DKoKoMan's 150g Reef Tank

[DKoKoMan]

Hey Folks,

I have decided to attempt to create and share a thread on my new 150g reef tank. I purchased the DT and Sump from a local Edmonton Reefer in December, 2017 as he no longer had the time to keep up with the hobby. I am in desperate need of a larger tank as many of my fish are at the larger sizes and they need the space. The build officially started late January 2017 as I am in the middle of my basement development and trying to balance both. The DT is 60" long, 24" wide, 24" high and the sump is a 50g (single baffle setup). The tank and Sump are nothing special but they should work well for me.

I have ran my 75g mixed Reef for over 6 months, I can honestly say that I have had many ups and downs. My love of diving and the ocean has kept me grounded and I absolutely love the saltwater fish. The wife has even grown fond of the tank (she has taken the time name them and feed them).

The goal for this setup is to setup a mostly SPS tank (although I will make room for some select LPS pieces and zoas). The initial moving the tank in to the basement was a struggle. I left it in a corner and didn't do much with it as i designed the overall layout for the basement.

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah187/dkokoski/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0431_zps7rvjulfy.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/dkokoski/media/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0431_zps7rvjulfy.jpg.html)

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah187/dkokoski/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0432_zpsdniwk1oq.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/dkokoski/media/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0432_zpsdniwk1oq.jpg.html)

Here is the tank as it stood for about a month (don't mind how dirty it is). I spent a couple hours cleaning the tank completely inside and outside in between my shift work.

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah187/dkokoski/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0430_zpslvx5vkwz.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/dkokoski/media/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0430_zpslvx5vkwz.jpg.html)

Here is the sump (also dirty) and the cut plumbing as everything was setup with no disconnect.

Everything was pretty standard and I needed to come up with a plan on how to keep everything simple and easy to maintain. I decided right off the hop that the tank stand was not high enough for viewing pleasure. I ended up adding to the plywood and 2x4 base to provide that extra height.


Stay tuned for an *update* as I need to find the time for next write up.

[AquaAddict]

Nice looking tank and nice dimensions. Mine is black trim as well: 72x22x22.

AquaAddict

[DKoKoMan]

The size is perfect for the wall we have chosen to set it up on. Your dimensions are fairly similar!

[shabidou1990]

Nice size tank! Excited to see updates !


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DKoKoMan]

Nice size tank! Excited to see updates !


Thanks! I will find time to throw out the next update :razz:

[DKoKoMan]

So I went back and forth on my sump design as I wanted to take a minimalistic approach. I spent a couple hours laying out the sump using some cardboard as the baffles and laying out the equipment. The layout I chose is simple 3 compartment setup:

| | SKIMMER ~>| REFUGIUM ~>| RETURN | |


I took my measurements when I was satisfied with the layout and ordered the glass to be cut from Crystal Glass. I went with 1/4" thickness and chose "grey float" to match the current sump and to be darker to reduce the light leaked out from the Refugium area. Crystal Glass was able to cut and polish the pieces the same day.

The big factor for me was to fit a filter sock in or go sockless. After reading the threads on Canreef and RC I noticed that it was a divided result. I looked at lots of build threads on Canreef and saw many successful setups without socks. I decided to leave room for a clamp on sock holder in case it goes sideways and looks like a snow flurry in my tank. My plan is to utilize a filter sock on the overflow pipe (temporary) and then remove it.

I picked up some aquarium safe silicone (didn't want to chance using some from the local hardware store) and began laying out the sump compartments.

The first baffle in the skimmer compartment was siliconed in and is 10" high to maintain the maximum level for my Ice Cap K2 Skimmer. I used the maximum as I will utilize a DIY egg crate stand to boost the skimmer height if required. I then siliconed two additional baffles for the bubble trap (Over / Under / Over). In between the two baffles I placed green filters. I used 1" 90 degree PVC elbows as spacers.

The Refugium section baffles are 8" high and I plan on putting sand and LR. The goal is to grow Chaeto and cultivate pods. I utilized egg crate on the last baffle which separates the Refugium and the return section. I found some smaller black plastic (used for knitting) which I placed in the middle and it will float with the water level. This should prevent any fish making its way in to the return section.

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah187/dkokoski/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0658_zpsaqzwea31.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/dkokoski/media/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0658_zpsaqzwea31.jpg.html)

Skimmer compartment and bubble trap.

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah187/dkokoski/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0657_zpsxaex1qsf.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/dkokoski/media/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0657_zpsxaex1qsf.jpg.html)

The eggcrate separating the fuge and return compartment.


I was able to make time to finish the plumbing on the tank. I used 1" pipe for the return and 1.25" for the overflow. I kept it similar to the previous owner, except I used a unions and ball valves. I was not a fan of the plumbing having to be cut to come apart. Simple setup and hopefully it functions fine when I do the full and water test.

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah187/dkokoski/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0654_zps8hmwwlvv.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/dkokoski/media/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0654_zps8hmwwlvv.jpg.html)

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah187/dkokoski/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0659_zpsnjfq7mqv.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/dkokoski/media/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0659_zpsnjfq7mqv.jpg.html)


I'm looking forward to filling the DT and Sump with water! I will hopefully get this done in the next couple days and test out the plumbing. I had ordered the Jebao DCP 8000 for a return pump from Reef Supplies. So I have been itching to take this thing out of the box and run some water through it!

[amberc12]

Lookin awesome!

[intarsiabox]

Nice start! Are you going to have the tank displayed on both sides?

[DKoKoMan]

Lookin awesome!

Thanks! Hopefully I can keep moving forward with the progress.

Nice start! Are you going to have the tank displayed on both sides?

I'm still looking where exactly to place the tank to suite the basement. Considered viewing from all sides or adding a black vinyl background and just having the 3 side viewing against the wall.

[Ryanerickson]

Looking good great start

[AquaAddict]

great pump! I have a Jecod DCS 9,000 (10 levels with controller) and it is very quiet. I think Jebao and Jecod and the same company Jebao being American and Jecod being Chinese. Anybody know for sure?

AquaAddict

[DKoKoMan]

I'm not sure about the difference between the two brands. But I couldn't beat the price for the DC pump! I'm hoping it will run quiet as it will be in the living room.

[DKoKoMan]

Well I have finally filled the DT and Sump with water. I was happy with the way the sump layout worked and how quiet the Jebao DC pump is! I noticed one small leak which I tightened the bulkhead and *poof* gone. I also had to tweak the percentage on the digital controller for the Jebao return pump to control the overflow level and balance everything out. This took a bit but I managed to dial it in to where I was happy.

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah187/dkokoski/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0655_zpsxqz8ukni.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/dkokoski/media/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0655_zpsxqz8ukni.jpg.html)

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah187/dkokoski/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0660_zpso1lncpfa.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/dkokoski/media/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0660_zpso1lncpfa.jpg.html)

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah187/dkokoski/IMG_0675_zps2nl6f6cz.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/dkokoski/media/IMG_0675_zps2nl6f6cz.jpg.html)

Jebao return pump, so quiet! Marked out temporary running and high water levels with tape.

I finally decided on the wall the tank will be setup on. I decided this wall would be best do to being tucked away, yet near the bar and completely visible from the couch :smile:. I applied a black vinyl on the back of the tank as I have saw them in person, on builds and I love how they make the fish and coral pop.


http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah187/dkokoski/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0661_zpsgttoeel5.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/dkokoski/media/150g%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_0661_zpsgttoeel5.jpg.html)

This is the wall! Also the drywall is up and the taping is almost finished.

I am getting excited as once the drywall is done I will be 1 step closer to setting this beauty up. I will have the textured ceiling done and then I can lay the floor... this means that the tank can finall be filled in place.

I am currently trying to pick two heaters that will be sufficient for the tank. I really like the Eheim Jäger heaters I currently have on the 75g. I was thinking 2 - 300w would be plenty, but I'm not entirely sure. Anyone have ideas or know if this will work? I will also be picking up new Sand this weekend. I will also pickup a temporary clamp light for the fuge area until I can get a proper one as most are currently on backorder.

[DKoKoMan]

UPDATE:


http://i64.tinypic.com/33coh09.jpg

Picked up 5 bags of Ocean Direct Live Sand :biggrin:


http://i63.tinypic.com/339t1sj.jpg

Ended up going with 2 x 300w Eheim Jager heaters as I currently have them in the 75g and I have had no issues!


http://i67.tinypic.com/xvaqb.jpg

Running an LED Daylight bulb in a simple clamp fixture light for the fuge. I will look at upgrading to something a bit better, looking for suggestions on fuge lights.

Looking for any suggestions on fuge lights. Just looking to grow Chaeto and harvest pods.


http://i67.tinypic.com/2youwpf.jpg

Vertex RODI unit installed :razz:


http://i68.tinypic.com/2wlvr7p.jpg

Looks like someone is wanting me to make this more then just a glass box! :lol:

Sorry for the pictures being sideways, using the tinypic uploads and I'm not sure how to rotate them. Photobucket finally made me pull the pin as it was sooooooo slow... and the spam messages were killing my computer. I will take some more updated photographs, if all goes well the tank transfer will happen this weekend! Long time coming...:wink:

[tang daddy]

Coming along nicely, a journal is not a journal unless it's pic friendly...
For chaeto I found that at 2700-3500k spiral bulb grows it the best, the red violet LEDs will do the same but leds in that spectrum work better for different macro. Believe it or not my sump/anemone tank grows dragon breath with only blue LEDs.

Plants mostly green will use other colours like red, UV, purple, pink, blue and abit of yellow but bounce back greens. Whatever colour the plant is it will not use that colour. I love horticulture so I've done a lot of research in the best light to grow.

In water the LEDs get filtered abit but for cost the spiral bulbs do just fine. LEDs can cost 2-4x more.

[DKoKoMan]

Awesome! I just need something to provide decent growth and maintain. This should work good and it's nice to pickup a Home Depot special. I was initially looking on Reef Supplies at the Evergrow Nova, but for the simple chaeto I didn't think it was worth the money.

[DKoKoMan]

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good quality algae scraper? Need something that will make for an easy sweep on the glass daily.

[Ryanerickson]

I've read good things about the tunze magnetic cleaner look it up. Tanks looking good

[Galizio]

Tank coming along good, for magnetic scraper I use the hammer head and the tunze, tunze by far is better, as is easy to use... as refugium I was lucky with just an led light bulb, the daylight ones, I heard good things about the spiral one but I dot really trust them for environmental reason


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[iamfrontosa]

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good quality algae scraper? Need something that will make for an easy sweep on the glass daily.

Magfloat with scrapper attachment. It will never fall off to the bottom of the sand bed. I have Tunze, but magfloat works much better for me.

[DKoKoMan]

Does anyone have the flipper... it looks pretty cool with the blade attachment. I will take a look at the magfloat :)

[Bblinks]

Does anyone have the flipper... it looks pretty cool with the blade attachment. I will take a look at the magfloat :)

Tunze for the win!

[Myka]

Magfloat with scrapper attachment. It will never fall off to the bottom of the sand bed. I have Tunze, but magfloat works much better for me.
This is my fav combo too. I'm not a big fan of the Tunze Flipper because they don't float.

[iamfrontosa]

Does anyone have the flipper... it looks pretty cool with the blade attachment. I will take a look at the magfloat :)

Magfloat medium is one I am using on 150g. The magnet isn't too strong so moving it around the tank is not an issue. I have a friend who bought, i think, XL size. The magnet is so damn strong that no one can move it around his tank lol.

[duncangweller]

I have the flipper and I also bought a tunze scraper. The flipper is annoying.

Like Mindy said it doesn't float so heaven forbid you should drop it whilst trying to flip it. It also scratched my glass in quite a few spots. I didn't find it as easy to flip as the videos made out either.

The tunze one seems to work well and doesn't make me too nervous when I'm scraping right down to, and into the sand. Plus it rolls the algae into a nice sausage shape and detaches from the blade for awaiting herbivores.

[DKoKoMan]

This is my fav combo too. I'm not a big fan of the Tunze Flipper because they don't float.

Thanks Mindy for this! I had no idea this thing didn't float and I have had experiences in the past with my cheap magnet getting away from me. Is the scraper attachment an add on accessory?

Magfloat medium is one I am using on 150g. The magnet isn't too strong so moving it around the tank is not an issue. I have a friend who bought, i think, XL size. The magnet is so damn strong that no one can move it around his tank lol.

LOL... bigger isn't always better. Wait that didn't come out right. Thanks for this information as I would have been the guy who probably bought the bigger one thinking t was better.

I have the flipper and I also bought a tunze scraper. The flipper is annoying.

Like Mindy said it doesn't float so heaven forbid you should drop it whilst trying to flip it. It also scratched my glass in quite a few spots. I didn't find it as easy to flip as the videos made out either.

The tunze one seems to work well and doesn't make me too nervous when I'm scraping right down to, and into the sand. Plus it rolls the algae into a nice sausage shape and detaches from the blade for awaiting herbivores.

Thanks! The videos were sucking me in as the flip looked simple enough and I was sold on the scratch resistant design... guess that's not the case :wink:

I will take a look at the Tunze one being referenced as well! Thanks for the feedback guys and gals. Saved me some money as I throw these across the room when they don't work as I expected. :twised:

[kyl]

I have three of the tunze (two nano, one normal), they're great and no scratches so far.

[DKoKoMan]

They just mount on via magnet? Does the Tunze have only the scraper blade or a scraping pad as well?

[duncangweller]

Just a plastic scraping blade on the tunze but it seems to work. No pad like a mag float or anything.

[Myka]

This is my fav combo too. I'm not a big fan of the Tunze Flipper because they don't float.

Thanks Mindy for this! I had no idea this thing didn't float

Oops. Tunze scraper is what I was refering to, not the Flipper. I haven't used the Flipper. The Tunze scraper doesn't float.

[DKoKoMan]

Ha ha ok no worries.

[DKoKoMan]

UPDATE:

Saturday March 18, the transfer from the 75g to the 150g began. I planned ahead and left the day open as I anticipated this process would take anywhere from 6-8 hrs. The wood floor was installed up to the point where I needed the 75g out of the way to finish the other half of the room. Now or never... then the process began.


http://i67.tinypic.com/2exyq1l.jpg

The wall all painted, flooring finished and the wife approved spot for the 150g to sit :lol:. I needed to leave room to allow the electricians to put the GFCI outlet and the baseboard would still need to be attached.

http://i64.tinypic.com/148hws1.jpg

Tank moved in to place and leveled. This thing was heavy for two people to lift in to place!

http://i67.tinypic.com/sw5mog.jpg

http://i65.tinypic.com/6gh954.jpg

The first of the water being pumped in to the tank :surprise:

http://i63.tinypic.com/25kopq8.jpg

Half way point! Surprisingly this went a lot faster then I had anticipated. Pretty sure my RODI system hates me, luckily I prefilled a bunch of 5g pails on other days.


Ugh... Cloudy water. I wanted to be able to aquascape all at once but unfortunately that didn't go as planned. Transferring the fish went a lot smoother then expected, as it was just across the room. All the LR was placed on the sandbed (scattered across the tank) and I meticulously made sure that every fish was accounted for as you couldn't see anything. I then went on for the next half hour or so collecting all the CUC from the sandbed. Once I was satisfied everything was out of the 75g and in to the 150g, I setup my skimmer and reactors. A long day... but definitely worth it!

[DKoKoMan]

CONTINUED...Sunday March 19.

After I finish working night shift I briefly checked on the tank, no leaks etc. When I woke up the tank was now cleared up and I could see inside. I'm not sure if this was such a good thing... I found my corals were pretty angry from the move, I lost a decent size SPS frag (completely receded to the skeleton) but the rest appeared to be ok. I expected the corals to take a hit as the water parameters would veer off track. My leopard wrasse and carpenter wrasse were out, however the royal gramma is still hiding (only in the tank for about 3 days).

Everyone else seemed a little stressed but were out and about. All the fish appeared to be eating fine, but less then normal. I associated this with being stressed out from the move.

http://i68.tinypic.com/5flrwp.jpg

Prior to scaping.


At this point I began to scape the rocks and get a design I was satisfied with. I originally tried to recreate a bigger version of what I previously had in the 75g bow front...Well I quickly found out that it never goes back the same. I was able to mimic some pieces but then just strayed from there.

I noticed that the skimmer had pulled some stuff up, however I will keep my eye on it as it seemed wetter then usual. The compartment it is placed in is set with a baffle at 10" which the Ice Cap K2-160 recommended water level is between 7-10". I may need to make some sort of stand to boost it out of the water to change the water level. I haven't touched it or attempted to dial it in as nothing was really settled in.

I snapped a couple photographs (sorry crappy iPhone photos at the time the lights were on). I will try to take some better ones later on to show the scape better.

After scaping, you can kind of see :)

http://i66.tinypic.com/hs2q7d.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/20kxcn9.jpg

http://i68.tinypic.com/zmgi6t.jpg


__________________________________________________ _____________


CONTINUED... Monday March 20

I went downstairs as usual to feed the fish. I started looking around the tank trying to locate all the fish... Unfortunately I located my Powder Brown "Mocha" dead :cry: on the sand bed near the overflow. I removed him and began testing the water parameters frantically.


Temperature 79
Salinity 1.026
Phosphates 0
Nitrate 0.2ppm
Nitrite 0
Ammonia 0.25 ppm (Usually undetectable)
Alkalinity 9.52 dKH
Calcium 440 ppm
Magnesium 1350 ppm



So my wife was down looking at the tank (she usually goes down at night) and she noticed that the Fox Face was acting strange. I went down and watched for some time (I'm already panicked as I lost the Powder Brown). The Fox Face was definitely showing signs of stress, but he normally swims around and at this time he continued to lay down near the sand :sad:. I re-tested the ammonia (0.25 ppm) and elected that I would do as close to a 15% water change as I could (20g change).


__________________________________________________ _____________


CONTINUED...Tuesday March 21.

I woke up this morning and went downstairs dreading what I would find. I tested the Ammonia (0 ppm) and the Salinity (1.026). I was expecting to find the Fox Face on the sand bed, however he was sleeping (camo coloured) in his angled position. I didn't have a chance to look for the other fish, but I am hoping the Royal Gramma comes out at some point or I am thinking she may not have made it :sad:.

I am currently at work, so I am eager to get home this evening and take a look at the tank. I apologize for the delayed build thread, but I think at this point I am finally caught up and can document the progress in real time.

Has anyone had similar experiences? I am just hoping to not lose anymore fish as majority of my fish are mature (prior owners). I am eager to get everything back stable so I can start placing "sticks all over :biggrin:. The tank definitely looks bare for coral now! I do have a lot more real estate on the sand bed maybe I will acquire a clam.

[duncangweller]

I may have misunderstood the order here but it seems like you may have done things a little backwards.

I have had the pleasure of moving house/switching tanks a few times and I learn from every one of them.

Personally, I would have got the rock in first and set it up how I wanted prior to adding any fish. Then I would have added the sand, let the tank clear, checked parameters and only then would I have started adding fish and corals. I can appreciate that some of the corals may have been encrusted to the live rock.

I doubt the corals would have liked the cloudy unsettled water, neither the fish for that matter. Plus the fact that (from what I understand) that you would have had your hands in the tank moving stuff around would have been pretty tough for livestock too.

It probably would have been a good idea to leave the fish out until the tank had settled and I think a couple of losses would have been saved. I have done this overnight, even a few days, in totes/buckets and every fish was fine.

You live and you learn.

[DKoKoMan]

Nah... your probably right on a lot of the points. I definitely got the rock in but wasn't able to stack and setup due to the cloudiness. I'm sure all the livestock was stressed out with all the disruptions. I wanted to avoid the buckets / totes to minimize stress, however I think I may have done the opposite. I definitely would do things a little different when the time comes for the next move.

Came home today and unfortunately had another loss being the Royal Gramma. That brings the death toll up to 2 now. I couldn't find my carpenter wrasse so I now fear the worst for him as well. I have been doing my best to minimize disruptions in or near the tank to allow everything to stabilize. As I am still paranoid I tested ammonia (0 ppm) and all other parameters were in check. Unfortunately I don't know how much damage is done and hope to minimize any further losses. I watched the tank for 30 mins. And everyone seemed happy, most corals had the polyps out and some still seemed angry.

See what tomorrow brings...

[DKoKoMan]

I am happy to say that my Watchman Gonh was able to locate both pistols and they were reunited. They began working hard on the new tunnel project :biggrin: I was able to snap a picture (sorry kind of hard to see).


http://i63.tinypic.com/rkvvhd.jpg

[maron6977]

Cool, I loved watching my goby & pistol - when I had sand.
Coming along, looks good

[duncangweller]

Nah... your probably right on a lot of the points. I definitely got the rock in but wasn't able to stack and setup due to the cloudiness. I'm sure all the livestock was stressed out with all the disruptions. I wanted to avoid the buckets / totes to minimize stress, however I think I may have done the opposite. I definitely would do things a little different when the time comes for the next move.

Came home today and unfortunately had another loss being the Royal Gramma. That brings the death toll up to 2 now. I couldn't find my carpenter wrasse so I now fear the worst for him as well. I have been doing my best to minimize disruptions in or near the tank to allow everything to stabilize. As I am still paranoid I tested ammonia (0 ppm) and all other parameters were in check. Unfortunately I don't know how much damage is done and hope to minimize any further losses. I watched the tank for 30 mins. And everyone seemed happy, most corals had the polyps out and some still seemed angry.

See what tomorrow brings...
Hey, it happens. I'm actually looking forward to getting my tank again as this time I can set it up from scratch and not have to rush to get fish from buckets to the tank and such.

I enjoy a pistol/goby pair. It's a lot of fun to watch. My tank was by my bedroom so when the shrimp started snapping it was a little frustrating. Next tank I'll have away from my bedroom and perhaps get another one.

Build looks really good so far.

[DKoKoMan]

Cool, I loved watching my goby & pistol - when I had sand.
Coming along, looks good

Thanks! Ya they are pretty funny to watch.

Hey, it happens. I'm actually looking forward to getting my tank again as this time I can set it up from scratch and not have to rush to get fish from buckets to the tank and such.

I enjoy a pistol/goby pair. It's a lot of fun to watch. My tank was by my bedroom so when the shrimp started snapping it was a little frustrating. Next tank I'll have away from my bedroom and perhaps get another one.

Build looks really good so far.

Definitely some learning lessons with this build. Thanks for the kind words. You should definitely get another tank! I went too long without a tank and as much as it's stressful, I enjoy the challenge.

[DKoKoMan]

Lost my yellow tang today. He seemed fine and not stressed which is a huge concern to me. All my water parameters checked out, I went ahead and did a 20g water change after removing the fish. Is it possible that the stress from the initial transfer could have contributed to the recent death toll?

[iamfrontosa]

i don't think the stress would cause this many fish to die. Must be something wrong with the water. But you test seems to be okay. :question:

[Myka]

Have you tested nitrite at all? If there was ever a reading other than "0" it would have pointed to an ammonia spike that you maybe missed.

You should have asked on here for pointers before you transferred. At the very least, you should have left the new sand out until everything was moved over and settled in for a couple weeks. I wouldn't have setup the new tank with all new water (sound like that's what you did). I think you made a few small "mistakes" that added up and are causing some sort of water quality issue - I suspect some kind of bacteria problem. Add to that the stress of the move, and then being in the cloudy water in an unfamiliar setting and I think it was too much. When a tank transfer is done well you will not see an ammonia blip at all.

[DKoKoMan]

I did test Nitrite and it was "0" but that was after I got home and woke up after work. I may have missed a potential "spike". Tested last night, Nitrate read 20ppm and 0 ammonia. I definitely think the fish got stressed from the move and the water quality. I definitely made the mistake of putting the sand in early, LR and clouding up the water.

As far as water goes, I was able to put 75g+ of the water from the original tank in to the new setup. That being said there would be 50% new water and this may have contributed to an imbalance in the bacteria. I definitely saw detectable ammonia (short period) but that definitely reflects on the recent losses.

I will just stay positive and expect to see further losses unfortunately... thanks Myka for the information. Anything helps to try and put my finger on the root cause.

[DKoKoMan]

Lost my black clown fish today :cry: I feel bad as my orange clown is all alone now. I'm just dreading the days moving forward if I continue to lose fish.

[amberc12]

Lost my black clown fish today :cry: I feel bad as my orange clown is all alone now. I'm just dreading the days moving forward if I continue to lose fish.
Oh no! Sorry to hear about your troubles. I hope you get it figured out! Chin up it will get better, positive vibes sent your way:biggrin:

[DKoKoMan]

Thank you for the good "ju ju". Once the carpet installers are finished on the basement stairs I will venture down to the tank.

[DKoKoMan]

Well it's been a couple days and everything appears to be mellowed out now (no more fish losses *knock on wood*). I have been testing everything regularly and I'm not seeing any spikes. I plan on doing 20% WC bi-weekly and I will be setting up my doser soon! For now I have been manually bumping my Alk & Cal with 2-part.

Got this bad boy delivered yesterday :biggrin:

Glamorca Gyre-Flow Pump


http://i67.tinypic.com/2nibjpc.jpg

http://i68.tinypic.com/34j57id.jpg

http://i68.tinypic.com/11ad4j7.jpg


So far I have just switched it on constant mode at 10% until I can find time to tweak it and run through the different settings. I briefly had it on the pulse setting. And it was making a large wave across the tank toward the overflow. Once I get the gyre dialed in I may need to get some frags!

[DKoKoMan]

Well I finally picked up some local chaeto and placed it in the fuge. I took the time to "seed" the fuge with a bottle of Reef Nutrition Tigger Pods. Hopefully this gives it a bit of a jump start. I am waiting until the LFS has a shipment of DrEco - Eco Matter to add some diversity to my Refugium. I am hoping to see the chaeto ball get some growth, the light is currently on a timer for 8 hrs reverse light cycle (12am-8am). Here is a quick photo of the fuge.


http://i64.tinypic.com/2m7axq1.jpg


I also took the time to finally mount the pump controllers on to the back wall. I was able to mo My one of the two power bars and clean up the wiring as well. I picked up some "L" brackets from Home Depot for my dosing pump to sit on. Unfortunately I haven't had time to calibrate and get the dosing pump online (soon I hope).


http://i63.tinypic.com/2d0x5yw.jpg


I am still looking for commercial or "strong" magnets locally for the wood skirt I will be placing around. I haven't been able to find any (HD had some weak ones). If anyone has suggestions please let me know :biggrin:

Last but not least, finally got a hold of a decent sized Powder Blue (I have saw these guys in other tanks and fell in love). So welcome "Blueberry" as my wife has already named him. Sorry about the lame iPhone photo, I have yet to learn how to track and take a better photo of the fish :wink:


http://i68.tinypic.com/2m81o3b.jpg

[amberc12]

Got this bad boy delivered yesterday :biggrin:

Glamorca Gyre-Flow Pump



So far I have just switched it on constant mode at 10% until I can find time to tweak it and run through the different settings. I briefly had it on the pulse setting. And it was making a large wave across the tank toward the overflow. Once I get the gyre dialed in I may need to get some frags!

Nice, I got the same ones :) How do you find the noise level?? Mine seem pretty loud especially compared to my old one, hoping it might just need a break in period...but maybe I just happened to get lucky on the quiet one....
Set-up is looking good!!

[DKoKoMan]

Thanks Amber! The gyre makes a hum as it pushes the water (only running on 10% continuous). I to am hoping that once it breaks in it becomes a little quieter or at least from the build up lol.

[DKoKoMan]

Dosing Pump Running

I finally took the time to mix up the alkalinity and calcium supplements in 1 gallon containers. I primed the dosing pump heads, calibrated pump #1 (ALK) and pump #2 (CAL). I'm not entirely sure what my tank demand for all and calcium is at this time. I have started the doser divided in to two, dosing 15ml per dose (total 30ml).

Alkalinity

9am
7pm


Calcium

11am
9pm


I will continue to test both to keep my parameters, ALK around 8.5 dKH and CAL at around 420 ppm. Does anyone have any recommendations on ones to doser and if I should continue to split each dose up. Please let me know what is working for you guys. I have attached a photo of the doser in place.


http://i67.tinypic.com/2h7gq5g.jpg

[iamfrontosa]

Back in my 2-parts dosing days, I splited up my dosage into smaller amounts like 5 or something. Calcium during the day time, and Alk during the night time.

I figured out my tank consumption first, then use the BRS calculator, and split the doses accordingly. Then test every 24 hours for next few days.

[DKoKoMan]

Thanks for your information iamfrontosa. I will make a habit of checking the parameters every 24hra to adjust as necessary. I can't wait to find that sweet spot, well until I had some more frags and get some growth.

[Myka]

I wouldn't split that dose any smaller. 15 mL into a 150-gallon tank is peanuts. :)

[DKoKoMan]

LOL! When I was looking at it I thought the same. I just didn't want to go full speed and power and start dosing too much. :lol:

[DKoKoMan]

A Couple Frags Added to Fill the Bare Spots :smile:


Picked up a few frags to add to the tank and hopefully they won't melt away!


http://i68.tinypic.com/25i4qpe.jpg

http://i65.tinypic.com/141l6qo.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/2nsv1ig.jpg

http://i65.tinypic.com/21eq0io.jpg


Bicolour Angel is curious about the new additions.

[DKoKoMan]

Tank Skirt

I finally got around to getting the panels cut and fitted for the tank. I shopped around and located the cheapest cabinet panels I could find. I was able to locate some "rare earth magnets" in Edmonton which saved me having to order them online. I used a counter sinking bit on the panels to allow the magnets to be flush inside the cabinet panel. From there I glued the magnets on to the panels using some gorilla glue. I have attached some photographs of the panels and the Skirt in place. Overall I'm happy with the overall look. I am considering trying to find some material to use as sound proofing. Does anyone have any suggestions? Anyone using something that will dampen the sound more then just the cabinet alone? I don't find the equipment too loud, however it would be nice for it to be as near to silent as I can get it.


http://i63.tinypic.com/33aaykg.jpg

http://i63.tinypic.com/2q23kef.jpg


Skirt in place on the tank

http://i68.tinypic.com/11go85v.jpg

http://i66.tinypic.com/ax09l0.jpg

[Myka]

The Angelfish is like, "Dad bought us some fresh food!" :lol:

[DKoKoMan]

The Angelfish is like, "Dad bought us some fresh food!" :lol:

Haha jeez, your probably right! I haven't caught him nipping anything yet!

[DKoKoMan]

http://i64.tinypic.com/2z9cqjp.jpg

http://i65.tinypic.com/35843o2.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/2hcf8kw.jpg

http://i63.tinypic.com/2le1cfs.jpg

[Ryanerickson]

Tanks looking great frags look happy love your fish.

[Bblinks]

Coming along nicely.

[DKoKoMan]

Tanks looking great frags look happy love your fish.

Coming along nicely.

Thanks guys! Trying to get things moving forward and growing :smile:

[DKoKoMan]

http://i66.tinypic.com/10xhb9i.jpg

New Onyx Clownfish (replaced my mated male I lost). So far so good as she has fully accepted him and both are hosting the anemone.

http://i66.tinypic.com/dwbxt.jpg

Lyretail Anthias. Great addition to the tank!

[DKoKoMan]

I hav been looking at various different CUC to replenish some that have been lost. I had added 5 electric blue crabs (all died). Not sure if they were eaten? I have a handful of red tip hermits, snails, bristle star, fighting conch's, 2 Halloween hermits and various sand snails. I have been looking at the tuxedo urchins and would like to pick one up. Does anyone have one in their reef tank?

I was also wondering what people are using for the best CUC options in a reef tank. Looking forward to suggestions!

[Myka]

I like Tuxedo urchins, but if you don't glue down frags they will carry them around and usually drop them behind rocks (of course).

My fav CUC are:

Tiger Cukes
Black brittle seastars (other types may catch sm fish)
Scarlet Hermits
Ring cowries
Trochus snails
Tuxedo urchin
Cerith snails
Strawberry/fighting/orange lip conchs

I have all of these in my tank.

I like the new Anthias! Looks healthy. How many did you buy?

Btw, the anemone hosts the Clownfish, not the other way around. :)

[tang daddy]

Looks good man, this set up came together quickly!

[DKoKoMan]

I like Tuxedo urchins, but if you don't glue down frags they will carry them around and usually drop them behind rocks (of course).

My fav CUC are:

Tiger Cukes
Black brittle seastars (other types may catch sm fish)
Scarlet Hermits
Ring cowries
Trochus snails
Tuxedo urchin
Cerith snails
Strawberry/fighting/orange lip conchs

I have all of these in my tank.

I like the new Anthias! Looks healthy. How many did you buy?

Btw, the anemone hosts the Clownfish, not the other way around. :)


Thanks for sharing Myka. I love the look of the tuxedo urchin but it is definitely a concern to me to have frags knocked over. Unfortunately I only have small frags at the moment and I finally have them secured with epoxy. I still find the odd one knocked off (large fish) or maybe my powder blue does it to annoy me :wink:.

I have the rear glass filmed black (my previous 75g was transparent) so it makes it much harder to find the frags lol. If I start with a smaller truce do do you think it will be a wrecking ball? Or am I just going to run the risk of corals here and there being knocked over. As for the rest of your list o am using much the same minus the tigers.

I ended up just getting a single Anthias as I wasn't sure how it would fair in my system. So far so good with her, she seems happy and eating like crazy. Not too sure about my leopard wrasse as she has been AWOL for 3 days now... your right! My anemone is hosting my clowns :razz: however I am just happy that my big female accepted the tiny onyx. :biggrin:

[DKoKoMan]

Looks good man, this set up came together quickly!

Thanks! No where near your tank lol. But I look at some of the mature systems and hope mine gets there at some point.

[amberc12]

Lookin awesome! I love lyretails!! Hooray your clown has a buddy! I think I am going to have to get rid of my clarki in the other tank, she is evil!!! Yes Mindy I'm talking about Debbie (tho I call her satan) Can't wait to see more pics!!

[DKoKoMan]

Thanks Amber! Ya I am so happy I was able to replace the mate and that my female accepted the onyx. I was worried because she is so big and has had her previous mate for 3 years. All seems to be well. I will definitely take more photographs as things progress.

[DKoKoMan]

I finally got a hold of a blue Maxima Clam and took the plunge buying it. It has only been in the tank for less then a week. This is the best photo I could take of it at the moment.


http://i65.tinypic.com/16byf78.jpg

[DKoKoMan]

Ok so yesterday I did water tests for Alk / Cal / Mag / PO4. I had received my new Hanna Alk and PO4 checkers. I also received a Salifert Calcium test kit. The following results came back:

ALK: 12dKH (Hanna)
CAL: 500ppm (Salifert)
MAG: 1350ppm (Red Sea)
PO4: 0.16ppm (Hanna)

I had been previously using the Red Sea Reef Test kits which indicated the following:

ALK: 11.5dKH
CAL: 460ppm
MAG: 1380ppm

PO4: 0.25ppm (API)

My doser is set to deliver 15ml - ALK (twice a day), 15ml - CAL (twice a day) a total of 30ml each. I have a bunch of frags, LPS, clam etc. So I didn't think I was dosing too much. I have since reduced my dosing to a total of 10ml of both ALK and CAL delivered twice. Hopefully the levels drop a bit as this is way higher the. I expected.

My ideal parameters are:

ALK: 8.5-9dKH
CAL: 420-450ppm
MAG: 1350ppm

PO4: 0.03ppm or slightly higher.

I am currently using IO - Reef Crystals and have been at the beginning of my 75g. Is it unrealistic to get the ALK / CAL levels down with this salt? Any recommendations on moving forward. I feel like these new parameters are pushing the high end of the limits, although my sps haven't had any STN or RTN. I don't want to have large fluctuations in water parameters.

I currently do biweekly water changes (30g which is about 25%). Even without dosing anything I think the RC will push me outside my desired parameters. Looking forward to some responses from the seasoned reefers here on Canreef.

Thanks!

[DKoKoMan]

Also I am running a mixed Reef, primarily SPS frags with some LPS and Zoas. :smile:

[tang daddy]

What's the po4 and no3 reading.

Typically if those above are higher more alk and ca won't hurt the tank.

If your alk is that high your sps is probably not consuming enough alk, this could be due to a couple reasons... when po4 is high sps has a harder time soaking up bicarb but if the alk and nutrients are high then they are able to use it up.

I usually run alk at 8.5-9.5 and po4 is higher like .17 to .25 I notice alk is depleted slower so I dose about 80ml per day but when po4 is dropped below 10 then alk is 95ml per day....

Mind you ca is over 500 and mg over 1600.

[DKoKoMan]

I recently tested PO4 at 0.16ppm but will have to get a new test kit for nitrate. I definitely agree that with the higher levels I'm not seeing my corals bothered by the higher values. I do want to get them more in the mid range levels. Do you think this can be achieved with biweekly water changes using RC? I am down to my lay pails (one opened and one full) so I can definitely transition to a different salt.

The draw for Alk/Cal on your tank makes sense to me from looking at your photos. I definitely don't have any ALK or CAL precipitating out. I will test the nitrate hopefully tomorrow. I'm due for my WC tomorrow as well so I can test the values later on. Thanks for the information tang daddy, hopefully I can get a handle on this.

[Myka]

An option for you would be to switch to regular IO and add some muriatic acid to it to bring down the KH (best to let it mix overnight after to let the pH come back up). IO has low Ca and Mg, so those numbers would slowly fall, then once they do you can add Ca and Mg to the freshly mixed IO to target specific numbers.

OR...switch to a salt that matches your desired parameters right out of the bucket. H2Ocean is very close to your ideal parameters you listed.

[DKoKoMan]

Thanks for the options Myka. I was considering switching to AF salt but I am definitely leaning toward getting a salt with the lower parameters. I will have to see if any of the LFS sell H2Ocean salt.

[DKoKoMan]

I ended up making an egg crate stand for my skimmer (2 inches) in height. My baffle in the skimmer compartment is set at 10" which is the max for my IceCap skimmer. I decided that I would have more wiggle room for adjusting the skimmate. I added a picture, nothing fancy but it will do the trick.


http://i66.tinypic.com/2r5q32r.jpg

[tang daddy]

I tested af reefsalt kh of newly made water and it was at 9.6,I thought it would be lower so I've been buffering it up with 1 tbsp of sodium carbonate.... guess that was a mistake.... always test your newly made salt to make sure kh is what you think it is!

[Myka]

I tested af reefsalt kh of newly made water and it was at 9.6,I thought it would be lower so I've been buffering it up with 1 tbsp of sodium carbonate.... guess that was a mistake.... always test your newly made salt to make sure kh is what you think it is!

Weird! I've never tested AF Reef Salt over 8.3 dKH!

[DKoKoMan]

I tested af reefsalt kh of newly made water and it was at 9.6,I thought it would be lower so I've been buffering it up with 1 tbsp of sodium carbonate.... guess that was a mistake.... always test your newly made salt to make sure kh is what you think it is!

Oh wow! Just to clarify that is the AF Reef Salt and not the AF Probiotic Reef Salt? Will they both mix the same for KH?

[tang daddy]

Oh wow! Just to clarify that is the AF Reef Salt and not the AF Probiotic Reef Salt? Will they both mix the same for KH?

Just my batch maybe it was all sitting at the top...I switched to the reef salt because probiotic was doing some weird bloom in my tank. If you use PB you should also use their bacteria food np pro and pro bio s, I skipped that part and failed, lucky the salt didn't go to waste...

I will do another alk test on the next few batches of new SW mix and see if there is any variation. But as of now my tank is sitting above 9 in alk and sps are spurting....

[tang daddy]

Weird! I've never tested AF Reef Salt over 8.3 dKH!

Definately weird, more alk I won't complain just means I don't need to bump the alk anymore...save where I can I guess...

[Myka]

You shouldn't use the probiotic salt unless your tank is ULNS. It has added vitamins and amino acids.

[DKoKoMan]

Ok thanks! My tank is definitely not ULNS :lol:

[DKoKoMan]

I got around to testing my nitrates (API) and Phosphates (Hanna checker). I am waiting on a Salifert nitrate test kit as we speak.

Nitrates - 0.8ppm
Phosphates- 0.19ppm


Ugh... so both of these are high! Overall everything looks ok within the tank but I want to have these values reduced. I have some biopellets I will be setting up in hopes to reduce these parameters. I have a fuge with a ball or chaeto but I'm. It sure if my Cree 5000k, 100w lightbulb is doing its job with the growth.

Does anyone have any suggestions or can share their experiences on reducing these values? I will follow up with another test tomorrow just to confirm the accuracy.

[Frogger]

I got around to testing my nitrates (API) and Phosphates (Hanna checker). I am waiting on a Salifert nitrate test kit as we speak.

Nitrates - 0.8ppm
Phosphates- 0.19ppm


Ugh... so both of these are high! Overall everything looks ok within the tank but I want to have these values reduced. I have some biopellets I will be setting up in hopes to reduce these parameters. I have a fuge with a ball or chaeto but I'm. It sure if my Cree 5000k, 100w lightbulb is doing its job with the growth.

Does anyone have any suggestions or can share their experiences on reducing these values? I will follow up with another test tomorrow just to confirm the accuracy.

I have found the API nitrate test kit useless for values below 5ppm. The only test kit I have used (I have tried API, Salifert and LaMotte) that can measures nitrates below 1ppm accurately is the Red Sea Pro.

I do not believe .8ppm nitrates is even close to high.

[DKoKoMan]

All my SPS and LPS appear fine with these values so I'm not sure. I will have my reactor running Vertex bio pellets shortly. I will test all the parameters to see where I am sitting.

[DKoKoMan]

Couple pictures taken from today.


http://i67.tinypic.com/2qi04eo.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/30jpkiv.jpg

http://i66.tinypic.com/3461gnd.jpg

http://i66.tinypic.com/2411r83.jpg

http://i63.tinypic.com/f0p1xk.jpg


Not sure what all these little white swirls are on the glass. You can really see them at night. If you look at the second photo they are visible. Any idea what these are?

[DKoKoMan]

http://i67.tinypic.com/xqe23d.jpg

Halloween hermit found a bigger shell.

http://i63.tinypic.com/2eolgkg.jpg

New Blastomussa frag and another photo of the photobombing star fish. :smile:

[DKoKoMan]

So when I first added the new clownfish to the tank I was worried that my large female would not accept him. She instantly took a liking to him and all has been well as the anemone hosts both of them. Today I went downstairs when I got home from work I noticed what appeared to be eggs. I did a quick google search and confirmed that these are eggs. :razz:

http://i67.tinypic.com/161kfg9.jpg

[Bblinks]

So when I first added the new clownfish to the tank I was worried that my large female would not accept him. She instantly took a liking to him and all has been well as the anemone hosts both of them. Today I went downstairs when I got home from work I noticed what appeared to be eggs. I did a quick google search and confirmed that these are eggs. :razz:

http://i67.tinypic.com/161kfg9.jpg

Sweet dude! Clowns are breeding. Tank is doing well.

[iamfrontosa]

That's cool. I had hermit craps and cardinals breeding for me, but never clownfish. Your tank is doing well.

[DKoKoMan]

Sweet dude! Clowns are breeding. Tank is doing well.

That's cool. I had hermit craps and cardinals breeding for me, but never clownfish. Your tank is doing well.

Thanks guys! It's definitely neat to watch the process and know that the tank is starting to get established. Hoping to see some more growth on the frags. Going to be buying the AF Reef Salt as I am down to half a bucket of IO Reef Crystals.

The plan is to do 3 x 5g pails of RC and 3 x 5g AQ for my biweekly water changes. Hopefully this will allow for a decent transition to the AF salt.

I want to make the change to get closer to the NSW parameters and have the control via 3 part.

[DKoKoMan]

So I have run in to some issues with humidity in or basement. I have found that the floor has been sweaty now that the weather has warmed up (25-26 Celsius). The walls and windows show no humidity whatsoever.

My wife says it feels damp and humid in the basement. I notice it more now that I have the larger tank as compared to my 75g. I currently have the top of my aquarium covered with a plastic grate to still allow for air exchange.

Has anyone had similar issues? I am thinking of getting some plexi glass pieces made for the top to reduce evaporation. Will this work or is it not worth it? Also is this going to effect the gas exchange?

I picked up a 70pint dehumidifier yesterday from Canadian Tire. Within hours the basement felt much drier and no more moisture on the floor. My fear is that this will suck water from the tank?

Any help would be appreciated.

[duncangweller]

I made a plexiglass lid for my tank and it was a nightmare. The heat from the tank and the lights (I was running LEDs at the time so not much heat) made the plexiglass

[DKoKoMan]

I made a plexiglass lid for my tank and it was a nightmare. The heat from the tank and the lights (I was running LEDs at the time so not much heat) made the plexiglass

You got cut off Duncan...

[duncangweller]

That's weird, here's the whole bit....

I made a plexiglass lid for my tank and it was a nightmare. The heat from the tank and the lights (I was running LEDs at the time so not much heat) made the plexiglass bow, and I picked fairly thick plexi. I even reinforced the middle by doubling up a strip and it still didn't help.

The condensation on the underside of the plexiglass looked awful and it made the pH of the tank plummet instantly.

The moment I took the lid off the plexiglass rapidly climbed back to normal.

The idea was born and killed within 48 hours.



Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[DKoKoMan]

Thanks for the feedback! The PH factor and the condensation was my main concerns. I didn't even think that the heat off the leds would be of concern. So far the dehumidifier has been flawless in keeping down the moisture but with the warm weather it has been running steady. I won't waste my time sourcing out plexiglass. Thanks again.

[DKoKoMan]

So today I found that my chaeto has disintegrated. My guess is the cree led light I was using didn't provide enough light. I'm also thinking that maybe there wasn't enough flow through the chaeto. I know for a fact that nutrients weren't the issue as nitrates and phosphates are present. I changed the bulb to a CFL 100w 6500k which I have read on the web has worked for many. I have also added my colbalt MK400 powerhead in the fuge to add some circulation.

Did a 20% WC today, started half of AF Reef Salt and half IO Reef Crystals. Slowly transitioning to AF and almost done all my IO. I will test my parameters tomorrow to see what they are at.

I think it's cool that the salt bucket comes with a certificate of the parameters. I used the scoop provided but was unable to figure out how much salt to mix salinity at 1.026. I kept adding to the bucket and tested with my refractometer until the number was reached.


http://i65.tinypic.com/iwr7tv.jpg

http://i65.tinypic.com/2v0h9av.jpg

[DKoKoMan]

So the other day I noticed my temp was up to 81 degrees Fahrenheit from its normal 79 degrees Fahrenheit. I assumed this was because of the warm weather we have had (30 degrees Celsius). To my surprise when I was looking at my digital temperature gauge, I noticed my one Eheim jäger heater light was on. I physically felt the heater and it was in fact heating... what gives?

I looked in to the matter further and noticed the second heater (exact same heater) did not have the light activated and was not heating. I double check both thermostats and they had not been changed. I proceeded to turn down each a click for good measures, unplugged the one and then plugged it back in. The heater light was on for a bit then cycled off. Within a minute or so the light was back on and the heater was heating already above temperature water. The other heater remained off like it should!

I have unplugged the heater and now have the other one heating the water. Temperature is now back to 79-80 and is being held there. The heater is cycling on and off. I'm guessing my other heater has stuck in or is faulty in some way. I have only had these for 6 months, can't find anything about the product warranty.

I will replace the heater most likely today. Should I get another of the same or does anyone else recommend a more reliable heater they are using? :question:

[Myka]

This is a common issue with heaters and reason why I always recommend that people use two smaller heaters ike you are rather than one larger one. In all honesty, I don't think there are any good heaters anymore, which makes the 2 heater method more important. I have a bunch of really old Jager heaters - they used to be made very well, and now they are not. I've had better luck with Cobalt NeoTherm heaters than Jager but I've also heard of the NeoTherm heaters blowing up (not quite as dramatic as it sounds).

[tang daddy]

Titanium with temp control on top of apex control, because my tank is in the garage with no insulation the temp drops pretty low so I use a 300 and 500w titanium the smaller one goes on first then larger if needed. The upside to a cold garage in the winter is a cool garage in the summer.

I see lots of people using the glass ones and while they're not supposed to be submersed, most people do and that is just a disaster waiting to happen, house fire all the way. Never happened to me but when sparks happen underwater it's just a matter of time before the cord catches and then boom. I had a stupid stealth before and the thing did exactly what I described above. The thing with glass is if it does explode I am worried about the glass shards in your sump and possibly getting electrocuted whenyou stick your hand in not knowing.

[DKoKoMan]

This is a common issue with heaters and reason why I always recommend that people use two smaller heaters ike you are rather than one larger one. In all honesty, I don't think there are any good heaters anymore, which makes the 2 heater method more important. I have a bunch of really old Jager heaters - they used to be made very well, and now they are not. I've had better luck with Cobalt NeoTherm heaters than Jager but I've also heard of the NeoTherm heaters blowing up (not quite as dramatic as it sounds).

Your absolutely right Mindy! It's all about safe guarding against failure. That's the problem with mass production these days, quality suffers. I heard the same about the cobalt Neo's, although the LFS assured me that Cobalt had corrected this issue. I will take a look and find a suitable replacement. At least I'm diligent in checking the tank :smile:

Titanium with temp control on top of apex control, because my tank is in the garage with no insulation the temp drops pretty low so I use a 300 and 500w titanium the smaller one goes on first then larger if needed. The upside to a cold garage in the winter is a cool garage in the summer.

I see lots of people using the glass ones and while they're not supposed to be submersed, most people do and that is just a disaster waiting to happen, house fire all the way. Never happened to me but when sparks happen underwater it's just a matter of time before the cord catches and then boom. I had a stupid stealth before and the thing did exactly what I described above. The thing with glass is if it does explode I am worried about the glass shards in your sump and possibly getting electrocuted whenyou stick your hand in not knowing.

no need for a chiller for summer :biggrin:. Ya that would not be fun trying to remove glass shards and like you mentioned not realizing and doing a hand dip. Thanks for the information! I will see what I can find for a replacement. As of right now the defective heater is taking a ride in to the trash.

[DKoKoMan]

Looking at the tank today and noticed the clowns had round 2 for eggs. It looks like there are even more this time! Also was wondering if anyone has been able to breed Trochus Snails? I ended up buying 5 and placing them in my Refugium in hopes that they will be provided sanctuary. I would like them to breed and shuffle the larger snails in to the DT as needed.

Here is to hoping :biggrin:

[DKoKoMan]

I used the scoop provided but was unable to figure out how much salt to mix salinity at 1.026. I kept adding to the bucket and tested with my refractometer until the number was reached.


Anyone have an answer to this? I always test my buckets with a refractometer however it is annoying to have to add water or more salt in each bucket.


Couple new photos.

http://i67.tinypic.com/2pyqrmx.jpg

http://i65.tinypic.com/2hq9mqq.jpg

http://i63.tinypic.com/29vml8k.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/122cc5v.jpg

http://i63.tinypic.com/2b7hnk.jpg

[DKoKoMan]

Just a quick update:
Clowns have another round of eggs as of yesterday. Still battling high nitrates (20ppm) and high phosphates (0.17ppm). I have been running a reactor of biopellets and recently bought another to run GFO again. I also took another pick at the cat with a ball of chaeto.

I have noticed some more coralline algae forming (not nearly as purple as some people's tanks) and my frags are starting to grow out a bit. I'm hoping with the lower nutrients along with my consistent ALK/CAL/MAG that I will see some more growth. The fish all seem happy and fat so that's a plus. Here are a couple photos under the moonlights :smile:


http://i64.tinypic.com/f9jehf.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/fnj8g.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/14brmgy.jpg

http://i63.tinypic.com/10iawdd.jpg

[DKoKoMan]

So today I noticed an aggressive brown algae on my live rock and on some of my corals. Some of my Zoas are struggling to open and it's best described as stringy brown algae with bubbles that appear and disappear. I checked PO4 which is 0.15 ppm (high I know) and NO3 approximately 20-40ppm (API test kit). I am ordering a new nitrate kit as it's very tough to distinguish the difference in colour shades.

The only thing that has changed in the tank is the intensity of my led lights which I ramped up 20% and carbon dosing via reactor with biopellets. I took a quick photo to show one of the areas that has this brown algae present. My white gonipora is starting to get covered in this brown algae preventing it from having plump extension.

Please Help!!' No idea where to start with this and don't want to start chanting a bunch of things. Haven't had this issue before as this algae seems to want to cover my sps, LPS and Zoas.


http://i63.tinypic.com/9t0nl1.jpg

[DKoKoMan]

Might be too late for my red star fish as one of his legs has disintegrated and the other one is also showing signs. My purple star fish is loving but is also showing signs of deterioration. My guess is the nitrates being higher then usual are causing this.

Did a 40g WC tonight and will most likely do one in 3 days or at least weekly for the next bit until I can sort this out.

[AquaAddict]

I have been using Vibrant in my tank for a month or so to keep the algae down and it seem to be working. It even got rid of a small of bryopsis.

As for your comment that your fish are fat, it may be possible you are feeding your fish a little too much.

AquaAddict

[AquaAddict]

I ran out of time on my last post so I just wanted add my two cents worth on problem heaters. I had changed to a titanium heater years ago for my marine tank because the glass ones could not maintain a steady temperature.

I now have had a Chinese thermostat (EBay -$30) attached my Finnex heater for my marine tank and one attached to a glass heater for my freshwater tank for approx 4 years with perfect results. These thermostats are designed for use beer and wine making but my handy husband attached my heaters to them and now temperatures in both tanks are very steady and the digital displays are so easy to read.

AquaAddict

[tang daddy]

I ran out of time on my last post so I just wanted add my two cents worth on problem heaters. I had changed to a titanium heater years ago for my marine tank because the glass ones could not maintain a steady temperature.

I now have had a Chinese thermostat (EBay -$30) attached my Finnex heater for my marine tank and one attached to a glass heater for my freshwater tank for approx 4 years with perfect results. These thermostats are designed for use beer and wine making but my handy husband attached my heaters to them and now temperatures in both tanks are very steady and the digital displays are so easy to read.

AquaAddict

AA is there YouTube videos on how to add Tstat to heater?

I wouldn't mind doing the same for mine, I currently run 2 titanium heaters, 300&500 because in the winters they run full time, my garage floor is very cool in the summer and even colder winter months.

[DKoKoMan]

Your probably right with over feeding. I'm thinking the frozen cubes of mysis probably didn't help. I cut back on the feeding and will do a large 40% water change. This brown algae is a pain right now as it keeps latching in to my frags and my torch won't extend. Oddly enough but my Zoas are suffering the most.

I'm just hoping my tank is not in the early stages of dinoflagellates or a Major diatom bloom. Ugh only time will tell. I have been hammering down on reducing nitrates and phosphates. Hopefully they come down enough that I can maintain them. Here's to hoping!

Lost my red starfish unfortunately and my purple one isn't looking the best either. Hopefully my Salifert Nitate test kit gets here sooner then later as I don't know about the API test kit. I can't seem to get it register anything other then 40ppm ....ugh.

[AquaAddict]

Sorry, TD. I don't know. You would have to search on line and see what you can find.

If you do buy one of these thermostats, just pm me and I am sure we would be able to help you set it up. I don't think it is super difficult. What I know from watching Peter (hubby), he turns the attached control on the heater to full power, plugs it into the thermostat and then there is some wiring to do.

AquaAddict

[DKoKoMan]

For the record this brown stringy algae is driving me nuts!!! I have lost 2 Frags because it keeps smothering my sps. I have used a net and siphoned as much out as possible. Possibly dinoflagellates (I hope not).

[DKoKoMan]

Lost 2 fags from the brown bubble algae, it simply covered them and then major RTN occurred. I even tried to brush the stuff off during a WC, it came off and I netted it out in the water column. Everything looked good and bam, it was all back :sad:


http://i63.tinypic.com/14y1i69.jpg

[DKoKoMan]

I lost 3 coral frags (smothered with this stringy goo) and I'm down to a minimum on my LR. Mine was more brown and it had bubbles at the tips. It would come out of jo where on the coral tips and smother them. I tried blowing them off etc. With no luck. Did a 25% WC today and it's very minalmal.

I'm hopIng it burns out and doesn't cover anymore of my small colonies. I should add that it really effects the SPS the most. I also run chaeto along with bio pellets plus started redsea NOPOX.