reefman

That's my general understanding as well. I have tons of those in my tank (little bitty ones) and everytime I dip a coral I have numerous of them fall off. I normally try to save as many as I can and put back into the tank. Stephen

Has anyone seen any difference in any of the pods you use? In other words, does anyone have any opinion on DTs versus Inland Marine vs Tigger Pods, etc.? Are does it appear that they all are basically the same? What I would be interested in is being able to order a very large bulk quanity without the jars. I'm sure the jars and packaging make up a lot of the $20 those normally run. RC has or does carry the Reef Pods (i.e. reefcleaners.org). They don't seem that freat a deal to me, as they say they only contain 300+, but I'm open if someone has other opinions. Stephen

So you are seeding your sand beds with bristle worms, among other things? Stephen

Offroaddodge, Are you getting the DTs at RC? I've gotten 2 from them, but haven't seen them there since. Stephen

The health (or lack thereof) is normally and idicator of your water quality. I know, because when my Nitrates spiked the first time, the Xenia where the first things to whither away. Stephen

Yes, I have done it, and continue to add some from time to time just to make sure the population stays up. You would not want to do it until after your tank has completely cycled. Stephen

I was curious when you made the post what the replies would be. I'm thinking by the lack of responses, no one uses them, which is not a big surprise. I've had an Ehiem one I've had for years that I got as part of a tank purchase and have never used it. If I can ever seem to get my water parameters and Nitrate issues I keep having under control, I would like to use one. But obviously after doing this for 4 years I'm not there yet. Stephen

What kind is it Mark? I might be needing another one. Stephen

I run it continuously in a Two Little Fishes reactor, and like Gabriel try to change it out about once a month. Stephen

You can get it at Aquatic now too by the bar. Stephen

I get some of it from time to time also. It just seems to run in cycles. I wouldn't be concerend. Stephen

Makes sense, I saw those fixtures at huge dioscounts on a site yesterday. It was either AquaCave or Marine Depot. Stephen

pbnj, I'll check my breakers and see what they say. dockorstick, I called Marine Depot tech spt and asked them about the Icecap 400W ballast. They said it pulls 5.4 amps. Also asked them about the 660-09, and they said the same as you have 4.4 amps. Thanks for the link on ballast performance, I'll read it. Stephen

doktorstick, Would a 660-09 ballast be about the same. Would the amp draw be on the data plate? I looked on the Icecap site and couldn't find amp information anywhere on any of the ballasts. Also, are most newer houses have 20 amp circuits? How could you find that info out? Stephen

Your idea of cyclopeeze is a good one, but they can't live on that alone. Leopard Wrasses are know as very hard fish to keep. Two things you might try, one is Artic Pods, these are good for finiky eaters. The other is to soak any brine or mysis shrimp in a little garlic extract before you feed them. The garlic really gets their appetite going. Stephen

I just took a quick peck, and the pics and documnetation look really nice. I'll definitely be reading up on it tonight when I get home. Thanks. Stephen

Mike, I might take you up on that offer. Once I get my stuff moved out to my garage, I might want to put in something like that. In the meantime, do you have a schematic or pics you could post? So as I understand it, you are using peristalic pumps with two part solution, and a kalk wasser mixer? I've had a Deltec kalk reactor for almost two years I never have used, but have always wanted to. Stephen

If it is the Roger I am thinking about, he is the US Distributor for Tunze, which Aquatek is the exclusive local distributor for. I know he and Bruce have a close relationship, so maybe he did own it before he became Mr. Tunze. As far as the stores, I like them all, and it all depends on what I'm looking for as to which one I go to. Even though all of them do SW, they all have their particular niches. I love Jake, Bruce, Hunter, and the rest. I think Matt is in a league of his own (and that is meant as a compliment). Austin Aqua Farms is something he should be hugely proud of, both for the quality of livestock and his success. And although maybe not a store in the LFS since, John and Brian at Kingfish have helped me immensely, and I have a great deal of loyalty to them. Since Austin Aquariums closed, I have no complaints about any of the Austin stores. You will get slightly differences of opinions, and slightly different techniques, but that is the way this hobby is. Stephen

I'm down. I am trying a bucket now, and would like to try a second. Let me know. Stephen

Hey Mike, what size tank is that ER for? I would love to have it, but I'd have to sell all my corals to pay the electric bill Stephen

Plus 1 on the taller model, based on the limited amount of skimmer theory I know. Based on your post, type of skimmer, pumps used, type of pumps, and all that are the same? What type of skimmers are these? Stephen

As an owner of a larger Deltec Ca reactor and a smaller one before that, I would NOT recommend Deltec. There quality and engineering are sound, but its my opinion that their customer support sucks. I and several others I know of have been very unhappy with the support we now receive. I don't know about the new equipment this new distributor is selling, and how well he supports it, but with us who bought the stuff some time ago, we are basically on our own. As another point, I hate the Aquabee pump Deltec uses, and recently did a mod on mine to replace it with an Eheim. Stephen

Great! Stephen

Thanks Mike. My bad, its the Goby - dang, now I wish I had a blue spotted jawfish! Stephen

You know what, this might not be a blue spotted jawfish after all, he could be a blue spotted goby (if there is such a name). He does spend most of his time in the cave, and only comes out when I feed twice a day. He does get bits of the fishy mix, but I've seen him also sift. he would still have his cave, however, at least until after I get the sand out I start washing the rock and/or replacing it. The new scape would still have plenty of caves. Stephen