Recent content by Kenzy

Looks beautiful! But its time to prune it back. When I had my 90g tank set up it was over grown with xenia as well, after a while my LFS wouldn't take any more of my prunings since they couldn't get rid of it fast enough.

Nothing wrong with those numbers, Your alk is hardly "off the scale" although some may say its a tad high, I usually aim for 3.5-4 meq/l (9.8-11.2dkh). As a result its pushed your calcium down a bit and your ph up a bit. As a remedy I would, like you suggested, just add the calcium part for a...

Depends on who you ask...anywhere from 8-18 months. I change mine out once a year and write down the date that they were changed on so I don't forget. Some people also like to change out half, then do the other half in 6 months time so that they are not going from old lamps to new lamps in one go.

Found another conversion chart here at OZReef: http://ozreef.org/reference/alkalinity_conversion.html Hagen's idea of "ideal" is some what on the low side. Although it closer reflects Natural SeaWater, we tend to aim a bit higher.

I think that should read 3.2 meq/l. millequivilents(it's 4AM and I can't spell right now) per litre. meq/l and dkh are the most common units used for measuring alk. 2.8x3.2meq/l= 8.96dkh. It's been a long time since I used a Hagan kit so I'm a little fuzzy on what measuring units it uses, but...

Here's one http://reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=16877&highlight=powder and another http://reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=22419&highlight=powder There's more if you've got the time.[/url]

The difference is likely between T12 and T8, both of which are somewhat standard normal out put flourescents. Although I think the T8's are now called energy savers and a 48" lamp is now rated at 32w but gives the same performance as the older 48" 40w lamps. The lower the "T" number, the...

Luckily it seems tanks can tolerate colder weather better than warmer weather. Sorry about your losses.

A bit late but: if you're in a real pinch and are going to use flexible tubing try a local marina and ask for "through hull fittings"

Is it actually an algae? I think its what most refer to as scum build up. Add a power head and aim towards the surface and you'll never see it again.

It's more likely the bulb, as they get older the harder they are to start. Hmm... the same could be said about me. I would be surprised if you could find the starter, most are sealed internally in the ballast. Only very old NO ballast have starters that are replaceable. BTW the starters are...

There was a link to the US patent office FAQ which in brief said you can't build something that was patented, no ifs, ands or buts. In the wisdom (or is it paranoia) of RC's mods the whole thread was basically deleted. What's left is "stickied" in DIY forum.

Some have used "Fulham" electronic ballasts for diy pc stuff. try http://www.fulham.com or do a search on here or RC for "Fulham" or "workhorse" (the name of the ballast line is workhorse)

Naw it just takes a little practice, don't let it scare you off from using it.