Ideas needed on 2 topics please!!

[phiberop840]

Topic 1,

What is everyone doing to feed algae in there tanks. I just want to know what kind of creative ideas are out there. I know of the standard clips, and I am currently doing a piece of LR that I roll a sheet of algae like a cigarette and lace it with some garlic then rubber band it to the rock and place. This is working but very time consuming. Just looking for ideas.

Topic 2,

I am currently using 200 Micron Filter socks with the 4 inch ring on my sump for the return pipes. These are clogging up pretty much daily and becoming a serious pain in the butt. I tried just a 250 micron sock and tied it off but that just seemed to produce a mass amount of micro Bubbles. What are you guys using for a filtration method on the returns that doesnt require a daily change or wash. Also how are you cleaning the socks if you are using them?

Thanks
Mike

[DarthOcellaris]

1..I have two clips that I tied together with fishing line and simply hang over my center brace. When I had a tang ( boy I miss him ), he would devour both clips that were full of brocolli and spinach on a daily basis..

2. I would put more investment into your skimmer's filtering ability. Skim wetter and you'll pull more crap out. I use filter socks too but found that they are a pain sometimes like you've discovered.

[phiberop840]

Skimmer is a Deltec and not sure if more money could be thrown at a skimmer. I can skim wetter, Are you suggesting that I not use anything just let the water dump right into the tank?

Thanks
Mike

[phiberop840]

any more ideas or suggestions on feeding methods and overflow filtration??

Thanks
Mike

[know-it-all]

I break up the piece of Nori to let the "little guys" eat it
then put it on the clip for the tangs

[know-it-all]

oh, and I never used a filter bag, so I can't help there

[phiberop840]

That seems to be a common answer, no bags or filters, just skimming and thats it. seems ok i guess.

[harman]

For a feeding clip, I super glued a clip to an old magfloat it is very handy and easy to use. I use a large 100 micron filter sock in my 150 and it will go a week before it gets cloged up, but I change them every three or four days so they dont become a nitrate problem.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ct~EA1351.html

[seasalt dreams]

I just use the regular clip with a suction cup on it. And I dont use filter socks on my return.

[phiberop840]

I just tried my next McGyver approach to this filter sock thing. I took a filter sock with the ring @ 250 Micron, its a paper like sock and took some of that blue and white marine land foam and rolled it up, cut it and shoved it in the sock so that it filled half of it. I then placed it in the holder and the spout for the overflow is one inch above that and the waterline. Well see how this works. My idea stemmed from the all glass sumps and how they have that little tray with the filter pad. I loved that setup when I had that on my 150 and only had to change the pad about every 2 weeks. I thought that worked well. So similar concept just no baffle and tray.

Mike

[phiberop840]

Originally Posted by harman

For a feeding clip, I super glued a clip to an old magfloat it is very handy and easy to use. I use a large 100 micron filter sock in my 150 and it will go a week before it gets cloged up, but I change them every three or four days so they dont become a nitrate problem.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ct~EA1351.html

I like the super glue idea to a magnet. That is good. I hate having to put my arm halfway into my 210 everyday to feed. I will try this one. Up till now I was doing a piece of LR with algae strapped to it.

Mike

[motorslave]

Mike, I too have tried the socks, hate them too much hassle. The bubble issue and debris issue can be fixed but it would take some work. The sump.
In order to keep the bubbles out of the return a slow flow through the sump with the skimmer at the opposite end from the baffles and return. The baffles would need some good space between them and from the bottom, like 2 1/2". This long run from where the tank drains into the sump gives debris a chance to settle and the bubbles a chance to dissipate, the baffles being spaced so much prevents the waters velocity from increasing and dragging bubbles and debris along with it to the return.

[phiberop840]

I have baffles in the middle to right of the sump, would you reccomend the skimmer before that or after that?

Mike

[motorslave]

Skimmer at one end of the sump with tank drain entering sump right next to skimmer intake in order to get the best amount of tank water skimmed, then the baffles near the other end of the sump with a return section past that. You want the skimmed water to travel to the baffles this distance will allow the disipation of bubbles and settling of detritus. When you do a WC then just siphon out the poo from the sump.

[phiberop840]

Perfect. That is how I have it setup. Thanks Motor.

Mike