redwarrior77
03/28/2009, 04:30 PM
Ok, so I've had my tank since July, but I really haven't had much time to put into it until recently. I've had a few nuisance algae issues and one unfortunate issue with my heater that cost me part of my CUC, but since it hasn't really been stocked until now, I haven't sweated it. Now I'd like to get more strict about tank maintenace and cleaning and I was wondering what kinds of weekly cleaning the reefkeepers here do?
Right now I do 1 2 1/2 gallon water change per week. I use a turkey baster to stir up the sand a bit and blow some of the stuff off of the rocks and I use a clean washcloth to wipe down the back plastic, hoses, and anything else that might have some algae on it. I use another washcloth with a solution of white vinegar and tap water to clean the lid, lights, and anything else that isn't underwater, but has salt creep and such. I use filter-floss in the 2nd chamber (biocube 14), so I replace that as well and I replace it in the middle of the week, too.
I'm wondering if I could be doing more, as I do have some hair algae and that icky red bubble algae, not a ton, but enough to be annoying. I increased the snails in my tank and I'm keeping up with my water changes better, but I was wondering what everyone else did as far as maintenance and what kinds of tools they use. I'm also considering running chemipure or carbon to help out, probably in the second chamber beneath the filter floss.
Ideas?
Right now I do 1 2 1/2 gallon water change per week. I use a turkey baster to stir up the sand a bit and blow some of the stuff off of the rocks and I use a clean washcloth to wipe down the back plastic, hoses, and anything else that might have some algae on it. I use another washcloth with a solution of white vinegar and tap water to clean the lid, lights, and anything else that isn't underwater, but has salt creep and such. I use filter-floss in the 2nd chamber (biocube 14), so I replace that as well and I replace it in the middle of the week, too.
I'm wondering if I could be doing more, as I do have some hair algae and that icky red bubble algae, not a ton, but enough to be annoying. I increased the snails in my tank and I'm keeping up with my water changes better, but I was wondering what everyone else did as far as maintenance and what kinds of tools they use. I'm also considering running chemipure or carbon to help out, probably in the second chamber beneath the filter floss.
Ideas?