Help Me Improve My Tank

As Vinny and Daniel stated, a skimmer is never a bad idea... except that skimmer. If you're looking to buy one, I'd suggest you go with a good name, like Tunze or Hydor. Like anything else in this hobby, you get what you pay for, and the Rio is a cheap POS.

 

Allow me to re-emphasize what Vinny said-- stop using Purple-Up. You don't know all the elements or the quantities in that stuff, so while you may be keeping Cal in check, Mag, Alk, Iodine, and who knows what else could be going off the scale. There is no one perfect combo that will work long-term for every tank. Besides that, it's cheaper to get the proper dosing elements and dose the right way.

 

+1
i was just about to type this. never add anything you cant test, also just because your cal is good don't mean you alk and mag is also.

 

Get a sump and ditch the canister filter
Trust me
Also get ATI bulbs

 

Well will cost more than $30 but PETCO dollar gallon sale, buy a 40breeder, then use 20L to make a sump for the 40. You can then do one of several overflow options. Then just need a mag 5 return pump. That's what I would do personally. Then buy quality equipment as you go and can to add to it.

 

do more water changes but with smaller amounts at a time

 

As I read through this thread i cant help but shake my head for various reasons. I too have a 20 long and i too HAD the 4 bulb odyssea T5 light and I too HAD the rio HOB skimmer and I too USED to use purple up and I too HAD many problems and headaches. My advice is very similar to the response that you have already gotten and that is 1.ditch the canister (too much work) 2. ditch the purple up, trust me, i thought I was doing good but it did absolutely nothing for me but drain my wallet of money that I could of used for salt, food, etc. 3. DO NOT BUY THAT SKIMMER that rio hob skimmer was the biggest PIA that i had on my tank. I know it seems like a great deal but trust me you will pay for it with your hair when you start pulling it like i did. It is a very hard skimmer to dial in and if you think you have microbubbles now... 4. If you havent switched out the odyssea bulbs yet think about it, you will be amazed at how much brighter the higher quality bulbs are and how it helps with colors. I think the best thing you can do is save some money and buy quality items that will stick with you for a longer time and really benefit your coral, this will in turn save you more money in the future with upgrades and make it easier to maintain a happy home for your livestock. Thats just my 2 cents. HTH and good luck.