Inherited Tank

Hi,


Soooo, I just said hello in the hello thread. Figured I would post a little something here being this may be my next area to attack.....unless otherwise inclined. Attached is a picture of what I can best describe as an area where the sw from my tank enters through the overflow and enters the plumbing to the sump.......my big question is, by the looks of this.......Should I clean this area out? Or could this be good bio growth?

Here's my stats.
8.4 ph
0 ammonia
0 nitrites
160+ nitrates.....obviously a problem. Recently cleaned bio balls that have been neglected for 2+yrs. Lots of detritus on LR to clean off (doing 25% water changes a week). Not a big problem with green algae growth in the tank

As previously mentioned, in my sump I have bio balls, and a skimmer, with media filters. Will be modifying the sump for a fuge soon. But I think I want to try and get my nitrates under better control first.

Truth be told, the testing equip I have has a disclaimer in the "nitrate section" saying "this test may produce results 4x's greater than other testers because it tests for pure nitrates" (common?) or should I invest in a different tester?!

Anyway, getting back to the primary question, I apologize for the nitrate tangent. Should this area be cleaned? I hope I don't give anyone a heart attack with the picture if it's that bad!:-/

Pic 1- Aquarium
Pic 2- previously mentioned area

Thanks in advance, greatly appreciate it.

JR

 

is that the overflow looking like that? I would clean as much out as possible.

 

Oh yeah.

That needs some cleaning.

It is a nice tank BTW. ;D

 

It's not common for a test kit to test for total nitrates; they usually only test a portion. Your nitrates according to a typical kit would be around 40, which still isn't good, but not as bad as 160 lol.

BTW, what size tank is this?

 

Tank looks great, definitely clean up the area

 

Okay, thats real good to know......Its a 175g fowlr.

Thanks for all the advice, as soon as I figure out how to get in there to clean the area I'll post a follow up pic with some advice on what "not to do".....Seems like in two months I could write a "what not to do first" book already. So I'm sure this venture won't be any different.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!

 

Why yes, yes it is the overflow..... The same thought crossed my mind too.....right after i said out loud "eghhhh ehhh ahhhhhh, what the heck is that"


Thanks, I'll clean her out tomorrow