Need advise on my Aquapod

[Sera]

I am newbe to the saltwater world. I have a 24g Aquapod and it has been up and running since May 1st. We got this tank for my 4 yr old son who has Growth Hormone Deficiency and he is so into fish. We were going to get a goldfish but when we went to our LFS he just went crazy. So here we are. The Aquapod is perfect since it is enclosed and toddlers cannot throw things into it. Anyway, our LFS has been so helpful. We have our cleaning crew (red and blue legged crabs, snails, cleaner shrimp, peppermint shrimp) , a clown fish and a pajama cardinal fish. Each time before I added anything she has always insisted that she test the water herself since we are new to this. Which is great I think. I have been holding off on Corals. We added the peppermint shrimp last week because I had several aptasia that appeared. Well he took care of that problem.
Everything seemed to be doing fine until this last week. The fans on the are not working right -- one is dead and the other works on and off.
I need to get new ones. I have read of people getting stealth fans but I cannot find where to get them, or should I just get the stock fans again.
Should I also purchase a Koralia for more circulation in the tank?
My LFS is not that familiar with Aquapods. I am having a problem also with red algae just started this week (same time the fans gave out). I don't know if it is from that or something else.
Please help if you can....

Thanks

[reginanmc]

Originally Posted by Sera

Everything seemed to be doing fine until this last week. The fans on the are not working right -- one is dead and the other works on and off.
I need to get new ones. I have read of people getting stealth fans but I cannot find where to get them, or should I just get the stock fans again.

have you contacted the manufacurer yet? it may be under warrenty. all-in-ones seem to be notorious for fans going bad.

Originally Posted by Sera

Should I also purchase a Koralia for more circulation in the tank?

if you have only the stock pump, it definitely wouldn't hurt to have more flow as you begin to add corals. You can also upgrade the stock pump. to add more flow

Originally Posted by Sera

I am having a problem also with red algae just started this week (same time the fans gave out). I don't know if it is from that or something else.

Do you mean cyano? cyano is a common result of over feeding. you may try to cut down on feeding and do some water changes and it should clear up fairly quickly.

How long has your tank been up and running? we LOVE to see pictures of tanks if you can post one.

[dobejazz]

Welcome to TRT

Regi has got all the bases covered

[reginanmc]

Originally Posted by dobejazz

Welcome to TRT

Regi has got all the bases covered

except i forgot to say .....


Welcome to TRT

[crvz]

Welcome aboard!! Got a lot of good questions already, but I'll point out that the cyano may also be triggered a bit by increased temps. Do you keep your eyes on tank temp, and if so, what do you keep it at?

[aquawolf]

Welcome to TRT!!!

Great advice given and I have also seen some people add the Koralia Nano to those systems for a little extra flow.

Best of luck getting the fan issue resolved.

[Sera]

Thanks for the warm welcome. Our tank is 4 months old now. I let it cycle for 5 weeks before I added the cleaning crew. Then a week or so later we added Nemo. Then another 2 weeks later we added the Cardinal Pajama.
OK so ,1st my temps have gone up I guess due to the fan issue (around 84 -85). So I am trying to keep the daylight lights on less and open the lid. It was 79 - 80 before. I know that is still on the high side but this is summer here in Florida so the LFS did this that was that bad.
I hand removed the red algae (cyano) and I do think it was from the temp change. I know these fan are not the greatest for cooling the lights the top always felt hot. So I thought it I got a better quality fan -- not stock maybe it would run better. I am thinking I may also need a chiller JIC? But I am not the most mechanically inclined to install things.
I am doing my water change tomorrow and I am going to purchase the water from my LFS. I had a hard time this last time getting the water just right.
I have also been reading about the maxi-jet 900. But I would not know what to do with it since my tank is up and running. Would I have to move everybody out?
I know I am full of questions. But I am addicted already and I am a stickler for detail and doing everything right. My son has named everyone that he can in the tank and says goodmorning and goodnight. They even eat at the same time at night. I plan on moving up to a bigged tank when my three toddlers can stop thowing things in the water.
Thanks to everyone again

[crvz]

I'd try to get the temp down first of all, but replacing the fans may have solve the problem. I'd chase that before going with a chiller (which can be quite expensive). Have you contacted the manf. regarding the fans? They should last longer than that. 84-85 is a bit steep, but 79-80 is no problem at all. If you can get it there, that should be fine.

And regarding the maxi-jet, are you thinking about adding it to the setup? If so, you can just plop it in there to get more flow, no need to remove anything. I'm not sure I understand what you're asking there, so elaborate if you can.

[aquawolf]

I agree with Chris and the LFS where you bought the tank should be able to help you with the manufacturer and getting the issue resolved.

I am sure you can get better fans, that move more air and are quieter, but would have to know the size of the fans to give you any suggestions because you are dealing with a small, confined, space.

If you are asking about putting the MJ 900 in as an upgrade for your current return pump, then you just kill the power and reach in the back chamber, pull the return hose off the pump and put the new pump in its place. It will be a little difficult because you are working in another small space.

You can also add the MJ 900 to the display, although they put out a straight line of flow which is not highly recommended. You could put a Hydor rotating deflector on it, or get one of the Sureflow modification kits for it. It might be easier to just a Koarlia Nano and add it directly to the display portion of the system while keeping the stock pump.

[Sera]

Thanks for the advise. My LFS is closed today. I will be there tomorrow and try to resolve the fan problem. If not stock replacement fans are not that expensive.
Anyway, I did not realize how easy it would be to replace the pump. I thought it would be more involved. I was considering getting a Koralia Nano, but maybe I will upgrade the pump. I have posted a few picture of my tank.
Thanks. I will talk soon. I plan on starting to add Coral. The tank need some. I think I am almost ready as soon as I get this temp probelm under control.

[aquawolf]

Sounds good and best of luck with everything.

[mitchmac]

the red algae is going to be int he tank no matter what .. its a process of cycling ... its about time for the algae to start growing in your tank the cyno will go away with a few water changes and if it pursits then start cutting back on feeding i only feed once a day flake food...and no bad algae has grown in my tank ,... its such a fresh tank that there are going to be alot of swings in the cycling ... but it will b fine in the end as long as u keep up on your water cahnges and what not...how did your LFS tel you the water was doing ? i mena what are the specs of the water ?

[VWD]

Welcome to the Reef tank!

[Sera]

Great news for now! My Husband and I took the hood apart and cleaned and lubed the fans and they are both running now. So hopefully this will help my temp. Tomorrow it will get a good cleaning.

[aquawolf]

That is great news. Congratulations on that and let us know how your temp does now.