How to replace a fine sand bed with slightly coarser sand?

I have a 2" sandbed in a 20L. What would be the best method of removing fine oolite to replace with a coarser sand that it easier to vacuum? Should i stay barebottom for a while to export as much detritus as possible before introducing new sand? Should it be livesand or dry?

Thanks for any help

Biocube 29 filtration advice

Hi, all!

I am about 8 weeks into running a Coralife Biocube 29 as a FOWLR setup, about 20 lbs of live rock, 2x azure damsel, 1x watchman goby, 1x mocha clown, clean-up-crew of hermit crabs, snails and a peppermint shrimp (ok, that last is more aptasia control than cleanup, or maybe both, but still...) All inhabitants seem to be thriving (although the goby is a lot shyer than I'd really like, it seems happy with the caves and crevices under the LR), but the nitrates refuse to go down below 40-50 ppm based on my periodic testing. Also I am starting to get a problem with slime algae on the substrate (coarse sand).


I think I should be looking at removing the bioballs, gradually over a week or two so as not to disrupt ammonia/nitrite cycle too abruptly, so that I can replace them with something that will be more effective with the nitrates. But I have a few questions that I think you guys might be able to help with.

But first, some details:

I am doing about 10% weekly water change, still using stock filtration, bioballs and all. Monthly replacement of filter pad and washing out of the sponge block between chambers 2 and 3.

Trying to feed carefully, 1/2 of a frozen misys shrimp block M/W/F, occasional algae sheet or a few pellets in between but not every day.

(I should also mention, I suppose, that this tank was up and running in the LFS and they sold it to me "already cycled" -- although it only had one super-large mantis shrimp in it. I changed all the LR, new substrate, etc. Not sure how long they had been running it)

And now for some questions:

1. Of the various replacements for bioballs, what is your opinion of: Live Rock Rubble, Media Basket + Fuge Basket, foam filter blocks, and/or a small protein skimmer in one of the chambers? I have seen plenty of posts advocating for various combinations, but very little really talking about the pros and cons.

2. After I get the bioballs out, is there a good way for getting all the extra detritus out of that middle chamber short of draining the tank and doing an actual cleanout?

3. Between the fish and the CUC, all food is quickly consumed (well, the chunks of algae sheet take longer) but based on the tank size and inhabitants, am I overfeeding?

Thanks for your time, and really appreciate any advice/suggestions.

RODI unit choice and filters opinion

I have plans on buying a used RODI. I have 90 gallon tank. I will need a booster which I will buy new and it will be the 8800. My question is the types of RODI systems. One is an aquasafe 5 stage, tds and pressure gauge. I wanted a clear housing and the guy that I am purchasing it from states he has extra housings that will fit. I told him I wanted good quality filters and was told the BRS filters will work in the aquasafe. This sounds pretty good since he is located in my home town. $75 buys it. I can get an 8800 off ebay for around $90. The other place in Ohio has a BRS 4 stage, pressure gauge, 75gpd, same as the other one, and same price. Yes, I would need to change the filters. I need to know which filters to replace as some DI are refillable. Not a lot of rust in my water, running a well. I know BRS is good, but also was told aquasafe is good. Really, if I can just use BRS filters in the aquasafe, why not go with this one? Opinions?

Happy birthday to Plaz on 9/17

And here's the Official TRT Chorus® to sing......

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOOOOO YOUUUUU!!!!

Too ready for Friday Thursday

Morning everyone. Late night turned past midnight so setting up the coffee and teeing it up for the morning thread.

Work is still going well. Still doing my job as the oldest and hopefully wisest guy on the ground. We are contractors for a big company trying to do something with a quarter of the people and half the time. So far so good, but it cuts into the TRT time.

Veronica is flying in tonight. We are hitting the westside market, which is the oldest farmers market, and doing some foodie stuff. My coworker is tagging along. Taking the train to downtown and going to a Browns/Titans game Sunday. A lot of other things are here and there.

Anyway, enjoy your day and coffee and lots of omelettes and make your own waffles are out from my 2/3 of the time extended stay suite are out.

New to the forum!

Well I am not entirely new, I've been on here for a while always reading but never posting. I recently setup a Marineland 27 Cube. The tank is about 6 months along now and doing nicely. I was worried about the struggles of a small tank but so far it's been a fun adventure.

The pic I attached is about a month or so old. I've made a few new additions to the tank and will get a more updated pic.

Attached Images

Tank.jpg (179.5 KB)

The 2nd Guangzhou International Aquarium Show(GIAS2016)

Date:March*18th*-*20th,*2016*
Venue:Guangzhou*International*Sourcing*Center*
Venue address:No.2-8, Pazhou Dadao Dong, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China.

China—Perfect Market for Aquarium Show
It is Reported that the related organization of fisheries will definitely propose to rank the recreational fishery as the forth industry in the 12th five-year plan of China. This national policy will certainly promote the rapid development of aquarium industry in China. Besides, China has over 10 million aquarium enthusiasts which means a promising and attractive consumer market. Moreover, Guangdong Province is not only China’s largest aquarium fish breeding and trading base, but also the production center for aquarium equipment and supplies.

We can conclude from the above information that China is gestating great business opportunity for worldwide insiders. GIAS2016 emerges as the times require to build the excellent business platform for suppliers to expand the market and for the worldwide buyers to purchase in one station.

GIAS 2016—the Golden Business Chance
Many famous companies took part in GIAS2015 and over 80% of them felt satisfied with the show such as FROK, KEELOK, SANRISE, JEBO, and so on. The successfulness of GIAS2015 laid a solid foundation for GIAS2016 in which we will Cater to the industry development trend, comply with the industry demand, and fully integrate resources. GIAS2016 will collaborate with nearly 200 global media to launch a promotional campaign. Meanwhile we will hold many competitions, forums and seminars. We firmly believe that GIAS2016 will provide a better platform for you.

Real Feedback From Part of Exhibitors
Mr.Li, from Guangzhou Keelok Aquarium Co., Ltd.,“ It is the first time that we take part in trade show as manufacturer. We are very happy to see so many buyers are interested in our products.”

Mr. Dai, from Guangdong Zhenhua (JEBO) Electric Appliance Co., Ltd.,"It’s great that GIAS2015 is held with concurrently China Landscape, Garden, Greening & Better Living Fair 2015 because most of our products are used in landscape construction. I hope you can do better next time, and we will support.”
Whether you want to expand Chinese and Asian market or look for a one-stop sourcing platform, GIAS is undoubtedly the one you can’t be ignored!
Concurrent Event
The First China (Guangzhou) International Koi Culture Exhibition 2016
The First China(Guangzhou) International Amphibians and Reptiles Exposition 2016
The First China (Guangzhou) International Goldfish Ornamental Tasting 2016

Exhibition Scope
Aquarium pets: all kinds of aquarium fishes, amphibians and reptiles, etc;
Aquarium products: aquariums, water pumps, air pumps, temperature control water treatment equipment, fishing gear, fishing tackle, lights, ornaments, artware, fish feeds, fish medicines, feeders, etc;
Others: aquarium landscape, aquatic photography, magazines, media, associations, research institutions, etc.

Contact Us
Guangdong*Grandeur*International*Exhibition*Group
Add: Room 202, Meijing Garden, No.318 of Chebei Road, Guangzhou, China
Contact person: Sheila Shu
Tel: +86 20 2918 8160
Fax: +86-20-82579220
Email: grand.gz@grahw.com
Website: www.fishgz.com