Jim's Nuvo Mini 38

Back to protein skimmer

Well - The chaeto didn't work out. After five days noticeable degradation in the tank in the form of algae. Took the chateo out and put the skimmer back in. Running it for twelve hours 8PM to 8AM. Tank is starting to recover slowly. I understand that algae blooms are part of the first three month aging process, but the one I have in progress is extreme. I've also cut my light cycle back to eight hours a day, doing 10% weekly water changes, and reduced the amount of food for my critters.

The only ones that are enjoying the bloom are the crabs and snails, but even they can't keep up. Tic Toc - wait, wait, wait. Glad I decided to wait another month to add any corals.

 

Hey Jim, what color temperature was the light for your macro algae?

Are you running the Tunze skimmer again? Or is it a different one?

Try running some activated carbon or GFO to help limit the amount of algae growing in your tank.

As far as livestock, your list looks good to me. I wouldn't get much more (fish). Maybe a small goby if you do. That would put you at 6 fish.

 

Running the same skimmer which was not a Tunze. I've lost two of my fish, although the remaining ones seem to be healthy. Not sure about that. They both died on the same night. Found them in the AM with the crabs working them.

 

Great thread I might have to look into some if your products

 

Thanks Zambono - But they aren't my products.

 

Getting rid of the uglies

Well my tank is officially in the ugly stage of aging. Turned the lights out for a couple of days and did a huge turkey baster dust off of the rocks. This helped stop the advance of algae growth.

Now doing a weekly 11% water change. Filters aren't due to be changed until the 28th.

Added to the cleanup crew today:

• Four red legged hermits
• Two larger astrea snails
• One emerald crab
• One blue tuxedo urchin

All of the above immediately went to work on the algae. Hopefully in the next couple of days they can do some real cleanup.

 

Monthly filter change inedaquate

Looks like the recommended monthly interval for changing the filters is long by at least a week. I changed them this morning to see if I could impact the algae bloom, and what a difference. Looks like I'll have to reset on a three week interval rather than monthly.

That's a hefty impact on cost though. Based on buying the three packs, that comes out to $26.67 every three weeks for filters which is $38.52 a month for filters. I'll be researching an alternative to this. Probably add Chemi-Pure Elite as a pre-filter to extend the life of the Nuvi filter set. Their cost would only be $12 every three months.

 

Procedure alert Nuvo Mini 38

Follow the link:

http://www.3reef.com/forums/fish-ta...um-mini-38-micro-30-a-126310.html#post1259566

 

I use chemi-pure elite in my 12g without a skimmer and I have positive results

 

Different approach to filters

I've decided to use my tried and true standards for filtration. I'm leaving the phosphate filter in place for the moment, but will be looking into an alternative when they expire. Phosphates shouldn't be an issue other than the fish food.

On both returns: I removed the carbon sponge which is part of the kit and moved the filter sponge down to it's location. I installed a 1/2 unit ChemiPure elite and filter floss where the filter sponge was. I'ts only been two days, but my water is already crystal clear, and the algae bloom is diminishing. I'll keep on top of it through the week to see if it holds.

Also the skimmer doesn't seem to have much to skim anymore either.