Recent content by fsa

Before you decide, be sure and read up on it. I think the main concern on lava rock is the relatively high metal content in it and it possibly leaching into the water system. I don't know why it wouldn't look good covered in coraline algae, though? If you want something that is really porous...

ck, are you sure you are talking about tufa and not "lace"? My "tufa" is a real soft, brownish, porous type of rock that I did not know/realize that it is volcanic in nature? My lfs even said that it had calcium carbonate in it. Frank

I'm one of the ones that mix and use without any wait. No problem that I know of. You might also try using your salt mix to up your s.g./salinity when you top off for evaporation if you're not already doing it. regards, fsa

I've had mine set up for about 4-5 months now. Sandblasting sand. I love the sand bed. Before this, I had a 4 in cc substrate over a plenum. I liked that one, too. It did fine, but because of all of the ballyhoo about dsb's, I had to try it. Glad I did. I think it's much better for worms, etc...

Berkely,You will NOT be disappointed with Bryan at www.aquaticreefsystem.com. Good product, good price, great service and, I assume, great guy. Try his web site, e-mail him or phone him. You will be surprised at his service. Best in the business IMHO.

starr, I will give you my two cents worth. I have a plenum setup now for about two years (my second plenum setup after going to a new tank). I set it up this way as per Tom Miller's articles in the late 90's in Marine Fish Monthly magazine (his "Handy" system) and also Bob Goemans book "Live...

DrDave, I've heard a lot of good stuff about www.gulf-view.com. Supposed to be loaded with life and critters. Also have heard good things about www.tbsaltwater.com.

J, I think you would be real happy with a unit from aquatic reef systems. I just bought a two stage last month from Bryan there and am real happy with it. I plan to soon upgrade it to a 3 stage in a couple of months. Bryan offers real good customer service and will call you at home if you e-mail...

I notice that there are a couple of sponsors here that make r/o units. You might look at their sites and see if you can find the answers. I do know that www.aquaticreefsystems.com does have a list of stuff that is removed by r/o.

Markstr, I can't answer any of your questions, but I think Spectrapure is a sponsor on this site? I would check out their website and see if you could get in touch with a tech or some one who could answer it for you.

I got what's called a bare bones R/O unit from Corallife about 4 or 5 yrs ago. Makes 10 gallons a day (on a good warm day). Back then cost about 80 or 90.00. Don't know if that might be in your price range or not or if they even still make it. I only use it for the fish tank. It hooks up to an...

Don't know what your plans are for future tank inhabitants, but sounds like your tank is fine now. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I wouldn't just add DSB just because it is the "now" thing to do. If everything is fine and parameters are good why bother changing it? But if you are going to be...

Good luck with the free shipping. Just a couple of weeks ago, I bought two bags Instant Ocean from my LFS. He had it on sale for 12.00 a bag. Would've bought more if I had more money. These two bags should last me 5 or 6+ months. Anyway, just don't forget about your local FS. Might find a good...

Years ago,I had that problem. Found out the heater was rated too large for size tank I had at the time. Bought a smaller heater and never had that kind of swing in temps again.

If you're going with pc's, I heartily agree with giving ahsupply a try.