ChrisRD

Ditto! I don't have any hermits in my current tank, but if I were ever to have any again, these are the guys I would put in. BTW, Premium Aquatics sells them too (check the link posted above by Howard).

Howard, are you talking about the red, cotton-looking stuff? If so, I had a nagging problem with it in my current tank until I tried a few Mexican Turbo snails. They munched it all...

BTW, for those looking for an alternative to using a peristaltic pump to feed your kalk reactor, a digital appliance timer controlling a feed pump (ie. small powerhead, vacuum pump, etc.) works pretty well. The digital timers are generally controllable down to 1 minute intervals and can have up to 14 on/off cycles per day. Total cost of pump + timer is about $30-$35. These timers can also be useful in combination with a float switch too. You can use the timer to limit how much the pump could run in a day in the event of a switch failure. You can also use it to control when the pump can run (ex. say you only want to dose kalk at night). Basically, you get all the benefits of using a float switch with a few added features. Just a few thoughts I have had after trying a bunch of different stuff (trial and error)...

I have built (and still use) both a Ca and a kalk reactor. Scroll down in this thread to see pics (might give you guys some more ideas)... http://reefs.org/phpBB2....tart=20 A few notes for those interested in these types of designs... I found the 4"X2" reducer and 2" union top was both cost effective and much easier to seal than the big 4" cleanout plug tops shown on many DIY PVC reactor designs. Also, since those pics I have changed all fittings to John Guest speed fittings and plumbed everything with 1/4" OD plastic line (both reactors). The plastic line is cheap and commonly available in opaque colors (so that algae growth doesn't become a problem in the lines). I now use a JG ball valve fitting on the Ca reactor output line instead of the needle valve shown. Cheaper and seems to work well enough to make effluent adjustments (and works with the plastic line)... Another note - I found the the ball valve was not needed on the kalk reactor. A MJ400 provides gentle mixing even with the valve fully opened, so I never restrict it. I use a digital appliance timer to activate the mixing pump for a 1 minute run, several times a night (I only dose kalk at night). HTH

I just signed-up so I'll check it out. I'm probably going to setup a 120 since I only have about 4' to 5' available where the tank will sit (or I'd be looking for a 180)...

I haven't had a chance to read through the board yet, but I probably should have done that first... [::] Thanks for the help. ::

Hi all, I'm going to be moving to Alexandria, VA in a few weeks. I'm planning on joining WAMAS once I'm in the area. Can anyone recommend a good place in the area to buy a reef ready tank & stand? I'd like to have something setup down there so I can just move my livestock... Thanks in advance for any input. :D