New tank, need advice

Rich D · 01/19/2009, 04:11 PM

A few years ago my dad and i developed a nice reef tank, when we went on vacation somehow both the main overflow and the backup overflow got clogged, and the auto-refill filled the tank with fresh until it became unclogged and dumped about 40 gallons into our basement. We are now trying to develop a new tank but are having numerous problems, we have been noticing a huge drop in pH and calcium that would continue even after adding more. This problem seems to have stopped and we think it may have been because of a red algae bloom but have now noticed that the water is full of copper. We are having a Rodi unit shipped right now.
Any advice for developing a new tank would be greatly appreciated.

jhildebrand · 01/19/2009, 04:40 PM

Need way more info on what kind of setup you're running!

SCIFI_3D_zoo · 01/19/2009, 05:04 PM

There are some advanced systems around here with many types of backups and stuff but in general... don't hook your tank up to any RODI unit, or holding tank. You can kill everything, flood your house, etc. THis place is littered with the bodies of all those who have tried such setups.

Drop in Ca/pH after adding what? You really should search for Randy Holmes articles via Google and make sure you are familar with water parameters and how they all work together.

How do you know you have a tank full of copper?

You really should have an RO/DI unit. Unless you have some sorta fish only very very simple tank you should make your own water... othewise adding water conditioners to tap water on a very crude simple tank might work.

You should list what your goals are... types of corals, etc... and what equipment you have. It really depends on the type of tank you are doing. You can get away with a lot with just a FOWLR tank (Fish only).

01/19/2009, 04:11 PM	#1
Rich D Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CT Posts: 828	New tank, need advice A few years ago my dad and i developed a nice reef tank, when we went on vacation somehow both the main overflow and the backup overflow got clogged, and the auto-refill filled the tank with fresh until it became unclogged and dumped about 40 gallons into our basement. We are now trying to develop a new tank but are having numerous problems, we have been noticing a huge drop in pH and calcium that would continue even after adding more. This problem seems to have stopped and we think it may have been because of a red algae bloom but have now noticed that the water is full of copper. We are having a Rodi unit shipped right now. Any advice for developing a new tank would be greatly appreciated. __________________ “Asking is the beginning of receiving. Make sure you don't go to the ocean with a teaspoon. At least take a bucket so the kids won't laugh at you.” Current Tank Info: 120 display 40 gallon approx. sump

01/19/2009, 04:40 PM	#2
jhildebrand Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Green Bay Posts: 782	Need way more info on what kind of setup you're running! __________________ 1000 gallons of liability Current Tank Info: 1000 gallon total system volume - 260g mixed reef - Fish room: 270g fiberglass grow out tank, 150g LPS cube, 150g sump, 150g 'fuge, remote DSB frag tub + 14g nano

01/19/2009, 05:04 PM	#3
SCIFI_3D_zoo Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Sebring, Florida Posts: 1,072	There are some advanced systems around here with many types of backups and stuff but in general... don't hook your tank up to any RODI unit, or holding tank. You can kill everything, flood your house, etc. THis place is littered with the bodies of all those who have tried such setups. Drop in Ca/pH after adding what? You really should search for Randy Holmes articles via Google and make sure you are familar with water parameters and how they all work together. How do you know you have a tank full of copper? You really should have an RO/DI unit. Unless you have some sorta fish only very very simple tank you should make your own water... othewise adding water conditioners to tap water on a very crude simple tank might work. You should list what your goals are... types of corals, etc... and what equipment you have. It really depends on the type of tank you are doing. You can get away with a lot with just a FOWLR tank (Fish only). __________________ The Key to immortality is to first live a life worth living.... BRUCE LEE Current Tank Info: 90g Reef(no SPS b/c of AquaC skimmer) Pacific Blue Tang, Maroon Clown(hosting Finger Leather), Mystery Wrasse(who's location is a mystery), Coral Beauty, Mandarin. AquaC EV240, JBJ ATO, KALK top-off, Prodibio