Thank you poppin-fresh!
That was the info that I was given in reference to a
skimmer and small tanks. I started my tanks with
LR and sand and the only additive I use is PurpleUp every other day or two in the
sumps. I don't do every day because it is so hard to measure for such small tanks and I didn't want to overdo... maybe I still am?? On the 12G when looking from in up to the surface there is a slight film (clear not
cyano). Although it started with the biggest 'bloom' it now has the smallest problem. The two 5G tanks I am constantly removing growth from the rock and sand.
I have a just started a 39G that I have just added
LR to - it is the same
LR as used for the other 3 that has been maintained in a large Tupperware container with 2 powerheads and a heater (76-76 degrees, same as others). I was (am) adding the PurpleUp to it as well. I still have the container going because there is still some
LR/LS remaining. I have no
cyano, that I can see, in either! I also do not have lighting (other then regular house/room lighting) on the container.
Another note: my 12G and 39G both have
refugiums in the back tank
sumps. In the 12G I did add some
macro algae, nothing else...no sand or rock. Could this be helping control the nutrients in it?
The
sumps in the of the 5Gs only have the filter area with the filter balls and pad and then the section for the pump. Could/should I add some
macro algae (or some other source??) in either of those compartments without clogging the pump?
I understand that the smaller the tank the more difficult to maintain but they are hard to resist for a beginner
I wanted to have one to keep as my quarantine tank, that I am determined to do even though many people don't and say it is not necessary.
As to the sand and siphoning: I only have 1" - 1 1/2'' beds. If I do siphon off too much, I can add to it with sand from my 'container' without spiking changes since it has cycled as the rest??
I have read (and listened to from podcasts) on this site about attaching a brush to the siphon tube to help with the cleaning. I am going to try it.
Last (I promise...I am sorry
... I'm new to this hobby & forums, I am sure I am breaking some 'forum etiquette"); with my 5Gs (with the most
cyano), would it be too much if I siphoned and did maybe a 10% water change every 3-5 days instead of 20% every week?
Again, thank you so much for your time... it is such a help!! Most of my
lfs ignore a lot of my questions.
They want to tell me what to do and not why. How can you enjoy a hobby, maintain a healthy tank environment without understanding??
You all are great!
