also replaced the old fans with the upgraded fans that Pinky at RSM sent out. You don't even know the fans are on. I had to check twice. They are REAL quiet.

Chiller is keeping the tank at a perfect temp, but my America Marine thermometer took a dump so that has to go back.

My cycle is going a little unexpectedly. I've had 50lbs. of uncured running for about 10 days now and my ammonia won't go past .025 — there's GOT to be stuff dying on this rock, so that's a bit strange.

Anyways, I went off on a tangent. I'll keep an update on the skimmer as it (hopefully) produces brown gold.

Thanks,

aarf

[Reefmack]

Hey aarf - that's good news on the Tunze & fans! I remember when I set up the Tunze it was a lot of in & out till I got the bracket adjusted correctly. Good news on the lack of microbubbles too. It may take a few days till it starts skimming and then make minor adjustments on the air screw - and don't loosen it up so much that it falls out and into the tank LOL. Bummer on the thermometer. Maybe the uncured LR was more cured than you thought? What are the nitrite & nitrate figures?

[Hodge]

I just posted a pic and question in the propagating section...maybe one of you smart RSM owners might be able to help first??

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1239320

aarf, I never got much of an ammonia spike or any spike for that matter during my cycle. No bubbles...gonna have to order a tunze, as my second rsm skimmer isn't any better than my first.

[aarazorfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11076702#post11076702 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefmack
Hey aarf - that's good news on the Tunze & fans! I remember when I set up the Tunze it was a lot of in & out till I got the bracket adjusted correctly. Good news on the lack of microbubbles too. It may take a few days till it starts skimming and then make minor adjustments on the air screw - and don't loosen it up so much that it falls out and into the tank LOL. Bummer on the thermometer. Maybe the uncured LR was more cured than you thought? What are the nitrite & nitrate figures?

OR, the rock was never out of the water that long and I literally missed any kind of bloom overnight and there won't be much die-off. Either way, I'm waiting another week, then a big water change, then wait again.

m

[Stuart60611]

Just thought I would share my personal experience. I was using chemi pure elite for a while and decided to give the purigen bag a try. The purigen bag is much smaller than the chemi pure bag and fits far more neatly over the skimmer next to the heater with a far less propensity to restrict the flow than the chemi pure. I use a plastic fork wedged in between the skimmer pump and the back wall to act like a gate over the water line to keep the purigen completely submerged and not pulled out of its area by the water flow. Although much smaller, the little purigen bag treats up to 100 gallons.

I decided to make the change b/c my overstocked tank needed a some additional filtration. I had read that purigen is supposedly the most potent chemical filtration in terms of the volume it removes of organic waste, nitrites and nitrates. Since the change, my water is noticebly clearer, far less algae, and my corals seem to be opening wider.

On the emprical front, my nitrates at the worst of times reached as high as nearly 20 ppm but since the change I have for the first time reached undectible! I realize that I am giving something up by the switch b/c unlike chemi pure, purigen has no phosphate remover. Obviously, I could add additional phosphate removal media, but I really don't have a problem on that front, particularly b/c I am using Catalina pre-mixed sea water from petco.

I also like the fact that the purigen can be easily reginerated and turns a dark brown color when exhausted so that one can easily determine when to change it out.

I thought I would share this information b/c I am sure others are looking for some additional filtration help to deal with their overstocked RSMs.

[jameshongth]

Hi,

At times, I still encounter thousands of tiny bubbles produced by the Skimmer, so pls kindly advice what 's the step or method to stop such thing happen :mad2: !

RSM bought on 29 Sept07.

Thing that I have done.

1. Cut the Black sponge into half.
2. Drop down the inlet grill and raise the water level slight higher, almost reaching the top of the grill.
3. New version skimmer pump.

Thanks.

[dme330i]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11077509#post11077509 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Stuart60611

I decided to make the change b/c my overstocked tank needed a some additional filtration. I had read that purigen is supposedly the most potent chemical filtration in terms of the volume it removes of organic waste, nitrites and nitrates. Since the change, my water is noticebly clearer, far less algae, and my corals seem to be opening wider.


I've used Purigen in the past on all of my tanks. When I started my RSM three week ago, I threw in a bag of Purigen.

To your point, it works great. I place my bag over the black sponge right behind the overflow.

[Stuart60611]

dme330i:

Just a thought. You may want to reconsider the location where you place the purigen b/c you are applying chemical filtration right b/4 the water gets skimmed. With the crappy RSM skimmer, I think you would want to give the skimmer the dirtiest water possible and them apply the chemical filtration. This way you remove as much as the RSM skimmer is capeable first getting the most out of it. I applied my chemi pure elite b/4 in the same location you place your purigen and noticed a sharp decline in skimmate generated. I would be curious to know if you moved the purigen over the skimmer pump like I did if you notice any increase in skimmate.

[brycek]

I was just wondering if anyone else has used rods food for feeding their entire reef? I was given a few samples at the MACNA show about a month and a half ago and have been using it exclusively in my RSM since. Everything has been doing extremely well. I have one small package left and will have to start buying from my LFS once that is gone.

[donna53w]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11078031#post11078031 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jameshongth
Hi,

At times, I still encounter thousands of tiny bubbles produced by the Skimmer, so pls kindly advice what 's the step or method to stop such thing happen :mad2: !

RSM bought on 29 Sept07.

Thing that I have done.

1. Cut the Black sponge into half.
2. Drop down the inlet grill and raise the water level slight higher, almost reaching the top of the grill.
3. New version skimmer pump.

Thanks.

Hi James,

I am pretty new to this RSM set up, but so far, my micro bubbles problem has completely gone away. I cut the black sponge so that it is about 2" thick, & still use the white pad on top. Make sure it is fitting snuggly over the skimmer pump. Also, I keep the water level of the tank just slightly below the trim ... you can just see the top of the water through the front glass. Keep the skimmer collector and the neck clean... this is simple maintenance required by all with all skimmers. I also have only live rock rubble in the pumps chamber, to approx 2" below the pumps intakes.
Good Luck,

Donna

[stathis]

Lpslover can you please give us some details about your diy overflow.
(maybe some photo from the tank ) .
Is it noisy ?
I desperately need a refugium to move the chaeto from the main tank.
I'm feeding my corals too much, as Mr.Shimek proposed to me , so i have to keep my nitrates low, with a big ball of chaeto.
Thanks

[lpsluver]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11080649#post11080649 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stathis
Lpslover can you please give us some details about your diy overflow.
(maybe some photo from the tank ) .
Is it noisy ?
I desperately need a refugium to move the chaeto from the main tank.
I'm feeding my corals too much, as Mr.Shimek proposed to me , so i have to keep my nitrates low, with a big ball of chaeto.
Thanks Do to the space constraints of the RSM a picture of it in my tank really is of little value. If you go into my gallery you can see some pictures of it in the almost finished phase. I thought up something that I thought would work and then discovered that someone else had thought of it too. This thread (http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/nice-cheap-diy-overflow-29396.html) has the info that you need to build one. I can fill in the gaps and describe the improvements that I made to it to make the slurping noises go away and how to provide water level adjustment. The only noise created by the overflow is the waterflow through the piping/tubing.

[Reefmack]

On the subject of Purigen: I have a bag of Purigen that I bought a while ago but never used. I may try it this weekend in place of the Chemi-Pure Elite that I have in now. I was thinking of using something like Phos-ban along with the Purigen - to absorb any phosphates and silicates. Anyone have any thoughts on this, or experience with Phos-ban? I suppose I could add a fresh bag of Chemi-Pure Elite with the Purigen, but I'm not sure if those two together will cut the flow too much (in the pump chamber).

[bookpile]

Reefmack, I was going to post more qualitative information on this later today with before and after pictures but since you asked I'll do a quick post now.

On Friday morning I added Phosban and dosed with kent marine a and b for the first time. Last night I was pleasently surprised to come home and find that the purple hair algae that had been choking and covering everything in the entire tank was all but gone except for a few patches.

I've used purigen before on a turtle tank and it worked great. In fact I just ordered a bag last night for the RSM, I'm going to try and run them both.

[Reefmack]

Thanks bookpile. I think I'll go ahead and try the Purigen/Phosban combination. I've already been dosing with Kent Tech CB parts A & B.

[glalderman]

hmmm...speaking of skimmers...guess it is time to pull mine out and see what is up with it...mine has always worked great...but lately it hasn't been making any skim? I haven't had it out to clean in ages...guess it is time!

Well...on sort of a geeky note...since I have put an AquaController 3 on my 120 and am able to control the tank through the internet at work...thought I would install a wireless camera on it also...but since it is still cycling and is boring to look at rock...I put the camera on my RSM for the time being...thought it would be better quality...but oh well...

RSM Cam (http://12.149.119.136:1024/main.cgi?next_file=main.htm)

Greg

[Reefmack]

Hey Greg - good you "see" you again! Cleaning the skimmer should help - that gunk that builds up at the top of the main unit and on the neck of the cup acts as an anti-foam. If it's been ages since you cleaned it you'll probably have a nice buildup of it in there.

I'll have to check out the RSM webcam from home. They have streaming media blocked here at work. Bummer!

[glalderman]

Terry...I take the cup out and clean it weekly...just haven't pulled the whole thing out and clean the insides...or the pump...

[Hodge]

I picked up some Phosban as well... just wondering where you guys plan on putting it??
It looks like the kind of stuff that wont sink too well and will have to be held down to stay under water??
I'm going to make a DIY basket to fit between the skimmer/heater area I think.

Wish me luck, I'm going to try propagating my zoa colony tonight into 3 equal pieces (30 polyps ea)...

I picked up a small favia (red/green) frag on the weekend. Its covering a rock about the size and shape of a golf ball. If I put it in a depression in a larger piece of rock, should it spread onto it?? most of the brain corals I've seen pics of are covering a single larger rock...I know I should be keeping it away from touching anything else.