Sock it to me!

You know it's the good stuff because it's on the "UP & UP"

Filter Socks are a convenient method of providing mechanical filtration. They are used in sump systems and are usually installed with some kind of holding mechanism (see: DIY Filter Sock Holder).

The filter socks are available in felt or mesh materials and are commonly sold for the reef hobby in 100 and 200 micron sizes. The smaller the micron size is, the finer particulate it will remove.

There's several benefits to using filter socks. They help remove small particles of detritus from the system, help polish the water, and can help keep your sump clean. They are easy to swap out, and can be reused.

Some of the cons to using filters are the cost (each sock can cost $4-10), they can trap small life such as Copepods, they may clog quickly, and when not changed frequently they can contribute to increased nitrates.

Oppa Chromie Style

Rearranged the rock and coral a bit...

Saturday was reef maintenance day. To go along with the BioPellet experiment, I should post my test results:

Nitrate: 0
Phosphate: 0
Calcium: 420
Alkalinity: 7 dkh
Magnesium: 1500
Salinity (SG): 1.025
pH: 8.1

So far, Nitrates look good... BioPellets seem to be doing their job. The test results were decent enough considering the lack of attention I had paid to my aquarium. I do want to increase the Alkalinity and pH a little bit, but not too worried in the short term.

Biopellet Progress

We're almost a month into Project Biopellet - Take II (name still tentative). For the first two weeks, I added 1/4 cups of Biopellets weekly. For the first two weeks, I also added Two Little Fishies Bioactiv8 on a daily basis. I would turn off the return pump for a few minutes and add the bacterial innoculant directly into the sump chamber where the biopellet reactor is located. I would then leave my protein skimmer off for an hour after adding this.

So far, no problems. I have seen a huge reduction in cyano bacteria growth that was present before I started the biopellet system again. There has also been a reduction in the growth of hair algae, though some still exists. I will continue to remove either cyano or algae as I see it during water changes. Coral look healthy. I'm seeing polyp extension and no loss of color. 

Testing: You can do it!!

Water testing is easy and really only takes a few moments. A basic test kit isn't out of reach for any hobbyist, and you'll be surprised at the price of some entry level kits.

I use the API tests. Yeah, yeah, yeah... these tests get a bad rap by many hobbyists. Personally, I think they're great. I'm not looking for lab grade scientific testing... I barely passed chemistry in high school; I'll leave the hardcore testing for the chemists. What I want is an easy to use and affordable test kit. Yeah, the more expensive kits can be a little more precise, but I'm looking for ball park figures. I know my tank and I keep up with water changes. Why kill myself over a fraction of a fraction of a percentage?

Don't get me wrong, there are some really nice liquid test kits, and I'm a big fan of the Hannah Checkers; both are still relatively easy to use and can provide the accuracy that puts some hobbyists at ease. For simplicity and budget's sake, you can't go wrong with the API Salwater and API Reef Master Test Kits.

I've tested today using my API test kits and a Salifert Magnesium Test kit. I am happy with the levels as I had lower Calcium recently, and I'm trying to keep my Alkalinity low due to the use of biopellets on my system. I've posted the test results below:

Ca: 440
Alk: 8 dkh
Mag: 1500
pH: 8.2
Nitrate: 0 ppm

Levels look good, biopellets seem to be working well... Photos soon!

Water change day

Sunday, funday water change! Tank husbandry all around. I changed about 15 gallons of water, siphoned some sand out, replaced the some media and filter sock, and more!!

I also changed the clear vinyl tubing on the TL Phosban reactor to black vinyl tubing. It looks much better now.

Did I mention I added fish? I added three Chromis and a Six-Line Wrasse. My Yellow Watchman Goby has been defending his territory well, and my Clownfish has been making her presence known.

So far the Chromis have adjusted well and the Six-Line Wrasse has been swimming around, foraging off the rocks. I'll post pictures soon...