Time to start over :o(

Oh and nice to see you back!!!!!!!!

 

From what I've read, the problem with lava is the possibility of heavy metals. Fish can probably tolerate them, but corals may not. If you have the funds, I'd recommend dry rock. It seems to be cleaned up fairly well and I've had no problems so far. Hair algae is creeping back after a few months but I deal with it before it gets out of hand.

 

I change the bulbs about every 8 or 9 months. What commitment is there to an under gravel filter? and what more modern process is there that doesn't require a great deal of monitoring and maintenance? :\ I understand the lose of good that die off live rock but when the end of the rope is reached what choice is there?

 

I change the bulbs about every 8 or 9 months.

I never left in spirit.

What commitment is there to an under gravel filter? and what more modern process is there that doesn't require a great deal of monitoring and maintenance? :\ I understand the lose of good that die off live rock but when the end of the rope is reached what choice is there?

 

When a systems has an issue I like to be able to remove and investigate. When you use an undergravel fitler or plenum you of course create this anoxic area where detritius collects and collects and collects for years. You're making a commitment that you're not going to touch that anoxic area.

With the use of efficient skimmers and bio-media I see no reason to use undergravel or plenums any longer. Better more efficient means of filtration exist. I basically feel the same way about DSB as well. Keep a systems as free of detritus as able and years down the line you will not be faced with persistent elevated nitrates and phosphate levels, leading to algae.

 

Steve, I know this is frustrasting, especially when your nitrates are reading low. The hair algae is probably consuming any nitrates released by the system, which is why they aren't showing up on your tests, but clearly there is a nutrient issue somewhere.

Actually, I think reefing is easier now than it has ever been. Water changes, good flow, plenty of live rock, skimmer and with a macro algae refugium is really all it takes to successfully run a tank.

There is a chance your liverock is leeching phosphates, but I still wouldn't nuke it. Like Coralline said, the die off takes time to re-cycle, and you really want that bacteria alive.

I would consider removing the gravel and adding a swallow sand bed. It can be done in an established tank.

And add a macro algae refugium if you haven't already.

 

Here's what I'm finding, I have a shallow gravel bed less than an inch using white sand. When I make a water change I use a siphon tube to clean the gravel and the muck that comes out is crazy. I can imagine what is caught around the rocks and coral When I had an under gravel filter using course rock I seldom got anything out of the gravel. I always felt that the trick was to have the gravel course enough to allow good water flow through it and strong power heads on the tubes to prevent any dead spots or acclamation under the gravel. I agree my nitrates must be there now or the hair wouldn't be there (Hummm I wonder if that would work on my head) A refugium might be a good add but in my case would require a total rebuild of the sump which might happen during this clean up.

Rick )

 

Rick, sorry dude. I read Stovebolt as Stevebolt

 

LOL! No sweat! At my age I need a 40" monitor to read the details, can't imagine you "young" folk using those little hand helds

 

What are you using for filtration now?