A Hello from Southern California

Thanks to everyone offering advice. I made a deal with the wife, I feed the fish and she feeds the cats. We have very well fed cats!
I changed the lighting some. I now have a 65 Watt 10,000K PC from my 30 gallon tank I use to mix water and a 18 Watt 6500K PC I got at Home Depot. Today I programed a 12/12 cycle from a 24/7. They are on at night to keep PH balanced. Should I go to a 14/10 schedule?
Got some more micro algae on the way to add to the other side of the sump. Moved the LR I had there to the tank to make more room. My sump is only 25 Gallons so I am somewhat limited. I am also modifying my DIY DN. Should be back in action next weekend.
I use a woven filter pad on the tank return to my sump. I try to change it daily, more often when I stir things up in the tank as suggested. Today my nitrates rose to about 40, not sure why, too long of a lighting cycle? Ammonia and nitrite are 0.

 

It sounds like you are making a lot of progress. Don't give up the great work. You'll be very pleased when it is set the way you've been waiting for.

 

Hello Yucca! I'm from Torrance. We're "kindda" close... kinda....

 

Thanks for the encouragement, I know things take time to progress.

Not quite a stones throw but not to far apart...

I go to San Bernardino at least once a month, Guitar Center and a fish shop are my regular stops. Sometimes Rancho Cucamonga for Bass Pro Shop. I fish out of Newport sometimes as well.for
Is there any fish shops in your area that are a must see? I am looking for some larger hermit crabs. I have a good size one in my tank right now, want to get a couple more. Not sure of the name, it has horizontal bands on its legs.

 

OC has some really nice stores. Do you ever head over there?

 

I went to one, clean with a good selection. They sold me my puffer and an anemone at the same time. I have not been back since "Chompers" ate the anemone.

I would like to find one with a good selection of inverts. I like crabs as well or better than fish.

I depend on on-line store for most of my purchases now.

 

Hi and Welcome

 

Tong's usually has a good selection of inverts.

 

Salt Life, Thank you...

Ingonito,
Thanks for the info I will look them up.