refugium/sump

I don't know if I could remove bio balls becaues thier is only about 68 lbs live rock in the display tank.I have a few lbs live rock in the fug with 20 lbs live sand. My base rock (100 lbs) has been in the main tank for 2 years that should help I think?? I though a true reef setup needs like 2lbs for every gallon? Also running ugf don't want this thing to CRASH ON ME if I remove bio balls.

 

szidls will take some tank shots when thier is something to look at don't want to spend lots money till water is good.

 

Frank,
How long has your live rock been mixed with the base rock in the display? Is your base rock coloring up with corraline alge? I have added base rock to existing LR in my 20 gal and it has colored up within a month or two. I think that
rule of thumb for live rock in your tank is between 1 to 2 lbs per gallon. If you have 170 lbs of rock in your 90 I think you should be fine removing bio balls. Just do it slowly. Maybe in 1/3rd's over a coupple months. Just keep an eye on water params.
Good luck, Scott

 

Yes the base rock has some corraline algae on it ,how much live rock in it's place of the bio balls. Should they be big pieces or should that section be jammed packed with live rock??? Should the live rock be above the water line or below the water line?

 

I would use a coupple large pieces and have them mostly above water.It makes it easy to rinse detritus off the rock ocasionally. Keep your filter media above the rock and remember to change it regularly. Some folks use lr rubble but I think it catches more detritus and is hard to clean.
Scott

 

What size tank did you make the sump out of?

 

New sump is made from old 55 gal tank.