This is my first post at MFK! Im currently at the end of cycling for my 140 Reef Ready Oceanic tank to house 1-2 motoro stingray pups. My setup includes a FX5, a Pro Clear 200 sump powered by 2- Marineland 3000 (775 gph) return pumps, and an additional Marineland 900(247 gph) running to a uv filter and then from the uv to the refuge (10 gallon). The refuge is then gravity fed back into the sump. Im using Tahitian moon sand as a substrate (about ½-¾ inch). I also have a whisper 100 air pump driving one round airstone. For lighting I bought the Odyssea T5 48 (4x54w) light fixture. I have all lighting on timers so the refuge is lit when the tank isnt and vise-versa. I was cycling for about 6 weeks, and my test results are: pH-7.6 Ammonia-0 Nitrite-0 Nitrate-10, GH-0, and KH-9 using an API / Tetra test kit. I recently added Sphagnum peat moss in hopes of lowering pH, but the 2 cups of peat I put into my filter sock has had no affect on pH, which is probably due to my high KH. I have a little anacharis and Java moss in the refuge and plan on adding more when I get the ray. I had two marineland stealth heaters in my refuge but took them out since my water temperature doesnt get any lower than 80°. It tends to hover around 80-82, which I know is a little high, but I really dont know how to counter this other than possibly removing the covers to allow more evaporation. I bought the Barrons Educational freshwater stingray book which has LOTS of good information. So is there anything Im forgetting or anything I have overlooked? Thanks Guys!!!
