Tracy G

It was tap water. I changed to buying water after I had the issue to see if it would fix the protein skimmer

Current USA Nova Extreme Pro T5HO 10k/460nm Actinics That is the light system 48" 6x54

Thanks for all of the help. I have it 100% turned down and it was still overflowing lol. Im guessing this is why I also have been having issues tuning it because adding water that was evaporated. This was my first real water change because have not really had too till now. Until I get an RO/DI I will buy my water change water and use a simple chlorine remover like ATI's. Tank looks great though.

I just got a T5 light system to get ready to go reef and I have no idea what I am doing. Anyone have suggestion on what bulbs to get? Also what should the real light cycle be (night, day etc....)? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I heard Carbon can help as well? I was not running any and added some so hope that can help.

So I just found out not to use a protein skimmer while putting water treated with Nutrafin Aqua +teated water. Found out post........ So I did a 20% water change using purchased salt water and still getting the same soapy foam rendering my protein skimmer useless. Anyone every had this? How to fix? Do I need to let nature run its coarse? Any help would be great!

I did hyposolinity (sure I spelled that wrong) a few months ago and picked up a refractometer. I have it now set at 1.025 and seems to be good. Right now issue is I changed too much water and I dont have RO/DI yet so just put Aqua one + in and protein skimmer went nuts (just found out cant have it on). I am going to go buy some salt water today so I can do a easy water change (been looking for RO/DI on for sale forum).

Took out the Angel Fish (moved to fish only). Increasing salt slowly changed rock setup around. Now just time

Sweet! I added my location to my profile (Burke VA) and a few free mushrooms would be really cool. I think I should make sure my tank is ready for them first so I dont waist your time and kill them. As for my skimmer I am not an expert at using one and I will tell you it makes very thick foam and I get a good amount out of it. It does take almost a constant adjustment (not sure If I am doing anything wrong). Anyone have any advice on getting a skimmer working better? Or do they all need as much hands on time?

Ok awesome some quick fixes. I will raise salt to 1.026 to get prepared. As far as feeding I only have the one fish and I feed him (or her) 2 times a day just some flakes and I dont put very much at all. Im guessing the Nitrates issue is because of the newer live rock?

I will do. Thank you so much for saving me! lol. I would have been discouraged if they started to die (thinking my tank was in good shape)

In my Display tank I have over 50lbs of live rock (just put 25 more yesterday) and my test kit is a Master test kit by API but here is what I got. PH 8.2, Ammonia 0, Nitrate 20ppm, Nitrite 0. The tank temp is a little high 79.2 (have heater set to 78) and salt is at 1.022. How do you think the levels look? Should I wait to add anything else because more live rock was added? I know for sure the tank has been cycled but I am patient and dont mind taking it slow.

I would love it if someone could give me advice if I have everything I need to start a reef tank. I have done salt water fish with great success in the past but never reef and I wanted to get some help. 72 Gallon Bowfront Reef Ready Tank Aqueon 34502 ProFlex Sump Model 3, 65-110-Gallon setup as a refugium with 3-4" DSB with Chaeto algae and 1 small piece of live rock EHEIM Compact+ Pump 3000 for up to 792 US Gallons (3000L) as return pump 2 of Hydor Koralia Evolution 1050 Aquarium Circulation Pump, 1050 gph AquaEuroUSA Classic 135 Protein Skimmer w/ Needle Wheel Pump and Bubble Plate ViaAqua Titanium 300 Watt 80 Gallon Aquarium Heater a dual bulb T5 Lighting using 2 Solarmax T5 28w Actinic-03 Bulbs 2-3" of live sand in DT, with 50+ lbs of live rock 6 Turbo snails 10-11 Nassarius Snail 1 Coral Beauty Angel (poor lonely guy) 1 Sand Sifting Starfish 4 Hermit Crabs (1 is in sump and) Bristle worms (some really big ones 6" maybe.... Nasty looking things) Tank has been running since mid march and is looking great water is extremely clear and you life is starting to explode. No big algae problem (im sure snails help) Im sure I am asking for a lot to help I just want to be sure I dont kill everything else I buy. I really love this hobby and I am looking to increase my knowledge and understanding of what I need to do. I thank you for reading and any advice you can give me.