Questions - Need some input

Hi All,
This picture includes two critters that we arent sure of. They both hitched in on some LR we bought from a guy breaking down his 220G. The larger one I thought he said was a "leather coral." Is that correct?
The three smaller ones on the same rock moved around the tank for a while then seemed to take root where they are. Actually, there are about 8-10 of these in all in the tank... all in various locations. We even observed one on the glass for a while when they were ...

Hello everyone.
What would be the best solution to get rid of a nitrate issue? I Have been thinking of using vertex bio-pellets with a Two Little Fishies Phosban Reactor 150 with a max jet 1200 pump. Would the pump be strong enough for this use? My tank (75 gallon) is now 2 years old and would just like it to be more stable and get rid of the up and down cycle i seem to be in for the last year. My nitrates cause me the most headaches and phosphates have always been close to zero or just above ...

Ok all need some input on controllers and any would be apericated. So far i have looked at Neptune systems and DA reefkeepers' and i am leaning towards the Neptune systems. I am open to used options as well because price will also be a factor so if there is an older model that is worth getting feel free to mention that as well. Here is a list of things i am considering.

1. PH monitor as i do not have one yet and preferably with the option of controlling a reactor down the road. ...

Marc, you mentioned cleaning your over flow out in your recent article...curious if you have heard of anyone using that area as a deep sand bed? particularly in my tank the outlet from the overflows is at the top going out the back, no stand pipe to worry about cleaning and such. At the base of my overflows there is .25 to .5" of mud and bristles and pods. Just food for thought

I have had my 220 up and cycled for about 2.5 months now... I have 200 lbs of live rock and a 125 gallon sump system. Using a dual over flow running one side to the fuge 3"(sand bed) the other to an INS 450 reef dynamics skimmer. Middle return overflow. (I prefer middle for return...) calcium reactor, as well as a sulfur reactor... My tank specs were perfect up until last week. My calcium levels went from 450 to 550 ... My question is that i have only a couple nasarius snails and 3 ...