Need Advice, Thinking About getting out of hobby

[Ryand63]

So I fully understand I am having these problems because of my lack of knowledge starting up about a year ago. I am skimmerless and still use tap water. I have good flow and good lighting which isn't helping my algae problem. Everywhere now is getting covered in green hair algae and red slime algae. Honestly I feel like I should give up. Would a skimmer or rodi unit be a better investment if i stick with it? Or would a large clean up crew even help?

[Walking_Target]

First and foremost, your algae problem is easily explained by using tapwater. It's no good using a skimmer to suck out dissolved organics if you're just adding them back in (or at least food for algae) at every water change.

A good RO/DI unit is really a good start, and Spectra-Pure has a great sale on for a good base unit right now. Or, if you want a system for both reef and drinking Bulk Reef Supply's 5-stage is a great buy too.

Definitely go for the RO/DI unit first and don't get a cheap chinese one.

[cirionrc]

I would stick with it. But yes, Skimmer is essential as well as rodi unit, or you can obtain water from lfs. Tap water is not an option as it will create many problems, especially algae. Just research this site. It will teach you everything you need to know.

[bigworm175]

RO/DI first, then save up and get a good skimmer. Try your local forums or craigslist for either of these. They show up occasionally and at a pretty good discount. More and more now with the economy people are getting out of the hobby so you can score some great deals. I am not rich like a lot of the reefers and I make good use of used items. Just make sure they are in good shape.

If you don't buy these two pieces of equipment (at least the RO/DI) then yes, get out of the hobby because it won't be fun and that's the point.

[Gold Stripe]

1) Dont ever use tap water again. Buy it from your local fish store until you can scrape up enough for a unit. (Minimal cost to buy water)

2) Get a good clean up crew to help get rid of the algae you have now. Dont over do it though or they will die after the algae is gone. (Minimal cost if you can find some locally. Not too bad even if you have to order some.)

3) Cut back as much as you can on feeding until the algae goes away. (No cost)

4) What spectrum are your bulbs and how old? If they have shifted spectrum due to age they could be helping the algae. (May cost you if you have to buy new bulbs.)

5) Get a good skimmer. (Significant cost.)

6) Get a small media reactor and run some GFO. (You can probably find one used for $25)

Good luck.

[vikubz]

You can also buy a good used RO set up off RC or ebay, and it is possible to build a decent skimmer from pvc for under $50 (you'll still need to get a pump).
Also a sump is a great way to add to your total water volume.

[Ryand63]

I have two 36 inch t5s that are only about three months old. I try and only feed frozen once every other day and flake once a day. I have a extra HOB filter thats new that I was thinking of putting something in to help with phosphates. And was thinking of ordering off reefcleaners.org.

[mutateddogbone]

contrary to popular belief, a skimmer is not a neccessity in this hobby. i know countless people with very successful systems that have been skimmerless for years.

but, a quality RO/DI or LFS with low TDS, as well as routine water changes is key to success along with controlled nutrient import.

[Grant W]

you really would see a huge dif with ro water and a skimmer these are IMHO essential items or the hobby/ obsession will be a big hassle

[sanchoy]

If you are new and have a smaller tank you can probably get by with hauling water from the LFS or rainbow foods. Rainbow has very clean rodi water. I did this for my first year in the hobby with my 40 gallon back then.

However, in the long run, or if you upgrade, investing in a good rodi system is the way to go.

[Dave VG]

As most have stated already an RO/DI would be my first purchase if I were in your shoes. I would buy a skimmer first if I had another source of RO water and didn’t mind hauling it. Another thing you could do is start a sump/fuge with cheato. Flake foods are notorious for adding phosphates to your tank thus adding to the organics. Be sure to read the label to see if the food you are using is low in phosphates. And yes you could go skimmer less BUT bigger weekly water changes are essential to keep organics down. A picture would be nice to see and determine if a good rock cleaning is in order or maybe even a tear down to get it under control. The filter guys have some nice RO/DI setups. If you can afford it get the duel membrane kit….allot less waste water. I’m converting my 150 GPD to a duel RO membrane and duel DI system. Good luck to ya

[BFG]

Give it up.

[scubasteve06]

Originally Posted by BFG

Give it up.

And do you even believe what you have in your signature?

[Ryand63]

Thanks for all the advice! I can't take a picture at the moment but its pretty bad, about 60 percent of the rock has hair algae about an inch and red slime algae is all over tehesand and steadily growing on the rocks. I'll have to look around for some ro water from the lfs's, there is only one near by though within half an hour. Should i bother with a bigger clean up crew or is the hair algae and slime algae not gonna be affected by them?

[dublo8]

Even if you dont want to buy an RO/DI unit, go get water from your LFS and buy a skimmer. I actually have fun going to my LFS to get water because I can look for some new coral, fish or what not. (probably why my bank account is running thin too). but that's the way I would go If I were you.

[wickedfish]

First clean the algae you can, do a w/c 20% or more buy the 25 cent water at the water shops if your low on cash and buy some salt or buy the premade at your lfs come on. I feel you on seeing things go down hill and want to quit but we need to go out on top not say I quit because i sucked at something. I have a hob skimmer a good one used pm me I can see what i can do for you. And no its not just to sell you something its to get that other foot ready to keep on going. okay i'm sounding very lame. And dude from Singapore you give it up people who make comments like that...well not cool,brother.

[Pickupman66]

agree with everyone here, RO/DI is the best way to go. you can get Brand new for like $130! you dont need the fancy 7 stage ones. just A Simple one. shoudl ahve a micron filter, Carbon filter, RO chamber and DI chamber. thats all you need. get you a TDS meter to go with. I prefer the dual inline ones so you can see how nasty that water coming in is and going out, and tell when your RO or DI cartridges need replacing. they are easy to hook up even under your kitchen sink. Heck, I think I have the makings of an extra one here, just missing the filters and teh DI chamber was broken.