Can't resist any longer !

[Pimentinha]

Chaeto will need light, so back of the filter won't work well IMO.
Why bio balls? For filtration? If so, I would just focus on more live rock. That will be your primarily source of filtration. Bio balls, if not cleaned frequently will become a nitrate factory. Which is really bad when it comes to keeping corals...

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

Emperors have paddle wheel filters and also build nitrates , I don't recommend those except for cichlids or freshwater tanks!

 

[Pimentinha]

I run an aqua clear 70 on my 36 gallon tank. Yes, I forgot about those Bio wheels. They suck!! They get stuck all the time and produce nitrates too!

 

[marrone]

You can take off the Bio Wheels and just let the spray bar spray down into the filter. I use an Emperors filter on my large fish tanks, that way I can add things like carbon, poly pads and such.

 

[watevadog5]

Ok, I took off the bio wheel. I have what I would assume is a stock filter pad in the filter w I guess it's charcoal inside. Again I'm very new to this. I also have 10 bio balls. I read it will hold bacteria on its surface area to help cycle. As for corals that is what seems like light years away. I'll also mention I have roughly 20-30 lbs of rock in the tank. It was in the previous owners set up but when I got it, it was covered in slime and smelled to the high heaven. I rinsed, did a quick bleach dip ( very diluted) rinsed again n let Sun dry. Am I somewhat on the right track?

 

[watevadog5]

I really appreciate the advice I'm receiving so far guys.

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

Yes remove the bio wheels and run it that way , you can even buy that filter cartridge kit and make one pad gfo and one pad carbon!!! Not a ba idea now

 

[watevadog5]

Gfo?

 

[watevadog5]

Media bag of some sort. Came w set up, any help id'ing? I know it's a shot in the dark.

 

[Pimentinha]

That replaces bio balls. It's just something where bacteria will attach to and reproduce. Very good stuff. I never replace that. I'm assuming you didn't cure the rock after you "killed it"... That's another recipe for disaster. All the living things inside the rock died and once put back inside the water will start decomposing. You might want to check phosphates. That's "food" for algae and Cyanobacteria. Water changes and some chaeto will help. Blow your rocks with a turkey Baster as much as you can. Vacuum up all the detritus that falls off the rock.

Corals always seem light years away... Next thing you know your wife is chasing you down because you are spending money on corals instead of buying her shoes...

 

[watevadog5]

How would I go about curing it? I rinsed it as well as possible. Saw no more film on it before putting in tank. You guys suggest that media bag over the bio balls? Should I switch it 2 days into cycle?

 

[QueensRob]

Hey bud if you are ever in queens bring some jugs I always have about 55 gal of rodi water on hand. I will hook u up.

 

[watevadog5]

I really appreciate that. If I ever need it that bad I'll hit you up and take a ride out. You guys really are great.

 

[watevadog5]

Have what looks like algea growing on my sand. Attached a few pix.. good\bad? If bad what should I do to fix it?

 

[Pimentinha]

Curing rock is simple. Place it in a container with RODI water and a powerhead. Every day or so take phosphate test and see if you have any. If the rock is leaching phosphates do water changes. Your rock looks pretty white though. Which is a good thing.

 

[watevadog5]

Any ideas on if that's good or bad bacteria?

 

[Pimentinha]

It's hard to tell by the pic. If you don't like seeing it just syphon it out.

 

[watevadog5]

I'll let it grow a bit n try to get a better picture. I don't mind it, just hoping it's not detrimental

 

[Pimentinha]

It should be alright.

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

In order for your tank to process and get to a balanced state you may encounter some thing like algae or cyano, it is an ongoing effort to keep a reef tank once you know what you want that tank to look like! Be patient and let it cure and cycle on its own, you won't regret it, everyday is a step in the right direction.

Remember we are all here for ya.