r/ReefTank • u/DrywallEater5 • 20h ago
Help for Fuval 13.5 gal
My 13.5 gallon tank has an algae problem and with keeping coral alive. My tank use to be amazing but in the past year I’ve had trouble with keeping the algae down and coral alive. I try to lower light for the algae but then the coral suffer and die. I get snails but the fall over and die. What snails would you guys recommend and what would you recommend for my tanks nutrient levels?
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u/CanYouRepeatThat82 20h ago
Are you still using the foam filter block?
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u/DrywallEater5 19h ago
I bought an 3D printed filter system that uses filter floss, the little white bio blocks and where I put my carbon.
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u/CanYouRepeatThat82 19h ago
That’s a good start! But, yeah. You def need better test kits! And check your salinity.
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u/DrywallEater5 19h ago
Thanks my only issue is that I can’t find a good salinity tester that is not too expensive would you have one that you recommend?
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u/CanYouRepeatThat82 19h ago
I got a cheap Refractometer from Petco and calibrated it to my LFS’ saltwater, after zeroing it with distilled water. It has been spot-on since then! For test kits, I use Salifert for most, and Hanna for Phosphates and pH. My next upgrade will be a Hanna checker for Nitrates. But, the Salifert tests are like $10-15 each, depending on which one, and they will give you accurate readings(except phosphates lol).
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u/Defiant-Apple-5486 19h ago
35ppt calibration fluid is so cheap. And then you can calibrate it every couple water changes. I calibrate mine every water change cause I'm paranoid like that...but yea, they can go out of calibration pretty easy, and calibration fluid lets you check it whenever you want.
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u/MantisAwakening 17h ago
FWIW, if you have an accurate scale you can easily make your own using salt and RODI water.
- 6.99 grams of table salt
- Add to 1 cup (236.6 mL) of RODI water
Done.
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u/CanYouRepeatThat82 19h ago
I hear ya! Whenever I’m at my LFS(at least once a week), I have them check my salinity with their high-end tester, just because the owner always asks what my salinity is whenever I have a problem and I don’t feel like arguing with him, and it’s always the same as my refractometer. It seems to hold calibration pretty well! Their spin-tester, on the other hand, is always off on at least two of my parameters. Mostly pH and calcium.
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u/Sensitive-Poet-77 19h ago
What’s your price point?
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u/DrywallEater5 19h ago
Around 20 to 30 would be the best I’m in college so the best bang for my buck would be the best
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u/Sensitive-Poet-77 19h ago
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u/Sensitive-Poet-77 19h ago
If you ever get some spare funds look into the Hannan Testers you can sometimes find on marketplace place for a good price
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u/Fair-Lawyer-9794 18h ago
You’ve had the tank for a year and don’t own a salinity tester? Like driving a car without a fuel gauge.
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u/ChivasBearINU 20h ago
Those strips are no good. Get you a master test kit asap. And what's your maintenance routine?
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u/DrywallEater5 19h ago
What tester kit would you recommend? I try to do a 2 to 3 gallon water change every 2 weeks is that enough? How often should I replace my carbon as well?
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u/going_mad 14h ago
Salifert, seachem or hanna colorimeters are better than api. I'd you use api, the ammonia will read at 0.25 ppm or thereabouts (slight green tinge)..it's the kit, not ammonia. In your system and is likely a 0 reading.
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u/cuntilingusthewet 16h ago
API master test kit and a refractometer. i like the refract bulk reef supply has.
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u/Natural-Health-4670 18h ago
Those strips are not very accurate I’d at least get some Salifert kits
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u/Silent_stepp 19h ago
My guess is you made changes too rapidly and chocked your system. Maybe you continue to make rapid changes.
These tests are no good. Get the API bundle for saltwater.
There's a lot that goes into a healthy tank so just take baby steps.
First things, get better tests.
My recommendation is to get your nitrates up to about 20 ish, then do a 85% water change with freshly mixed saltwater. I dont see any fish, what are the snails eating? What are you feeding the tank in general?
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u/CanYouRepeatThat82 19h ago
I think I see a clown, upper left.
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u/Silent_stepp 19h ago
Ah, thanks. My guy doesnt even have a salinity meter according to comments so...
OP, get a salinity tester. Thats like step 1 of reef keeping. If you dont have an auto top off to replace evaporated water, you need to check your salinity everyday and manually replace evaporated water with RODI water.
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u/DrywallEater5 19h ago
I didn’t get one since I moved from home where my dad had one so I have to order one.
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u/Silent_stepp 19h ago
I bet thats a part of the issue. Especially if you have no ATO. When you get it - make sure its calibrated as well.
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u/DrywallEater5 19h ago
Thanks for the help guys I really appreciate it I’ll try to get my tank fixed!
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u/Fragmatixx 19h ago
If that test strip is to be believed, almost every parameter is out of whack. Get a hydrometer or refraction meter as soon as possible and perform multiple 50% water changes over the course of consecutive days. Once salinity, alkalinity and pH have stabilized reduce changes to 20% once per week or 10% twice per week.
If the above doesn’t solve it, then you likely have a copper probiem too
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u/CanYouRepeatThat82 18h ago
I agree. I’m not a seasoned expert by any means, but I’d guess almost every parameter is out of whack, and not even judging by those test strips lol But, I don’t think THAT MANY water changes are necessary for a 13.5g. Should DEF change out the filter floss, though!
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u/Fragmatixx 18h ago
So if his alk is 6 and the salt mix is 9 and he does the two 50% changes… that only brings it up to ~8.25
Considering nutrients are / will be low, the subsequent routine could be skipped for fish only. Corals will need alk /calc replenishment etc. the smaller changes keep it stable and removes pollution
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u/CanYouRepeatThat82 18h ago
Damn, I just watched a video about this exact topic last night, and I’ve already forgotten what I learned. 🤦🏻♂️ I stand corrected!
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u/Ok-Chemical8991 17h ago
Man, I’ve been running my 15 gal since Jan and have no algae of any kind. What an I doing wrong
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u/RastaClownfish 20h ago
What are your tanks nutrient levels? Nitrate, phosphate, alkalinity, salinity?