Recent content by Big R

I am amazed that "closed loop" has no votes! Everybody I know setting up high end aquariums is using this method....both for performance and asthetics. I really don't understand anybody deciding on their circulation system based on the miniscule power consumption differences. R

In any event, unless you are using Reptile or tanning lamps, standard aquarium fluorescent lighting does not produce any UV. R

I'm not sure how a 9.5 would overpower the drain pipe??? We have run up to the 36 here with no problems. R

Fluildized bed???? Personally I'd ditch that. I'd also suggest some big water changes. Maybe try laying off the Kalk for a while. Wouldn't hurt to run some phosphate media too. R

I had a pretty elaborate QT set-up when I started my 180g. It was a 55g w/ a 33g sump; skimmer, HO lighting, the works. I've since taken it down and now introduce new fish directly into the 180g. I've had much better luck doing it this way and have not had any disease problems. R

Nice looking tank. I think you gotta replace that fan though. R

Arcandia just came out w/ a 13,000K; but I'm not sure who has them. Personally, I've always liked the Coralife actinic. R

Send me an address; I can't get through to your e-mail. R

Podman is correct. A pleasant attitude can certainly affect what a customer service rep might do for you. I always say that I wouldn't trade places with our customer service reps, even for more money. Getting hammered all day for problems that they had nothing to do with is not exactly a fun...

Good reason to stick w/ IO. :roll: Oceanic didn't promise anyone a free sample. I beleive they said samples would be available "while supllies last". I'm sure there are many others that didn't/won't get a sample, but there was only so much to go around. Honestly, they have not been able...

I think the fact that Oceanic salt does dissolve so quickly is an important feature! Esspecially for anyone that has ever had to quickly mix-up a batch due to something that has necessitated a quick and/or large water change. R

From what I have read, Red Sea is made by evaporating sea water. The thought is that once it is re-hydrated, it would return to the same chemical composition. This sounds good in theory, but in practice it doesn't actually happen that way. I'm not a chemist, and this is just from what I recall...

Most people I know do not recommend ReaSea because of the evaporative manufacturing method. R

It was maybe a month ago. If you do a search, try the word fire. I can't do searcgs there since I am no longer a member there. R

Personally, I would not run VHO's in my house. I think there was a pretty long thread on RC recently discussing the endcap problem. R