View Full Version : Please Help
New to this site,would love some genuine help with my tank,ad heart breaking experience 5yrs ago with me losing two georgous kuda and corals down to my lfs advising and selling me the wrong set up for sh,(must of seen me coming)to cut a long sad story short I have had a new tank with tropical in for two yrs but my hearts not really been in it,really wont my babys back,can some one please tell me how to convert back to marine i.e sh and soft coral in english as Im not used to all the abbreviations ect.
I have at the moment a Hagen Duo 1000 which holds 180 litres,duel lighting 1 blue moon 1 white,Eheim 2216 which consists of Ehfimech,filter pad,Ehfisubtratand and a finerfilter pad at the top.
Please help.
Time to leave the dork side!! (tropicals:p)
There are some super SH keepers on this site, I have a reef and am getting my pair of SHs for my other tank in a week or two.:) So you have removed all topica stock and washed the tank completely with water? You are also going to need to consider other marine-y things such as skimming and UV, if you so wish.
I am not familiar weith that tank and how to "pimp it" :lol: so hopefully someone on here will. But as Im sure you are aware its saltwater, live rock, a month, then perhaps some corals and finally your seahorses. :)
denise.gardner
08-01-09, 21:41
hi umzo glad you have come to this site as there are a lot of people who will help you have you had a look at some of the other threads yet.i lost my reidis this morning we think it was an electric shock as it even effected the some of the corals and it happened so quickly.your tank is fine and so is your filter.as i said before keep the tank running until your ready to change.first thing you will need is sand a coarse coral sand is bast seahorses dont like to fine a sand.then you need either a hydrometer or a refractometer so you can measure the salinaty.you may need to change your white light it depends which type it is.then you will need salt ask at your local shop which one they use or recommed.....i hope this helps so far .....den
Dive Master
08-01-09, 21:50
Hi umzo.
I would also suggest you run the berlin method of filtration. The eheim external would be a useful mechanical only filtration.
I would also invest in a good skimmer- ponies can be messy eaters!
The lighting is not that important unless you intend to grow a lot of caulepra/algae in there- which isn't a bad thing, as this will provide 'hitching' posts for them as well as help to reduce nitrates and phosphates.
The only thing I would conflict with Denise about is to get yourself a refractometer. They are more accurate than a hydrometer. Ponies can be quite supcepbtible to salinity (sg) changes.
You already have a fair sized tank- make sure you really do clean this out well NOT with detergents (!!) Just lots of clean water.
Oh, and you may want to invest in an RO Unit too. Generally tap water is no good for these guys.
Do post your comments, there's a lot of helpful people here!!
Hi and thank you for a lovely warm welcome.
I have used a sand before and live rock and understand this will all be incorpreated in the new set up,still have my hydrometer altho i will need to replace my testers(sat to long)also used marine salt,altho was told to mix with tap water,will be using ro in future,I am just bothered that looking through all these internet sites I dont have enough equipment on or in the tank,the tank I had before the sand stated going really brown and there was a lot of glass anenomies,water changes did not help.Really wont another go.
Thanks for the welcome Divemaster, Berlin method not heard of that ? would like to have algae and calulepra like you say good for sh and quailty.
What skimmer would you recommend for this size of tank please.
Dive Master
08-01-09, 22:13
The berlin method is basically live rock with pumps in the tank to aid circulation and promoting the growth of useful bacteria.
For your tank - 180litres, I would STRONGLY recommend a deltec mce300 skimmer. Yes, a little bit more expensive than the rest, but really is one of the best out there.
Perhaps to save a bit of money you can buy this secondhand?
Defintely get yourself an ro unit- tap water simply will not do!
A couple of tunze nano pumps will also help with the circulation of the berlin method.
With your eheim, I would run this as purely mechanical- floss/sponge to be changed EVERY week (not more than this as it can promote nitrate problems.) OR have carbon in there to be changed every 3-4 weeks.
many people do not use skimmers , there is some dispute over whether the little bubbles disease the ponies. Choice really.
Hth
Dive Master
08-01-09, 22:36
many people do not use skimmers , there is some dispute over whether the little bubbles disease the ponies. Choice really.
Hth
Never heard this before :confused:
TBH, ponies being messy eaters should really have a skimmer. Plus using the berlin method relies heavily on the use of a skimmer.
The only time when I haven't seen a skimmer being used is the mud/refugium filtration method.
Big thank you bit confused on the use of a skmimmer now! will deffinatly look into the pums,would this help stop the sand from goin brown?Sorry about all the questions only being had once and wasting loads of money(as u all now this is not a cheep hobby )wont to get it right.
m not going to be using a skimmer :confused:
Dive Master
08-01-09, 22:42
The pumps will help circulate the tank. You will experience brown developing on the sand- this will be fine as it's all part of the natural process of maturing the tank.
I STRONGLY suggest getting a skimmer.
Dive Master
08-01-09, 22:45
m not going to be using a skimmer :confused:
Saltyell, I believe that you are referring to gas bubble disease, both internal and external.
There is no scientific proof that I know of, that a skimmer causes gas bubble disease. Appreciate that this is still a bit contentious to what the cause is, but imo and ime it is usually down to an immature set up where a breed of infectious bacteria affects the ponies.
I again, would strongly recommend that you get a skimmer for your set-up unless you are going via the mud/refugium route.
:)
Hi Dive Master Thanks again,been looking for the skimmer with no look at present,also the tunze pumps not quite sure what Im looking for,sorry just a wee lass would you be more percific on these items.Pretty please.
other users and
My lfs say I don't need a skimmer. Anyway also reidi r best apparently
Dive Master
08-01-09, 23:08
Hi Dive Master Thanks again,been looking for the skimmer with no look at present,also the tunze pumps not quite sure what Im looking for,sorry just a wee lass would you be more percific on these items.Pretty please.
http://www.deltecaquariumsolutions.com/NewProductsPage.htm
For the MCE300. Also google it, there are plenty places that sell it.
http://www.thelivingseas.uk.com/p/527682/tunze-nano-pump-0800040.html
Tunze nano pumps
Dive Master
08-01-09, 23:10
other users and
My lfs say I don't need a skimmer. Anyway also reidi r best apparently
Reidis are the hardiest. Agreed.
Where is your evidence that you don't need a skimmer? I think that your lfs is wrong.
My skimmer in the pony tank needs to be cleaned three times a week. Its just full of brown gunk!
Dive Master
08-01-09, 23:14
http://www.deltecaquariumsolutions.com/NewProductsPage.htm
For the MCE300. Also google it, there are plenty places that sell it.
http://www.thelivingseas.uk.com/p/527682/tunze-nano-pump-0800040.html
Tunze nano pumps
If money is a problem, then go for secondhand tunze nano and mce300.
The alternative to the tunze pumps are hydor korallias. They do the same job, cheaper. But imo, they are nosier than tunze??
http://www.thelivingseas.uk.com/p/474371/hydor-koralia-2.html
denise.gardner
08-01-09, 23:23
hi dive master i did not say not to get a refractometer i think it is a good idea if you have one of those and a hydrometer i leave mine in the tank so i can just glance and do a quick check on the salinity and if its high i double check with the refractometer.i am a great beliver in skimmers you8 do need a quite powerful one but everyone has ther own favourite makes i use a turbofloater sl in my large tank which is normally 280 but i got for 140.the o9nly time i turn mine off is feeding time for 15mins and overnight when fry are due as seahorses have a habit of sitting under them to have their fry and its quite scary seeing them flying around like their in a spin dryer and it doesnt do them anygood.i would also advercate the use of a u/v as it should stop most bacterial dieases which is what gets most seahorses.i agree with saltyell on the choice of reidi they are much more hardy then kudas and have a greater range of colours.the ones i had were giant leopard tails.after what happened today i would strongly recommed a circuit breaker we took apart the filter assembly and found the heater was cracked so we think that is what happened .maybe you dont think that after that i may not be one of the people best to advise you i will understand....den
Thanks Dive master
will I need two of the pumps,sooner pay the extra the old man moans about the noise coming from th trop tank at the moment.lol Is there anything else you can think of that i would need please.
Dive Master
08-01-09, 23:46
I think it would be best that you list all the equipment that you have at present/are going to buy and then we can all put a tick against it and suggest whatelse you would need! :)
But in a nutshell,
1. Skimmer
2. Two circulation pumps
3. Salt (!!!)
4. Refractometer
5. Live rock
6. Test kits- ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, ph
7. At a later stage, perhaps some phosphate remover such as rowaphos or ultiphos
One you have set up, I can free up some algae-caulerpra for you to grow in your tank. It's a wonderful natural filtration as well as providing hitching posts for the ponies!
I can also give you some sand from my setup (providing you don't live too far- I'm sure there are reefers in your area if so!) which will help seed your tank!
Hi Denise and Divemaster.Welcome all your advise with open arms.After my disater with the wrong advice and equipment from my local lfs(now closed down,I only have the tank,eheim left,testers will be no good(meant to throw out)and the salt.Wil have to purchase all other equipment needed.Have someone that will take the trops of me when Im ready just wanted to know if it could be done and what it would cost me to get to a level like yourselfs,pics are lovely,carnt wait but i will. Tank is Hagan duo 100 180 lites.Big thanks in advance.
Dive Master
09-01-09, 00:26
You'll need a few hundred pounds at least!
Don't forget food- frozen mysis only !
denise.gardner
09-01-09, 00:36
umzo,as i said before shop around because the prices vary so much but the live rock i would def look on the livestock ads here.where abouts are you?i have brought liverock from members here its normally nice and mature there is also an equiptment ad section which you should be able to pick up some bargains.alot of it is people giving up the hobby or upgrading or downscaling.did you have a look at some of the other setups as it will give you some ideas.the main thing you need to get new are test kits/salt and additives.the one thing i will say and that is try not to get tropic marine salt as it loses all its additives quite quickly so my local shop says .have allok on some of the sponsers sites thats who i got my skimmer from ...anyway speak to you soon youve got my pm if you want den
Never heard this before :confused:
TBH, ponies being messy eaters should really have a skimmer. Plus using the berlin method relies heavily on the use of a skimmer.
The only time when I haven't seen a skimmer being used is the mud/refugium filtration method.
I don't use a skimmer and I have 10 seahorses. I have thought about getting one but everything seems fine with the seahorses so haven't really looked into it properly as there doesn't seem to be a real need for one. We do good water changes EVERY week though without fail. :) I wouldn't say don't use one though as I know what you mean about the horsies being messy eaters. :p
Joanna
you could try a few mangroves, they are good filtration better in some cases than algae, if you have enough of them they can replace a skimmer, or so i have read. I have a smallish skimmer on my with 12 horses in but, i have corals and a baby tank attached so i have lots of excess food floating about. if you strain the food there should not be that mutch waste left floating to get skimmed out.
you could try a few mangroves, they are good filtration better in some cases than algae, if you have enough of them they can replace a skimmer, or so i have read. I have a smallish skimmer on my with 12 horses in but, i have corals and a baby tank attached so i have lots of excess food floating about. if you strain the food there should not be that mutch waste left floating to get skimmed out.
Ooh, I've seen the mangroves but didn't know what they were for. Do you just float them in the top of your tank and what exactly do they do? :D
Hi. :)
Long time no see, Jo :D
Hows u?
Anyway ... just to clarify, do I neeed a skimmer?
And mangroves are often used in sumps, in anture they are found in lagoons and provide breedin places for fish, they filter the warer and remove nutrents. In place s like Palau they are cutting down mangroves to make roads, and the result is nutrients in the waters of the reefs. :( Not good.
But in your aquarium I am not sure if you can put them in the actual display. But the general jist is the roots are are sort of beneath the water level, not neccessarily buried, and the actual leaves come out higher than the water level. They need lots of light, but do an amazing job filtering aquariums.
As said, in nature these things filter the whole of the reefs!
umzo,as i said before shop around because the prices vary so much but the live rock i would def look on the livestock ads here.where abouts are you?i have brought liverock from members here its normally nice and mature there is also an equiptment ad section which you should be able to pick up some bargains.alot of it is people giving up the hobby or upgrading or downscaling.did you have a look at some of the other setups as it will give you some ideas.the main thing you need to get new are test kits/salt and additives.the one thing i will say and that is try not to get tropic marine salt as it loses all its additives quite quickly so my local shop says .have allok on some of the sponsers sites thats who i got my skimmer from ...anyway speak to you soon youve got my pm if you want den
Nice to find you,from leicestershire,nearest lfs is good 25 mins away now,thre robbing bl---y was closed down.As in my pm was advised to use the marine salt :confused:what do you use.what is the lovely looking white you have on your tank floor,dont look like sand,absolutly georgous babys you have.So many questions sorry,will leave a few for next time. :D
Dive Master
11-01-09, 00:19
I don't use a skimmer and I have 10 seahorses. I have thought about getting one but everything seems fine with the seahorses so haven't really looked into it properly as there doesn't seem to be a real need for one. We do good water changes EVERY week though without fail. :) I wouldn't say don't use one though as I know what you mean about the horsies being messy eaters. :p
Joanna
So what are your phosphate and nitrate levels?
Dive Master
11-01-09, 00:20
you could try a few mangroves, they are good filtration better in some cases than algae, if you have enough of them they can replace a skimmer, or so i have read. I have a smallish skimmer on my with 12 horses in but, i have corals and a baby tank attached so i have lots of excess food floating about. if you strain the food there should not be that mutch waste left floating to get skimmed out.
IMO mangroves are not that great. I've seen them in a mate's tank and he gave me a few to try and control nitrates. Did nothing.
So what are your phosphate and nitrate levels?
Phosphate is 0 and nitrate is 5-10.
Dive Master
11-01-09, 00:28
Phosphate is 0 and nitrate is 5-10.
That's pretty amazing with messy eaters!
No skimming either.
What filtration system do you use?
That's pretty amazing with messy eaters!
No skimming either.
What filtration system do you use?
Aquis 1000 Cannister Filter with Lithaqua media, bio balls and purigen. Plus circa 30 kgs LR in tank. 60 litre water change per week (220 litre tank), 35 ppt water, Tropic Marin Pro Reef or Red Sea Coral Pro salt. Nitrates have been higher but now below 10.
Joanna
Dive Master
11-01-09, 00:41
Do the bio-balls get washed out weekly? This may be the cause of your nitrate.
Purigen is good for the control btw.
I would also say be careful of a 60l change in 220- that's more than 25% This can shock your occupants.
denise.gardner
11-01-09, 01:19
i use coral sand in that tank as and a conch that keeps it in pristine condition.the baby tank is bare bottomed for ease of cleaning but i have a light at the bottom of the tank instead of the top so the babies dont go to the top and gulp air.look at the sponsers sites as most do mail order i can give you a list of others if you like.you know the other site your a member of you automatically qualify for a loyalty card which gives you 10% off.im glad you have come on tonight as it will give you some different ideas from joanna and others.i got my skimmer from amwell aquatics which i can mention as its a sponser they have that model half price i run my230litre tank with that it would do one much bigger that was£130.as i said i would do one thing at a time and just work through each item there is no point rushing as thats when mistakes are made.i use the tetra marine seasalt because thats what amwell advised.i only live 7 miles away from them im a bit spoilt for choice as there are10 shops in my area and anothe15 about 20mins away..den
denise.gardner
11-01-09, 03:55
dive master im suprised that you advocate the berlin method for keeping seahorses. personaly would not use the berlin method i like having a substrate on the base of the tank.i dont want to use a calcium reactor plus she would have to use metal hailides as you need very powerful lighting.seahorses tend to like more subdued lighting. not everyone likes to use a skimmer if people are prepared to do regular water changes that should be enough.i use a skimmer and i was told not to use it 24/7 as it will strip the tank of copepods and other useful things.when i set up my seahorse tank i took professional help and even spoke to a person who writes books about them.he did not mention a skimmer to me as essential. i also run a u v but that is my personal choice.i know ive just had a disaster with my tank but that was due to a cracked heater and there was not much i could do about that.i know you said a circuit breaker would have helped but i have one but the damage was done before it kicked in .
Dive Master
11-01-09, 07:59
[QUOTE=denise.gardner;2358481]dive master im suprised that you advocate the berlin method for keeping seahorses.
Well I certainly would not want to go to an external filter. The berlin method is as close to nature and horses have lived on this method for thousands of years. It's relatively maintenance free compared with using an external
personaly would not use the berlin method i like having a substrate on the base of the tank.i dont want to use a calcium reactor
I have the berlin method in two tanks, and I cannot understand what you mean by liking substrate? The flow being too strong and blowing everything around I take it? If that's the case then the majority of the reefers here would not be using the berlin method! Why would you need a calc reactor for unless you are growing sps/lps coral?
plus she would have to use metal hailides as you need very powerful lighting
Sorry, who has mentioned that you need powerful lighting for a horse tank? The berlin/ lr and circulation does not need a mh at all. Where did you get this info from?
.seahorses tend to like more subdued lighting. not everyone likes to use a skimmer if people are prepared to do regular water changes that should be enough
More than 20% water changes regularly is not ideal. This can de-stabilise a tank
.i use a skimmer and i was told not to use it 24/7 as it will strip the tank of copepods and other useful things
yes very true. But I'm not saying the skimmer should be on 24/7. Only after a messy feed. Not sure what you mean by other useful things. Don't forget all the organic compunds produced as waste which can only be utilised by a skimmer. FYI, skimmers do not cause gas bubble disease. Gas bubble disease in horses imo are caused by bad husbandry= bacterial infections.
i know you said a circuit breaker would have helped but i have one but the damage was done before it kicked in .
I suggested a small plug rcd as a preventative for YOUR future tank
Would be interesting to hear your thoughts. Everyone including myself would learn from this! Even after several years (gosh how time passes!) of keeping marines, I have tried many methods and techniques. I am only passing my experience, though of course still learning every day as well as nicking ideas of other people!
Thanks.
The Berlin method requires LOTS of flow. I use this method in my reef tank, rock, skimmer, and flow. It works a treat.
But in a seahorse tank??!!?
The flow would make short work of a seahorse!
The only point of live rock in my seahorse tank is to seed the tank with nature, make places for macro and the like, but I do not rely on it for filtration. Why? because the amount of flow is so restricted!!! :banghead:
Its a shame for umzo here I mean this is his thrad, we need to help him out.
Mate, its a personal opinion. You can skim, but it CAN bring on problems for the horses, such as disease, more flow, ridding the tank of potential babies.
HTH:)
That's pretty amazing with messy eaters!
No skimming either.
What filtration system do you use?
OOhhh its magic isnt it Dive Master! :p
Umzo
Don't get too confused with everyones different opinions. The trick is to go away and do your own reading then check up on different peoples experiences with the things you have decided on already. There are so many different ways of achieving something and everyone thinks their own method is the right one! (Myself included :D)
I will not trust the berlin method of filtration in a seahorse tank as I don't believe the flow is strong enough to use the live rock to its full capacity. The berlin method does emulate the filtration in the ocean but...seahorses are not generally found on reef walls. The rocks on the reef clean the water but the seahorses are found well away from those sorts of currents/flows. All of my seahorse tanks are converted freshwater tanks run with external filters, a protien skimmer on most of them, some sand, rock, salty (RO) water and macro algae. It really is that simple.
I personally like using protien skimmers but I know I overfeed my tanks (I have to to ensure all the stock gets enough). However one of my most successful tanks in which I keep some perceived difficult stuff has no protien skimmer, high organics and is run with just one external filter. I have kept and bred the kuda hybrids (known to be difficult to keep long term, very succeptable to vibro, gbd etc) in this tank for a considerable amount of time. You don't absolutely need a protien skimmer as long as you keep up regular water changes and don't overstock the tank.
You can equip the tank as simply or as complicated as you wish. My H. Comes tank (260 litres) houses seahorses, garden eels, soft corals, sea moths etc etc and does very well with two external filters, two T8's up until a few months back, a small protien skimmer, lots of macro algae, live rock and sand, thats it.
Speak to as many seahorse keepers as you like, many will run their tanks with external filters and each will have their own way of cleaning them. Some will let them go biological (allow the bacteria to build up to deal with waste but will increase nitrate) and just do regular water changes, some will wash out with tap water etc the trick is to find what works for your particular set up and you won't know that until your up and running!
Bottom line - Don't get hung up on eveyones different opinions its really not that complicated!
denise.gardner
11-01-09, 12:36
when you use the berlin method you use a powerful skimmer ,powerful lights and a calcium reactor or kalk.it is indeed a great system for reefs but because of the lighting issue and the water flow alot of people do not advocate it you also have to keep adding trace elements like stontium and magnesium amoungst others.when i decided to go into seahorse i did consider this method but i was advised against it by someone who has kept seahorses for longer then you and i have been alive.i think this person should know what hes talking about as he has written books on the subject.as i said it is a matter of choice if thats the way you want to keep your seahorses that works for you.others have different methods and who are we to say who is right or wrong. The Berlin Method
This is an overview on the ?Berlin Method? of reef keeping, hence a very long post. Peter Wilkens and the Berlin Aquarium Club developed the ?Berlin method? in the 1970s as an alternative method of reef keeping. Julian Sprung visited Germany in the 1980s and began writing about the success he saw in the tanks of the hobbyists there.
The ?Berlin method? is based on the natural system aquarium developed by Lee Chin Eng in 1961. The largest difference in the systems is the incorporation of protein skimmers in the ?Berlin method?. The basic premise is that live rock is an acceptable media for biological filtration. We all know that nitrifying bacteria coat every surface of our aquariums, they are just found in the largest numbers in our filters. That stands to reason because they have access to high water flow (more food) and oxygenated water. The trickle filters used today are very efficient at processing nitrogenous waste, for our purposes a little to efficient. When biological waste is processed in a trickle filter, there is no place in the filter with a low oxygen (anoxic) area for de-nitrification, processing nitrates to nitrogen gas. In a ?Berlin method? aquarium the live rock is the nitrifying filter and there are many ?nooks and crannies? in live rock that gets very little water flow and therefore very little oxygen. The end result is the ammonia is processed to nitrite and the bacteria are right there to process the nitrite to nitrate and then the anoxic areas, where de-nitrification takes place, are right there to process the nitrate to nitrogen gas which subsequently leaves the tank. Just like in the ocean.
The ?Berlin method? uses large protein skimmers to remove organic substances from the water before they can be mineralized into ammonia, therefore lessoning the biological load on the aquarium. They lower nitrates by removing the substances that cause them before they are processed by the live rock.
The ?Berlin method? calls for very strong light as well, but so does every other system out there now. Most say Metal Halide is the way to go, I agree, but I personally have run ?Berlin? systems with VHO fluorescents and PC fluorescents, with tremendous success.
The ?Berlin method? calls for calcium supplementation through the use of ?kalkwasser? (limewater), a saturated solution of calcium hydroxide. Kalkwasser has the added benefit of precipitating phosphates out of solution, thereby lowering the phosphates in your aquarium. Care must be used when mixing kalkwasser, it is a very caustic substance with a ph of 12. For best results with Kalkwasser, replace all evaporation loss with a saturated solution on a slow drip at night, to avoid a sudden rise in ph, and it will stabilize your ph at night. Do not mix more than about 5 days worth at a time. Kalkwasser is an ionicly balanced solution, it adds the calcium and the carbonate, thereby buffering the alkalinity as well. Do not get me wrong, I am an advocate of kalkwasser use, but have used other methods of calcium supplementation as well, such as the 2 parts balanced solutions, with good results. It is also recommended that if you do not evaporate enough water to supply your calcium needs that you use a supplemental calcium addition as well.
The ?Berlin method? calls for trace element supplementation as well. Specifically Strontium and Iodide. I personally supplement magnesium as well.
The ?Berlin method? also calls for good water movement. The animals we are keeping come from areas of the ocean with currents so intricate and powerful we couldn?t possibly replicate them, but we should strive to. Our sessile inverts require the water motion for gas exchange and to rid themselves of excess mucus. Water flow is also required to move the nitrogenous waste to the nitrifying and de-nitrifying bacteria. It has the benefit as well to keep particulate matter in suspension so it can be consumed from the water column by the inverts or removed to the protein skimmer.
This method of reef keeping is simple to maintain and setup. It is possible with quality, cured live rock to set up a balanced reef aquarium in a day. I believe in patience in the reef game, but it is possible. When aquascaping a ?Berlin method? aquarium or any reef aquarium for that matter, you should arrange the rock in a loose arrangement to allow good water flow around and through the rocks. This will prevent settling of particulate matter and waste. Another thing while we are on the topic of aquascaping, have fun with it, don?t just build a wall up the back of the aquarium. Use of a substrate is encouraged in a ?Berlin method? aquarium; it adds another area for nitrification and de-nitrification as well as being aesthetically pleasing. Mechanical filtration is frowned upon, it takes out food for the inverts and lessons the efficiency of the skimmer. Water changes are done as well, about 25% monthly.
If converting another type of filtration system simply remove the biomedia from the filter, if you have a large system using a trickle filter with a large bio load, you will want to remove the media over the course of a few weeks, a little at a time. This will prevent an ammonia spike. Do you have enough live rock to filter your aquarium? There is no good rule about the amount of live rock per gallon of aquarium water; some rock is denser than others. I have found that if 1/3 to 2/3 of the visible space is taken up in the aquarium in a loose arrangement, it is enough to filter the aquarium and then some. If converting, you should see a drop in nitrates within a very short time.
Well, that?s it for now. Feel free to post any questions, comments or corrections as you see fit.
Kevin
__________________
denise.gardner
11-01-09, 12:45
Umzo
Don't get too confused with everyones different opinions. The trick is to go away and do your own reading then check up on different peoples experiences with the things you have decided on already. There are so many different ways of achieving something and everyone thinks their own method is the right one! (Myself included :D)
I will not trust the berlin method of filtration in a seahorse tank as I don't believe the flow is strong enough to use the live rock to its full capacity. The berlin method does emulate the filtration in the ocean but...seahorses are not generally found on reef walls. The rocks on the reef clean the water but the seahorses are found well away from those sorts of currents/flows. All of my seahorse tanks are converted freshwater tanks run with external filters, a protien skimmer on most of them, some sand, rock, salty (RO) water and macro algae. It really is that simple.
I personally like using protien skimmers but I know I overfeed my tanks (I have to to ensure all the stock gets enough). However one of my most successful tanks in which I keep some perceived difficult stuff has no protien skimmer, high organics and is run with just one external filter. I have kept and bred the kuda hybrids (known to be difficult to keep long term, very succeptable to vibro, gbd etc) in this tank for a considerable amount of time. You don't absolutely need a protien skimmer as long as you keep up regular water changes and don't overstock the tank.
You can equip the tank as simply or as complicated as you wish. My H. Comes tank (260 litres) houses seahorses, garden eels, soft corals, sea moths etc etc and does very well with two external filters, two T8's up until a few months back, a small protien skimmer, lots of macro algae, live rock and sand, thats it.
Speak to as many seahorse keepers as you like, many will run their tanks with external filters and each will have their own way of cleaning them. Some will let them go biological (allow the bacteria to build up to deal with waste but will increase nitrate) and just do regular water changes, some will wash out with tap water etc the trick is to find what works for your particular set up and you won't know that until your up and running!
Bottom line - Don't get hung up on eveyones different opinions its really not that complicated!
im glad that you have come in and said what you have as i think she is getting an overload of information i posted up about the berlin method because a lot of people dont know what it is .:thanks:den
Gonna say, why does it say Kevin at the bottom?? :lol:
denise.gardner
11-01-09, 13:03
i pinched it from another article so people could see what the berlin method is.so you can smack my fingers if you like
jimdon IOM
11-01-09, 13:04
Umzo
I will not trust the berlin method of filtration in a seahorse tank as I don't believe the flow is strong enough to use the live rock to its full capacity. The berlin method does emulate the filtration in the ocean but...seahorses are not generally found on reef walls. The rocks on the reef clean the water but the seahorses are found well away from those sorts of currents/flows. All of my seahorse tanks are converted freshwater tanks run with external filters, a protien skimmer on most of them, some sand, rock, salty (RO) water and macro algae. It really is that simple.
I totally agree, the berlin method is unsuitable for use in a sea horse tank as the sole means of filtration.
yes by all means have LR but it is there for a completely different purpose than the filtration, though it will do some of it and can't harm.
Jim
Yeah lol, berlin method aint ideal for a SH tank. I just have 5 kilos of LR in my 80 litre SH tank in order to see the tank with 'nature' lol.
The filter at the back with sponges , bioballs, ceramics, rowaphos is the filter. :)
IMO mangroves are not that great. I've seen them in a mate's tank and he gave me a few to try and control nitrates. Did nothing.
you need to have one mangrove for every 10 l of tank water so you need loads of them.
you can have them in the main tank too but you have to float them until they start to grow down to the substrate or into some rock. Also you need to wash the leaves with ro water to keep the plants absorbing nutrients as the salt blocks the stigmata in the leaves, as there is very little rain in the living room.
They would make good hitches in a SH tank i would of thought.
Do the bio-balls get washed out weekly? This may be the cause of your nitrate.
Purigen is good for the control btw.
I would also say be careful of a 60l change in 220- that's more than 25% This can shock your occupants.
No, the bio balls don't get washed out weekly! Why do you ask and what do you mean this may be the cause of my nitrate?
The water is heated to the correct temp, aerated and added gradually to the tank after salinity, PH are checked for balance!
Joanna
jimdon IOM
11-01-09, 13:32
Joanna
please ignore Dive Master's advice re this, from what I can see you are doing the right things for a sea horse tank.
also as long as you are carefully checking your replacement water as you say then the larger volume changes will not only be fine but are exactly what are needed in this type of set up.
HTH
Jim
Joanna what you are dpoing is 100% correct. Thats why I am copying your tank emthods for my tank! :D
i think DM knows he's wrong - when was the last time he replied? :hysterical::lol:
i use a skimmer on my 420ltr seahorse tank with no problems and i would reckomend them.
i have read pretty much everything i can get my hands on about seahorses and their care requirements, i have never come across any writing abouts skimmers causing harm to seahorses!
Yes micro air bubbles can cause GBD, but not skimmers as far as im aware.
GBD is useuly cause by people using air curtains which emit small bubbles or a return pump blowing micro bubbles into the display, these can and do get caught in the males brood pouch. Supersaturation can also cause GBD in All types of fish in various parts of there body.
if your skimmer (or anything in your sump) is releasing bubbles back into the display then its not set up correctly and could cause a problem with any species of fish if not put right.
if there are writings out there directly associating skimmers with GBD then please give me a link as i would like read it.
yes skimmers can gobble up the fry but then they can do that to any species of fry
if you want the fry then the male should be moved to a birthing tank or theskimmer turning off when hes due to drop.
just my 2p worth
Joanna what you are dpoing is 100% correct. Thats why I am copying your tank emthods for my tank! :D
i think DM knows he's wrong - when was the last time he replied? :hysterical::lol:
your showing your age there^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^tut tut
Dive Master
11-01-09, 14:33
Joanna what you are dpoing is 100% correct. Thats why I am copying your tank emthods for my tank! :D
i think DM knows he's wrong - when was the last time he replied? :hysterical::lol:
And why is that Saltyell??
No need for you to stir things. We are here to share ideas. Thanks for the support PinkPony.
If you don't want to listen to other ideas, then fair enough.
If methods work for me and I want to pass it on, again fair enough. No need for this SALTYELL.
DM
Just a few of many links, il sort them out and post some more later
http://www.seahorse.org/library/articles/diseaseguide.shtml
http://forum.seahorse.org/
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-11/hcs3/index.php
http://seahorses.netfirms.com/foods.html
http://www.seahorse.com/
http://www.seahorse.org/library/articles/pouchevac.shtml
http://www.seahorse.org/library/articles/tankmates/tankmates.shtml
and my favorite as it so beautifuly presented
http://hippocampus-info.com/seahorses/
hth
Hi. :)
I am here to learn, and find out new things.
And maybe to debate certain topics. But we can at least do this nicely. :)
Dive Master
11-01-09, 14:38
Hi. :)
I am here to learn, and find out new things.
And maybe to debate certain topics. But we can at least do this nicely. :)
Fine, learn and ignore which is not relevant to you. Why did you have to stir things?
And why is that Saltyell??
No need for you to stir things. We are here to share ideas. Thanks for the support PinkPony.
If you don't want to listen to other ideas, then fair enough.
If methods work for me and I want to pass it on, again fair enough. No need for this SALTYELL.
DM
well said mate, ive got no time for bitching, its negative and a total waste of energy, if you got nothing productive/informative to say then quite simply say nothing.
How am I the enemy?
Anyway....
Umzo is here for advice.
So lets help him out. :)
..............................me taking my own advice
Dive Master
11-01-09, 15:00
..............................me taking my own advice
I've seen Pink's tank- this is one of the MOST impressive setups I've seen :thumbsup:
If my advice falls on deaf ears, then fair enough. But at least listen to her for a second opinion.
And Saltyell, please stop this now. With the greatest of respect, you haven't even set up your stables yet!
I've seen Pink's tank- this is one of the MOST impressive setups I've seen :thumbsup:
If my advice falls on deaf ears, then fair enough. But at least listen to her for a second opinion.
And Saltyell, please stop this now. With the greatest of respect, you haven't even set up your stables yet!
Yup, that is true. I havent got my 'ponies yet! :)
Ok I am sorry if I have offended either of you in any way, but IMHO I really am not ONLY to blame.
Id like to see some pics of her tank I am always looking for inspiration. :thumbsup:
DM perhaps you could put up some pics of your tanks? Again, i always like inspiration. :)
What on earth is going on? This post was nice, peaceful and informative until Dive Master came along. DM, please do not accuse people of stirring when you actually started it by PMing Elliot and telling him that I don't know much and told him not to take any advice from me which I thought was very nasty! I was going to keep it to myself but just so that others know what is going on I have decided to share it. Just because I DON'T use a skimmer and others do, what is there to get nasty about? We don't all have to follow the same method. I have never said that you shouldn't use a skimmer or persuaded people not to use them, I just don't have one. Each to their own at the end of the day and as long as the Seahorses are healthy and happy that's all that matters. So please folks, let's get back on track. Sorry moderators.
Joanna
Joanna
please ignore Dive Master's advice re this, from what I can see you are doing the right things for a sea horse tank.
also as long as you are carefully checking your replacement water as you say then the larger volume changes will not only be fine but are exactly what are needed in this type of set up.
HTH
Jim
Thanks for the advice Jim, I appreciate it.
Joanna
What on earth is going on? This post was nice, peaceful and informative until Dive Master came along. DM, please do not accuse people of stirring when you actually started it by PMing Elliot and telling him that I don't know much and told him not to take any advice from me which I thought was very nasty! I was going to keep it to myself but just so that others know what is going on I have decided to share it. Just because I DON'T use a skimmer and others do, what is there to get nasty about? We don't all have to follow the same method. I have never said that you shouldn't use a skimmer or persuaded people not to use them, I just don't have one. Each to their own at the end of the day and as long as the Seahorses are healthy and happy that's all that matters. So please folks, let's get back on track. Sorry moderators.
Joanna
Well said Joanna. :)
:applause:
Well said Joanna. :)
:applause:
In fact, I am also going to share with you all the fact that DM here called me a rude silly immature child.:eek:
Thats pretty nasty too. Why he said this I honestly do not know. :confused:
This is a COMMUNITY isnt it?
my little peice of the ocean, these shots are a month or so old, its looking even better now!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2009Q1/my seahorse tank ultimate reef 1.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2009Q1/my seahorse tank ultimate reef 2.jpg
always work in progress though
Wow! Pink, you're tank is stunning!
Good work! :D
[QUOTE=saltyell;
i think DM knows he's wrong - when was the last time he replied? :hysterical::lol:[/QUOTE]
Joanna what part of the above quote did you not understand? even though its come from a child how can you not see that someone would take offence to that if it was directed at them?
either way saltyell appologised and it was over and done with then you decided to get on your high horse (no pun intented) and start it all off again
and its not ur place to publicly ridicule people on this board, (leave it to the mods :D) your speaking out of turn and its out of order, i dont know what DM ssidd about you but he didnt post it on a public board did he!
pot kettel black springs to mind.
and saltyell i glad you like my tank, ihope it inspires you in someway
peace
Joanna what part of the above quote did you not understand? even though its comefrom a child how can you not see that someone,anyone would take offence to that ifit was directed at them?
either way saltyell appologised and it was over and done with then you decided to get on your high horse (no pun intented) and start it all off again
and its not ur place to publicly ridicule people on this board, (leave it to the mods :D) your speaking out of turn and its out of order, i dont know what DM ssidd about you but he didnt post it on a public board did he!
pot kettel black springs to mind.
and saltyell i glad you like my tank, ihope it inspires you in someway
peace
Actually, Pink Pony, I posted this before I read Elliot's post. I don't need to publicly ridicule people as some people do it themselves! Thanks for being nasty too!
Joanna
joanna, im sorry if i offended you in any way, i can assure that was not my intention. that was not me being nasty, its was me offering constructive criticisum.
tbh im getting really fed up with the public slanging matches that seem to be getting more frequent on this board, which was part of the reason i havent been on here much latley. it never used to be like this.
i cant stand bullying or victimisation in any form, im sorry if that in your opinion makes me nasty.
joanna, im sorry if i offended you in any way, i can assure that was not my intention. that was not me being nasty, its was me offering constructive criticisum.
tbh im getting really fed up with the public slanging matches that seem to be getting more frequent on this board, which was part of the reason i havent been on here much latley. it never used to be like this.
i cant stand bullying or victimisation in any form, im sorry if that in your opinion makes me nasty.
Pink Pony
I'm sorry too if I've offended you or anyone else for that matter. It's easy to be misunderstood or even read emails the wrong way on here and you're right about getting fed up with the public slanging matches. TBH that's why I am getting upset about this thread being ruined. I moved from another forum because of a similar thing that was happening. Let's all start afresh, skimmer or no skimmer. :)
Joanna x
PS You have got a lovely tank BTW.
Joanna
hi joanna
thanks for you reply, i totaly agree it is very easy to have what your saying misconstrude when you cant see the facial expressions/body language thats should accompany it!
it would be great to clear the air and all start again fresh, i love this site and dont want to find myself in the position where i feel i need to move forums either.
clean slate for all .:friends::)
ps.thanks for the compliment :-)
hi joanna
thanks for you reply, i totaly agree it is very easy to have what your saying misconstude when you cant see the facial expressions/body language thats should accompany it!
it would be great to clear the air and all start again fresh, i love this site and dont want to find myself in the position where i feel i need to move forums either.
clean slate for all .:friends::)
ps.thanks for the compliment :-)
Definately :hug:. :D
I love this site too. :applause:
Joanna
PP & Jo all happy bunnies again or is that ponies sheeshhhh. Now get back on topic :mad:
Now you could read the above in 2 ways. You could take it as a serious go at you both or as it is intended a jibe in fun. You know most of the time it depends on which side of the bed you get out of on any particular morning ( I almost made a reference to hormonial problems :whistling:) Unless somebody obviously makes a direct attack on you then always go with the later. However remember this if you are a joker then use lots of smiles:dance: and be prepared to have your leg pulled back. If you can't take it don't give it out and remember also this is just a forum don't get upset by an arse it's simply not worth it. ;)
PS I would never pull Joannas leg she's lost her sense of humour in her old age. :rolleyes:
denise.gardner
11-01-09, 16:24
:thumbsup:good now that we are all friends can we just get back to the subject of trying to help umzo to change her tank over without the my way is better then yours all of us have different ways and as long as theywork what is the problem.i must admit i got a bit het up over this and maybe it just needed someone with common sense[ pinkpony:worship:]to settle the matter:dance:
denise.gardner
11-01-09, 16:26
hi les was getting worried about you hadnt heard from you for awhile and how come your mixing with the geegees
Dun Dun Duuuuuun!
Saltyell is here!
What's that?
No more ridiculing?
YAY!!
Glad we've all amde up. :D:D:friends::party:
denise.gardner
11-01-09, 16:38
well if you want:rolleyes:
Id really rather the arguing stopped.
I didnt like being the core of this stupid argument.
Who do you reckon is the msot immature? :whistling:
Glad its all OK.:) Now I wonder if Umzo still intends to use this site! :lol:
PP & Jo all happy bunnies again or is that ponies sheeshhhh. Now get back on topic :mad:
Now you could read the above in 2 ways. You could take it as a serious go at you both or as it is intended a jibe in fun. You know most of the time it depends on which side of the bed you get out of on any particular morning ( I almost made a reference to hormonial problems :whistling:) Unless somebody obviously makes a direct attack on you then always go with the later. However remember this if you are a joker then use lots of smiles:dance: and be prepared to have your leg pulled back. If you can't take it don't give it out and remember also this is just a forum don't get upset by an arse it's simply not worth it. ;)
PS I would never pull Joannas leg she's lost her sense of humour in her old age. :rolleyes:
Oi Grandad, what are you doing on our threads? :laugh: You know you'll never get the better of us women don't you? You know what happened last time! Anyway, it's nice to see you're on the mend after falling off your zimmer frame. :whistling:
Joanna
hi les was getting worried about you hadnt heard from you for awhile and how come your mixing with the geegees
Never went away Denise you have not been looking in the right threads ( inc my own) for me that's all ;)
lol Does Les keep seahorses?
lol Does Les keep seahorses?
Na but I use them in Chinese medicine:p
Na but I use them in Chinese medicine:p
Don't listen to him Elliot. He has trouble keeping himself lol. :laugh: Isn't that right Les? :D
Na but I use them in Chinese medicine:p
impotence?:D:p;)
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/InNews/drugdemand2004.html
impotence?:D:p;)
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/InNews/drugdemand2004.html
Hilarious! Be careful, poor old grandad will start to get a complex. You only have to read his red mushie post to see why. :laugh: Sorry Les. :laugh::whistling:
Joanna
haha :lol:
"Is that mushie red?
nah its blue with orange and yellow spots!"
Eeer Is It Safe To Come Back,sorry Guys Dddnt Wont To Start A War.
Hilarious! Be careful, poor old grandad will start to get a complex. You only have to read his red mushie post to see why. :laugh: Sorry Les. :laugh::whistling:
Joanna
They dont work :o
denise.gardner
11-01-09, 21:58
Eeer Is It Safe To Come Back,sorry Guys Dddnt Wont To Start A War.i think theres a few white flags showing:whistling: do you always have this effect on people:laugh:glad to see you anyway shall we get back to sorting out your tank where were we can you remember
Eeer Is It Safe To Come Back,sorry Guys Dddnt Wont To Start A War.
Of course it is. Sorry you had to see all that and welcome back. :D
Joanna
They dont work :o
:laugh::D:laugh::dance:
Glad you folks are all friends again,now then got 180 litres tank with a eheim 2216 atho I struggle to get the lid of,lol might change that to.Would like to know what other equipment was needed to keep sh and soft corals,going round in circles with all the info picked up over the last 5yrs since I had my misshap.Spotted wavemaker 3oool/h is this the same as the nano pumps?not really thick just like things in plain english lol.carnt even find the smilys on ere.Thanks Denise and Joanne for sticking with me.
denise.gardner
12-01-09, 01:24
if you just click post reply you will get smilies:wave:i will look into those pumps for you i use power heads in my tank an external an d an internal with seahorses your turnover of water should be approx 10times the amount in your tank an hour.so if your tank is 50galls your turnover should be 500 galls an hour at least.this should keep your tank ticking over .alot of the time it is where they are in the tank which count rather then how strong they are... den
Is Dive master still around?
Hya Saltyell - I don't think this thread needs any more excuses to wind anyone up mate, lets leave it and get back on the original thread track :)
I wasnt winding up - just interested... :)
Looking forward for Umzo getting his Shs - coming away from the dork side of tropicals! :D:lol:
Dive Master
12-01-09, 19:30
I wasnt winding up - just interested... :)
Looking forward for Umzo getting his Shs - coming away from the dork side of tropicals! :D:lol:
Well clearly I am still around. More than happy to give suggestions- whether people want to follow it or not. As per your pm, "stick with your ******sps and lps and don't bother helping others." Hence forth, I would rather not post any more regarding my horses.
Glad to have also received 13 other mails from you too.
13 other mails?? I am confused now :confused:
Must be the PM system this happened to someone else recently.
Sorry. :(
Well clearly I am still around. More than happy to give suggestions- whether people want to follow it or not. As per your pm, "stick with your ******sps and lps and don't bother helping others." Hence forth, I would rather not post any more regarding my horses.
Glad to have also received 13 other mails from you too.
And why the asterix's (***)s??
Not once have I said anything of that nature / language in any PM.:confused:
:confused: powerheads?How do i find and do the turnover,was not advised about this.:( Do I need an under ground filter,sounds like Ive got to start from sratch,On a good note told hubby and he is ok with it as long as we do it proper this time ,explained I have you good guys and gels helping me along :D (day off tomorrow :) we going in search of shops,hopefully get some prices altho still not quite sure wot is needed now,(couple lrg buckets :laugh:)I will just spend the day mezmorized by them.:laugh:The ro unit is out we do not have the room under the sink,silly design cupboard,will be buying in.Hoping you might be on tonight before we go .Keeping my fingers crossed,hows your female doing. Babys look beautiful :thanks:
denise.gardner
12-01-09, 20:21
no you dont need under gravel sorry i confused you by saying powerheads they are just to move water about you used to use them on undergravel but then people just use them now instead of tunze or the small fanlike ones you get i must be old age cant remember the name:confused:no :laugh::laugh: elliot or joanna.as for the ro had the same problem myself so what my husband did was put a y piece in behind the washing machine and attached some hose that comes across the top and connected it to that if you want full details i will ask peter to post how he did it or ill pm you my phone no because it will save you so much money and you know that the water quality is good.
[quote=denise.gardner;2361809] must be old age cant remember the name:confused:no :laugh::laugh: NEVER A TRUER WORD :whistling: ill pm you my phone no. OMG NOOOOOOOOO now your going to be chatting away running up your phone bills and plotting your next verbal attacks :mad:quote]
denise.gardner
12-01-09, 20:29
dive master people are still interested in what you have to say i for one would love to see your set up. please can we just get on with trying to help umzo to set up her tank the problem is we all have different ways of doing things and it is confusing enough as it is without us bickering.saltyell please i know you wanted to see his tanks as well because you said so earlier so LETS ALL BE FRIENDS andget back to the task in hand LES dont you start ive got unlimited landlines on my phone
no you dont need under gravel sorry i confused you by saying powerheads they are just to move water about you used to use them on undergravel but then people just use them now instead of tunze or the small fanlike ones you get i must be old age cant remember the name:confused:no :laugh::laugh: elliot or joanna.as for the ro had the same problem myself so what my husband did was put a y piece in behind the washing machine and attached some hose that comes across the top and connected it to that if you want full details i will ask peter to post how he did it or ill pm you my phone no because it will save you so much money and you know that the water quality is good.
I'm confused too Denise. :confused: :) Do you mean something like Koralia Nanos? :D Or am I just :confused: now? :D
Regarding the RO Units, is it right that they waste a lot of the water compared to what they produce? Our water bill seems to be very high even though we are on a meter. We currently buy barrels of RO water from our LFS and it's a real pain to do every week.
Joanna
LES dont you start ive got unlimited landlines on my phone
OMG it gets worse. Unlimited landlines as well:scratchhead:
I use an RO unit,
Why?
because I dont pay the water bills!! :lol:
ditto that, ROs are a must.
And as for koralia nanos --- what?? I thought we were dealing with a seahorse tank here!! :p
Regarding the RO Units, is it right that they waste a lot of the water compared to what they produce? Our water bill seems to be very high even though we are on a meter. We currently buy barrels of RO water from our LFS and it's a real pain to do every week.
Joanna
No need to waste the brine (rejected) water from your RO esp as its better than the water direct from your tap. Don't forget the water you maybe pouring away down the drain as been through a pre filter and a carbon filter at least before it even hits the RO membrane. Collect it and use it rather then run it to waste.
No need to waste the brine (rejected) water from your RO esp as its better than the water direct from your tap. Don't forget the water you maybe pouring away down the drain as been through a pre filter and a carbon filter at least before it even hits the RO membrane. Collect it and use it rather then run it to waste.
Hey Les
I was in the middle of creating a rude post to you as you are picking on my friend Denise but UR went down so and I lost it .... but...., in the meantime, I see you've been helpful so I'll let you off just for now. :laugh: But not for long. :D
So how do I collect the water and how do I use it? :ponder:
PS Have you come to join our gang? :D
Would like the post on the ro Denise could get that done at a latter stage,dont wont to puss my luck :cool: so what would you advise me priceing up tomorrow equipment wise ----2xnano pumps not sure on size,sk----r and was my media ok in the eheim,please sorry nore questions. :thanks:
Spellings getting worse :o all this confusion. :)
denise.gardner
12-01-09, 21:06
I'm confused too Denise. :confused: :) Do you mean something like Koralia Nanos? :D Or am I just :confused: now? :D
Regarding the RO Units, is it right that they waste a lot of the water compared to what they produce? Our water bill seems to be very high even though we are on a meter. We currently buy barrels of RO water from our LFS and it's a real pain to do every week.
Joanna
yes thats it koralia nanos:)but you did notice as soon as i said old age les popped up:laugh:.anyway i thought hes banned from ponyland for his chinese medicine crack i think that i will have to go on reefs and post a thread on recipies for tang on toast or something like that:hysterical:ro normally works 1/3 for every 1litre of water you use 3litres of water but as les says:eek:you can use the excess water for other things.its acase of working out how much it costs for your water and how much it costs petrol wise to get it if you go for a 75/100 gall a day it should pay for itself in a short while because you would only need to run it once aweek:thumbsup:
denise.gardner
12-01-09, 21:27
ok first with an ro you have two outlets one gives you the pure ro water the other gives you the waste it comes out of tubing thats about the same size as airline so its easy to collect.right list.sand amount depends on depth you want your sand and the size of the base of your tank.if you go to your fish shop say how deep you want it and the size ie4foot by2foot they will work out how much you need.salt go for med size bucket.1/2 pumps either koralia or tunze or whatever one they stock.carbon for your filter.poss a skimmer leave that one up to you.poss a uv again your choice vecton are a good make.live rock def look on the forums its quarter the price.i would get some base rock either ocean or tufa its cheaper then live and because it wont get any light its under your liverock it doesnt matter that its not live plus once youve got your live rock it will seed it.i would change your white light for a marine light there are several about so you need to decide if you are going to have somecorals you will need a brighter light then if your not.i should have asked you what type of lights does your tank take are they t5 or t8 again if your not sure it should be in the manual for your tank or ask at the shop.dont be afraid to ask questions.also once you have been out look online as if your buying over50 pounds of stuff my places do free delivery and you can get better prices...ok so far den
yes thats it koralia nanos:)but you did notice as soon as i said old age les popped up:laugh:.anyway i thought hes banned from ponyland for his chinese medicine crack i think that i will have to go on reefs and post a thread on recipies for tang on toast or something like that:hysterical:ro normally works 1/3 for every 1litre of water you use 3litres of water but as les says:eek:you can use the excess water for other things.its acase of working out how much it costs for your water and how much it costs petrol wise to get it if you go for a 75/100 gall a day it should pay for itself in a short while because you would only need to run it once aweek:thumbsup:
I'll have to work it out as our cars are very gutsy! :eek: I sure did notice Les popping up when you mentioned old age. I've told him that you're going to :shutup: him by :hammer: him. :laugh: He's hiding in a corner behind his zimmer now. :D Oops, sorry Les. :dance:
Joanna
Les. Joined our gang? Nooooo....:lol:
The average age of our SH gang has now shot up to 99 thanks to Les!!! Grr... and I thought I had brought the average down!!!:hysterical:
denise.gardner
12-01-09, 21:46
i dont think hes joined he just has a sensor that if you say old age he pops up wait and see
i dont think hes joined he just has a sensor that if you say old age he pops up wait and see
So...ermm.. who else doesnt like the thought of OLD AGE?
[ Lets see if he comes along hehehe... :p]
mmmmmm sorry being thick again :o what size pumps and sk----r should I go for ? First I have heard of uv would I need one?Do wont to keep a few soft corals to,I have 1 blue moon the other is white was told for corals, will have to look not sure what t it is.Been going round in circles on ere looking for the tufa or ocean rock :wub: not mind the link yet.:( :thanks:
denise.gardner
12-01-09, 21:52
the problem isnt old age its the alterative:ponder::dribble::rip:
OOOOOOOOOOGotta go bed woundering now.:(
Les. Joined our gang? Nooooo....:lol:
The average age of our SH gang has now shot up to 99 thanks to Les!!! Grr... and I thought I had brought the average down!!!:hysterical:
1/ I wouldn't want to belong to any gang that would have the likes of me.
2/ The age may have shot up but so has the combined IQ.
3/ The only thing you have brought down sonny is the cost of Farleys rusks, those things huddies wear, base ball caps and your parents disposable income .:thanks:
denise.gardner
12-01-09, 23:49
1/ I wouldn't want to belong to any gang that would have the likes of me.
2/ The age may have shot up but so has the combined IQ.
3/ The only thing you have brought down sonny is the cost of Farleys rusks, those things huddies wear, base ball caps and your parents disposable income .:thanks:
oh les its hoodies whats a huddies:D seriously though where can i get a look at your reef tank.i never went into reefs as puffers ,sharks and lionfish were not reef friendly:)so now our combind iq is and be careful when you answer this:p ive just looked at your signature and looked at your tank they are brilliant so all credit to you
oh les its hoodies whats a huddies:D seriously though where can i get a look at your reef tank.i never went into reefs as puffers ,sharks and lionfish were not reef friendly:)so now our combind iq is and be careful when you answer this:p ive just looked at your signature and looked at your tank they are brilliant so all credit to you
Hoodies, huddies whatever they are called. :dance:
Now Denise you seem a bight sort of gal (for a mere woman that is;)).
Now where would you expect to see pic's videos etc of my tank and set up then? :rolleyes:
How about Members tank spec's? :whistling:
Look here.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/showthread.php?t=268216
I have even posted a short video of my tank on the last page but don't tell Jo for gods sake she gets sooooo jealous if another women so much as looks at my tank diary thread. :confused:
denise.gardner
13-01-09, 00:05
ok i know im a numbtie:obut you didnt answer my question on our combined IQ but be careful i have been known to bite :laugh:.in your pics you have a really grumpy looking gamma reminds me of my husband he has that same look when i come back from the fish shop:dance:
ok i know im a numbtie:obut you didnt answer my question on our combined IQ but be careful i have been known to bite :laugh:.in your pics you have a really grumpy looking gamma reminds me of my husband he has that same look when i come back from the fish shop:dance:
1/ combined IQ... i'm not going to got there other than to say it's now over 100:rolleyes:
2/ What's a gamma? :scratchhead:I think you maybe referring to my GRAMMA my Royal Gramma, Gramma loreto to be precise. Oh and BTW I think your husband's got far more to put up with than you do:p
Now isnt it past your bedtime:asleep:
denise.gardner
13-01-09, 00:51
1/ combined IQ... i'm not going to got there other than to say it's now over 100:rolleyes:
2/ What's a gamma? :scratchhead:I think you maybe referring to my GRAMMA my Royal Gramma, Gramma loreto to be precise. Oh and BTW I think your husband's got far more to put up with than you do:p
Now isnt it past your bedtime:asleep:
listen its not my fault this computer cant spell i try my best:doh: anyway bedtime isnt for another 3/4 hours iused to have a false GRAMMA which was quite pretty.and as for hubby i have to put up with his harley,his gliding and his radio controlled planes and you think hes got problems with me i had to go to daytona twice to watch people riding up and down on their bikes:yawn:so i went to the beach and went to have:asleep:i woke up to see this massive bloke in a trench coat and army boots it was86 degrees he then started telling me about how he had been arrested and now didnt have a bike i think that was the first time in my life i was ever grateful to see my husband.and do you know what the misogg didnt even take me that time to a marine shop:eek:but last time we went i think i got my own back as i went on the net before we went and looked up every single marine/reef shop in the whole of florida and made sure we visted all of them.they did have some amazing frags out there did think about trying to sneak some back but to risky:(wish i had though den
listen its not my fault this computer cant spell i try my best:doh: anyway bedtime isnt for another 3/4 hours iused to have a false GRAMMA which was quite pretty.and as for hubby i have to put up with his harley,his gliding and his radio controlled planes and you think hes got problems with me i had to go to daytona twice to watch people riding up and down on their bikes:yawn:so i went to the beach and went to have:asleep:i woke up to see this massive bloke in a trench coat and army boots it was86 degrees he then started telling me about how he had been arrested and now didnt have a bike i think that was the first time in my life i was ever grateful to see my husband.and do you know what the misogg didnt even take me that time to a marine shop:eek:but last time we went i think i got my own back as i went on the net before we went and looked up every single marine/reef shop in the whole of florida and made sure we visted all of them.they did have some amazing frags out there did think about trying to sneak some back but to risky:(wish i had though den
Ermmm:ermm: the only advice I can give you is .... keep taking the tablets but increase the dose or revert to :cheers: which you may have already.:sick: Don't you know you shouldnt mix your tablets with alcohol:shocking:
denise.gardner
13-01-09, 16:55
Ermmm:ermm: the only advice I can give you is .... keep taking the tablets but increase the dose or revert to :cheers: which you may have already.:sick: Don't you know you shouldnt mix your tablets with alcohol:shocking:
i dont mix them with alcohol i take them at different times:whistling:and anyway you should know what im on its your old prescription before they upped your dose and the men in the white coats came:p
alcohol is nice :drool:
Elliot, 13 year olds DON'T DRINK alcohol! :confused:
Joanna
i dont mix them with alcohol i take them at different times:whistling:and anyway you should know what im on its your old prescription before they upped your dose and the men in the white coats came:p
Fantastic Denise. :applause:
Joanna
mmmmmm sorry being thick again :o what size pumps and sk----r should I go for ? First I have heard of uv would I need one?Do wont to keep a few soft corals to,I have 1 blue moon the other is white was told for corals, will have to look not sure what t it is.Been going round in circles on ere looking for the tufa or ocean rock :wub: not mind the link yet.:( :thanks:
Hi Umzo, did anyone answer this for you or did Denise and Les get carried away again? :D Not that I'm jealous that Denise looked at Les' tank or anything like that! :mad:
Joanna
I only have shandy!! :lol: and even that is on occasion :(
Elliot, 13 year olds DON'T DRINK alcohol! :confused:
Joanna
Oh yeah don't you believe it :whistling:
Just cos you were a BAD boy a long, long, long, long time ago doesn't mean that youngsters of today are like that. :p
Joanna
Just cos you were a BAD boy a long, long, long, long time ago doesn't mean that youngsters of today are like that. :p
Joanna
and don't believe that either :p
:) Hi Joanna no nobody got back to me :crying: to busy talking about old age subject I dont wont to get into.Enjoyed my day out and got some wonderfull prices(exspensive I think) just hope the guy was genuine with the sizes.Got something to go with now tho,as say I say if he was genuine.Can I ask how you guys mix your salt and ro,I mean HOW? hope you all had a good day.
Another day older.:D
:) Hi Joanna no nobody got back to me :crying: to busy talking about old age subject I dont wont to get into.Enjoyed my day out and got some wonderfull prices(exspensive I think) just hope the guy was genuine with the sizes.Got something to go with now tho,as say I say if he was genuine.Can I ask how you guys mix your salt and ro,I mean HOW? hope you all had a good day.
Another day older.:D
For water changes I use a 5 gallon container with a small ( very small) powerhead and heater to mix the salt and RO water.
MMMMMMM IS this an old system to use tho ?:laugh:
denise.gardner
13-01-09, 20:50
sorry been busy water changes etc.must admit it made me smile when i logged on and saw please help by les:laugh:anyway having had my wine gum and glass of water lets get to the matter at hand .when you first fill up your tank umzo mix the water up in clean buckets that have never had detergent in.using you refractometer or hydrometer to measure your salt levels.once your tank is set up i would do as les says.hes a salty old seadog who knows how to mix it:laugh::p.
denise.gardner
13-01-09, 20:55
as for skimmer if you want one theres a deltec300 on the equiptment forum which is up for £60 you need a skimmer that islarge enough for or slightly larger then the amount of water in your tank.as for uv thats my own choice and i like to use one but that goes back to my predator days as they were prone to white spot etc.and it protects against bacterial diease
::D Hi wasnt sure if Les was right,dont you start loosing your memory at that age ?:laugh: Had a look at the skimmer sold pending payment :( sent pm on you know where ;) Got some prices today,have to find decent web site to look at to,round in circals again. :dance:
denise.gardner
13-01-09, 21:27
::D Hi wasnt sure if Les was right,dont you start loosing your memory at that age ?:laugh: Had a look at the skimmer sold pending payment :( sent pm on you know where ;) Got some prices today,have to find decent web site to look at to,round in circals again. :dance:have a look on the sponsers sites at first will look elsewhere in a mo.tell you something though if les keeps on ill cancel his subscription to tenaman and saga magazine:laugh::devil:
denise.gardner
13-01-09, 22:05
pm me with what they have told you so far this site is best for pms as when i go elsewhere i lose half ofthem.:)
:) Hi Joanna no nobody got back to me :crying: to busy talking about old age subject I dont wont to get into.Enjoyed my day out and got some wonderfull prices(exspensive I think) just hope the guy was genuine with the sizes.Got something to go with now tho,as say I say if he was genuine.Can I ask how you guys mix your salt and ro,I mean HOW? hope you all had a good day.
Another day older.:D
I've got a husband to shake the barrels to mix it. He's not feeble like Les. :laugh: He puts in an airstone to aerate it and a heater to heat it.
Joanna
denise.gardner
14-01-09, 00:23
as above but i sometims boil up some plain ro ti bring temp up.
:) P.M DENISE c wot you mean about looing it. :laugh: :thanks:
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