Reef Sanctuary - View Single Post - 15 months in

jimeluiz · 11-06-2004, 01:15 PM

Happy to report all is going well after 15 months into the hobby. (We need a 'knock-on-wood' smiley)

I've been grateful that the hole in my pocket that was new and needed purchases has been sewn shut for some time. But now at 15 months I think it is time to do some maintenance. I fear the financial slow drip.

Can I hear from others about appropriate maintenance at this point? I have literally done nothing but add and change water, run carbon, clean glass and rinse out the skimmer cup. I've 'cleaned out' the sump twice, wiping out settled crud and washing away those poor little sponges. That's it.

My two pumps - one on the skimmer and the return pump are covered (on the outside at least) with little critter skeletons. Am I supposed to dismantle these pumps and clean them out? Or can I just dunk them in white vinegar and let them run a while? I fear my hessitant DIY skills if I have to unscrew anything. Reassure me.

Should I be taking apart the return tubing and cleaning out the slippery slime in there or just leave it be? I'm not experiencing any problems... perhaps I have less flow than I did, but everything seems fine in the tank flow-wise.

And the lights. At this point I've heard I should be changing out the VHO tubes because they just plain have a lifespan and they have run it at this point. So I'm not getting the output I did a year ago. But again -- no visible problems...

So whaddayathink? Time to open my wallet - and roll up my sleeves? Can I hear what you think is essential and what is a good idea?

Thanks folks.

jim

11-06-2004, 01:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
jimeluiz Achilles Tang Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Niteroi, Brasil Posts: 829 View Gallery Karma Komment	15 months in - maintenance questions Happy to report all is going well after 15 months into the hobby. (We need a 'knock-on-wood' smiley) I've been grateful that the hole in my pocket that was new and needed purchases has been sewn shut for some time. But now at 15 months I think it is time to do some maintenance. I fear the financial slow drip. Can I hear from others about appropriate maintenance at this point? I have literally done nothing but add and change water, run carbon, clean glass and rinse out the skimmer cup. I've 'cleaned out' the sump twice, wiping out settled crud and washing away those poor little sponges. That's it. My two pumps - one on the skimmer and the return pump are covered (on the outside at least) with little critter skeletons. Am I supposed to dismantle these pumps and clean them out? Or can I just dunk them in white vinegar and let them run a while? I fear my hessitant DIY skills if I have to unscrew anything. Reassure me. Should I be taking apart the return tubing and cleaning out the slippery slime in there or just leave it be? I'm not experiencing any problems... perhaps I have less flow than I did, but everything seems fine in the tank flow-wise. And the lights. At this point I've heard I should be changing out the VHO tubes because they just plain have a lifespan and they have run it at this point. So I'm not getting the output I did a year ago. But again -- no visible problems... So whaddayathink? Time to open my wallet - and roll up my sleeves? Can I hear what you think is essential and what is a good idea? Thanks folks. jim __________________ Sold the tank prior to our move. Setting up our new life in Brazil.