Hi all
I've finally decided that the time has come to give my sad RSM C130 a much needed refresh. Having struggled with red turf algae for as long as I can remember, I've got to the point where I can no longer bear to look at the tank in its sorry state and have decided that a fairly major refresh is needed in order to prevent a tank tear down and exit from the hobby.
Firstly, I plan a fairly rigorous cleaning of the sand bed (where I can reach that is) to remove detritus build up. I think this may be adding to my nitrate/phosphate problems and feeding the red turf, although tests show 0-low numbers. Once done, I'll add some Mexican Turbo's to boost my Tuxedo Urchin's efforts to rid the tank of this most persistent algae.
If I make head way with the above, I plan to:
Part 1 – removal
1. Purchase 133 litre storage container (probably this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00HAH4S8Q/)
2. Rinse out with RODI water and dry naturally
3. Fill with 50 litres of current aquarium water
4. Remove corals/live rock/fish and place in storage container
5. Remove MP10 (already soaked in vinegar and free of coraline) and install in storage container
6. Remove skimmer and install in storage container
7. Place spare heater and thermometer in storage container
8. Monitor fish regularly
Part 2 – cleaning
1. Clean (with fresh RODI water and/or white vinegar);
3. Scrape glass and edges
4. Vacuum the sand – tying muslin around the tube so that it catches all the detritus and keeps the water in a separate container
5. Remove the largest piece of live rock from storage container and remove clumps of red bubble algae
Part 3 – re-aquascaping
1. Using largest piece of live rock, set about forming a base for the new structure before using putty to form a new scape that inverts the rock, giving me more space for SPS corals at the top
2. Create two separate islands for the current Pulsing Xenia and future GSP
3. Break up some live rock and mount the Duncan and Trumpet corals to a sturdier base, placing back into the storage container
Part 4 – refill
1. Make up some fresh RODI and mix some saltwater (probably before part 3 so time for it to mix)
2. Refill tank with newly mixed (and matched) saltwater
3. Remove corals from storage container, placing in separate container with small amount of water, before dipping, then drip acclimation and placing in display tank
4. Relocate corals into more appropriate places, using putty where needed
5. Repeat step 3 but with fish (except for coral dip)
6. Refit MP10 into display tank
7. Clean skimmer thoroughly, including body and pump before refitting into display tank
8. Crack open a beer (or seven) and sit, fingers crossed, making sure all is ok
Some quick questions I can think of:
1. Do I need to drill a few holes in the storage container lid?
2. Can the water syphoned during the sand vacuuming be reused?
3. Will straight RODI water be ok to spray onto live rock when removing red bubble algae etc or will I kill things off?
4. Am I missing anything or is there anything likely to cause me problems, like a mini-cycle etc?
Any advice/comments/criticisms gratefully received. I don't want to leave the hobby and really want to get the tank where it deserves to really be after 2.5 years.
Cheers
I've finally decided that the time has come to give my sad RSM C130 a much needed refresh. Having struggled with red turf algae for as long as I can remember, I've got to the point where I can no longer bear to look at the tank in its sorry state and have decided that a fairly major refresh is needed in order to prevent a tank tear down and exit from the hobby.
Firstly, I plan a fairly rigorous cleaning of the sand bed (where I can reach that is) to remove detritus build up. I think this may be adding to my nitrate/phosphate problems and feeding the red turf, although tests show 0-low numbers. Once done, I'll add some Mexican Turbo's to boost my Tuxedo Urchin's efforts to rid the tank of this most persistent algae.
If I make head way with the above, I plan to:
Part 1 – removal
1. Purchase 133 litre storage container (probably this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00HAH4S8Q/)
2. Rinse out with RODI water and dry naturally
3. Fill with 50 litres of current aquarium water
4. Remove corals/live rock/fish and place in storage container
5. Remove MP10 (already soaked in vinegar and free of coraline) and install in storage container
6. Remove skimmer and install in storage container
7. Place spare heater and thermometer in storage container
8. Monitor fish regularly
Part 2 – cleaning
1. Clean (with fresh RODI water and/or white vinegar);
a. Detachable surface skimmer
b. Media rack
c. Circulation pump and tubing
d. Pump outlet nozzle
e. Fixed plastic surround of surface skimmer
f. Surface water cooling fan unit
g. Egg crate cage that holds skimmer
h. Rear sump of any detritus
2. Cabinet and hood (inside and out)b. Media rack
c. Circulation pump and tubing
d. Pump outlet nozzle
e. Fixed plastic surround of surface skimmer
f. Surface water cooling fan unit
g. Egg crate cage that holds skimmer
h. Rear sump of any detritus
3. Scrape glass and edges
4. Vacuum the sand – tying muslin around the tube so that it catches all the detritus and keeps the water in a separate container
5. Remove the largest piece of live rock from storage container and remove clumps of red bubble algae
Part 3 – re-aquascaping
1. Using largest piece of live rock, set about forming a base for the new structure before using putty to form a new scape that inverts the rock, giving me more space for SPS corals at the top
2. Create two separate islands for the current Pulsing Xenia and future GSP
3. Break up some live rock and mount the Duncan and Trumpet corals to a sturdier base, placing back into the storage container
Part 4 – refill
1. Make up some fresh RODI and mix some saltwater (probably before part 3 so time for it to mix)
2. Refill tank with newly mixed (and matched) saltwater
3. Remove corals from storage container, placing in separate container with small amount of water, before dipping, then drip acclimation and placing in display tank
4. Relocate corals into more appropriate places, using putty where needed
5. Repeat step 3 but with fish (except for coral dip)
6. Refit MP10 into display tank
7. Clean skimmer thoroughly, including body and pump before refitting into display tank
8. Crack open a beer (or seven) and sit, fingers crossed, making sure all is ok
Some quick questions I can think of:
1. Do I need to drill a few holes in the storage container lid?
2. Can the water syphoned during the sand vacuuming be reused?
3. Will straight RODI water be ok to spray onto live rock when removing red bubble algae etc or will I kill things off?
4. Am I missing anything or is there anything likely to cause me problems, like a mini-cycle etc?
Any advice/comments/criticisms gratefully received. I don't want to leave the hobby and really want to get the tank where it deserves to really be after 2.5 years.
Cheers