Filter socks and sponges

In2deep

In2deep

AC Members
Jan 30, 2007
28
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0
Highland, CA (Moved on up to the east side)
Hello all,

I am using a "Eurofil" sump. It has an overflow with a sponge type course filter in the overflow and a sock in the sump. Other than those filters and my skimmer (Coralife for a 75 gal) I have no other filters aside from 50 or so pounds of rock.

Should I remove the sponge and sock? I am hunting for what my algae source is. I have been testing with zero nitrates and phosphates but it seems I still have a lot of algae.

Do you guys use these types of filters?
 
Toss em, they will only cause trouble!!
 
You can use the socks but you will need 4 so that you can rotate and clean them daily or every other day. Please post pics of your sand bed, the algae in question, and the overall system.

Also, List these parameters for me...
1. how long has tank been up?
2. Alk reading...
3. PH reading...
4. Calcium Reading...
5. Phosphate reading and test kit name...
6. Nitrate reading and test kit name...
7. Do you use RO/DI water and have you tested for TDS post unit?
8. When was the last time all filters/membranes were changed in unit?
9. What substrate are you using?
10. What type of lighting are you using and when was the last time the bulbs were changed?

This info will pinpoint the problems.
Thanks, Rich
 
1. how long has tank been up? 4 years
2. Alk reading... I forget....It was (and has always been) within the "good" as stated in the Aquarium Pharm test book.
3. PH reading...8.3
4. Calcium Reading...450
5. Phosphate reading and test kit name... 0 Aquarium Pharm.
6. Nitrate reading and test kit name... 0 Aquarium Pharm
7. Do you use RO/DI water and have you tested for TDS post unit? I purchase RO water from the fish store. Prior to that I bought it from a water store. I thought the water store was the cause so I swithced.
8. When was the last time all filters/membranes were changed in unit? Dunno
9. What substrate are you using? Dunno
10. What type of lighting are you using and when was the last time the bulbs were changed? Compacts. 2 96w Coralife over a 40 gal breeder. Changed 1/27/07
 
The brighter light of changing the bulb could play a part, is that about when the algae started??

The nitrates may be a false reeding if the algae is feeding on them as fast as they are produced.
 
Ok, thanks for the info.

Your test kits are A.Pharm and IMO are great for reference but not for low level detection. Salifert test kits are superior for that.
Here are some test kits to upgrade to...They are sold out at this site but offer you the test kit descripttions quite nicely...

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...OD&Product_Code=SAT105&Category_Code=Salifert

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...OD&Product_Code=SAT106&Category_Code=Salifert

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...OD&Product_Code=SAT107&Category_Code=Salifert

Phosphate is measured in PPM. The product I am recommending has the ability to reduce the levels to PPB...Parts Per Billion. This phosphate resin should be run in every reef tank as the results that I am having is phenomanal.

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...roduct_Code=WM-PHOSAR-HC&Category_Code=warner
you can also use...
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...roduct_Code=WM-PHOSaR125&Category_Code=warner

Your source water is suspect to me. LFS store water and other companies do not usually run tests on their RO/DI units regularly and filter maintainance may be neglected from time to time. For this reason I always recommend a RO/DI unit for you. I may be wrong, but as you have stated you do not know where the algae is coming from.

Some pics can help me detect other visual problems. If you get a chance I would love to see the system.

A refugium with a 400gph flow rate and chaetomorpha caleurpa would be a good additon to the system for nutrient control.

Your other test results seemed to be OK. I would like to know ALK readings though. Preferrably in meq/l .

Your lights should be OK.

Processed flake food and pellets especially are high in phosphates. These could be a possibility also.

How are your corallines growing?

On the substrate question...Are you using sand or crushed coral?
 
I agree with all the above except the flow rate for the refuge, that is highly variable depending on the size of the fuge, a refuge should have 3-5X turn over per hour, this is to allow enough time for the macro to do it's job.
 
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