NonSequitur

Mine loves to carry xenia, then drop it into the nearest powerhead when he's done with it (why i have no more xenia in my tank). He's also hauled around snails, hermits, various corals (killed 2 chalices, more than a couple of zoas, every birdsnest I've put in the tank recently), an algae clip with algae in it (that was fun for the rabbitfish, eating on the go).

Medi's likely right, definitely try his suggestions before replacing the pump. Failing to start pulling air on it's own is usually a sign that either the venturi is clogged (soak in vinegar, poke a small, rigid object through the air hole to make sure it's clear) or the pump isn't pulling enough water to create enough of a pressure differential to draw air down from the surface (clean the impeller, impeller magnet and housing, volute, etc) The little holes on the intake of the pump (after the venturi) clog up very easily, reducing water flow significantly.

I had the same pump on my Euro-Reef and it behaved the same way. At first all it needed was to be cleaned, as Gonzobob mentioned. Over time it went from what you described to not starting reliably, to randomly seizing up. I eventually replaced it when it started leaking a/c current into my tank. I know you mention you haven't had the skimmer long, did you buy it new or used? If you got it new, it would probably be worth talking to the manufacturer to see if they have any suggestions.

If you end up replacing the pump, there are several very good models out there are good replacements for the sedra 3500. I'm currently running the pump from a red sea berlin skimmer on my ER, which works very well. When that one eventually fails I'll probably replace it with the Bubble Blaster HY-1000 (avaliable from PremiumAquatics).

Thank you so much, he's acclimating now, looking forward to putting him in the tank!

Yes it is. They are open from 1-4 on Saturdays. Definitely worth a trip out there, save on shipping and check out their awesome facility.

+1 on grape caulerpa. My foxface rabbitfish absolutely loves it.. it was overgrowing my tank before I got him, within a week he completely wiped it out to the point that I haven't seen a single sprout of it in my tank in over 6mo.

Watching this thread, since I woke up this morning to a chromis with a suspicious white growth on one of his gills that also matches the description of cottonmouth. If I can catch him I'm going to try maracyn 2, since I've heard it's more effective against gram-negative bacteria, but very interested in alternative treatments as well.

Ouch! I believe it, Georgetown went to the new water meters and our usage jumped significantly, so electricity will do the same thing. I just got a $200 electric bill for my (currently vacant) rent house.. apparently one of the realtors turned the air conditioners on and left them. Ugh. I'm probably going to have to go out there this weekend and shut off the a/c breakers. Fortunately the house is in Taylor, maybe a mile from AAF, so I might be able to make the meeting this time.

Just feels wrong not bidding on this week's auction, some really nice pieces on there.

maybe when fall gets here and my HORRIFIC electric bill goes down, then I can have fun agan.

You're not kidding.. $500 electric bill really cut into my coral budget this month!

Not sure if the Army would allow it, but CRDAMC would be a great place for it, either that or Austin Lakes Hospital. Either place could use that sort of calming, peaceful influence.

Darnall Army Medical Center doesn't have one. You would be supporting your soldiers!

It's possibly failing, but just as likely needs to be taken apart and cleaned. Something could be in the pump rubbing on the impeller, or between the magnet and housing, or even just a bit of gunk on one of the impeller blades causing it to be unbalanced.

As far as replacement pumps, I'm a fan of the Danner (sometimes I see them labeled as Supreme) Mag-Drive utility pumps (you can get them at about any LFS), can't help you with sizing other than suggesting you stay close to the GPH rating of the pump you're currently running. Others are fans of Eheim pumps, which cost more but are reportedly worth the difference.

The socket is likely different if you're using DE lamps (I think SE lamps use mogul base for both 150 and 250w, but I could be wrong. If your 150w lamp uses a medium base you'll have to swap it out for a mogul socket). Also, check bulb dimensions to make sure that there is room for the new lamp in the space provided for the old lamp, and be careful of the additional heat that will be generated.

$350 for a hand raised sun conure is an awesome price. If I didn't already have a zoo I'd take him.

I'm probably going to end up doing the same, since nobody seems interested. I moved a few dozen into my sump, where they promptly clogged up my return and skimmer pumps.

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PMs replied

I just upgraded one of my tanks, and now have a 30 breeder that needs a new home. Fully water tight, no obvious scratches, to the best of my knowledge never exposed to copper based meds (I bought the tank 6mo or so ago from the Mannings, then used it as a planted tank). The back and bottom panels are painted blue, and the tank is not drilled.

Dimensions: 36 x 18 x 12

$30 takes it.

I've decided to thin out the population of asterina stars in my tank, since I think they're irritating my zoas. I don't want to leave them out to dry, but from what I've head harlequin shrimp love them. I have a couple of dozen in a cup already, will be pulling more out as they move into areas where I can catch them. If you want them, they're yours.

I also still have plenty of kenya tree and finger leather frags that I'm happy to share, all I ask is that you come to georgetown to get them.

PM me.

Looks like it could be dragon's tongue macroalgae, Halymenia

I'm in. Need some DI resin.

Any idea of what sort of macro it could be? I might be interested.

Mine is a coral eater (wiped out two heads of cream-tipped torch overnight), now he's banished to the sump. Doesn't seem to mind it there as long as I give him a bit of food when I feed the anemones.

You might be better off finding a cheap used skimmer, then upgrading later.. I remember seeing a post yesterday in the for sale section with a red sea berlin skimmer for something like $25.. reviews on that model are hit or miss, but I really like mine.

Bump! (because I hijacked last week's post and bumped it to the top, so it's only fair if I put this one back to it's rightful place)

Awesome looking pieces this week!

That's good to hear, perching is annoying (but probably cute), but eating can be a real pain.

For a while I was collecting pictures for a "Stuff on my urchins" thread (like the Stuff on my Cat book), but I stopped when the cats knocked my digital camera off of the desk and broke another lens. I think I still have a few of the pics in my gallery.