kiwis

Hi Everyone. I'm based in Auckland and are looking for plumbing supplies for Aqua One systems. I've been to Bunnings and looked on TradeMe but can't seem to find anything My hard pipes are 40mm outer dimension Soft hoses are 20mm inner dimension Looking for elbows and extensions for hard pipe. Anything would be appreciated

So I've recently got a Aqua One Mini Reef system (120L), link at the bottom. The system seems to work very well however the overflow drain is ridiculously noisy. Like I can hear falling water right now in another room. The water flows through into the weir and down into the drain as per this picture (1 is down, 4 is return). It's falling into the sump and I believe this is where the noise is coming from. The sump is filled to the specified level. Can I please have some advise on how to quieten this system. . http://www.aquaone.com.au/2018-02-20-00-40-42/aquariums-3/minireef/item/3381-53419wh

So I've asked about NSW and I appreciate the replies. My second questions is about ASW... what water is best used? - Pure Dew Bottled Water? - RO/DI tap water - Treated Tap water - Tank water from the roof

Well I don't know. They've commented elsewhere they it's been nothing but trouble. What type of fish and or coral do you have?

Thanks, I've heard really mixed reviews ranging from it's just like ASW and it's completely fine to never use it, the water isn't 'clean' or as visible and it's a quick way to destroy your tank. Trying to find where the middle ground is.

Thanks so much, keen to see some photos of tanks with NSW

So I'm about to order by new marine tank, one of the biggest concerns for me is the cost to keep salt water. I can use salt crystals and pure dew water from my local supermarkets but will be about $20 per week slightly less. I'm in Auckland, Hibiscus Coast to be exact and have access to plenty of beaches around my area so am considering Natural Sea Water as an option. Not sure if it's any use but Safe Swim always has the green tick for all local beaches. My questions are: 1. Is Natural Sea water as clear as water from bucket salt when in your tank? Does anyone have a photo of NSW in their tank? 2. I understand to collect water 30mins prior to high tide and not within a day or two of heavy rain, what else do you need to do to treat the water prior to it going in your tank? 3. Can you mix natural and artificial waters? I assume as evaporation occurs you'll need to add pure dew into the tank as well. 4. I know to use food grade containers - but how long can I keep the water before going in my tank? For example, if it's forecast for 3-4 days of rain over the weekend can I collect water, keep it somewhere dark until the weekend when I do my water change? 5. The opposite to above, can the water be warmed up via a heater and put in my tank the same day or next day if the refractometer shows the water is at the right state? Feel free to answer one or all of my questions :-) happy for others to add any comments or questions they have as well.

So 10L of Pure Dew is $6.69 so it's about $14 a week plus salt. Have you had an issues with NSW on the North Shore? I live up on the Hibiscus Coast and have contemplated this option as well. I'd be keen to hear any good and bad experiences you've had? What process do you follow before adding NSW into your aquarium.

I'm thinking about getting a 140L system, my first salt water set up. With fresh water I changed about 30% water each week. I assume it's about the same for salt? Based on this how long should a bucket of salt last and is this the best way of going it? Is using RO a non nonnegotiable? how does everyone get their RO water

http://www.hollywoodfishfarm.co.nz/product/aqua-one-aqua-reef-mini-160-starter-package/

I have another post on my new project but after some research i'm looking to buy new. For some background info, I've got 10 years experience with freshwater topical planted and cichlid aquariums and I'm now looking to move my tank, down size it's width and relocate it in my house. I'll also be moving into marine for the first time. I'm looking to have a few clowns, perhaps something else at some point and a few corals when i'm up and running. What I need is a tank and stand with sump. The rest of the gear, heaters, skimmers lights etc I can acquire separately if needed. My major requirement is the tank/stand can not be longer than 900mm in width. Obviously the overall water volume needs to be appropriate for a salt water aquarium. Does anyone know any models or where I can get a stand built to meet my requirements? I know a guy who can build tanks and sumps but I would need a stand also. I'm wondering if it's better to go for a 'kitset' if one exists at 900mm wide

I have a spare tank 900mm long, 450mm wide and 400mm high. I've got experience with tropical planted and African Cichlids but I'm a bit bored and I'm considering switching to marine. Much harder to keep but truly amazing when you get it right. My freshwater tanks are much larger in size and I'm thinking about re-positioning the tank in the house also. My spare 900mm wide tank is the perfect width. I guess my question is, this tank with a sump under it. Would this be enough for a few corals and a couple of clown fish for a starter marinist. I believe nano tanks or when you go too small can become hard to keep.

That makes sense i have African. Why do you ask?

I have no plants. cichild eat them. Should I have a couple anyway? what else could I use

I'll need to get a test kit for phosphate. Is this likely to be a problem? I'm doing 30% water changes twice a week at the moment. Does the type of light make a difference? i'm using lights from a planet aquarium so am blasting a lot of kelvins into the tank but for 4 hours.

Yes white coral rock okay, last week Thursday I did a water change and cleaned my filter. I did a nitrate and nitrite test after which showed almost 0 of both. I've done a test now (Sunday) and the result is basically the same. The algae has grown worse however. so I reduced the light yesterday to 4 hours I think and will leave it like this for a week and see if it improves. What are some good Cichlid algae eaters out there? I'm reasonably new to cichlids.

Sorry light reduction was to reduce algae caused by my high nitrates. Ignore that part

I thought once it was there light helped it grow? how does water change to remove it?? can you chemically remove nitrates?

What are the best ways of removing nitrates from an aquarium. Best option is prevention. I get that and will reduce light, do more frequent water changes. But for now, how do I start removing them from my water?

I have a cichlid tank with coral rock. My rock keeps getting a mustard colour algae on it. I can brush it off with a toothbrush but how can I prevent or reduce it? What will be causing it?

I've got a tank which i'm slowly turning into my first marine aquarium. I'm thinking about putting a glass panel along the back and having the sump in the main tank. Is there any real reason I shouldn't do this? Also what size sump should you have for vs the size of the main tank? working out if I have room.

Thanks so much for the reply. A couple of comments/questions 1. Can you not use a canister or prefer not to use one?? 2. How do you ensure you're natural salt water is clean?

Hi As per my other post I'm looking at a new marine tank to see if I enjoy the up keep and look of it. to keep things simple I'm going bear bottom and no coral to begin with. So I'm looking at fish health and water quality. can I get some feedback on the below equipment MUST HAVE (and have) * Canister filter * heater * Skimmer * thingie to check salt content * salt itself Do I need? * wave maker * special lights (refer to other post) anthing else??

Hey Guys considering a marine tank for the first time. Will keep it basic to begin with so bear bottom and no coral. With that in mind do I need any special lighting for the fish itself or could a old T8/T5 I've got Sitting around do the trick until I decide I want coral??

I've got a quarantine tank set up in my spare room. Currently it's on the floor but I want elevate this a little. 3-4 foot off the floor. I not interested in anything that looks flash, i just want it off the ground so I dont have to bend over every time I want to clean/feed/add or remove fish. Can I have some ideas on a stand at no cost or very little cost.