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View Full Version : Re: I've read the FAQ-Need Help (part 5)


Marc Levenson
July 15th 03, 05:46 AM
Mort wrote:

> It's 75gal with a wet/dry, a protein skimmer (Aquarium Systems-no model
> number-looks cheap) a RIO 2100 for the return, nice stand, substrate
> (mixture of crushed coral and sand) and a few odds and ends.

Buy a new pump for the return. The Rio 2100 and 2500 are the worst for failure,
shock, and destruction of your tank. Get a Mag drive instead.

> First off, I am completely tearing this thing down, giving it a good
> cleaning and setting it back up. It's got a lot of salt creep and that just
> irritates me so I am going to start all over with the cycling
>
You may cause it to cycle again during a good cleaning, but perhaps not.

> With that, how should I cycle the tank? It will be FO. I have read that
> damsels are good to use for cycling. My goal is to have a Picasso Trigger
> and I am thinking he will take care of those damsels when I add him. Am I
> right so far?

If the tank has no livestock, you can use a piece of raw shrimp from the deli to
get things started. It will rot.

> Also, how long should I let the tank cycle. I have read conflicting reports
> that range from 2 weeks to 2 months =/

Your cycle will occur along its own timeframe. Test your water daily for
Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate. The ammonia will shoot up for a week or two.
Then overnight, it will drop to 0 and your Nitrites will go up. A few days
later thosee drop to 0 and your Nitrates will begin to rise.

Now the tank is ready for a new item. Remember, add items one at a time over a
period of a week or two. Adding many items will overload the tank's biological
filter quickly and lead to disaster.

> I have almost no info on the skimmer other than it is a venturi style and
> made by Aquarium Systems and its about 3" in diameter and about 18" high
> (sump type). Anyone have a recommendation on a pump for it?

Sounds like something a Rio600 would be connected to. That's standard. I'd opt
for a Maxijet, but I've used the Rio. It simply is bad about restarting after
being shut off.

> One more question, can anyone refer me to a good compatability chart?
> I'd like to know what else I'll be able to keep with my Picaso Trigger (aka
> humuhumunukunukuapua'a or Humu Trigger)
>

Check Reef Central with the Search option, or use Google.

Marc


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Rick S.
July 17th 03, 02:38 AM
Sounds like this is the wet/dry you have. It does use a Rio 600 with
venturi.

http://www.aquaclearaquatics.com/wet_dry_pro.shtml

It's not a great wet/dry design, but with a few mods and upgrades, I'm
quite happy with mine.