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I am no expert on skimmers, but I have both my return pumps just flow into the chamber with my skimmer. There is no bubble trap or filter socks and they seem to be doing just fine. I could be wrong, but I am ok with it.
Welcome to the board and welcome back to the saltwater world.
If you are looking for a HOB skimmer, there are a few models out there that would easily fit on your tank and work well. We have used the Aqua C remora HOB skimmer in the past and have always liked it. I think you will be a lot...
I have only had mine going for a week or so but so far I like them. They are just a touch bluer than the aquablue specials, gives a little more pop but nothing crazy. You are going from 12k to 14k, so not a major difference.
I am not sure with the radions, but I run my AI fixtures at about 45%. Ramping them up to 90% might be a bit much but again I don't know that much about the radions.
Alk at 8-9 is normal and fine and your corals will be fine.
Vodka dosing may have caused it as well but there are really 3...
redfishblue fish posted a great group of articles on reef chemistry by Randy Holmes_Farley (the man when it comes to chemistry), find the link and read a bunch.
I will give you a few basics here but read the articles.
Alk keeps your PH steady, so low alk and your PH can swing more.
Alk and...
We have this in a container right now so when it dries out it will be dead sand which is no problem. The sand has been in this tank for about 6 months and could probably stand a rinse, but it is good sand.