30g Nano Cube

[michika]

Since I'm moving in the near future, and can't take my 230g with me, I'm setting up a nano so I can get my fix.

I picked up a cute little 18"x18"x18" cube from Outtafocus. As soon as it got here I set it up with freshwater so I could see it in action.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0051_1.jpg

The tank came with the stand, sump, Coralife skimmer, an ebo jager heater, a SCWD, and a mag 7 return pump. It arrived fully plumbed, and ready to be set up.

After letting it run for a couple of hours I decided that I would need a different flow pattern, and possibly more flow. I intend to keep the tank full of SPS, clams, and limited livestock. That being said some changes were made.

First I changed the standpipe. I opted to go for a gurgle buster design. This was the original:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0056_1.jpg
This is the new standpipe:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0065.jpg

After that I changed the drain pipe to maximize sump space. It went from this:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0053_1.jpg
to this:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0068-1.jpg

I also changed the return plumbing. So far this was the biggest change I made. I started by drilling the tank and adding in bulkheads. Through some clever plumbing, thanks to KrazyKuch, I now have two 90s pointing down to the bottom. Later they will hold two spray bars which, I hope, will alternate flow from top to bottom of the tank.

The returns before:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0059_1.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0058_1-1.jpg

New returns, still on the SCWD:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0065.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0067-1.jpg

Overall from the back the return plumbing looks like this:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0063.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0064.jpg

Yesterday I was the recipient of some practically free, 'cause it didn't cost me anything, lights. This a 10k mogul 175w MH that came from Ed Holland. It even came in a lovely reflector ready to go into my hood, whenever I get around to it.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0070.jpg

So far I have made numerous trips to the hardware store, and will probably be making a bunch more. I made two useless ones because my new puppy has learned how to use chairs to get onto tables.


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0073-1.jpg

She chewed up the first 90, so I went back to the store. When I got back, I found she chewed the second one, which resulted in a third trip. Nothing is tall enough when your dog understands how to use chairs...:wink:

Remaining things to do before adding actual salt water and life to my tank:
- add in a refugium to the sump
- refugium lighting
- hood to hold display tank lighting; 1xMH, 2x PCs, and moonlights
- add in spray bars
- repaint the blue on the back of the tank

So that is my tank in a nutshell so far. I hope to have it up and running by May 1st.

[Ruth]

Hey good work Catherine. I take it you are moving into a smaller place but too bad you couldn't take your 230g with you.
I love cube tanks. I have a 110g cube and it is my most successful tank by far. I have a 300g cube out in the shed that I hope to set up one day. The only things I really need for it are a stand, pumps and a light hood to hold my lights...... oh and room.
I bet you are going to be really happy with your cube - keep us up to date.

[michika]

I'm actually moving into residence to finish up my last term of school. The 230g and all my bigger fish are going with KrazyKuch to our new house.

I love this tank already. Its different then the standard rectangular tanks I'm used to, but different in a good way. I kind of just want it to be move in date so I can officially set this system up in its and my new home for the next 9 months.

A 300g cube sounds so awesome!

[marcingo]

Im actually setting up an oceanic 30 gal cube. However the lights that came with it I think may be much to strong (1 400 watt mogul MH) Im just wondering what you are using or planning to use on yours?

[christyf5]

Wow thats a fantastic looking setup. Its so clean looking :biggrin:

Can't wait to see it filled with livestock :mrgreen:

[rigger11]

Yesterday I was the recipient of some practically free, 'cause it didn't cost me anything, lights. This a 10k mogul 175w MH that came from Ed Holland. It even came in a lovely reflector ready to go into my hood, whenever I get around to it.




Right here

[michika]

Thank you!

I'm excited for the day I'll be able to add in livestock. I'm thinking of doing both nano only fish, and maybe some fish that I eventually want to grow into going to the 230g.

Marcingo, I'm going with 175w for now. If I find I need to upgrade to a 250w its just a matter of switching out the ballast. I personally have never run anything but 400w so I'll let you know how it goes! I plan to suppliment with PCs, probably 2x13" bulbs, and I want to try out this moonlight thing too.

My original lighting plan was to do a 20,000k MH bulb, 2x white PCs, and then moonlights. Visually I like it when the lights are more on the blue side of things. With a 10K bulb I'll probably just use actinics instead of white PCs, or a 50/50s to get the blue color I'm looking for.

I'm so hooked on setting up a new tank that I'm going to finish off the spray bars tonight and then put some dry rock in to test out the flow. Setting up a new tank is like getting addicted all over again!

[DocReefer]

I am just about to set up my large tank (90 gal) and I think the most fun is getting things/stuff/toys together. This will likely happen when school is out for me in 2 weeks. I will post some pics when I get around to it.

So are we going to see this cube and your new house in a future reef meet? I hope you have enough room for a large tank in your new place.

Good luck on completing school.

Laurence

[michika]

I'm thinking I will probably have one last reef meet in our old house over the summer, after exams of course. Then maybe one in the new house, but we'll have to see since I haven't even started house hunting yet!

[outtafocus]

Wow, you have made some nice changes to that tank.

When I had originally set it up, I too was using a gurgle buster but I could not get it to stop "flushing". Looks like you may have solved my problem.
I bet that tank is super quiet now.

I cant wait to see this tank develope.

I miss it already.

[michika]

Outtafocus,

So far its pretty quiet. I'm pleased that there was relatively little work to be done. I loved how it arrived to me, kind of like a plug and play tank!

I'm so excited to put stuff in the tank its getting out of hand. I already have a fish list for stuff I want to eventually put in the tank!

[outtafocus]

Nothing new??

[michika]

Lots new actually!
I'm assembling photos, hopefully for an update tonight.

The tank currently has rock, sand, and a new 'fug to boast about. Tomorrow its getting livestock!

[michika]

May 3rd update,

The tank has hit a bit of a slump as far as production is going. I keep planning on working on it, and then something comes up, and I get distracted.

First there came spray bars!
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/30g%20nano/DSCF0062.jpg

Then came the disaster....the siphon break holes I drilled at the top of the spray bars morphed into mini gisers courtesy of my SCWD. I then had to drill bigger holes in the spray bars. Now I have mini mounts of wavy water when the SCWD alternates, I'm pretending and calling it added surface movement!
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/30g%20nano/DSCF0064.jpg

After the spray bars came the hood! I have 2xPCs ordered, and I have picked up the supplies required for moonlights!
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/30g%20nano/DSCF0068.jpg

I installed two little fans to facilitate air movement, one blowing in, and one blowing out.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/30g%20nano/DSCF0069.jpg

Next up was a powerbar, installed below the display, at the back of the stand to keep everything looking neat and clean.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/30g%20nano/DSCF0072.jpg

The MH ballast was also installed. Something still needs to be done about the cords, but that is a job for tomorrow.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/30g%20nano/DSCF0073.jpg

This is the sump as it stands now. I'm going to find a way to keep all the cords up, out of the water, and with drip loops.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/30g%20nano/DSCF0074.jpg

The display with some fugly sump rock from the 230g tank. I have some nice rock picked out from the display, but I don't want to move it to the nano yet, as most of it is encrusted with SPS.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/30g%20nano/DSCF0081.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/30g%20nano/DSCF0080.jpg
The whole thing sitting on plastic in the basement. I move in less then 4 weeks, so we just left the plastic down as its there for painting the basement.

I tested all my levels today and it seems that I have a slight ammonia spike. I'm not sure where it came from as everything came from the 230g display. I'm just going to finish all the hardware related work, and hopefully by then the system will be ready for livestock.

Next up:
-lighting for the refugium
-fans for the sump
-install my PC lights (whenever they arrive)
-install the moonlights
-put all the lighting on timers
-add macro algae to 'fug
-remove fugly rock and replace with pretty rock
-add livestock

[Skimmerking]

looks good so far Catherine

[michika]

Something about posting photos incited me to do more work! So now I have moonlights!

First there was heat shrink, 2 blue LEDs, and 2 big resistors.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/30g%20nano/DSCF0069_1.jpg

Then there was lights...
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/30g%20nano/DSCF0084.jpg

And now my tank has two artificial moons!
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/30g%20nano/DSCF0089.jpg

Now I'm putting my camera down for the evening.

[michika]

Just to mention, the LEDs are 15,000MCD, 100mA, and the resistors are 100 OHM, 2% tolerant, 2W.

FYI Kevin (Krazykuch) assembled the above moonlights lights, I just took photos and asked lots of questions. That was about it for my share of the work in building the moonlights, aside from purchasing, and picking out colors!

[michika]

The tank is officially up and running!

Over the course of the last few days I have moved over most of my SPS, and all of my clams from the 230g display.

A shot just after all the SPS and clams arrived in the tank
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0123.jpg

The first fishy inhabitant, a yellow shoulder tang. its approximately 1" in length at this time. I plan to move it to a much larger tank once it grows bigger, and stronger.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0117.jpg

The tank this evening. I'm not pleased with the lighting, I find everything to be too yellow. I think I will be swapping out my 10,000K PC for a second actinic bulb.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0072.jpg

A closer shot of everything tonight.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0078.jpg

[Skimmerking]

you have enough CLAMS In there that is retarded


looks great

[michika]

Thank you!

I'm done with adding clams to this tank. If anything I would be removing 1-2 of the larger ones, but I'm not sure yet. I am letting it run to the end of the month before I make a decision.

How many clams can you find?

[Skimmerking]

7

[Skimmerking]

I love the bottom one I wish that I lived closer I would take one off of you..

:sad:

[michika]

You're close, but there is more then 7 in there!

[Skimmerking]

ok found the little guy on the left 8

[michika]

We have a winner!!!

[Skimmerking]

I love your clam on the right thou is that a squamosa

[michika]

Yes, I believe it is.

[michika]

The tank has been chugging along pretty well since my last update.

Yesterday my float valve for my auto top off failed in the on position, and my tank's SG dropped from 1.025 to 1.021 overnight. I have returned it 1.023.

Tank parameters from today, after the big freshwater flood:
Temp: 79.7
pH: 8.1
SG: 1.023 (aiming for 1.024)
dKH: 6
Ca: 320 (Before adding the Kalk Reactor)
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 0ppm
Ammonia: 0ppm
Magnesium: ~1200ppm

Today I added on a kalk reactor to help maintain my calcium levels. I'm using a Kent Phosban reactor filled with kalk powder. So far the output is testing well, Calcium is off the chart, and pH is higher the 8.8 (the max my kit tests for).

The biggest hurdle right now in the way of tank parameters is dKH. Hopefully the Kalk reactor will maintain my calcium, and then I won't have to worry about that. I looked at getting a Calcium reactor, but right now the only one I could find wouldn't fit in my sump. I am considering a DIY reactor, but for now I will continue to dose with a suppliment.

Magnesium levels are holding nicely, especially in light of the fact that I have two red mangrove plants sucking it back. I am hoping to come up with a dosing regiment for magneisum in the next few weeks.

Pretty much everything is going well. I've taken steps to correct the lighting, and to try and prevent any forseeable water quality issues. The next hurdle will be continuing to monitor the levels, and to come up wtih a schedule for dosing, etc.

I am also looking into a controller again, so far I'm not having a lot of luck finding a system that is mac compatable.

Along the way I have accidentally made a few frags, which I promptly glued to some rubble. My goal, once I move in a week, is to start trying to add more colorful frags to the system, oranges, pinks, bright purples, etc.

[Der_Iron_Chef]

I'm using a Kent Phosban reactor filled with kalk powder.

Hey, can you explain how you did this? I've considered doing this, but would be good to know how you went about it :-)

[michika]

Der_Iron_Chef,

Here is how I set it up:
I started with my Phosban reactor, then I removed the sponges.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0076.jpg

I added on tubing for the intake and output.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0078-1.jpg

I used John Guest fittings because the tubing fit over the fittings.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0080-1.jpg

Then I added in Kalk powder from LittleSilverMax, and hooked it up to my top off pump. I'm only using 2 teaspoons of powder in the reactor at the moment. After that I shook up the reactor, and manuvered all the bubbles out. I've adjusted the drip rate to be avoid spiking my pH, and arranged for it to drip in a high flow area, in this case, the output of my skimmer. Now I just have to remember to shake the reactor up every few days.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0072_1.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0072-1.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSCF0073-2.jpg

I hope this helps, or at least clarifyies the process. Let me know if you need more information.

[michika]

The tank is having a few nasty outbreaks. I'm experiencing cyano, and in the last two days a sudden bloom of green hair algae.

Lately every time I do something in the tank I seem to make an accidental frag, so I have a bunch of frags I'm starting to grow out for sale.

I'm seeing my SPS coloring up with brighter, and more distinct colors.
This is a frag from 5/23
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/darkblue_acro_frag.jpg
This is the same frag on 5/25
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/darkblue_acro_frag2.jpg
Under the actinics only
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/darkblue_acro_frag3.jpg

I expect it to eventually darken out like its parent
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/darkblue_acro_colony.jpg

I recently added more inverts to my cleaning crew. I added in bumblebee snails, and blue leg hermits to help give more live to the tank, and for some added benefits.

I will be fixing the lighting issue (too yellow) this weekend, by replacing the 10,000K PC bulb with an actinic.

The plan right now is to
- figure out whats wrong with my auto-top off float switches
- combat the green hair algae
- combat the cyano
- Ensure my Ca levels stay steady via the kalk. reactor
- Look into a calcium reactor, and a 2.5lb CO2 bottle.
- stop making accidental frags

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Does SPS break that easily? Not having dabbled with SPS, I'm ignorant!

[michika]

My blue-tip stag seems to be rather fragile compared to other SPS I've kept. It also happens that I have been rather clumsy as of late when working around it.

To me SPS is fragile in general, but more so when its branches are long, and thin.

[michika]

The tank has moved, and I'm sorry to say I missed how it used to be aquascaped.

The tank now looks like this, aka an algae farm! I'm not impressed with it at this moment.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0002-1.jpg

A month ago I was experiencing a cyano bloom, and issues with the balance between my calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium. The cyano has subsided, but in its place is now, what I have tentatively identified as bryopsis, and green hair algae. Thankfully my aformentioned levels are balancing out, and remaining constant. The levels are still lower then my goals, but they stopped fluctuating, so I'm pleased in that respect. I'm still actively trying to get the levels up to where I want them.

I added a Hydor Koralia 1 to add additional flow to the front center of the tank. I'm pleased to say that I see a nice change in the corals in its path; great polyp extention, and no algae in its path.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0001_1-1.jpg

The magnetic base

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0003_2.jpg

The actual powerhead, side view
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0002_1.jpg

I've also added a chiller, as I didn't account for the crazy heat in my new place. I picked up a 1/4HP Aqua Logic chillder from Mr.Alberta for an awesome price. The tank now runs at a happy 79-80 constantly. This is my favorite new addition as I'm constantly worried about the temperature of the tank now.

So right now I'm focusing on beating my hair algae, and bryopsis problems. I think its triggered by three things, so I'm focusing heavily on getting these all under control.

1) Water quality, I had to give up my RO/DI unit when I moved, I've been using Prime as a water conditioner in the meantime. I'm going to try and find a new unit with a sink adaptor ASAP.

2) Lighting, I've been complaining about how I feel my lighting is too yellow. I learned that yellow lighting may contribute to the growth of my algae problem. So I've ordred a new PC light, actinic this time, to balance out the yellow of the 10K MH.

3) Flow, flat out I think my flow (Hydor not included) is insufficient. I'll be looking into re-aquascaping for better flow, upgrading my return pump from a Mag 7, and changing the position of my Hydor.

I've also had a few great oppertunities to pick up some lovely frags, and have gone ahead and placed a few orders. I'm excited to see more colors in my tank soon. Right now the dominant colors are blues, greens, and browns.

On that note here is a recent shot of the frag I posted previously. This one is under both MH and PCs.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/darkblue_acro_frag4.jpg

And to round this post out, a few photos of my still tiny Orange shoulder tang.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/orangeshouldertang_faceon.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/orangeshoulder_frontview.jpg

[fishytime]

Is buying bottled RO or DI water from the grocery store not an option? I started my 20g with tap water and promptly switched to store bought RO. Since then my algea issues have been slowly going away. I find that with a 20g tank I only use about a bottle and a half of water a week( between top-offs and my 4g ish water change) so it only costs about $7.

[michika]

Is buying bottled RO or DI water from the grocery store not an option? I started my 20g with tap water and promptly switched to store bought RO. Since then my algea issues have been slowly going away. I find that with a 20g tank I only use about a bottle and a half of water a week( between top-offs and my 4g ish water change) so it only costs about $7.

I can only wish I was so lucky as to be able to do that. The "RO/DI" water from the local store is horrible, it has a high TDS reading, thus making it unfit for use. My tanks have almost always been run with RO/DI, so this tap water thing is kind of new for me.

My tank current evaporates between 4-5g per day due to the heat in my suite. Then there is the ~10g water change I do each week. I would be going through a good bit of water each week.

You did give me an idea though, perhaps, if I can't source out an RO/DI system that works with my exisiting taps, then maybe I'll look into having water delivered from a water company. Thanks for the idea!

[michika]

Well its been over a month since I updated. I avoided doing so mostly because all the hair algae has become embarassing, and depressing.

Obviously my hair algae problem isn't resolving itself. Shortly after my last post I got a new RO/DI system and installed it. I've been only using RO/DI water since then. I've also switched my lights, I got another actinic bulb, so my PCs are both actinic. I also upgraded my MH bulb from a 10K, to a 15K XM bulb with phenomenal results.

I've also been so lucky as to take advantage of the opening of Wickedfrags.com. These lovelies came to me,

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0026.jpg

and this came as a freebie:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0003-1.jpg

I was also lucky enough to make a trip to Calgary and pick up frags from Snappy (Greg), and Nate. They all made a successful trip home and look great.

These are a few of the frags a month or so after they arrived in my tank, I'm really pleased with how they are coloring up, and many of them have begun to encrust or push out new branches.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0002-3.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0003-2.jpg

I've been adding a few nano fish, a green clown goby, and 4 absolutely tiny chromis. The goal was to add the 4 tiny chromis to my existing shoal in the 90g once they got used to the flow, but then we had that unfortunate tragedy where almost all the fish died from the 90 and we shut down the tank.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0001_2.jpg

Green clown goby:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0013-1.jpg

Here are the before and the after shots with the new MH lighting.
Before:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0007_1.jpg

After:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0008_1.jpg

I've recently started selling off a bunch of my extra frags. They are just causing too much clutter, and its always a good plan to have frags of your favorite peices somewhere other then your own tank.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0001-1.jpg

I recently traded off some of my frags for a paly frag from Edmonton Eskimo. It looks awesome under actinics.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0021-3.jpg


I finally added my Calcium reactor. It was DIYed from a phosban reactor and a Mag 4 pump. So far I'm pleased with it, it fits in my sump, and so far its been working wonderfully.

First version:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0005_2.jpg

Final version:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0009-1.jpg

My recent additions have been more LPS from the 90g when it got shut down. I am temporarily housing my yellow damsel, and an ocelaris clown. I plan to keep the neon green candycane, hammer coral, ricordia, one neon green mushroom, and the red zoos.

The tank right now is too full. I'm trying to sell or trade off a bunch of my SPS frags to create space, and I'm also looking at temporarily housing my ocellaris, yellow damsel, and tang in another location until probably December when I am again able to start up a much larger and more appropriate system.

Since I've been having so many problems trying to resolve my green hair algae problem I have finally resorted to adding an urchin in an attempt to get the agae cleaned off. I plan to either move it to my larger system, or sell it off once its done its job.

I'm happy to see that my has come together, I still have some minor adjustments to make, mostly in regard to livestock. I'm still frustrated with the hair algae, but sometimes I'm still able to look past it an enjoy the system without focusing on its flaws.

[Mik_101]

Man those are some intense frags you have. I love them all. Paly frag dose look grate under actinics.:mrgreen:

[Der_Iron_Chef]

The DIY Calcium Reactor is interesting. Where'd you find how to do that, or did you just come up with it on your own? Mind explaining it for a Calcium Reactor virgin like myself? :)

[michika]

The DIY Calcium idea first came from the fact that I couldn't use my dual chamber reactor from my 230g (well I could but I think it would a bit of overkill. The rest of it came from the fact that my kalk. reactor was successful.

Originally the plan was to just make a whole new appropriately sized calcium reactor, but then while out shopping I saw a phosban reactor for the first time in person. From there it was some bantering with Krazykuch and then we had a rough idea. In short it was trying to find the most useful and cheap materials with which to make a calcium reactor.

There was really no where to find out how to make it, we just tried it out, and we lucky enough that it worked. If it didn't work I was just going to use the phosban reactor to actually run phosban or something. :D

Thanks Mik for the compliments. I have a whole tank full of frags to photograph now, so maybe I'll put a few more shots up once my MH comes on for the day.

[kadaytar]

Those are some lovely frags, awsome colors. Did you take the sand from your old tank and put in new cube without giving it a good freshwater wash? Did you notice any ammonia spike at the begining? If this is the case it may be the reason of algea problem.

[michika]

It was brand new sand, which I rinsed extremely well. Sorry, I doubt my new sand is the source of my GHA issues. Any other thoughts?

[michika]

I forgot to include today's parameters:
Temp: 80.3
pH: 8.2
SG: 1.025
dKH: 11 (Oie! I've turned down my Calcium reactor)
Ca: 480
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 0ppm
Ammonia: 0ppm
Magnesium: ~1200ppm

I also forgot to mention that I clean out about 1-3 cups of hair algae every few days.

Here are a few more photos from today, I'm trying to refamiliarize myself with our old camera.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0032.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0033.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0035.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0004_1-1.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0005-1.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0007_1-1.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0010_1.jpg

[Mik_101]

Wow Cathrine congrats on the tank it is a very attractive tank. I relay, relay like the frags in the tank. I am starting to add frags to my tank slowly but surely as well.
PS your tank makes me jealous :lol:

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Have you tested the TDS of your tap water? Have you considered running a phosban reactor? And...I know I keep throwing this out there for people, but sea hares are the best! Maybe if someone has one, you can borrow it for a few weeks. I'd lend you mine if we lived in the same city.

[michika]

I'm not using tap water anymore, just RO/DI. No I'm sorry I don't know what the TDS is of the tap water in the building I'm in.

I have too many frags for a seahare. I debated one about one yesterday, and settled on the longspine urchin instead.

I guess I should have included a quick recap of what I've tried in regards to the GHA.

1) Changing out all bulbs, everything is new now within a few months.
2) Macro algae, I tried to avoid pruning it until it got to the point where it was almost too big for my 'fuge hoping that the bigger surface area would absorb more of whatever is triggering the GHA. It didn't seem to make a difference.
3) Switched back to RO/DI water
4) Manual removal of the algae
5) Running the tank with a reduced photo period, I now run for only 5 hours a day with MH for a total of 7 hours of light.
6) A Blackout period, I kept the tank completely dark for 3 days, there was no reduction in algae, and it got worse after I was done.
7) Run a phosphate remover in a high flow area, just below the return. I'm still doing this.
8) Larger water changes, I do 10g over the course of a week.
9) Ensure all my water parameters are in order, hence the addition of the calcium reactior.
10) Added additional members to my clean up crew, and added a longspine urchin
11) Remove my rocks and scrub them all down and pluck them clean. Only three rocks weren't scrubed, but it was because they have clams on them. They were however picked clean.

Other options:
1) Changing my salt brand, I don't seem to have any phosphates, nitrates, nitriates, or ammonia after mixing up fresh salt water. Aside from low alkalinity, I really hesitate to change my salt brands. This is a total shot on the dark I feel.
2) Learn to love GHA
3) Go crazy and tear down the tank.

Other thoughts?

[Redrover]

When I transfered most of my stuff from my 150 to the 120...noticed hair forming on a couple rocks...foxface to the rescue.
Catherine, he cleaned up everything in two days and it's never returned.
I have since passed him on to help others...He saved me hours and hours of work.

RJ

[michika]

Maybe my foxface was the reason for which I never had GHA in my other larger tanks. I miss having a large tank for the sole reason of having big fish, and more room for clams!

I wish I could accomidate a foxface. Maybe I could aquire a really tiny one for a few weeks, and then pass it on to a new and much more appropriate home.

[kadaytar]

Your water parameters look fine. I had a similar issue in a 35 gal. almost 4 years ago.A friend of mine gave me some CarribSea base rock that he used in his fish only tank and kept dry after parting off the tank. Within a few weeks all my LR, glass, and SPS corals covered by hair algea and cyano. It was nasty. After making a big amount of water change and trimming i put 250 ml Seachem Phos Guard in a filter bag (more than reccomended amount) and started to run it in an AC 500 HOB filter. I also used Red Slime Remover for cyano. I don't know which one worked for me but within a week or so both were gone and never had any problem after that. Maybe none of them worked it was just a miracle :) It sucks but when GHA is introduced to the tank it is realy hard to get rid of it since it can utilize the minerals in the salt and proper light etc. and continue to grow even if everything is fine.

[michika]

So the urchin is doing a pretty good job. He completely cleans off the rock or clam shell were he stops. He moves in a very jerky fashion over my rocks so we call him Lurchin Urch.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0002-4.jpg

Since my last update I've changed how I administer my phosphate spong. I switched my kalk. reactor from my DIY phosban reator back to my old kalk reactor with a stirrer from the 230g. I'm now using the phosban reactor to run Rowaphos and hopefully it will make some sort of difference.

I'm trying to be better about photo documenting changes in my tank, so I plan to take a photo every couple days, or a week, for a month and then I will have a visual and data record to refer back to.

This photo is from today, day 2 of the phosban reactor, and day 4 with Lurchin Urch.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0022-2.jpg

[michika]

Full tank shots from August 17th.

Front
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0002-6.jpg

Left side
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0005-3.jpg

Right side
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0004-1.jpg

I think I'm seeing a resession in the algae, and I think it may be loosing its deep green color. If I really am seeing what I think I am, I think it may mean that things are turning around in my system!

[Skimmerking]

Catherine looks good I do see a bit of recession on the GHA,

[michika]

Thank you!

[michika]

FTS from today

Front
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0007-1.jpg

Left
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0008.jpg

Right
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0009-2.jpg

[bv_reefer]

man those are gorgeous clams, so you're keeping them under power compacts? i was wondering if my halides were enough but it looks like they might be..

[Mik_101]

man those are gorgeous clams, so you're keeping them under power compacts? i was wondering if my halides were enough but it looks like they might be..

Im pritty sure she has 1x175 w mh.

[michika]

The lighting is actually 1x175w metal halide bulb, with 2x 28w actinic bulbs. I run moonlights as well in the evenings.

[michika]

Recently I've been seeing tons of growth everywhere in the system.

Here is a shot of purple digitata that I picked up from Snappy in Calgary at the end of July.

Photo from August 3rd:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0033.jpg

Photo from today, September 7th:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0001_1-2.jpg

Red Milli on August 9th
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0002-3.jpg

Today:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0004_2.jpg

Odd acropora on July 29th
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0003-2.jpg

Today:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0003_2-2.jpg

Birdsnest (on the left) from August 3rd.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0032.jpg

Today:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0005_2-1.jpg

Semi-full tank shot from today as well:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0008_2.jpg

[Skimmerking]

Cath you have alot of HA sorry to see. othe then that looking good KIDO

[michika]

Cath you have alot of HA sorry to see. othe then that looking good KIDO

I'm geting super good at ignoring it. I'm just trying to wait it out now, nothing else has worked so I've given up on it. Even the magnesium thing didn't work.

Now I just need a bigger tank because there about three time as many corals in the tank as what you see!

[Delphinus]

Super nice corals. Yeah, I see what you mean about the filamentous algae! :eek: Have you thought of a seahare? They eat the stuff wicked crazy ..

[michika]

I'm doing the urchin thing, and it works well, albeit slowly.

I've looked at seahares and I've been terrified by all the stories of them being sucked into powerheads, or wiping out someone's tank.

[Delphinus]

I dunno, if that were my tank I'd have one already. They're pretty voracious eaters of most filamentous algaes. I've had some before, for me they seemed to last anywhere from six months to a couple years, they would go on and off the powerheads all the time, but a couple eventually did get stuck and that was the end of them. But, after a year or so of going on and off the intakes. So it led me to wonder what their natural lifespan is anyhow, and if old age was a factor to their demise that way. I dunno I could be way off. Since they seem to be prone to starvation (the other common cause of losing them), the thing to do is have them clean up your tank and then consider selling them for the next person having similar troubles. Or, try feeding them rolled nori sticks like you would for a tang, the ones I had that figured out that this was food were the ones that lasted the longest for me. Never had a tank wipeout from them, I'm not sure if this is a species specific thing or what, or if it's like cucumbers - when attacked by a predator maybe the risk is higher?

[michika]

Okay Tony you've convinced me! I'm going out, after Saturday morning cartoons of course, to get one. Maybe this will bring an end to my algae drama once and for all.

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Oh sure, now that Tony suggests it.....;) lol

Hope it works. Corals are looking great!

[michika]

Lol! Nah, I figure many people have suggested them, and I was on the edge of getting one a little while before. I guess you can just say Tony pushed me over the edge!

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Aw, just givin' you a hard time. He he.

Good luck!

[michika]

:D

Well I came home with something, and now I'm waiting forever to acclimatise it. My SG, and the store's SG are pretty far apart!

[michika]

Yesterday, after much searching, I came home with a consolation prize

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0001-6.jpg

This is Noodle, my super cheap Lettuce Nudibranch. They also eat hair algae. We'll see how he does in the meantime while I hunt down a sea hare.

I also forgot to post that I've also removed a few fish from my system into temporary homes, and some to permanent homes. Needless to say it hasn't really made any impact on the GHA.

I'm hoping to move for December 1st so I've been making arrangements to have someone watch my tank at their home for about a week while I actually move. I guess until then I won't be adding anything new, unless its a sea hare.

[mr_alberta]

There's a sea hare at Reef Werkz Catherine.

[Delphinus]

Apparently Lettuce seaslugs are seaslugs and not technically "nudibranchs." To a biology nerd apparently there's a difference but I'm afraid I am not that particular biology nerd. :)

Good luck, with the ample food supply he might do well. I never had much luck with these guys though (couldn't find them after 3 days, and after that, maybe only a fleeting glimpse of a body-less slug head zipping around the tank. :neutral: Weird..)

Let us know how he does though! I hope he does the trick. :)

[michika]

There's a sea hare at Reef Werkz Catherine.

I'll send them off an email so I can snatch it up! Thanks for letting me know! I didn't see any on Thursday so I figured they were all gone.

[marie]

Apparently Lettuce seaslugs are seaslugs and not technically "nudibranchs." To a biology nerd apparently there's a difference but I'm afraid I am not that particular biology nerd. :)

Good luck, with the ample food supply he might do well. I never had much luck with these guys though (couldn't find them after 3 days, and after that, maybe only a fleeting glimpse of a body-less slug head zipping around the tank. :neutral: Weird..)

Let us know how he does though! I hope he does the trick. :)

My clarkii clown ate all 3 of mine 5 min after acclimating to my tank. I never did find out if they would work or not. So yea, keep us informed Catherine :mrgreen:

[Pan]

Yesterday, after much searching, I came home with a consolation prize

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0001-6.jpg





I can't SEE the CORAL there is a slimy thing in the way!! :)

[michika]

I can't SEE the CORAL there is a slimy thing in the way!! :)

:lol:

There you go, the actual coral!
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0004_1-2.jpg

[michika]

Quick update on the battle with hair algae.

I've officially given over to trying other living options, since it seems like I've expended all the others. I have added a seahare, and a super tiny foxface.

Neither the seahare, or the foxface seem to be doing much, but they both are pretty! The foxface will be going to a new home when I upgrade this tank in a few weeks, assuming he hasn't touched the hair algae.

So...well this officially marks the end of my list of options. If nothing else works, I just don't know what to do!

[Delphinus]

I'm sorry to hear that. FWIW, when I added a rabbit and an urchin to my cube, it was a big green hairy mess as I had given up on trying to fix my nitrates at that point. They didn't do much for a few weeks, but all of a sudden I saw both just going at the stuff on the glass. Sooo .. I dunno. Maybe yours will still come around? Hang in there, there's a solution, one way or the other (even if that solution is starting over in a new tank. ;) ) Good luck!

[michika]

Thank you!

I know the urchin isn't a dud, but so far the foxface, lettuce nudibranch, and seahare seem to be. Although I'll give them some time and hopefully they will come around and start cleaning off all the horrid algae.

At least I know there is still hope that one of the three new additions will do something! :D

[michika]

Quicky update:

GHA
- The urchin is still eating like nobody's business, slowly but surely he is doing is job.
- Lettuce Nudibrance is eating the GHA, he has grown, probably added about 1/4 of his original length. He, Noddles, is active and looks healthy.
- It also occured to me that my Calcium reactor may be putting phosphates into my system. I'm looking to do something along the lines of Chin_lee's idea, running the effluent through a phosban reactor.
- The foxface is officially a dud, albeit a cute one. He readily accepts all foods, and occasionally picks at a rock or two, but nothing to be considered useful.

I can also finally say that I've gotten my green clown goby to eat prepared foods. He will eat brine, mysis, ocean plankton, blood worms, and small pellet foods.

I also won Gold's contest. I'm going to be starting to dose and document the use of Aqua Connect's Energy Elements. That should be starting next week or so. Growth is taking off in my birdsnests, digitatas, and a cap. I'm happy to see the growth, and the color, but excited to see what Energy Elements can do.

Overall the tank has been holding stable which is nice for a change. Sorry no photos. There was a puppy vs. camera incident in which the puppy won. New camera this coming weekend with photos!

[michika]

I'm testing out a new camera, Nikon D40x so I'm snapping a lot of shots over the next few days. I figure I might as well share some of them:

My hitchhiker plate coral:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0045.jpg

Noodles the nudibranch or seaslug, whatever she/he/it is:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0234.jpg

Sixline wrasse:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0181.jpg

Kole tang:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0165.jpg

[Delphinus]

:cool:

[michika]

I'm home sick, so I figured I might as well make the most of my day:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0084.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0172.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0142.jpg

[michika]

A few more

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0061.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0067.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_73.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_78.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/purple_green.jpg

[Van-rookie]

nice....very nice
btw do you have the mandarin goby in you 30g tank ?

Cause I am looking for one but read that its not easy to take care

[michika]

Thank you!

Yeah I do have him in the tank. Its really only like 24g for actual water volume.

I've never had problems with him. He's been around for quite some time, a few years at least. He readily accepts prepared foods too! Then again on the other hand lots of people have had issues with them, so it really is a hit or miss kind of thing.

[Delphinus]

Sweet photos Catherine.. :)

[Van-rookie]

Thanks Catherine,

Guess I will try my luck when I find someone who sells it :)

Thank you!

Yeah I do have him in the tank. Its really only like 24g for actual water volume.

I've never had problems with him. He's been around for quite some time, a few years at least. He readily accepts prepared foods too! Then again on the other hand lots of people have had issues with them, so it really is a hit or miss kind of thing.

[saltynuts]

i see my next frag. last pic! lol

[michika]

Updates!

I placed an order with Ocean Aquatics in August for some of the limited edition items. They came in yesterday, plus another clam, a green maxima.

You can go here to see the mother colonies:
http://oceanaquatics.com/store/category/45/418/OA-Premium-Collection/

I picked up the Blue acro, Blue Tort, Purple Cross, Teal Loisetta, and I also received a freebie coral! They all look really nice, and they just pop under my lights.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_21.jpg

The four frags on the little squares are most of the new frags I received. There is one more not pictured.

My new clam:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_42.jpg

Its the smallest one, to the left of the gold maxima.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_29.jpg

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Lookin' good, Catherine. The clam is so cute :)

Did you get that little accidental frag mounted? The blues on the ones pictured looks really nice!

[mr_alberta]

Are those frags mounted on those little bathroom tiles?

[michika]

Are those frags mounted on those little bathroom tiles?

They are tumbled marble tiles. I got the idea from an RC thread.

[michika]

Lookin' good, Catherine. The clam is so cute :)

Did you get that little accidental frag mounted? The blues on the ones pictured looks really nice!

I've gotten everything mounted now :lol:

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Oh, did the frags come unmounted then?

[michika]

Yeah they were all umounted. I prefer it that way though, or to have the option to choose.

So far the tiles are working out well for me. Easy to pop frags off once they grow out, and they are small enough that they fit comfortably in my frag racks.

[michika]

Since my last update I've had a few mishaps. One of my favorite clams passed away, and that was sad. I also sadly have to report that my foxface killed one of my fishes with its poisonous dorsal spines.

I'm finally starting to see the color returning to my frags. In my despiration to get rid of the GHA I picked up some rowaphos (GFO) and immediately dosed according to the label. It bleached the color right out of many of my frags and colonies. There was some tissue resession on at least 5 frags. I also saw the death of one frag. Lesson learned, used much much less the then recommended dose.

The tank has also reached what I would term Critical Mass and then some. I have too many frags and its starting to cause some issues in the tank. If you look at the tank wrong something will fall. Lately everything seems to find its way into the grasp of the hydnophorna, which by the way is far from all other frags to prevent this. Needless to say Elkhorn is evil!

Now onto the photos. There are previous photos for most of these frags earlier in the thread if you would like to see a more pronounced progression of growth.

Snappy's Purple Passion Digitata:
September 7th
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0001_1-2.jpg

Today
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_3.jpg

Sphelp's digitata, it was originally blue with brown polyps, but its turning a bit purple...
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_5.jpg

Birdsnest:

September 7th
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0005_2-1.jpg

Today
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_17.jpg

Guysmiley's Neon Green Acro

August 3rd
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0032.jpg

Today
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0015-1.jpg


My hitchhiker coral
June 10th
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0007.jpg

October 2nd.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0045.jpg

Today:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0023.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0042.jpg

Note pronounced color change, 1st from moving it from the top of the tank, and then from the GFO.

This is a photo of one of the pieces I picked up from Reefwerkz closing sales. This one was completely browned out, and it had more tissue resession then it does now. I'm happy its coloring up with purple and navy tips. The tissue seems to be reclaiming the skeleton, or in the very least there is no more tissue loss happening.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0021.jpg

Finally another shot of my mandarin making a rather odd face
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0026.jpg

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Excellent photos, Catherine! That's the most wicked hitchhiker I've ever seen. I think I got a crab once. *sigh* lol....

Keep it up, whatever you're doing seems to be working!

[michika]

Excellent photos, Catherine! That's the most wicked hitchhiker I've ever seen. I think I got a crab once. *sigh* lol....

Keep it up, whatever you're doing seems to be working!

Thank you!

[michika]

Look the hitchhikers from my new 28g nano (http://canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=34944) made it over into my current tank.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0014.jpg

So what do you think? The fish looks a little small, and I hope the squid will keep him company!

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0012.jpg

[Delphinus]

Haha, nice! :)

[michika]

Another quick photo update from October 24th

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0038.jpg

The tank is reaching the point in which it is declining. I'm not seeing any growth in any frags, and the color isn't returning to its original levels any more. I think the tank is overstocked with frags and its time to upgrade ASAP.

I have also unfortunately lost a frag, again because of the hydnophorna. The urchin popped my red milli off my rock, and across the tank into the open, yet posionous arms of the neon killer. Why must hydnophorna be so pretty?!

[michika]

A quick, and most likely final update for this system.

The tank is coming down permanently on the 23rd, and hopefully will be going to a new home soon.

This tank served me spectacularly until two things happened:
1) people started selling pretty frags, and my eyes officially became too big for my tank!
2) I started going away every weekend, and slacked on water changes. I went from 2 changes a week to one every two weeks.

Right now the tank is way too full as you can see here:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0110.jpg

The green hair algae has come back, and for a month or two there it was about 90% gone from the tank.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0120.jpg

On the positive side though the colors are returning to a lot of my frags that were bleached out by the Phosban.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0151.jpg

I am also seeing good polyp extension again, almost back to the point the tank was in say August.

A final actinic shot from just after actinics on.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0105.jpg

So to end this thread, and its been a good thread, this tank marked my first official nano tank. I think I can deem it a semi-success, things grew, and they lived.

Starting on the 24th, everything will be living here (http://canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=34944). Here is a 28g long DIY nano running on a calfo manifold.

[michika]

Someone requested photos of the mechanics of the DIY hood on this system; here are the photos.

Top looking down
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0080.jpg

Side
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0086.jpg

Hinge
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0081.jpg

Supports
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0084-1.jpg