Newb Has Lift-Off!!!

Ok, so here are my experiences so far in the growing addiction of Saltwater Aquariums.

This week marks the 6th week in my conversion and I can now say I'm up and running, or walking as highly recommended . By week 4 I had the following:

40lbs of base sand and 20lbs of live sand
One 30g sump
CF lighting system
Protein skimmer not yet running.
12lbs of Live Rock

Week 5, I added:
4 - Scarlett Hermits
2 - Dwarf Blue Leg Hermits
1 - Emerald Crab
6 - Azerea Snails
1 - Unknown snail (part of normal cleaning crew, cant remember name)

The Livestock I added was actually the second group I've had to purchased. The first group died quickly due to salinity issues on my part. I was at 1.018 and not the proper .023 -.025 range. Now that the SG has been corrected all inhabitants seem to be doing ok. I say "ok" because its impossible to say their thriving at this point. Right now, I'm in the middle of a massive brown algea bloom that covers 70% of the sand bed. The hair algea on the LR keeps the crabs busy. They seem to be getting it under control. The live sand, though not showing much in the way of living creatures, has produced 2 or 3 bristleworms. I think. And it has removed any traces of Nitrite. The only adative I've used is Purple-Up (woking pretty well so far using the blue light whenever the white light is off) to get the coraline going.

The only early issue I'm having is with the protein skimmer....no bubbles. It's a venturi in sump type I picked up at an auction for $20. Its huge with a 350gph pump ....nice little score. When I place it in the sump, to test it out, I get no bubbles at all. Yes, I've cleared the venturi of any build up. Oh, and it's way to large for my current sump. The micro bubbles almost shut down my canister. I'm using the Rena until I can buy a real pump.

I have to say, the saltwater aquarium is the way to go. I mean, just watching the inverts and how they co-exist is amazing! Theres so much more live going on, so many relationships to watch.....it's incredible. I cant wait, but will, until its time to add all the other reef inhabitants. Patience patience patience is surely the key to success.

 

welcome to 3reef!

 

Is there a name on the skimmer ? if you have not foam look at the inlet or that little barbed nipple on top where the air hose connects maybe some Built up calcium or a hunk of grit in that where it enters the venturi and also listen to see if you can hear air being pulled in to the mix , Or or use a paper clip or a small screw drives and open the air inlet up , As I mentioned there maybe some built up calcium or a hunk of grit in there. Or you may have a rock lodged inside the injector pressure cone. Or you may not have enough pump to operate the skimmer ? You post the brand then you will get it figured out or a picture of it..

 

Thanks Geek. I'm glad to be a part of it. And thanks so much for your replies.

I've found what best represents the type of skimmer I have. It looks liek an Octopus skimmer. I'll post the pic I found as soon as I figure out how to. The venturi doesnt seem to make a sound, but when I blow down the tube it seems to be clear. I'll take a closer look to see if it can be opened more.

How do you control the brown algae? Toda when I got home, the tank was clowdy because of it I think. The hermits and snails are eating it, but just not fast enough. I guess I could always add more cleaners.

 

I got nothing on the venturi enlargement. When I blow down the tube, it sounds like its trying to push air/water up and out of the air tube. Does the height of the tube make any difference?

 

What pump is on the skimmer you might want to remove the pump and look in the connection and you should see a little cone type fitting in there there may be a rock or sand lodged in there . Or the pump may not be powerful enough or just not running up to full power or speed.
The water is pushed in through the mono flow cone that creates a high pressure area then as it blows out to the back of the cone a low pressure is created and a vacuum is formed and then the air is sucked in by the vacuum cause by the pressure drop. And or the cone is worn out from abrasive sand and carbonates over time I have had that happen several times the hole is enlarged from sand like a sand blaster and then you won't get that pressure change..

 

Thanks Tangster. That sounds like its the problem. The little cone thing, I mean. I didnt see one in it last night. I will look for this again. If its not there would it be an easy purchase online? If, not I still need a return pump and O could use it for that. What do you guys think?