debris on the rocks

Ismellikefish · 09/23/2008, 11:23 AM

I have noticed lately that my nitrates have gone up some 15-20 ppm and have been looking for the cause. While checking out my rock and blowing on them ( with turkey baster ) I noticed alot of debris have settled on them.

Do I just need to suck/blow all of my rocks once a month or so to clean it up or is there a good cleaner that i can get to help keep the rock clean. Maybe like a brittle star or another kind of starfish?

Thanks in advance

ps for those that might ask
Yes I do have RODI unit
No I don't overfeed
For flow I have 2 Kori's #4 plus 1 maxi 1200 and a 600gph overflow return
I do about a 12-13% water change every 2 weeks ( change from sump )
No I don't use filter socks
And yes I do eat ranch on my pizza ( ok that last one wasn't about fish but I thought I should get it out of the way )

chimmike · 09/23/2008, 11:47 AM

redirect the powerheads, and if that doesn't work, get more CUC!

I had that problem, but redirected my PH's and added some snails, now the only place detritus settles on my rocks is in absolutely stagnant areas.

tkeracer619 · 09/23/2008, 11:49 AM

Blowing off the rocks is always a good idea. Use the TB to blow the rocks out before waterchanges. Trying to get more flow into the low flow areas will help a bunch.

You can get a lot of that junk out by running a filter sock while you blow off the detritus.

Also, you might consider switching to some garlic butter veriety dipping sauce with a side of ticktacks, treadmill, and more cowbell =P.

chimmike · 09/23/2008, 12:04 PM

yeah, I think the pizza is the issue. Not the ranch, just the pizza.

Ismellikefish · 09/23/2008, 02:30 PM

"You can get a lot of that junk out by running a filter sock while you blow off the detritus."

I will try that, thx for the tip.

Other than snails are there anything else that helps?

Snails don't seem to live very long in my tank

09/23/2008, 11:23 AM	#1
Ismellikefish Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 271	debris on the rocks I have noticed lately that my nitrates have gone up some 15-20 ppm and have been looking for the cause. While checking out my rock and blowing on them ( with turkey baster ) I noticed alot of debris have settled on them. Do I just need to suck/blow all of my rocks once a month or so to clean it up or is there a good cleaner that i can get to help keep the rock clean. Maybe like a brittle star or another kind of starfish? Thanks in advance ps for those that might ask Yes I do have RODI unit No I don't overfeed For flow I have 2 Kori's #4 plus 1 maxi 1200 and a 600gph overflow return I do about a 12-13% water change every 2 weeks ( change from sump ) No I don't use filter socks And yes I do eat ranch on my pizza ( ok that last one wasn't about fish but I thought I should get it out of the way )

09/23/2008, 11:47 AM	#2
chimmike oxygen abuser Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Parrish, FL Posts: 5,089 Blog Entries: 2	redirect the powerheads, and if that doesn't work, get more CUC! I had that problem, but redirected my PH's and added some snails, now the only place detritus settles on my rocks is in absolutely stagnant areas. __________________ -Mike Tankless wonder Geaux Noles!

09/23/2008, 11:49 AM	#3
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Blowing off the rocks is always a good idea. Use the TB to blow the rocks out before waterchanges. Trying to get more flow into the low flow areas will help a bunch. You can get a lot of that junk out by running a filter sock while you blow off the detritus. Also, you might consider switching to some garlic butter veriety dipping sauce with a side of ticktacks, treadmill, and more cowbell =P. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

09/23/2008, 12:04 PM	#4
chimmike oxygen abuser Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Parrish, FL Posts: 5,089 Blog Entries: 2	yeah, I think the pizza is the issue. Not the ranch, just the pizza. __________________ -Mike Tankless wonder Geaux Noles!

09/23/2008, 02:30 PM	#5
Ismellikefish Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 271	"You can get a lot of that junk out by running a filter sock while you blow off the detritus." I will try that, thx for the tip. Other than snails are there anything else that helps? Snails don't seem to live very long in my tank