Recent content by BRose

I'm sure I'll get flamed for this but here goes. As with most things, understanding the limitations of the product can make a big difference. For 'New Reefkeepers' I agree with these posted. Just don't let it perminately sway your opinion on everything. Skilters are a waste of time and money...

Wings, Yes, new tanks typically go through various stages including algae growths. It's normal and for the most part there's not a whole lot you can do to prevent it. Usually the best you can do is minimize it with basic 'Good House Keeping'. In the post "change" Len wrote, Using cured...

I assume you've read the post on "Making Base Rock". I've make several kinds, types, sizes of "Rock" to use in reef tanks. The GARF Arragocrete is easy and pretty simple. With all artifical rocks made from cement, the danger is not letting it cure sufficently. I've found it takes at least 2...

A simple system used in many commercial applications: Take the same set-up cediss has (usually a large plastic bottle or tank) with the 2 hard line tubes glued in the top. Turn it upside down and place it so the ends of both tubes are just below the desired water level. As the water evaporates...

A lot depends on the rock work and what you plan to keep in the tank. I have a 20 g. cube with a couple rio 600's that's been going strong for several years. But the Rock Work and Corals are very open and water moves around the entire tank freely. I believe it was Matrin Moe at IMAC last...

FYI - I have a standard 29 G. tank with only 3 Standard Output, 20 watt flourescents. While I Definately Do Not recommned this for beginners, you can acclimate almost all soft and many hard corals to this type of low level lighting. This particular tank has a large Hammer Coral and a Bubble...

Wazzel's final suggestion is Very important. Do some research. Use this forum but also read some books and articles. Talk with other local reefkeepers. There are many ways to set-up and run reef tanks. Different methods work for different applications, etc. But the basics are still the...

Wings, That's a Really new tank! Hopefully the LR was fully cured. (?) Usually it takes at least 4 to 6 weeks for a tank to establish biofiltration. Often it takes 6 to 8 weeks or longer. At 2 weeks your tank probably hasn't even reached it's ammonia peak. Hopefully the LR is cured and is...

ebosshard, Particularly in a new tank this is generally true. Personally I've found that using an airline size tube to lightly siphon ditritus from rocks and the top of the sand bed doesn't hurt a new tank. Particularly in a brand new setup it's extremely helpful. Just don't siphon into the...

1st thing I'd ask is how old is your tank? You also need to look at the size of the tank vs the number of crabs & snails (again dependant on the age of the tank and the present bio-load) Some general thoughts: In a well-established tank there's usually a lot of fauna in the sand bed that will...

I've used a Green Laser pointer several times without any noticeable harm. It's a very high power pointer purchased for use in pointing out astronomical items in the sky to groups. (Typically it'll shine well over a mile when pointed in the sky) As indicated, don't shine any laser in your...

You might look at Surplus Sales. They usually carry several permanent magnet motors that you can vary the speed with voltage as well as geared, low rpm motor units that might serve your needs. Surplus Sales - Omaha, Nebraska For more information send e-mail to: [email protected] or...

You're correct. Intially, cast concrete raises the pH. It will tend to raise the pH in water until it's close to 12 in newly cast concrete. From a Dr. with a PHD in Concrete Analysis: The pH level is a measure of acidity or alkalinity, on a scale of zero to fourteen, with zero being most...

J. I had the same problem when I first put an 800 Rio in my original BacPac. I found a piece of old open sponge filter slightly wider than the exit chamber of the CPR and about 1/8" less depth. (So there's an open 'slot' up the back). I cut the sponge block at a 45 degree slat on the bottom...

In the distant past I used to build a lot of my own tanks. Mostly acrylic though. I found placing the verticals on top of the bottom pane works better and lasts longer. On most commercial tanks the frame both top and bottom does provide some structural integraty but the Top frame is as much for...