| Re: What am I doing wrong?
Once again thanks so much to DaveK for all the information thus far. I hope I am not overstaying my welcome. The more I hear from all the people here the more behind I suspect we are over here in Downunder land. Ok I am becoming more and more confused about what to do.
A brief explanation of what system I am currently using:
800 litre tank including a sump underneath. The tank has a drop off which simply serves to flow the water into the sump. I have about 5 powerheads inside the tank to circulate the water. The substrate i use is marble chips to a depth of about 1 inch. In my sump I have both bio balls and sintered glass (Eheim Substrat pro). Also dacron as a mechanical filter. I also use a UV sterliser, a protein skimmer and periodically carbon and phosphate remover. Oh I also use RO water for top ups and water changes. Ok thats it in a nutshell.
My problems:
High Nitrates (160ppm) Fortunately no ammonia and no nitrites
High phosphate (5+)
Red Algae
Fish suffering from pop eye (prob from high nutrition in water hence nitrates)
Loss of fish
What should I do or change please?
Regards
Steve |