Time to start over :o(

I feel your pain Rick.I have to order everything.

 

While waiting for the tank I bought a Hanna Checker for Phosphate to see how much was really in the old tank. The test came out 0.00 Thinking I must have messed up I tested our tap water, it came out 0.20 So the testing is alright the tank has O phosphate but the algae grows on What am I missing?

 

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/9/chemistry
This is important quote within.

Moreover, if there is an algae “problem”, then the algae may be consuming the phosphate as fast as it enters the water, masking the issue

So if you have a bunch of algae unless you have the ultra low Phos tester you will not see anything. Even with the ultra low your readings will be off do to algae.

 

Well said.^^

 

I do have the ultra low tester a few days ago I started running a 2" by 9" column of GFO in my reactor to see the impact I'm trying to get my processes worked out before the new tank gets set up with NO ADDITIONAL FINNY FRIENDS!!! The nitrites, nitrates are both "0", PH 8.4 and if the phosphates can't be tested with any confidence at what point do I see the train coming down the tracks toward me before it runs me over?

 

Very good article but still not a lot of answers to sensing that train coming except experience. It does seem that I'm probably spinning my wheels trying to resolve the problem in the old tank but as stated to replace all substrate and live rock while keeping a sharp eye on the "TESTING"

 

The train is always coming Chris.After it hits you is when you will know.So you are on the right "track".Over preparing and planning certainly helps.Nitrates are also consumed quickly by algaes in the system so again just cause they are testing 0 means little.If you have animals in there you have nitrate.

 

Time is getting closer, supposed to be ready for pickup on Thursday Then the work challenge UPS and FedEx love me, they seem to spend most days coming or going here Now that my new sand has arrived how about some input on the pros and cons of sand depth. I hear everything from "none" to 4 inches, is there a safe workable depth?

 

WOW! No opinions?

 

What depth sand bed do you want?

Personally I am not a big fan of deep sand beds any longer. Does an anoxic area do any good if one allows the sand to sit for years and collect detritus?

I clean my sand bed by vacuuming it and I get a ton of filthy yukkkkk. My tank is 20g gallons and I vacuum the SB once a month, sand bed is approximately 2 inches.