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How-To Guides

Macroalgae Reactors – Should I Buy One?

Fuge Macro vs Reactor Macro
I can't remember a time when I didn't keep macro algae. My first marine tank did not have a sump so I grew halimeda which is an attractive algae. Then I got a hang on refugium, and grew macro algae in it. Finally I got a sump and things took off from there. But, growing macro in your sump comes with problems. You have to have a light source for one, but that's minor. The real issue is that bits...
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How To: Do You Need a Skimmer? How do I pick one?

Chad's Skimmer Cup
The short answer to "Do You Need a Skimmer?" is "maybe". It really depends. We will get into that in a moment. I have a love/hate relationship with skimmers. The hate part is pretty easy to explain. They are expensive, need frequent tweaking, frequent cleaning, they take up a lot of room, they are noisy, they smell, and if they aren't working just right do next to nothing. For the cost a skimme...
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How Much Flow Do I Need?

Power Head
This topic is mostly discussed on reef tank forums but it really applies to all aquariums. Just how much flow do you need? Seems simple, but it is not an easy question to answer. More important may be the question "What kind of flow do I need?" There are actually many types of flow. Flow isn't just flow, it isn't just the movement of water. Of the at least 13 types of flow there are two that are...
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