Ok I have 4 96 watt power compacts thay are now about 15 months old so I realize it is time for a change. The issue is my tank has been running for over 15 years with basically few issues. It is a FOWLR tank and my frustration is the algae covered rocks. Since Sept 2011 I have been removing the boiballs slwowly and two weeks ago just removed the last one. I added a GFO reactor three months ago as well. The plan based on what I read and seen from the threads is to add coral rubble to my sump in the next few weeks and a small power head to keep the junk from settling on the bottom of the sump. I run a RO unit with two canisters and the membrane was replaced about two years ago. Regardless of new membranes I have always had the algae. Do I need more lighting? Before replacing bulbs which will result in algae anyways I thought it might be time for an upgrade. I feed about every other day and rinse all frozen food as suggested. I am not over stocked with the following fish IMO:
3-4 inch hippo tang
4-5 inch magnificant foxface
small flame angel
small clown fish
3 inch longnose hawk fish
2-3 inch black and yellow angel
small lawnmower blenny
4 inch orange spot goby
XL vlamingii tang (12-15 inches)
4 scarlet cleaner shrimp and 2 serpeant star fish
30 mexican turbo snails
20 nerite snails
30 at least nassarius snails
2 fighting conchs snails
Temp: 78
Nitrite 0
Ammonia 0
PH 8.4
Nitrate 70
I have a DSB over a plenum system with 2 koralia 1400 on the surface. An iwaki 70 for circulation and an iwaki 55 that works with my ETSS skimmer. I quiet 3000 for circulation as well. I realize it's time for RO membrane replacements but I am considering upgrading to 4 stage system sine I need to invest the money anyways in new membranes and filters. My dream come true would be a FOWLR with rock that is filled with coraline. Is it possible without adding tons of chemicals monthly? What lights would help if I upgrade?
3-4 inch hippo tang
4-5 inch magnificant foxface
small flame angel
small clown fish
3 inch longnose hawk fish
2-3 inch black and yellow angel
small lawnmower blenny
4 inch orange spot goby
XL vlamingii tang (12-15 inches)
4 scarlet cleaner shrimp and 2 serpeant star fish
30 mexican turbo snails
20 nerite snails
30 at least nassarius snails
2 fighting conchs snails
Temp: 78
Nitrite 0
Ammonia 0
PH 8.4
Nitrate 70
I have a DSB over a plenum system with 2 koralia 1400 on the surface. An iwaki 70 for circulation and an iwaki 55 that works with my ETSS skimmer. I quiet 3000 for circulation as well. I realize it's time for RO membrane replacements but I am considering upgrading to 4 stage system sine I need to invest the money anyways in new membranes and filters. My dream come true would be a FOWLR with rock that is filled with coraline. Is it possible without adding tons of chemicals monthly? What lights would help if I upgrade?