I see. Thanks, John. The reason for my asking is I always wonder how long would a tank like this last.I just moved them in that tank about a month ago.
Would you be able to track the organic matter with a TDS (conductivity) pen? I assume you would but not sure if it would have to be weighed like tannins.
There are turbidity meters available. However, they're cost prohibitive at about $1,000 for a base model. And, they don't differentiate between organic and inorganic matter. They test by light absorption. Lab counter units can measure between organic and inorganic turbidity. Of course, their costs are greater than the hand-held/field units.
Many thank you's, Phil. So you feel just large enough sump and turnover (and of course water change; I run 100% in 3 days continuous WC) would not be enough and a skimmer would be needed on top of them?In aquaculture, water turbidity from inorganics is fine and, in cases, promoted for keeping fish calm in 'natural'-state water. Inorganics, such as clays, are inert to the bio-load. However, if the turbidity is derived from organics, the risk of nitrite toxicity increases and leads, invariably, to conditions promoting Methemoglobinemia (brown blood disease).
To remove organics from an overtaxed system, I recommend incorporating a foam fractionator (FW protein skimmer). These have proven to work wonders in aquaculture applications where high bio-densities are maintained.
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There's the Clarity line of FW skimmers available and there are tons of DIY articles/videos available on the 'net for building your own.
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You would be able to test the conductivity of tap vs tank water and get an idea of how much more organic matter would be in the water though...