The bottom line on No3 is that your filteration(sp) is not working correctly or hasnt caught up with your bio load yet. Possible factors are; over feeding, CC is not a good idea to have, fine sand is better(imo), unless you clean it out religously. Those sponges should be cleaned out depending on your turn over and cleaned out with the water that you just took out from the WC. For ex, I have a Magdrive 18 which pushes 1800 gph(1535 @ 4' head), I clean out my sponges and filter pads twice a week.
5 gals for a 110 tank is very little(imo), remember it is recommended to do a 10-15% WC every(depends on your bio load).
As for the Tidepool II, does it have a spinning wheel, if so, some have said that in time, they product No3's. I've been trying to lower my 20ppm No3 for the longest and to no avail. Luna _________ 9YR OLD 90G/55g custom sump/refug Mag18 Aquac 180skimmer 692w MH AC jr,yel&kole tang,midas&convict blenny,B&G chromies,Blk/yel fin chromie blackcap,nemo,neon goby,6line; Blastomussa Merleti,Acan ,BUBBLE,Torch,LTA, Acropora(2) Moon, assort zoas, yel& G star polyps, P&B ricordia, montiporas, cup&candy corals, xenias,B/G mush,flower ane(2), cherry red mussa, dusters,cleaning crew..  |