In tank:
3 perppermint shrimp
5 snails
5 hermit crabs
2 clownfish
20 lbs live rock
2 inches live sand
2006-11-18 13:43:08 · 4 answers · asked by janelgirl 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
I have a 20 gallon tank with a CPR backpack protein skimmer. Considering the amount of fish that you have and the amount of live rock, I would suggest running your protein skimmer 24 - 7. That way you don't get a build up of protein which turns into phosphates and nitrates which are not good for salt water. They should be kept at levels around zero. With your protein skimmer running 24 - 7 there will be less chance of toxic build up.
2006-11-19 06:59:39 · answer #1 · answered by great white fisherman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should run it all the time - if you can't run it all the time, then for at least 6 hours after feedings.
Nothing in there is too bad, but you do have a lot of biomass, so the less you have dissolved in the water the better.
I would suggest adding a few Red Mangrove shoots - perhaps in a small hang-on refugium, they do the same job, but are much cleaner (remember to support Iodine leves, however, with Red mangrove you might see a reduction in Iodine).
2006-11-18 22:48:37 · answer #2 · answered by mytraver 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Does FOWLR mean fish only with live rock? Anyway, you can usually just leave the skimmer running continuously with no problems. Clean it regularly. Just don't overfeed, don't overstock the tank (don't add more fish) and perform regular partial water changes to maintain water quality.
2006-11-19 10:50:31 · answer #3 · answered by Herptile 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
24/7 for optimal performance.
2006-11-19 09:58:27 · answer #4 · answered by Kay B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋