Plumbing And Pump

[Koraal]

I want to increase the flow and create two counter-currents in the tank. I got a larger pump - RIO 1100 (382 GPH) which barely fit into the third chamber of my NanoCube 24. Added some plumbing to the output and hooked it all together - see pic below:

I have two issues now. I looks kind of large for the tank - but I could live with that if it is better. However, that brings me to the second issue, the flow out of the nozzles is low. The current is not so visible. The stock, single nozzle has a nice strong current, but only in one direction. Would it be better to put the stock back in or keep the new plumbing and somehow restrick the 3" nozzle to 1.5"?

Also, I have noticed that my Nitrates stay around 20 after 4 or so weeks now. I've taken a picture of the possible culprit - and dying? - coral.

Should I remove this coral - any chance of survival - or keep my plants happy? I am not sure what it is - but I think the white must be the skeleton?

Last, I have noticed some nice looking red velvety Algae. It showed with a lot of other plants.

Thanks for any responses.

Marc.

 

[SkiFletch]

Sadly your pump is probably under-powered and prolly cant handle that high pressure drop created by those square nozzles. I'd go back to just one if I were you.

Oh and its tough to tell whether that coral is dead or alive, but at that small size I cant imagine it would be affecting your nitrates.

 

[Matthew5664]

Have you done a water change since you cycle ended? the raise in nitrate is the sign that you LR has filtered as much as it can. Do you have a DSB with Macro in tha back if so that should clear it to some extent. If not then do a 50% water change wait a week then do an other 50% WC and you'll be good to go. The first WC will drop the NO3 to 10ppm then wait because your LR might be able to do something with this ammout. Test NO3 before the second WC to see if your LR's doing the job.

 

[JJ1234567]

Well a couple of things. First hings first, that set up could work for you if you wanted to get a more powerful pump. However, lots of folks ive seen with nano cubes simply put a pump in the first chamber and shoot it back out the grate or put a new hole in.

That being said, make sure your nano cube can withstand the added pressure on the glass of increasing the flow rates. Remember that the cubes of the larger size crack, although I have not heard much about the new ones. I know that JBJ shot themselves in the foot with that one. No stores around here even carry the cube anymore theyve all gone to aquapods and such.

 

[steelhealr]

You need two pumps to achieve the flow you desire in the 24G. See my thread on how to design 20X flow without having to drill the backwall or use a bulkhead. The additional pump really makes a difference and one of them has a Hydor Flo nozzle which creates wave action. SH