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I think anyone that's been in reef keeping for any length of time has torn their tank just about down and rebuilt the aquascapeing and/or the filtration system. To do good aquascapeing, you do need to have some sort of plan. No matter how big the tank is, some planning is needed. Other wise you...

You could use anything that pumps up to 300 gph at about a six foot head. However,there are some other considerations. You may want the pump to drive other items, such as flow through a refugium, or some reactor such as a phosban reactor. Always buy top quality. It's least expensive long...

I was going to post something similar to what mladencovic posted. I generally agree with the post. The design in the article is poor, and what you really want to build is a Nielsen reactor. As noted this reactor is air tight, and this is important when dealing with kalk. If you feel rich or...

Actually mollies are a brakish water fish and do much better in that or full strength SW. They are often recommended for algae control in FW planted aquariums. Like any fish if they don't like the algae, they will not eat it. So if you have tons of red slime or green hair don't expect mollies to...

I would also wash a new filter sock before using it. You just never know if there is anything on it. Even if it's harmless, it could be something that messes up a skimmer. To clean mine, I just run them through the washing machine with no soap. That gets them much cleaner than I can get them...

It's easy enough to see if you have a CO2 problem. Turn the room heating down, and open a window foe a few hours, and see if you get a change in pH that you can't otherwise explain. It's not unusual to see drop in pH in the winter, especially if the house is tight. Some people have resolved...

Keep in mind that sponges and soft corals are often part of an angel's "in the ocean" diet, especially with the larger species. Putting an expensive leather in there is about like offering a plate of cookies to a kid. I'm afraid the coral or the angel will have to go.

LED's usually do last many hours. If some are burning out, I suspect it's because they are being over driven. In other words, the current is too high for the LED. It's a trade off, more current gives more light. You could likely replace them if you are good at soldering small electronic...

What you plan is reasonable, but it's only going to make a difference if the stand will span more joists. Since the stand is only 24 inches longer, it's only going to span one or two more joists at best. It may not make that much difference.

If you are going to build your own MH fixture, I recommend single ended bulbs. Double ended bulbs put out a lot of heat, and generally need a fixture made out of metal, and even more important, they require UV blocking glass over them to prevent UV from damaging your livestock and you. If you...

Most likely, the dry winter air and home heating are increasing the evaporation rate. The amount of replacement water you need to add is not at all unusual. My 125 gal reef evaporates about 2 1/2 gals of water a day. Needless to say, I use an auto top off system.

The brands are not too much different, but the key factor, especially with 250w ballasts or larger, is to always get electronic ballasts. They are a lot more energy efficient, and even though they cost more, you'll make up the price difference in a year to two years. They also run cooler, and...

Spilling water around a SW tamp is a given. Yes, even a modest amount can do a lot of damage to a floor, especially if it's one of these new composite flooring systems that should never get wet. A carpet will likely be more of a problem than it's worth, since it will retain water. It's always...

The few Sera products that I have tried all seemed to be good. However, I have not tried their test kits. I will say that the price on them looks too good to be true. Since they are priced lower than other aquarium grade test kits, I doubt that they are lab grade test kits. O have used Elos...

Of the test kits that store sells, I happen to like LaMotte, Seachem, and Salifret in that order. Others might like other kits. To set up a tank and get it through the initial cycle, you typically need to be able to test Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, and pH. To monitor an established tank, you...

I have not previously heard of this. Can you give us more information? Perhaps a web link?

Check out the NJRC Vendor forums. There are several LFS there in your area. In addition to the Aquarium Center, check out the Hidden Reef, and In Living Color.

I did at one time, but it was a small fuge, and I didn't see any real difference. I don't think it was because of the mud. It was simply that the fuge was too small. If you are going to add one, make sure it's of a reasonable size.

To use a canister as mechanical filtration can help a lot, but in order to keep it from becomming a dirt trap, it should be cleaned weekly. Ask yourself are you up to doing that every week. If not, you are better off with just the skimming.

luckily you were not hurt. You did the right things by changing the water and adding carbon. About all you can do is wait it out and see what happens. After you get a new light or repair the old one. I do recommend that you suspend the light on cables or chains, so that it can not easily fall...