SURF2 - Cyprus

[phinix]

Hi All,

I have ordered a SURF2 and had it delivered with no issues in Cyprus.

My tank is 160(L) x 65(W) x 60(H) with a 150 litre (approx.) sump. Fish only with live rock at the momment.

I have around 70 - 75kg of Fiji and Indonesian live rock in the DT and around 10kg of live rock rubble in my sump.

At the moment i use an Aquamedic turboflotor 3000 skimmer and a SURF2.

I have used in the past other forms of algae scrubbers with a lot of short time success.

I could not have continues and long success as my main issue was the safety of all my DIY setups and electricity cost out of all those bulbs – electricity cost in Cyprus is very high.

After a major electricity disaster here in Cyprus back in 2013 (Electricity station Explosion) I have removed all burned equipment from my tank and left the tank to God’s mercy (i.e. with no form of any filtration apart from the live rock).

Recently, I gave a good clean to the dt and the sump and also did a 150lts water change. All seems doing well now.

The SURF2 was added on the 21st March 2014 and the light is on a timer for 18 hours a day – as per the instructions manual.

The development will follow.

[SantaMonica]

Welcome from Cypress.

Sorry to hear about the electricity station problem. Glad that your tank survived. The live rock will filter ok for a few weeks, as it absorbs phosphate. Once your SURF2 grows, however, the phosphate will be pulled out of the rocks.

Will be looking forward to the progress.

[phinix]

Hi SM,

Can i put longer air tubes? Will this affect in any way the oparation?

What about the photo period i set, is it ok the 18hrs cycle?

[SantaMonica]

Longer tubes are fine.

18 hours is good.

[phinix]

Thanks man.

No signs of any green or even yellowish yet.

Keep scrubbing!!

[phinix]

Hi guys,

I am getting worried as no signs growth is visible yet, nothing at all.

Any tips? Reduce or increase the photoperiod. ATM is 18hrs per day.

[SantaMonica]

A picture of the inside would help. But I think you need to cover the light with a cloth.

[phinix]

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5259

[SantaMonica]

Are you sure the light goes on?

Cover the light with a towel to make it less.

[phinix]

Hi SM,

Yes, the light definitely goes on, 18hrs per day since the 21st March.

Does it matter that it is located on the last part of the sump where the 2 return pumps are working?

Any tip to encourage growth?

[SantaMonica]

Does not matter where it goes.

Just cover the light with a cloth, and let it run.

[phinix]

Hi,
The cloth underneath the light, insight the box, or on top? What is the purpose of this?
Any examples available in here?

[SantaMonica]

Cover the light to make it weaker. It is too strong for an all-white box.

No examples on here that's I've seen yet.

[phinix]

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[phinix]

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[phinix]

5288

it seems that a development has been made
there are few bright green patches on the bottom and on few strings

i assume is a good thing that the coloure us bright green and not brown-ish

any comments?

[SantaMonica]

Yes it's starting to fill in, with the reduced light. Let's see it in 2 weeks.

[phinix]

Hi All,

I have the SURF2 running since 21st March 2014.

I did not get the proper green algae yet, but, i can confirm that i have clear and visible effect in my aquarium rocks.

It is a long and slow process but I’m patient.

Is it more beneficial if i add another air pump? One on each air tube?

Also, suddenly and unexpectedly, my skimmer is gone and i am not sure if i will get a new one.

What do you guys suggest? Is it necessary to use a skimmer along with the SURF2?

Thank you.

[SantaMonica]

There is no proper algae; whatever grows, is what is absorbing nutrients. Good to hear your aquarium is doing good.

Skimmer does not matter.

More air always helps. Pictures would help.

[phinix]

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This is yesterday.
I have cleaned it today.
Pics will follow.

[phinix]

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Before cleaning.

[phinix]

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And after.

[phinix]

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This is the type of algae I have in my aquarium. It covered almost the whole rock work. Now is almost half gone.
Do you have any idea what is it?

[SantaMonica]

It is very dark, so run light 22 hours.

Probably needs brushing with toothbrush.

http://algaescrubber.net/forums/showthread.php?3286-Dark-Slime-and-Black-Slime-what-it-looks-like

[phinix]

Thanks.
The lights are on for 22 hrs the past few weeks and I must say is been more green since then.
Any idea of the algae pic?

[SantaMonica]

I'd have to look it up. Try AlgaeBase.org

[phinix]

5962

Cleaned yesterday.

[SantaMonica]

Toothbrush cleaning time.