Here is the corner where I prepare Saltwater. I mix new water with salt right after a water change in the tank so I always have some available if needed. Can mix up to 50 L at once. I have a small heater and pump in the blue mixing container.
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Snorkeler,
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could put your worst live rock (the ones with the MOST VALONIAS) in your blue mixing container, fill it with some saltwater, and leave it in your closet WITHOUT LIGHTS. Would this kill off the Valonias?
Dwight
Good/interesting idea... never had thought about it. I would be a little afraid that valonia spores could contaminate the blue tub... Do you think the spores would die due to lack of lght?
ReplyDeleteSnorkeler,
ReplyDeleteFrom what I have read, vigorous water motion in your tub won't allow the spores to settle on the tub. Some suggested using a UV light to kill the spores, but they usually use this technique in the main display. In your case, you could use UV in the tub, so you would not kill the good bacteria in the main display, only the valonia spores. Now, I just found one forum thread that mentioned someone already attempted killing valonias by putting live rock in tubs in the dark for 3 MONTHS, but they came back after he put the rock back on the main display (of course, he didn't say if the main display still had valonias).
My personal opinion would be to buy a mithrax crab and more cleaning crew for your main display, and maybe a UV light if you have. Some have mentioned that a black urchin also eats valonias as they are herbivores.
PS. I have an 8w UV light somewhere at home (but the bulb is overdue). Need to get a new UV bulb.
Dwight
The guys at my LFS suggested the UV approach in the display tank, but I prefer biological control if possible. Now that Mathias has answered my email about the Mithrax crab I'll try that route.
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