Blog Comments

The container must remain covered to prevent any contaminants from getting into the water. The slime doesn't sound healthy - I'd be concerned.

I mix up 250g worth of saltwater at a time, and this lasts about two months. The circulation pump keeps it ready to use.

i use to have this problem aswell back in the day...it was more of a clear slime coating the surface of the water aswell as the walls the container, so now i just store RODI if i ever need to mix some up it only takes a couple min

sounds like you have nitrates/phosphates somewhere. maybe the salt mix

Do you guys have any issues with a white slime/bacterial buildup over time? Whenever I would make a batch and let it sit for more than a week or so my water would get cloudy and have a white cotton-ish growth in it. (like individual fibers floating around). I used 0 TDS water from my own RO/DI and IO salt. I had a power head in it then entire time. It was open top so I guess contamination could have caused it but it would have been from water airborne particles were around. I have always wondered how people keep large batches around for extended periods.

If it is stored in a sealed container, about a month. Even the premixed water available to purchase (comes in a box) has an expiration date.

If you have it in a barrel with circulation (and/or air stone to add oxygen), indefinitely as posted above.

If it is stored in a sealed container, about a month. Even the premixed water available to purchase (comes in a box) has an expiration date.

If you have it in a barrel with circulation (and/or air stone to add oxygen), indefinitely as posted above.

hey steve are you anywhere around london? i have a 55gal food grade barrel you can have

I'm not at home but I thing it is the rubber made rough neck

what brand of trash can do you use i heard some leach nasty stuff into the water ?

Indefinitely, provided it is covered and kept clean. I always keep 30gals mixed in a trashcan next the the su,p for I need to add/acclimate frags or emergency water change. Keep a air stone in it and it will always be ready.

Marc's living the dream

ive always wanter to go to the georgia aquarium

I'm still around. I've been busy traveling recently, taking pictures and gathering information for some upcoming articles and blogs. Most recently, I visited the Long Island (formerly Atlantis) Aquarium and the Georgia Aquarium. Watch for those to appear in the near future.

Maybe he is working on a new podcast?

He tore it down and moved to Alaska due to the drought in Texas.

dame that sucks i really wanted to get mor into some sps and clams i just got these lights 6 months ago i guess no kool corals for me for a few years since these say 50000 hours i wont be replacing them for at least 5 years

I have to agree, your marinland lighting just isnt strong enough, as for feeding many people around here swear by reef nutrition- oyster feast, I however choose not to feed my clams and have had much sucess.
if you are really in to the idea of clams see if you can find this book its full of great info. http://www.amazon.com/Giant-Clams-Co.../dp/3921684234

When considering lighting for certain creatures, the depth of the tank will make a big difference. The type of clam will also make a difference. A derasa clam does not require as much light as a maxima clam, for example. Keep in mind, most popular types of clams require substantial light to survive long-term.

After digging around a little, I found these comments on Marinelands site:
http://answers.marineland.com/answer.../questions.htm

Based on many of those comments, I would say you should not keep clams with this light fixture, regardless of the depth. At best, I would say this fixture is suitable for soft corals, and perhaps some LPS varieties.

Other opinions?

I wanted to initially try the Dr Tim's pellets as well, as normally his name seems to be on good products. The BRS pellets were easier for me because I can get them from the same place I get my calcium and magnesium supplies. The BRS pellets are also 100% natural polyhydroxyalkanoates. I was at first put off by their weird cylindrical shape with slightly convex ends... but after observing them in a reactor, I think the shape may aid in their ability to tumble in low flow.

I have used BRS before and they are a decent pellet. Dr.Tims is unique. Its 100% all natural and supports a wider range of support for our systems. They flow amazing, and just overall a far superior media...IMO...