tygger

Run your finger along the sides of the trash can. Is there any slime/sludge? What's the tds of ro/di water in the trash can?

Is this a new addition to your tank?

Search hydroponic pot on ebay for smaller 5-6" versions.

Welcome! Is the plan to stop using the maintenance company? If the tank has been up for 8yrs, the water parameters are probably stable, but at a minimum you'll need equipment to make and test water.

The wrasses and anthias can fit through the little squares or are there bigger openings in the sides?

I don't think very much beneficial bacteria is in the water column. From what I understood, the majority of bacteria adheres to surfaces of stuff in your tank like filter media, rocks, etc.

Think the concern is the lid being water tight...

I made a small feeder for my small tang using plastic gutter guard from homedepot and fish line. You could make it much larger if needed. I hang it in the water, let it float around, and make the tang work for it.

Cool setup. Did they test the water at all?

Ah, just watched the vid. You were talking about the Turbine Duo.

Reviving a really old thread to see what the opinions are today. Thoughts?

There's a new gyre pump already?

Awesome!

Good job keeping a log. I'm sure that block is processing your ammonia, so my first thought/question is how much of the beneficial bacteria from the block will spread and grow in the tank (outside of the block)? That block is oversized for your tank, so new bacteria may not be growing. When you remove the block, you may experience another cycle. This is different than adding seed sand where you keep it in the tank and allow bacteria to grow. Just my thoughts. Maybe someone with more experience can chime in here.

Agree with ^. Id buy another 20g so you can take your timev while working.

Since you have the ability to work on this sump without water already in it, I would use a reef-safe (no mold inhibitors, etc) silicone caulk.

Tank should be fine without a skimmer... just make sure the tank is not being overfed. Better the skimmer pump died than the return pump, IMO. Good luck and hopefully everything goes well.

Good luck out there.

Have a pic?

Do the pumps work when plugged in normally? Is there anything else hooked up to the UPS? 12.9v should indicate the battery is still good, especially for running some powerheads, but reading the voltage by itself doesn't tell the whole story. You could take the battery to Advance Auto, Auto Zone, etc. for a comprehensive test. If it comes back fine, I would suspect something is wrong with your UPS.

Need some help. The maxxspect sale ends tonight and I can't decide whether to buy the Ice Cap module to run with Apex or use Maxxspect's controller. What are the pros and cons with choosing either controller? Thanks

Also what is you avg amp draw prior to the heater kicking on? Wouldn't imagine there would be a huge jump depending on what type of lights youre running.

Check for a faulty/damaged heater.

Try hand tightening it first... but wouldn't be a bad idea to have a spare. These things don't typically fail, especially within 1yr. Check for signs of cracks from over tightening and/or a pinched gasket.

What's the benefit of controlling a Maxxspect gyre through Apex versus using its own controller? Other than being able to control everything through one interface, what am I missing? Financially, if using just one pump, the cost of the Maxxspect gyre and controller combo is about the same as a buying a single pump, Ice Cap module, alternate mode cable, and power supply. If going with 2 pumps, using the Maxxspect controller is cheaper since the controller can control 2 pumps. Thoughts?