I have a 180 reef ready and had many of the same issues.

Please search for any threads THAT I HAVE INITIATED as most revolve around getting better c02. A brief summary of changes I have made:

1. Cover the open areas of the sump. Duct tape, etc. This will help.

This is easy enough. Did this make a big difference for you.

2. Raise the water levels in the overflow boxes. The waterfall effect in here is driving the c02 right on out..........This will also reduce noise

-Not quite sure I understand how to do this. I only have about an inch if that between where the water enters in from the top and the water in the overflow that goes into the sump through a drip tray with a floss pad then bioballs then sponge then clean water goes back to aquarium

3. Get/build a better reactor and a larger pump to drive the reactor. Add a venturi loop.
- I was afraid of that .

4. Run the outlet of your reactor to the intake side of the pump back to the tank.


5. Get a drop checker to help determine your levels of c02 in the tank. BPS is a crude measurement. - i just use pH, I have 4 KH water from the tap.

If you do some reading on past threads, you will see the answers to many of your questions.

- reading those now.

Keep in mind that overflows and a trickle filter are big 02 generators and will drive out a lot of c02. 5 BPS is not really that much for the type of setup you have.


Hope this helps a bit. Good luck.[/quote]

Thanks for your reply, gives me some info to work with. Appreciate your help

Fred