Giving Up.....

[cuttingras]

IMO...Instead of water conditioners, why not look into an RO/DI unit, for the everyday tops offs and water changes. They aren't that expensive when you look at it in the long run(ebay). You're in for the long haul right? Buy the RO/DI and not the conditioners. You want to put as little chemically into your tank as possible(other than the normal Ca, Mg, pH adjusters...etc.) And over the long run you will save a lot of $$. Also, on a 30 gallon I would look at a the AquaC Remora and you can definitely find it online cheaper than at your LFS...just MO

[cooljjay]

I am going to get one soon i hope, its just the cash flow is a little tight right now. That is why I haven't bought a protein skimmer, at the time i started the tank I had the extra money but things have changed.

[cuttingras]

I totally understand that! Check out this AquaC from one of the guys on here(3reef)

http://www.3reef.com/forums/3reef-tr...sed-45202.html


this is at a real good price right now, not sure how high it'll go though

[cooljjay]

thats the only problem I have about finding a protein skimmer, it has to fit in the sump. I have a plexa tank and theres only about a 10in opening on the back and theres no place to hang one on, than the home made sump is to tall to hold one. I was thinking about getting a new sump system that has one bulit in. I tried buying a few skimmers from the lfs but could never get them to fit.

[cuttingras]

ahhh I see....hmmmm

[cooljjay]

Yeah its a strange set up, I was thinking/hoping that the snowflake would die and i could just swith over to a 28gal nano/all in one tank and then just sell this set up off, but the whole money thing again. guess i will just browse around ebay for a good one.

[NU-2reef]

Originally Posted by cooljjay

Yeah its a strange set up, I was thinking/hoping that the snowflake would die and i could just swith over to a 28gal nano/all in one tank and then just sell this set up off, but the whole money thing again. guess i will just browse around ebay for a good one.

hoping that the snowflake would die is just irresponsible are you sure you're ready for a slatwater tank ? switching over to a smaller nano is not the cure bro. if you cant control your water params now you will have worse luck in a smaller tank. trust me i have a 29g biocube and i have to watch my water quite frequently.

Why not see if the LFS will give you store credit or at least take it back that way you're not killing because waiting for it to die does not make sense.

And try not to get any more livestock before you get your filtration system all figured out.

I dont mean to sound so blunt but i just dont feel the need to wait for life to die before you make a move; just my opinion. good luck bro.

and think about the purchases you make. im sure you know but the more livestock the more hazardous material in water so a protein skimmer before livestock would be my suggestion.

[kimmy]

Cooljjay....I have used the Aqua C on a 24G nano, and it works awsome and is not that large. It is on the long slender side. I believe you can get the dimensions on M.D.
IMO I would take a slotted spoon (non metal) and sift out all the crusch coral, and add some more rock. You ideally should be matching your gallons to rock, 30G = 30LBS. I have a 75 w/ 85LBS. Also, try vacuuming your sand w/ the next water change. What kind of flow do you have? I am not 100% about this, but w/ an eel, can you have an effecient clean up crew? I do not recommed a 75G water change, too much shock in an already unstable tank. In yous sump are you using a sock or any kind of micro filter? I have had great success w/ chemi pure elite. Help remove phosphates, nitrates and some other things. I run 2 bags in my 75. Don't give up, it's all about fine tuning and finding that "way" that works for you and your tank. I agree w/ everyone, ditch the eel, get control of the tank, then add SLOWLY!!!! Good luck and keep us posted.

[wastemanagement]

Originally Posted by cooljjay

snowflake is way to big hes like a foot, eats at least 6 small or 3 large goldfish aday.

You are feeding that eel way too much it might be cool to watch but it has got to be half the battle in your tank.

Originally Posted by ReefSparky

nitrates at 160 is PRETTY STEEP! Do you do water changes? If so, something is afoul somewhere. If not, you should start.
protein skimmer. Get one,
Good luck.

I think that if you want a sucsessful tank you will have to start to do some maintanance mate.

Originally Posted by cooljjay

Yeah its a strange set up, I was hoping that the snowflake would die

Trade him dont worry about the tail he probly does it because hes stress out.

Here is another thought maybee some one will chime in here with some info to help me out here

Maybee If your heater went bad and cooked the tank maybee your liverock has suffered mass die off and it has created a nother cycle in your tank?

[target001]

hey
i have a hang on skimmer inside my sump