Hi guys, I have a quick question when it comes to syphoning the sand during water changes and other equipment. Does using a gravel pump to syphon the sand affect the bacteria and pods living there? I have a LOT of detritus and cyano on my sand and I need to suck that stuff out but I don't want to screw around with what's living down there.
As well, I feed my fish mysis which is causing an oily layer on top of my water. My tank is a 5 month old Nuvo 20 peninsula with high flow yet I feel like my filtration system in the back isn't getting the best turnover with water flow. Should I look into a protein skimmer? I already have nearly undetectable nitrates and phosphate (part of the reason for algae) so I don't want to waste $100 for some equipment that will have no positive affect. I have 1 bag of GFO and my water is nearly crystal clear but with lots of algae build up.
As well, I feed my fish mysis which is causing an oily layer on top of my water. My tank is a 5 month old Nuvo 20 peninsula with high flow yet I feel like my filtration system in the back isn't getting the best turnover with water flow. Should I look into a protein skimmer? I already have nearly undetectable nitrates and phosphate (part of the reason for algae) so I don't want to waste $100 for some equipment that will have no positive affect. I have 1 bag of GFO and my water is nearly crystal clear but with lots of algae build up.