Recent content by biotech_chris

So, moving the tank in the next few days. It's a 50 gallon glass, 48X15X15 roughly. Thinking about tossing it and going acrylic. The first question is; it's an older tank. It's got at least 10 years with me as a reef, and must be at least 10 years older than that. Aside from some cosmetic...

This may not apply, but a quick look at MarineDepot verifies my own prices. I have 4 bulbs, at roughly 25 apiece, plus shipping. They're rated to hold their spectrum for something like 12-16 months, but you will want to check with the particular manufacturer of your bulbs. In the end it's...

I would invest in an electronic pH tester with an electrode and digital readout. These generally take a bit of skill to calibrate, but pay off with accuracy. About the high pH, I would agree with guy. Bring the water to an LFS and ask for a test. Unfotunately any chemical/dip test will be...

I agree, mines in the stand running on low. In summer it get turned to high. This increases the evaporation rate in the sump, and I can aim it to cool the hood also.

Alrighty... I can only really give you advice on what's worked for me, but if you've read any of the lengthy threads, you can get an idea of how many opinions are out there. I started with a Fish-Only with roughly the same setup around 6 years ago and have been fairly successful. I left out...

Hey Shrimp... How old is the tank? What are the other water parameters, and also, what is the size and what is it stocked with, both animals, and LR/sand? This will help anyone who passes through diagnose, or at least lend some advice to a problem. Chris.

Has anyone had any experience with these guys? If they do what they say do I'd probably get a pair or two.

Alright... Since we've heard from each side, I'll post something that should help settle the issue. Here are some worthy reasons not to use tap water without any sort of end user treatment... Culled from: http://www.glendalewaterandpower.com/pdf/waterquality_2004.pdf Glendale City water is...

It takes quite a bit longer than 5 minutes to rid the solution of chlorine/amine.

Agreed. Perhaps I was hasty with my typing.

Sounds like a Mantis Shrimp.

It will if the mix is aerated overnight. Aeration is the key though, and can take 24 hours.

Don't forget ammonia from an organisms respiration.

Please explain. Although I forgot to mention that aeration will remove chlorine, it will not remove chloramine, which some cities use to treat water. But since you've got RO/DI this is all trivial.

DI will remove chlorine, but bare bones RO will not. If you have an RO, with no DI make sure to use a carbon pre/post filter, or chelating agent. However if you have a skimmer, you won't be able to use a Tap Water Dechlorinator. If you have RO and DI then you're fine.