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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...

Next time you do a water change, test the new water and see how close it it to your tank water. If the alk and pH are about what your tank is obviously a water change isn't going to do much good. In that case, consider a different salt brand. Keep in mind that the balance between Ca, alk...

I'm not sure where exactly you are in NJ. I live in PA just north of the Commodore Barry Bridge. I usually make a few trips a year to Dr. Macs. It's about a 2 1/2 hour trip, one way, from my place. It's a long trip but quite doable, and the store is fantastic for corals. If your interested...

I fail to see any issue with the vendor. Shipping is out of sight expensive. It's not reasonable to expect them to take a hit on that when only a single item dies. Most of NJ is within driving distance to the retail store. Yes, it's an all day trip, but it's doable from everywhere except the...

It's also not a bad idea to test the newly mixed water. You might find something out of balance there.

Your alk looks low and if you are running reef system, the nitrates are high. My first question is what is your water change schedule? I'm guessing, but I suspect it's not nearly enough. If you are not changing 10% a week or 25% a month, you need to change more water. Also, larger and more...

Perhaps you didn't do one of the tests quite correctly. Repeat the tests, and if possible use a different brand of test kit.

The Ocean Motions device is interesting in that you can create a lot of directed flow, but it it requires a lot of plumbing. The Hydor and Vortex units are good also. However if you are looking for fantastic random flow, and money is no object, I'd recommend a pair of Tunze Streams and their...

You can, if the water had not been distilled in a copper still. Test the water with a copper test kit first. What size tank are you talking about? If it's of any size, long term it's going to be a lot less expensive to just get an RO/DI unit.

The Iwaki is an excellent pump. You'll never regret getting it. I usually figure a typical overflow can handle 600 - 700 gph or so, so the pump isn't way over the top as far as the amount of water it can move. However, you don't need a pressure rated pump, and you may not need that much flow...

"...they will order anything you want". That's the whole thing in a nutshell. If I order via the net, I get it in a few days. If I order via my LFS it takes weeks, especially if it's a product not usually carried by their suppliers. You are extremely lucky in that you have a LFS that will meet...

Most online companies charge a restocking fee. Also, once you actually use a product like a skimmer, it can no longer be sold as a new product, and is worth far less. They need to sell it as used, and at a big discount to move it at all. To protect yourself, all online purchases should be made...

I don't decorate my PC, and just use the background that it comes with. One less thing to go wrong. I guess this goes back to the "olden days" when putting up a screen saver or other background risked messing up the system. The problem doesn't really exist today. First worry about it running...

Yes, your flame hawk thanks you, and no doubt considers you a cornucopia of tasty treats. You almost have to expect that, that's a usual food for a hawk.

If you maintain good water guality, and low nitrates and phosphates, you get good cotaline growth. After you have to start scraping off of filtration system parts a few times, you'll just consider it another nuisance algae.