I think I want a skimmer

How would i drill my tank for a sump if its already filled?

Also why no ULNS in anything less then a 40? i guess i should say, i would be ok with a not 100% ULNS, but i dont want an LPS heaven.

 

To get a true ULNS you can use several methods and combinations of a few.

Vodka/Carbon dosing: Something that really needs to be researched extensively, attention to dose and changes both negative and positive. Possible out breaks of cyanobacteria ( then dose something else MB7).

Bio-pellets: Probably the easiest and safest route for a newer hobbyist.

Zeovit: Expensive and a chemistry challenge, time consuming....

I am sure there are other methods.

Most importantly you can run an sps dominated system without attempting to keep the system consistantly ULNS. There is something to be said for 0 values for nitrates and phosphates, but I would start simple.

 

seeing as i probably can't handle vodka, biopellets seem good.

Can you explain how they work?

Also i dont understand your last sentence.

 

There I corrected the wording, I am trying to do too many things at one time, sorry.

The easiest way to reduce the nitrates and phosphates is through, reduced feeding and preventing introduction of phosphates. Water changes and macro algae and again watch introduction of nutrients.

I would try balancing the system by the above method first for many months before shooting for a ULNS. A skimmer sounds like a good way to start as well as dialing in the parameters to meet the needs of sps.

 

As far as how they work: Simplistically you are providing nutrition for the growth of beneficial bacteria that take up the nitrates and phosphates and removing the bi-product through skimming.

MB7 is introduction of beneficial bacteria.

Bio-pellets: Provides a medium and dispersion of beneficial bacteria. I like this link information regarding bio-pellets.

http://www.marinedepot.com/NP_Biope...r_Media-NP_Biopellets-XB1113-FIFMCHNR-vi.html

Zeovit: Is very complicated, if involves detailed profiles of your tank and introduction of certain chemicals like potassium in ratios based on your profile, parameters and the desired coloration of sps and other corals and inverts.

ZeoVit Basic Information (FAQ) - zeovit.com

 

I dont feed to often, and phosphates can't really be noticed in tests. Two snails handle any algae I have.

I've decided I don't want a complete ULNS, and its probably immposible since I have a mantis, but I'lm going to try to keep them low.

 

I don't think a 14g will be stable enough for a ULNS.... ULNSs are very "picky" and fluctuation=death.... Also, as stated protein skimmers need more water volume to work properly. Small tank skimmers can't and don't work very efficiently, especially for a ULNS. Even with biopellets, you need a good skimmer. Bacteria will "slosh" of of the pellets and need to be removed from the water column and although, the manufactures claim is that they don't, the evidence suggests the pellets do actually feed bacteria in the water column as well. Regardless, bacteria tend to produce by products, which need to be removed via skimming.

Really, if you want a 14g ULNS, my best advice is set up a 14g, with a hidden 40g sump