chappy6107

I apologize, as I am not someone who has conducted a study on intake that knows the differences in pressures. I just know what I know from years...decades of using air pumps, canister filters, hang on back filter, etc. I just responded to your question because nobody else had, and thought you would appreciate any input you were given. you have a 20g tank so I would use a pump rated for at least 20g as compared to a 5g pump used on a 20g tank. Most of the pumps out there as well as filters are not strong enough for the rating they advertise. If just putting on a longer tube would get the result you are wanting then it seems you have it figured out.

I'd go with the bigger air pump. However you might look in to other brands if noise is an issue. I have read many reviews about this brand being too loud.

that is good to know. fyi most of the active substrates eventually will break down and turn into a muddy mess. It seems that your dry out process just increased the pace that this happens. Glad you got the SL Aqua in place that is a solid product.

I wouldnt add the crushed coral personally as it will continue to exhaust the soil and use up the life span of the soil. I think you would be better off getting a different soil.

how big is the tank? is this the only filter you will be using?

I have found a small amount of my black blasting sand stick to a magnet. Never had an issue on my side. about the owner saying it is on you what you choose to do is correct. unfortunately you are responsible for what you put into your own tanks and it is up to you to do your research. Never rely on 1 persons advice for anything.

the ACTIVE substrate will absorb the nutrients that raise the ph. as advised by aotf, it is not wise to try and fight with it. fighting the substrate will cause you endless headaches and worry and possibly pointless losses.

Same as @wyzazz: cheap, easy to work with. NO BOWING. and light gets through just fine. to hang them I have seen lots of pics of people using 1x4's or 1x3's to make a mount and painted them black.

word

seem to be on the lucky side keeping the BB's alive with the inert style substrate. If you got a berried female, then here's to hoping that you will have lots of the babies survive.

I used something similar to what wyzazz recommended over a 5 foot 100g tank. Mine were also 15w, but they came with the pigtail plug already on them. Also came from amazon. Also sat face down on top of Twinwall Polycarbonate Greenhouse Panel used for lids. front did not get hot enough to warrant any worry. I used 3 to spread the light across the 5 foot tank.

I was thinking about getting one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VVVEUI/?coliid=I39R82FTCZY894&colid=2L5ZA5XBQBSK5&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it anyone else use this?

sorry to hear about the bad luck with the finnex. I have always had good luck with them.

Glad to see you back BTW. You were around when I first joined this group.

Soothing...man I miss that guy. He always had good advice & great shrimp.