Keeping everything stable the natural way

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by Anya, Jan 17, 2013.

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  1. Anya

    Anya Bristle Worm

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    ;D
    thanks for the tip!
     
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  3. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    No problem, honestly I think every tank under (lets say 40 gallons) should have ATO. I could see a huge difference in my corals when my water was running (low).

    Stability is key.
     
  4. Anya

    Anya Bristle Worm

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    sadly I am aware of the problem... I've been fighting those for at least a year now, have 3 in the tank. I use "Stop Aiptasia" by Chem Marine and it definitely keeps them under control but that's about it. I used to think they were getting smaller but not the case. At least they're not spreading though. My plan is to get some pepermint shrimps once the water stays at normal for a while. If that doesn't work I'll try Aiptasia-X, thanks!
     
  5. Zechenia

    Zechenia Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    The key is not to have to worry about is not the reliability of your ATO but the size of your freshwater reservoir. I have had mine get stuck on a couple times... but my reservior is small enough that it doesn't overflow my system. Only draw back is that I need to fill it more frequently... but that's worth the peace of mind.
     
  6. Anya

    Anya Bristle Worm

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    Good point. Looking into it...
     
  7. symon_say

    symon_say Astrea Snail

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    First, an ATO is better way to keep you salinity stable, specially in a small tank like yours, a few days of laziness and you might get int trouble.

    I have read JBJ are really good, also autotopoff.com, tunze osmolator is suppose to be the best stand alone ATO, but the best you can get is a controller, but is a lot more expensive.

    Have your try some peppermint shrimp??
     
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  9. Anya

    Anya Bristle Worm

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    Yep, got 2 shrimp this Friday, they haven't done much yet: sitting in rock nooks and swaying away. Wonder if there is anything special I need for them in terms of food and conditions.
    I've heard it's hit or miss with them, most likely I'll end up using Aiptaisia-X, that's what my LFS recommended as well.
    For the salinity, I have this idea: what if you put a "constantly-chilled" plate with grooves (or rims) in it, over your tank, so that any evaporated water immediately turns into water via condensation and runs back into your tank? I know that would take some handy work but I have a feeling there are some pretty "handy" people on this site... Wonder if anyone has tried that?
     
  10. symon_say

    symon_say Astrea Snail

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    Or you can just put a glass top and reduce evaporation to the minimum, but even this will allow some water evaporate, another thing is evaporation is a way of the tank to cool down.

    IMHO it might be possible to build what you have in mind, but it will take time a money, a lot more money than a simple ATO, if you want to keep it simple and natural build a gravity feed ATO.
     
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  11. MrFolgers

    MrFolgers Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Yea just get a glass top. My 75 is completely covered because of my eel and I only have to top off about 2-2.5 gallons a WEEK
     
  12. brunoboarder244

    brunoboarder244 Torch Coral

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    if the shrimp you got arent from the caribbean they won't eat aiptasia...only caribbean peppermints will i believe