265 Gallon Salt
- Thread starter JasonsPlecosCichlids
- Start date
Well it looks like the skimmer wont work as a hang on very well so I need to get a sump, what is the minimum size sump I should get?
How do you feel about these?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ADHI-Aquarium-R...t=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item7b6731d969
http://cgi.ebay.com/Eshopps-Reef-Su...864?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item518eb406c8
How do you feel about these?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ADHI-Aquarium-R...t=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item7b6731d969
http://cgi.ebay.com/Eshopps-Reef-Su...864?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item518eb406c8
sincitydragon;4723750; said:
Agreed, minus the lighting. That would only be for reef tanks.
These general statements do not help him or anyone else though because everyone knows stability means success. It is how to achieve that success.
1. I don't know if you are willing take a couple fish back, but you really should find a new home for the Copperband Butterfly. It truly has no place in a tank like this and will most likely perish very quickly. The batfish would be my 2nd choice for fish to go. It will get/is too big for this tank anyway and is getting picked on(The clown, trigger, angel, tangs, or someone else could be doing it and will continue too. In an overstocked tank you will have a tough time stopping this.)
2. Get that skimmer going. They will need a break in period before they even work. I assume it is in the sump? What size did you decide on? The bigger the better, more water volume will help keep the tank more stable. I know you said you don't have a lot of space for sumps. If you did more than one sump they would need to be plumbed together. A bigger pump can also be put in a big sump, depending on your overflow situation. What overflow did you get? The gph rating? Maximizing the abilities of your overflow will greatly help with flow and the ability to filter wastes in your tank.
3. Get another skimmer going. Honestly, two skimmers would be a great idea in this situation. Two different types, both overrated size wise for the tank. I hope the sump is large enough and has space for two skimmers???
4. Get more rock and decor to try to break up the tank as far as territories go. Something like two very tall stacks of live rock almost to the surface constructed with pvc or acrylic rods for stability would leave as much swimming space as possible while blocking views across the tank. This will hopefully reduce aggression when fish cannot see each other around the rocks.
Getting more info about your tank will go a long way for people to help you. Info regarding questions I have asked above and anything else you can think of would be great.
MasterB;4723926; said:
I think both of these would be too small to do much good in all but the biggest models. Those models are expensive and hard to manipulate(put in what you want, like skimmers). I think buying a used or new tank that is of suitable size is a better option. Then you can just silicone(100% only, no mildew protection) in baffles with either cut glass or acrylic where you need them so you can fit a skimmer and other stuff. There are plans online everywhere for how to do this.
I cannot stress enough that the absolute BIGGEST sump, skimmer(skimmers as I stated in my last post), overflow box, and return pump you can get are all going to help.
Bigger sump-more water volume, more space for bigger equipment
Bigger skimmer(s)-you cannot skimp here and hang on models will not do, the Berlin XL must be put in a sump, the better the skimmer the more efficient at removing waste which is the MOST important
Bigger Overflow box-more water flow, more oxygenation, more water getting to your skimmer(s)
Bigger Return Pump-This will go in tandem with the overflow box so that the water gets back to the tank.
I think the eshopps is a better choice for your situation. You could also look at craigslist or ask around at the local fish store for a used cheap 55 or 75 gallon tank to make into a sump. This can be done pretty cheaply and easily if you are a little bit handy.
The test kit results are strange. There are only a few possibilities for how those numbers are coming up with the kind of bio load you have in the tank. You might want to take a water sample to the LFS (if you haven't already) to verify your findings.
Also, what are you running in the canisters? This could make a huge difference in making this tank sustainable. If the tank has been up for a month, you might think about cleaning out one of the canisters and starting a cleaning rotation. My experience is that they need weekly attention, but maybe you can get away with less.
I second the opinion that the copperband should find a new home. There is a bacterial / viral issue in there that needs addressing. The good water quality is the most important part of combating these issues, so if your tests are right, you are on good ground there. You may want to consider dropping your salinity to around 1.020 or 1.019. This can help with the ichyness, and isn't a big deal for fish. Its terrible for inverts though so be careful if you have lots of snails/ crabs, etc. (I can't imagine many snails and crabs making it with those fish though, so no worries there)
Sorry if I was too harsh (well pointed out bro - my bad) I'll try to be more constructive / instructive with my comments.
The test kit results are strange. There are only a few possibilities for how those numbers are coming up with the kind of bio load you have in the tank. You might want to take a water sample to the LFS (if you haven't already) to verify your findings.
Also, what are you running in the canisters? This could make a huge difference in making this tank sustainable. If the tank has been up for a month, you might think about cleaning out one of the canisters and starting a cleaning rotation. My experience is that they need weekly attention, but maybe you can get away with less.
I second the opinion that the copperband should find a new home. There is a bacterial / viral issue in there that needs addressing. The good water quality is the most important part of combating these issues, so if your tests are right, you are on good ground there. You may want to consider dropping your salinity to around 1.020 or 1.019. This can help with the ichyness, and isn't a big deal for fish. Its terrible for inverts though so be careful if you have lots of snails/ crabs, etc. (I can't imagine many snails and crabs making it with those fish though, so no worries there)
Sorry if I was too harsh (well pointed out bro - my bad) I'll try to be more constructive / instructive with my comments.
neat link. He's done some stuff I wouldn't do again, but he also gave me some killer ideas. thanks!
sincitydragon;4723750; said:
By doing "this" do you mean overstocking and stocking too quickly?
Other than that fine detail, I would have to agree with you here. Lighting is probably something that depends on your needs. Sometimes weak light can be bad, other times too much light can cause algae issues all the same.
nonstophoops;4723959; said:
Ah, I see. You speak my language. Wish I was a balla' with an AquaC skimmer larger than some people in the vertically impaired community.
But seriously, more is merrier when it comes to skimming.
Sumpwise, do the biggest thing you possibly can. Solution to pollution, is dilution. You will hear it over and over, and thats because its true. Plus you can hide your heaters and a couple skimmers down there if its big enough.
FLESHY;4726119; said:By doing "this" do you mean overstocking and stocking too quickly?
Other than that fine detail, I would have to agree with you here. Lighting is probably something that depends on your needs. Sometimes weak light can be bad, other times too much light can cause algae issues all the same.
Ah, I see. You speak my language. Wish I was a balla' with an AquaC skimmer larger than some people in the vertically impaired community.
But seriously, more is merrier when it comes to skimming.
Sumpwise, do the biggest thing you possibly can. Solution to pollution, is dilution. You will hear it over and over, and thats because its true. Plus you can hide your heaters and a couple skimmers down there if its big enough.
Haha I am guilty.
Quoting Bob Fenner of WetWebMedia.com I see: "The solution to pollution is dilution!" Good stuff, and couldn't be more true.
Also, yes I am in Colorado and I did drive all day and I still couldn't help but come on here for a few posts.
