Clean up crew on strike?

jglas26 · 07-20-2008, 12:25 PM

Alright guys, I'm back with another stupid question. . . I'm starting to get quite a build up of "Detritus" all over my LR and the sand isn't looking too hot either. All I have to do is put my hand in and give a gentle swirl and I've got an instant "gunk tornado" ( poo, food, etc. ) Pretty much I have a "crud" covering much of the tank.I only have 10 crabs and I know that some would say that I would need more but, they've always done the job before? Why stop now? I only have 3 fish! ( 35g )

On the lucky side, my parameters haven't suffered and are at quality levels. It just looks like hell? Before I go and spend some money today any thoughts?

I know I haven't posted anything on here in forever so let me update. . . .

35g - - 25 lbs LR - - - 40 lbs LS - - -1 clown- - -coral beauty angel- - -damsel- - - -amm 0-- - - Ni 0- - - Na 15ppm---- Sa 1.024- - -Ph/k 8.1( and stable, not much fluctuation for 5 months ) Remora skimmer and Marineland powerhead ( pumping 300 gal/hr )

chadf · 07-20-2008, 12:31 PM

Looks like you've only got a little less than 10x turnover in your aquarium per hour. If you've got enough circulation detritus should stay in the water column and get removed by your skimmer. I've got 28x turnover for example.

jglas26 · 07-20-2008, 12:38 PM

I remember some time ago being told that I would need a minimum of 5x/hr and 10x/hr would be more "ideal". I never had any problems before so I didn't question it. What do you think about placement? I've read that most people without an overflow system aim the " flow " at the surface for agitation/gas exchange. Therefore, the flow shoots over and above the rock NOT at or through it. I tried lowering it before to get better circulation through the rockwork but it seemed like "overkill" ( blowing the fish around and creation a sand storm )

chadf · 07-20-2008, 12:44 PM

The "ideal" 10x is the rate of flow through the sump. The circulation in your aquarium is entirely different, I'd say 20-30x is a good number. I do have my two koralia 4s (1200 gph each) pointing towards the surface but I still have tons of flow everywhere else so it works.

jglas26 · 07-20-2008, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chadf

The "ideal" 10x is the rate of flow through the sump. The circulation in your aquarium is entirely different, I'd say 20-30x is a good number. I do have my two koralia 4s (1200 gph each) pointing towards the surface but I still have tons of flow everywhere else so it works.

Yikes! that explains alot!!!! Maybe since my system wasn't as established back then, it didn't have as much of an opportunity to accumulate?!

Guess what I'm going to buy today? hehe. . .

in the world of salt, Chadf is one of my heroes

chadf · 07-20-2008, 08:22 PM

I'm glad I could help. I like the koralias, I'd add a koralia 2 to your current powerhead or just get two koralia 1s and ditch your current one.