[Reefer769]

okay, well lately ive been very frustrated with my tank. Im just not happy with how it looks over all, and im not sure if everything is going the way it should be.

I drip calcium whenever i test and its shows up low. I try to do water changes every month. I feed my fish prime reef every other day(they seem good). I feed my corals phytoplan once every other day(dont seem to good). I have a 150 watt 20k about 8" above the tank. My temp is around 80 most of the time. The salinity is around 1.021. I run a cpr protien skimmer daily. I have a 10gallon sump and run carbon in it(i change that when i do water changes) But my tank just doesnt look good... maybe i need some more criters? becuase all i have now is about 9 turbo snails... maybe my aquascaping just isnt nice... Maybe i should buy something additional to help the overall performance of the tank. My tank has also built up so much coraline algae as well, do you think i should moove the rocks away from the glass, and clean it all off? I just need some advice on how to improve my tank and make it look better. ?

[vtec si]

Hello,

I think the tank is looking ok. But can you give us some more details on the water parameters. I keep my salinity about 1.025-1.026 temp about 80 deg'
aquascaping is however you like it. I have mine away from the glass except in two spot in the back. I did this so I have littel stag' water as possible.

Martin

[Samper]

Where to begin...........

When you say you are dripping Calcium what exactly are you dripping?

I change over 25% of my water every week in my 20 gallon and the way you're feeding you should be doing the same or more.

I don't think adding more critters is the answer to any of your problems.

Your SG is really low for corals and you should really consider raising it to around 1.025.

Aquascape is in the eye of the beholder. If you don't like it change it.

That should get you started.

[Reefland]

I agree with the above. Your tank looks pretty good from the picture, it appears your corals have good color as well. For the coralline, there isn't anything you can do about it but put in some elbow grease, scraping it off with a new shard razor blade where you can reach. Personally, I like the look of coralline covered glas but like aquascaping, it's in the eye of the beholder.

I also agree about your salinity being low. 1.025-1.026 would be much more natural for your corals. You know that if you do decide to raise it, it needs to be done very slowly, over the course of several weeks/months. Also, might want to increase your water change and carbon change rates to bi-weekly/weekly.

[Reefer769]

okay, well ive already started to raise the salinity. And about the carbon, do you think it would be best if i just got rid of it all together?

[Reefland]

Running carbon is very effective at removing compounds that discolor the water. These compounds reduce the intensity of light that punches through the water column so I think it's a good idea to run. If you do run it, it's better to change smaller portions of the carbon weekly versus changing all of it out monthly. Changing out portions of it weekly ensure that you always have good carbon filtering and will more consistently keep the water clear.

[Poseidon]

Looks good to me! Maybe you need to go BIGGER!!!! LOL If you have that much coralline growing, you can't be too low on your Ca and Carbonate hardness. Just keep at it, you are doing well!

[Reefer769]

thanks a lot! thats always good to hear