WarDog's Tank Thread : Episodic Trial And Error

[gregzz4]

I'll walk you through the dosing stuff when you're ready
And, ya, there's some birdsnest floating around somewhere

[Bblinks]

...and a boring FTS as we are updating things.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8655/16532571142_8d23230ee1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rbVKq3)

Why is there a sponge floating sideways across the skimmer chamber of the sump?

[NIVLEM09]

That's just expressive...oozing with awesomeness

[WarDog]

Wow Warren... that is a REALLY clean Sump. Wish I could rig something like that up!
Trade you some frags if you help me? :) LOL!

Thanks Dude. If you really want some help, I'd be more than happy.

Why is there a sponge floating sideways across the skimmer chamber of the sump?

2 reasons. (1) To stop splashing from my POS skimmer that I can't seem to get tuned in and (2), seeding it for my QT.

[WarDog]

That's just expressive...oozing with awesomeness

Lol, thanks.

Tank looks good so far. I'm at the lovely diatom stage myself right now. :D

Thanks, don't you just love waiting? Lol.

[WarDog]

Had the Yellow Tail for a couple days and the little dude wasn't feeding at all. He mouthed a few Mysis but I didn't see him eating it.
Saw him this morning when I left for work, but when I came home he was nowhere to be found. Searched everywhere and only came up with two ideas.
1) He's hiding somewhere in the pukani or 2) he went for a carpet surf and got eaten by one of our two white hairy landsharks. Poor guy.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/15954617224_2553764fd3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qiRzRj)

Parameters continue to improve:
no2 : 0.02 ppm
no3 : 10 ppm
I will check other params tomorrow.

Starting to get serious diatoms. If I remember correctly, this is normal and it will take care of itself over the next few weeks, yes?

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8564/16389523008_4d6c45696f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qYhAbU)

Thanks for looking and replies/recommendations/suggestions welcome!

[Aquattro]

Starting to get serious diatoms. If I remember correctly, this is normal and it will take care of itself over the next few weeks, yes?



Sorry, no. You need to start over.

[WarDog]

Sorry, no. You need to start over.

WTF?! Another 2 year build? Screw it... I'm out.

[Aquattro]

WTF?! Another 2 year build? Screw it... I'm out.

Ok, just kidding. Ya, it will go away :)

[WarDog]

:wink:

[SiliconGuy]

Nice job overall...
Sorry to read about your Yellow Tail going MIA :(
Where did you source the wiring duct or trough for your sump?

[Bblinks]

Call off the search and rescue, it has been discovered this morning. 😃

[WarDog]

Nice job overall...
Sorry to read about your Yellow Tail going MIA :(
Where did you source the wiring duct or trough for your sump?

The product is called Panduit and I got mine from Torbram Electrical Supply in PoCo, but any good electrical supply house should carry it. I even think Home De Pot has something similar.

...and on a lighter note, the yellow tail was spotted this morning alive and well, lol.

[WarDog]

Call off the search and rescue, it has been discovered this morning. 😃



Lol, I was worried for a while there, honest!

[SiliconGuy]

Thanks for the info on the duct.
Isn't it amazing how fish can hide in such a controlled environment?
Glad that SAR costs will be kept at a minimum :)

[WarDog]

Day 35.

Just finished testing,

Ammonia : 0 API
Salinity : 1.025 Refractometer : 35.5 Apex
Phosphate : 0 Salifert
Nitrite : 0 Salifert
Nitrate : 2 ppm Salifert
Alk : 6.2 Salifert
pH : 8.11 - 8.22 Apex
Temp : 77.8 - 78.1 Apex

Numbers look great except for Alk, need to start dosing.

Found the Yellow Tail, seems he dug himself a cave under the rocks and never shows himself, lol.

So what's next? Add more fish? Start adding a CuC? What CuC members are recommended? Rich mentioned Trocus snails, am I ready for a cleaner shrimp or other inverts?

Going to hold off on corals until the frag swap. Picked up some Coral Rx and Revive today in preparation. Guess I should get some new clean plugs as well as coral glue.

First w/c coming up next weekend. Not looking forward to that! Trying to keep the glass clean.

Diatoms everywhere! Water starting to cloud as well. Running 300ml ZeoCarb passively.

$20 to the first person who can spot the Damsel!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7430/16596715451_782eee768a_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rhAvhp)

[Howie]

Lol didn't I read somewhere the damsel died. :biggrin: Soubds like your making progress

[WarDog]

Lol didn't I read somewhere the damsel died. :biggrin: Soubds like your making progress

Yes, that Amber Alert was cancelled, lol.

[Bblinks]

Yes, that Amber Alert was cancelled, lol.

Missing child was found, he was hiding in the barn as a joke.

[WarDog]

Yellow Tail continues to be a jerk. Hiding all the time and not being social at all.

Water is starting to cloud up. I suspect excess bacteria, but I'm not 100% on that. All parameters are good except Alk at 6.2 (this will be dealt with shortly).

Looked around for a used UV unit and found one from Barry (byee). We met up earlier today and it was a pleasure to talk with him. I am finding everyone I meet from Canreef to be very friendly, passionate hobbyists! Thanks again Barry!

UV gets a good vinegar bath for a few hours while the Oscars were on.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8576/16620729505_5920847c51_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rjHzPP)

...and then the little germ killer gets installed.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8677/16434928379_d0ce654281_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r3iiC8)

Just running it off a Rio 600 for now. I plan to add a manifold system in the future for the UV and a chiller. I will deal with the UV's wires tomorrow.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8572/16000970973_ca5c4a63c8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qnXacT)

Thought I would give the WiFi unit another try on the Apex. First time I hooked it up it didn't work at all, and it even changed the IP of the Apex.
Took hours to figure it out and get the Apex hooked back up with the Ethernet cable. I put the WiFi aside to deal with it later.
Well, later has come. The wife was complaining about the 50 feet of Ethernet cable strung across the house, so I thought I'd give it another go.
I plugged it in quickly on a whim and it seems to just have worked. Don't ask me how... I suspect Gremlins.

It will eventually be mounted to the side of the cabinet after the countertop is done.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8635/15998701264_a58a14f341_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qnKwuY)

Here's a couple of pics of what I thought were diatoms... but now I'm not too sure. I am starting to suspect I've over dosed ZeoVit.
I've followed the dosing schedule to the letter, so it's all very confusing. It's literally everywhere there is light cast, including the glass. If anyone has any ideas I'd appreciate it!

With flash.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8654/16413432247_fd6eb8d302_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r1p8za)

Without flash.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8664/16413431027_a7875c1448_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r1p8d8)

[Bugger]

Did you have to input your internet password into the apex is that how it works? I don't have an apex

[rishu_pepper]

Maybe lower the photoperiod and/or intensity? Those Kessils put out some serious light and can cause algae problems. I had experienced it when I had a A150 over my 30g.

Usually my algae goes away once I lower the photoperiod and feed less.

And Warren, I need to hire you to organize my future sump area lol.

[WarDog]

Did you have to input your internet password into the apex is that how it works? I don't have an apex

Dude, I have no idea what I did. Didn't input any password or specific IP address... it literally 'just worked' the second time. I am at a loss for words, but thankful lol!

Maybe lower the photoperiod and/or intensity? Those Kessils put out some serious light and can cause algae problems. I had experienced it when I had a A150 over my 30g.

Usually my algae goes away once I lower the photoperiod and feed less.

And Warren, I need to hire you to organize my future sump area lol.

Brian, I have since turned the lights off until I figure out if I'm dealing with diatoms, Zeo over-dose, or algae. Like I said, I'm a little confused.

Hire me? Hell no! You live so close, I'd be doing a disservice to reef geeks everywhere if I didn't help... text me when you're ready!

[daplatapus]

.. text me when you're ready!

When are you coming to the island...? 😜

[WarDog]

When are you coming to the island...? ��

My folks do live in Nanaimo... and I'd love to see your new fish room! (if it's finished, lol)

[daplatapus]

My folks do live in Nanaimo... and I'd love to see your new fish room! (if it's finished, lol)

LOL, not yet, pretty much as you saw it on my last update. Although I did get 80% of my HRV install done yesterday...

[rishu_pepper]

Brian, I have since turned the lights off until I figure out if I'm dealing with diatoms, Zeo over-dose, or algae. Like I said, I'm a little confused.

Hire me? Hell no! You live so close, I'd be doing a disservice to reef geeks everywhere if I didn't help... text me when you're ready!

Let us know how it turns out with your algae problem.

Haha don't worry, you're on the top of my list of "who should I call to help me move in the tank/stand" :lol:

[WarDog]

LOL, not yet, pretty much as you saw it on my last update. Although I did get 80% of my HRV install done yesterday...

Maybe I should come over Dap... we'd have that room done in no time buddy!

Let us know how it turns out with your algae problem.

Haha don't worry, you're on the top of my list of "who should I call to help me move in the tank/stand" :lol:

I have been assured by a few people that it is in fact just diatoms and I'm freaking out like every newbie reefer does, lol.
Going to keep the lights off for a few days and run the UV several hours/day. Will brush the rocks on Sunday just before the water change.
I would like to introduce some coralline, any ideas where I might get some flakes?

[rishu_pepper]

I have been assured by a few people that it is in fact just diatoms and I'm freaking out like every newbie reefer does, lol.
Going to keep the lights off for a few days and run the UV several hours/day. Will brush the rocks on Sunday just before the water change.
I would like to introduce some coralline, any ideas where I might get some flakes?

There's always this:

http://www.marinedepot.com/CaribSea_Purple_Up_Coralline_Algae_Accelerator_8oz _Live_Rock_Live_Sand_Additives_Supplements-CaribSea-CS8530-FIADSALR-vi.html

(I don't have experience with it!)

Or you can "introduce" coralline by adding my live rock lol. $50 per rock :wink::razz:

[twisty]

Awesome thread... kept me busy all afternoon! :)
I'm in the process of building my own nano system with sump.
Going to try and model my sump area after yours #OCD ;)
Nice work!

[WarDog]

Awesome thread... kept me busy all afternoon! :)
I'm in the process of building my own nano system with sump.
Going to try and model my sump area after yours #OCD ;)
Nice work!

Thanks twisty, lots of helpful members here. Ask questions if you need. Looking forward to your thread!

[helimech]

Glad to hear that someone else has a lot of Diatoms. Was kinda wondering about my own tank, but like usual the answer is just wait!
great thread btw.

[Bblinks]

any updates? :mrgreen:

[WarDog]

any updates? :mrgreen:

Lol, oh just you wait... I have a HUGE update! Have to call you later anyhow.

[rishu_pepper]

Lol, oh just you wait... I have a HUGE update! Have to call you later anyhow.

Stop holding out on us, man! :lol:

[WarDog]

Got my first coral from Gregzz4, Green Birdsnest, been in the tank for almost 24 hrs now and it's looking good with full PE.
I apologize for the photo quality. First two are with my Galaxy4, and third one is with my Nikon Coolpix L120, which I thought was a good camera up until I started taking photos under LED's.
Guess I'll have to invest in a better camera with a tripod down the road.

Anyhoo, took some tank water with me to Greg's as I don't have test kits for Cal and Mag (plan to pick up Sat) and we tested.

Alk : 6.7
Cal : 360
Mag : 1275 (we tested this 4 times and got a different reading each time, 1275 is the average... needless to say, there was some previous consumption of beer)

Greg gave me a tutorial on dosing and bringing my numbers up to acceptable levels, and provided me with baggies full of his pre-mixed chems to do just that.

4 hours later and I was on my way home, lol.

Thanks Greg, I appreciate your dedication to the hobby!

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8631/16472464570_36e8e82311_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r6BFPQ)

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8676/16452572917_f9ca92ce58_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r4RJJi)

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8564/16633955136_26a408fc7c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rkTnkW)

[twisty]

Very nice :)

What are the expected levels for all of the following?
Alk : ?
Cal : ?
Mag : ?

[gregzz4]

Alk : 6.7
Cal : 360
Mag : 1275 (we tested this 4 times and got a different reading each time, 1275 is the average... needless to say, there was some previous consumption of beer)
Just to clarify, it wasn't previous beers; it was before, during and after beers :wink:
Imma gonna have to blame the beers, or your water ..

Just tested my DT twice and got 1350 both times
Tested my new water @ 1200, added 145mls mag and got 1350

Go figure :noidea:

[WarDog]

Just tested my DT twice and got 1350 both times
Tested my new water @ 1200, added 145mls mag and got 1350

Go figure :noidea:

That's because you did the math... and math never lies... unless beer is involved!

Started mixing new salt water, next to the tank, in preparation for my first W/C Saturday night after the frag meet.

Wife not happy, lol.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8585/16480289100_1440e9b254_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r7iMMw)

[gregzz4]

That's because you did the math... and math never lies... unless beer is involved!
But that doesn't explain our differing test results

Started mixing new salt water, next to the tank, in preparation for my first W/C Saturday night after the frag meet.

Wife not happy, lol.
I'd be unhappy too if you had a tank of saltwater on my wood table :razz:

Make a few extra gallons as you'll need it for dipping the corals you bring home :mrgreen:

[WarDog]

But that doesn't explain our differing test results


I'd be unhappy too if you had a tank of saltwater on my wood table :razz:

Make a few extra gallons as you'll need it for dipping the corals you bring home :mrgreen:

Your testing methods were meticulous, mine were reckless, nuff said.

Table is a POS, so no worries there, lol.

Not sure I'm bringing any corals home, think it's still too early. Maybe a LPS, as Rich has suggested, we'll see.

[gregzz4]

Good plan

Too many corals right now would probably starve/bleach etc. Hence the birdsnest experiment

Hope you're picking up some more test kits soon. Your birdsnest will appreciate it

LMK when you want to talk about dosing and bulk supplies

[WarDog]

Picked up 3 corals from the swap today. A blue/green hammer and 2 chalices that just don't photograph well at all.
Seems one of the chalices has a feather duster living in the centre of it, bonus.
Hammer is all upset after the dip!

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8630/16490990399_40d9a443fc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r8fCUF)

[gregzz4]

And so it begins :whoo:

[WarDog]

And so it begins :whoo:

Yup... I foresee an even emptier wallet!

Here is a video of the feather duster in action. Since I only have 1 fish at the moment and feeding sparingly, does this new invert have any special feeding requirements?

https://flic.kr/p/r981SP

[rishu_pepper]

Yup... I foresee an even emptier wallet!

Here is a video of the feather duster in action. Since I only have 1 fish at the moment and feeding sparingly, does this new invert have any special feeding requirements?

https://flic.kr/p/r981SP

I believe the feather duster is a filter feeder, so no need to feed it.

In my experience, hammers are the more temperamental of the 3 euphyllia (hammer/torch/frogspawn). I'm sure it'll be fine after a few days of settling in. Nice colours on that head!

[WarDog]

Wow. Day 44 of keeping my first reef tank and the learning curve is still huge! The livestock are all good, but I am making new discoveries every day in regard to my setup and hardware.

I say this because today, I preformed my first water change.

I figured mixing fresh s/w in a 20 gal tank on my dining room table next to the tank was a good idea. No, it wasn't.
I figured using a 75W heater to bring the water up to temp was a good idea. No, it wasn't.
I figured using a Rio600 to mix the salt was a good idea. No, it wasn't.
I figured using the same Rio600 with some 5/8 hose to drain the tank to the kitchen sink 18 feet away... was a good idea. No, it really wasn't.

Needless to say, I'm going to build a brute container water mixing bin, with hard plumbing, a much stronger pump, larger heaters and a wheeled caddy. Stay tuned as this needs to be built before my next w/c.

In the end I changed around 18 gals in my 80 gal system. Not bad. I was able to take a few pictures, when I had free hands.

Looks like a short distance and an easy task, yes? Ummmmm, nope.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8597/16503196340_776d5d0a45_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r9kciW)

Draining the tank to the tape mark, a calculated 18 gals.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8577/16070634013_c93b436c66_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qu7cAM)

Needed something to suck debris out of the sump. Had to sacrifice my favourite chop stick. Worked like a charm.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8619/16068275794_05e19fff54_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qtU7zQ)

Crap built up in the sump. Might need a few CuC down there in the future.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8561/16689555872_6ff38313b0_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rqNkvj)

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8643/16068266454_36af78c16f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qtU4NN)

Thanks for looking.

[Bblinks]

Looking good buddy, I would love to stop by one day and check out the system.

[WarDog]

Diatoms appear to be receding, and the test corals are looking good, having settled in nicely.
Birdsnest continues to show excellent polyp extension. Skimmer is tuned properly and cup needs to be emptied daily.
Yellow Tail continues to hide throughout the day, but has ventured out during feedings. He is showing no signs of ailment and no signs of ick.

Tested yesterday with my now complete set of kits.

Alk : 7.2
Ca : 420
Mg : 1450
NH4 : 0
NO2 : 0
NO3 : 1
PO4 : 0
SG : 1.026
Temp : 78
pH : 8.2

Adjusted the Zeo dosing slightly, as I thought it might have been the cause of the excess amount of diatoms.

ZeoStart : 0.3 ml 2X daily
Sponge Power : 2 drops daily
Zeobac : 2 drops Sun, Tues, Fri
Zeofood : 2 drops per week

Frankly, sometimes I forget to dose Zeo.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8600/16719565071_7d1079a07d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rts9ci)

I'm surprised with how well things are going with the tank. I thought for sure the rocks were going to be leeching phosphates, but I guess the bleach and acid baths did the trick.
The wife is showing a little more interest now... "When are we going to J&L so I can pick out my own fish?" I wouldn't be surprised if she picks a MI, lol. I did tell her that I can veto anything unsuitable.
Been meaning to pick up some crabs and snails too.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8614/16719849272_0030c89667_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rttAFj)

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8673/16513637887_b2370ccde4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rafHdB)

[Aquattro]

I wouldn't be surprised if she picks a MI

That would be my choice :)

[lockrookie]

I'd go with a dolphin

[WarDog]

That would be my choice :)

I'm not as reckless as you... yet. :wink:

I'd go with a dolphin

Everyone at work has asked me if I'm going to get a shark.

[gregzz4]

Lookin' great Warren

Only thing I'll nitpick about is your Alk and Ca balance

@ 7.2 Alk your Ca should be 412
@ 420 Ca your Alk should be 8.3

Too much messing around to make it wonderful, but it wouldn't hurt if you brought your alk up to 7.5 or even closer to 8.0-8.3
And keep your ca where it is but no higher. Any higher and it might precipitace if your alk drops

Raise your alk and keep your ca where it is, IMHO
Have you tested for mag yet ? or even bought the kits ? :boink:

Just a thought for you to chew on ....

[Bblinks]

Lookin' great Warren

Only thing I'll nitpick about is your Alk and Ca balance

@ 7.2 Alk your Ca should be 412
@ 420 Ca your Alk should be 8.3

Too much messing around to make it wonderful, but it wouldn't hurt if you brought your alk up to 7.5 or even closer to 8.0-8.3
And keep your ca where it is but no higher. Any higher and it might precipitace if your alk drops

Raise your alk and keep your ca where it is, IMHO
Have you tested for mag yet ? or even bought the kits ? :boink:

Just a thought for you to chew on ....

Getting a bit too crazy chasing those "perfect" numbers buddy.

[Aquattro]

Getting a bit too crazy chasing those "perfect" numbers buddy.

lol! Ya, this is not an exact science. Currently my Ca is 410, alk is 12dKh. Almost perfect :)

[Aquattro]

I'm not as reckless as you... yet. :wink:


Famous last words :razz:

[WarDog]

Famous last words :razz:

Well... my middle name is Brad.

[Aquattro]

My middle name is Brad.

With the way you procrastinated with this build, it doesn't surprise me hehe

P.S. Don't chase numbers.

[gregzz4]

I'm not suggesting he chase the #s
I'm suggesting he raise his alk

[Aquattro]

I'm not suggesting he chase the #s
I'm suggesting he raise his alk

Ya, we get it. We're suggesting he leave it alone, because it's fine :)

[WarDog]

Have you tested for mag yet ? or even bought the kits ? :boink:

Yup, completed my set of kits last week!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7628/16562827228_d9fced8df9_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/reAPuG)

I'm not suggesting he chase the #s
I'm suggesting he raise his alk

Ya, we get it. We're suggesting he leave it alone, because it's fine :)

Now, now boys... play nice, :) Zeovit calls for Alk to run around 7, but I would feel safer if it were closer to 8. As long as my Mg stays up and there is no precipitation of Ca, things should be A-ok.


Went on a little road trip with Bblinks to visit with tang daddy and apexifd. All I can say is that Peter has a pretty impressive tank.
Picked up a few frags from him, including a much sought after Superman Milli. Thanks for the night out fellas!
Went out and got a purdy frag rack, plugs and coral glue the next day.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7589/16130447003_96125c5e17_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qzoKVe) https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8734/16562827248_d4809d98c9_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/reAPv3)

I also noticed that when I rinse my mesh bag of carbon, the diatoms appear to recede afterwards, then start to build up again if the bag is not kneaded often.
This has me thinking it would be more beneficial to have the carbon tumbling in a reactor. Am I on the right track?

Thanks for looking.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8697/16128082494_0b7fb933af_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qzbD2Q)

[Bblinks]

Looks good buddy, and this is how it starts...my tank looked exactly like that merely a month ago and now it's bursting at the seams with frags, u just wait...lol

[daplatapus]

lol, Ya I was going to comment on the company you're keeping Warren. This may not be a wise choice of associates :p

[Aquattro]

lol, Ya I was going to comment on the company you're keeping Warren. This may not be a wise choice of associates :p

You have no idea!! lol

[Bblinks]

lol, Ya I was going to comment on the company you're keeping Warren. This may not be a wise choice of associates :p

That's not true Warren, don't listen to these guys. You need a bigger tank first before we can put more frags in there.....might need to reno the basement for a fish room to go with the 250 gallon tank. Oh wait, that's Dom's built. :biggrin: and they say we are bad influence. Lol

[WarDog]

lol, Ya I was going to comment on the company you're keeping Warren. This may not be a wise choice of associates :p

You have no idea!! lol

Yeah, these guys definitely make the 'dark side' very attractive to a young padawan like me.

That's not true Warren, don't listen to these guys. You need a bigger tank first before we can put more frags in there.....might need to reno the basement for a fish room to go with the 250 gallon tank. Oh wait, that's Dom's built. :biggrin: and they say we are bad influence. Lol

Lol.

[Tn23]

Looking good so far Warren.

That's a pretty exotic SPS wish list you have there. You might have to visit R and M soon for those bad boys :)

[WarDog]

Looking good so far Warren.

That's a pretty exotic SPS wish list you have there. You might have to visit R and M soon for those bad boys :)

Thanks Thomas, I hope to acquire more frags from you in the future. The hammer and the chalices I got from you at the swap seem to be doing well. My wish list is just that. I need to learn how to keep the 'easy' SPS's happy before I get into that stuff... maybe in a year. Who are R and M?

[WarDog]

The hammer and the chalices I got from you at the swap seem to be doing well.

My bad... I got those pieces from Albert.

[daplatapus]

That's not true Warren, don't listen to these guys. You need a bigger tank first before we can put more frags in there.....might need to reno the basement for a fish room to go with the 250 gallon tank. Oh wait, that's Dom's built. :biggrin: and they say we are bad influence. Lol

ROFL, Touche!
But.. he's not hanging around with us, traipsing through others coral beds, perusing perfect polyp stick farms :D

[Tn23]

Thanks Thomas, I hope to acquire more frags from you in the future. The hammer and the chalices I got from you at the swap seem to be doing well. My wish list is just that. I need to learn how to keep the 'easy' SPS's happy before I get into that stuff... maybe in a year. Who are R and M?

Haha Ryan and Mike. They'll really Drain your wallets dry, but no one can resist :mrgreen: the eye candy is too strong!

[apexifd]

Looking good. Glad that you drop by.

[WarDog]

Looking good. Glad that you drop by.

Thanks for having me over Peter! Frags are doing well so far!

[Bubbles_]

spent the last hour going through all 33 pages. simply amazing build

[WarDog]

spent the last hour going through all 33 pages. simply amazing build

Thanks, it's been a wild ride... With plenty of regrets lol.

[WarDog]

So the tanks been running about 2 months now and everything looks fine. Got my daily and weekly maintenance routines down. They are not as bad as I was expecting (testing et all).
Just waiting on a BRS bulk order before I get started with dosing (should be around Tuesday). Diatoms continue to recede and the corals appear to be happy campers. No sign of nuisance algae (knock on wood).

My first water change proved to be a bit of a nightmare, and took far too long to mix and heat the new SW.

So I've tried to simplify and speed it up a little with a Friday night project.

Step 1 : Gather necessary items to construct a portable mixing station.

It's a 32 gal Brute with a Speedwave 790, air pump and Jager 300W heater.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7603/16807560881_a00fa2ca5c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rBe9hr)

Step 2 : Put it all together while trying to watch 'Girls' on the PVR with the wife. Damn... that show is funny!

Here is the mixing side assembled (with a little bit of influence from daplatapus)...

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7633/16782802496_8a5c22aeed_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rz3ftJ)

...and the filling side, with the piece that goes into the tank missing.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7592/16621302580_3f3da9e718_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rjLwbq)

Step 3 : Try to justify the cost to the wife. :rolleyes:

I think I will have an acrylic top fabbed up in the future to mount a ro/di float valve, the air pump, a heater bracket and electrical plugs. For now I will probably just notch out the lid.

Thanks for looking.

[daplatapus]

That looks cool. You'll have to let me know how that re-circ line works. I have a feeling yours will be running far before mine, lol
After a bit to talking with a couple guys on RC, I've decided to hook up my RO/DI to my Apex so I'm waiting on a couple float valves and solenoid before I can make any water.

FYI, I'm pretty sure I saw at Home Depot a roller cart for those 32 gal Brute's. It looked exactly like one of the flower pot rollers with 4 wheels. Not sure if it'll hold 300 lbs of water, but worth looking into if you don't have a method of moving that can around.

[WarDog]

That looks cool. You'll have to let me know how that re-circ line works. I have a feeling yours will be running far before mine, lol.

It's filling up now with ro/di, should take 4 hours... I'll keep you posted.

After talking with a couple guys on RC, I've decided to hook up my RO/DI to my Apex so I'm waiting on a couple float valves and solenoid before I can make any water.

I so wish I could do this too. Guess those are the perks of a fish room!

FYI, I'm pretty sure I saw at Home Depot a roller cart for those 32 gal Brute's. It looked exactly like one of the flower pot rollers with 4 wheels. Not sure if it'll hold 300 lbs of water, but worth looking into if you don't have a method of moving that can around.

I thought about one of those, but another $50 was not justified. I just set it next to the tank on a Friday night, fill with ro/di, add salt, mix and heat and it should be ready by Saturday afternoon hopefully. Then it just goes back into the office until the next change.

Thanks for the inspiration Dom!

[WarDog]

My new mixing/water change system seems to work good. I am starting to find that there is always room for improvement in this hobby.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7612/16642887108_c1b49a770e_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rmF9vs) https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8679/16644335199_12dd77d24c_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rmNyYx)

Bblinks picked me up an Appleberry Monti (on the right) from Tim T. Went to Rich's place tonight and I am completely blown away with how much he has added to his tank in a few months!
It's incredible, and going to look amazing once it grows in. This guy is a master! Thanks again Rich for all your help and advice!

Encrusting Monti's have really peaked my interest, and I'm thinking I may go with them, rather than Chalices. We'll see how this first one does though.
Need to start adding corals with colours other than green, lol. Still haven't added any new fish, that will be next.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8628/16623140287_ac50a09ee6_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rjVWt2)

[daplatapus]

Sweeeeeeet! Looking good man. I gotta get over and Rich's set up one of these days...

[Bblinks]

Sweeeeeeet! Looking good man. I gotta get over and Rich's set up one of these days...

You better! lol



Any updates?

[twisty]

Don't leave us hanging! ;)

Any updates?

[WarDog]

No updates. I'm in the dog house for spending too much money this month, lol!

Picked up some bulk with Rich (thanks again buddy), so I'll post once I figure out my dosage and using the Libra.

[daplatapus]

No updates. I'm in the dog house for spending too much money this month, lol!


Ok, NOW you're officially in the club :D

[Bblinks]

Ok, NOW you're officially in the club :D

He is a friend of ours now and not just a friend of mine...Johnny Brasco quote...:mrgreen:

[Ram3500]

No updates. I'm in the dog house for spending too much money this month, lol!

Picked up some bulk with Rich (thanks again buddy), so I'll post once I figure out my dosage and using the Libra.

Lol I droped by Riches house after work about a year and a half ago to pick up some frags . I told my My wife the traffic was really bad on hwy 1. I forgot that my wife had me set up for find my iPhone . I was doing a lot of long distance bike rides back than I was training for the RTCC and we thought it would be a good idea if she could track me on my rides . I guess she could hear in my voice that I wasn't being truthful about my travels so she GPS me lol . In here mind I was cheating on her but lol I was just hanging with Rich looking at his frag tank.
Man was she ****ed but the pink lemonaid and pink stylo was worth it :mrgreen:

[WarDog]

Lol I droped by Riches house after work about a year and a half ago to pick up some frags . I told my My wife the traffic was really bad on hwy 1. I forgot that my wife had me set up for find my iPhone . I was doing a lot of long distance bike rides back than I was training for the RTCC and we thought it would be a good idea if she could track me on my rides . I guess she could hear in my voice that I wasn't being truthful about my travels so she GPS me lol . In here mind I was cheating on her but lol I was just hanging with Rich looking at his frag tank.
Man was she ****ed but the pink lemonaid and pink stylo was worth it :mrgreen:

OMG, my wife asked if I was cheating on her too!

Reminds me of the 'Jake from State Farm' commercial, lol.

Me to Rich on the phone: "Wow... you can frag that for me?"
My wife: "Who is that?"
Me: "It's Rich, from Canreef."
Wife grabs phone: "What are you wearing, Rich from Canreef?"
Rich: "Ummm... khakis."
Wife to me: "She sounds hideous!"
Me : "Well that's because she's a guy... so."

[Wheelman76]

"Jake from State Farm", best commercial ever lol

[hunggi74]

lol, Ya I was going to comment on the company you're keeping Warren. This may not be a wise choice of associates :p

'Nuff said. And that Wheelman76 guy is right up there too. Bad influences. My kids are eating Cheetos for the rest of the month because of them:lol:

[Bblinks]

OMG, my wife asked if I was cheating on her too!

Reminds me of the 'Jake from State Farm' commercial, lol.

Me to Rich on the phone: "Wow... you can frag that for me?"
My wife: "Who is that?"
Me: "It's Rich, from Canreef."
Wife grabs phone: "What are you wearing, Rich from Canreef?"
Rich: "Ummm... khakis."
Wife to me: "She sounds hideous!"
Me : "Well that's because she's a guy... so."

Lmao! I don't think I sound hideous...:lol:

[Bblinks]

'Nuff said. And that Wheelman76 guy is right up there too. Bad influences. My kids are eating Cheetos for the rest of the month because of them:lol:

Btw, jl has flame wrasses that you been looking for...I put a pair on hold for you today...just saying:wink:

[rishu_pepper]

Btw, jl has flame wrasses that you been looking for...I put a pair on hold for you today...just saying:wink:

Nice guy Rich. I told him about the flames too, and showed him Naoko's, 'cuz this guy wants some fancy looking wrasses. :wink:

[WarDog]

That Naoko looks awesome!

Rich, who did you put the wrasses on hold for, me or hunggi lol?

[Bblinks]

That Naoko looks awesome!

Rich, who did you put the wrasses on hold for, me or hunggi lol?

One each and I have the Naoko and its pretty awesome!

[WarDog]

10 weeks in, and tank continues to do well. Diatoms disappear, then reappear. All parameters continue to be fine.

Temp : 78
Salinity : 1.025
pH : 8.13 - 8.22
dkH : 7.0
Ca : 415
Mg : 1335
NH4 : 0
NO2 : 0
NO3 : 0
PO4 : 0

Been checking dkH, Ca and Mg every 2 days to try to figure out how much I need to dose with the Libra. Since I don't have many corals yet they seem to not be consuming it as much as I thought.
May just continue dosing manually until I add more frags... which I am hoping will be soon!

Split a BRS bulk order with Rich and I'm pretty impressed with how clean their additives mix up. Here's a shot with the newly mixed chems in the Vertex 1.5L dosing vessels courtesy of tang daddy.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8755/16973457141_722dcbefd8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rRTpsM)

Haven't hidden the UV's wires yet because I'm not sure if I'm going to continue to use it. Some of you may call this setup clean, but I consider it a total mess, lol! That's OCD for you!
Skimmer is working good, and I am also running filter floss in the sump for larger particulates.
Still need to add a countertop on the stand. Somehow this got pushed back after I started adding livestock.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8705/16973058622_d8f2167c0a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rRRmZL)

Made the trip out to Oceanic today and picked up a few goodies. A Strawberry Top and 6 Trochus snails, making a b-line for the algae. The tank looks better already!
Strawberry snail has lots of coralline on its shell, hoping this adds some colour to the rocks soon! Once it does I'll add an Urchin.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8720/16973057202_211186cc51_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rRRmzh)

Also 2 Serpent stars, and a bonded pair of Orange Spot Gobies, one of which can be seen here.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8753/16973457791_27abf8c807_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rRTpDZ)

Frogspawn is doing well and the Hammer is sprouting 2 new heads.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8706/16786930020_4ae760d01d_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rzpprW)

The second Goby wasted no time in making a burrow under the rockwork. Took him about 5 mins! That's his head sticking out on the right.
Haven't named them yet, that's the Wife's job.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7593/16352031914_8aa619543d_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qUYroJ)

Looking for some juvenile designer clowns, locally for now. Kraken has some nice and affordable ones, but I'm not too keen on shipping yet.

Thanks for looking.

[Wheelman76]

Looking great Warren , and the sump area is awesome!!! Great job.

[Howie]

Tank is looking good. lol and the sump area looks very well organized. Amazing how much stuff a person can fit into such a small space lol

[WarDog]

Looking great Warren , and the sump area is awesome!!! Great job.

Thanks Jesse! Rich keeps telling me I need to visit your place and check out your frag tank... but I'm scared to think how much I will spend, lol!

Tank is looking good. lol and the sump area looks very well organized. Amazing how much stuff a person can fit into such a small space lol

Thanks man... It's been a challenge!

[rishu_pepper]

Your sump is a mess! :twised:

LOL jk, probably the neatest looking sump I've seen on the forums yet.

I'd think twice about getting an urchin; useful as they are at chomping down algae, I've had one that rolled/knocked my frags all over the place, and I have seen others that had the same experience. Buyer beware. :wink:

[Wheelman76]

Come on by for a visit anytime Warren , no need to buy anything. Or maybe you can come over sometime with Rich , however he's probably getting tired of coming over here lol

[gregzz4]

Awesome additions Warren :wink:
Keep your feedings up as the new additions will need more than just sand scraps/leftovers

[WarDog]

It is with a sad heart that I must report my first saltwater livestock loss. Found one of the Orange Spot Gobies belly up after work today. Poor bugger has crossed the rainbow bridge and now resides in the big tank in the sky. Going to check all parameters this evening. Sigh.

[daplatapus]

:(
RIP

[gregzz4]

:sad:

[Bblinks]

Those guys are notorious for hard to keep. Sorry to hear about your losses buddy.

[WarDog]

:(
RIP

:sad:

Those guys are notorious for hard to keep. Sorry to hear about your losses buddy.

Thanks guys... the first loss is always the hardest!

Brought home a couple of Clowns today, and the wife really seems to be warming up to the idea of this expensive salt water box in the middle of her living room!!! YAHOO!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7724/16430085223_b8cd7a07a7_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r2StVr)

...and how can you have a pair of Clowns without a RBTA, courtesy of Peter.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7696/17024235286_cb51bddaff_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rWnE33)

[The Guy]

Sorry for your loss Warren , My first one was a Mandarian goby it sucks. :sad:

[rishu_pepper]

RIP Orange spot goby :( I had one jump on me a few months ago and I didn't even know until I was vacuuming one day (it usually just kept itself near rockwork).

Nice RBTA, has it hosted the clowns yet?

[WarDog]

Sorry for your loss Warren , My first one was a Mandarian goby it sucks. :sad:

Hoping to acquire one of those in the future, just need to start a population of pods first.

RIP Orange spot goby :( I had one jump on me a few months ago and I didn't even know until I was vacuuming one day (it usually just kept itself near rockwork).

Nice RBTA, has it hosted the clowns yet?

Planning a screen top build this weekend. Clowns took 4 days to find the RBTA, but now they are hosting it like crazy!

Picked up some much wanted Rastas from Derek (who has an amazing tank btw!).

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8809/17079470826_8420b58d29_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/s2fKCW)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7586/16898044127_64fcfdbd10_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rKdTNp)

[Wretch]

Damn just spent 2 hours or so reading this. Awesome job on the sump. Everything is looking real nice but you need more frags. Far too much open rock in there. :twised:

[Bblinks]

Damn just spent 2 hours or so reading this. Awesome job on the sump. Everything is looking real nice but you need more frags. Far too much open rock in there. :twised:

What? That sump looks like crap, he needs to give me that sump and set up a new one.....:mrgreen:

[WarDog]

Damn just spent 2 hours or so reading this. Awesome job on the sump. Everything is looking real nice but you need more frags. Far too much open rock in there. :twised:

Thanks Joe, I agree about the frags... soon buddy, soon!

What? That sump looks like crap, he needs to give me that sump and set up a new one.....:mrgreen:

That would cost you a few frags my friend! :lol: You know I would be happy to build you one... on your next upgrade!


Built an auto water change draining device, start some suction and walk away. Automatically stops at the 20 gallon mark.
Strainers, tee and pipe in tank are not glued. This allows for different lengths to be used to drain any desired volume.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8821/16906512157_b558584343_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rKYi3V)

Water changes are now a snap!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7679/17113899805_4a8d2951eb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/s5idb2)

[gregzz4]

:biggrin:

[WarDog]

:biggrin:

Good shot of the Birdsnest there buddy, continues to do well!

[gregzz4]

I see it's not the only critter lookin' happy

[daplatapus]

Nice work!

[kien]

i want one of those!

[WarDog]

I see it's not the only critter lookin' happy

Dood, you should see the smile on my cake hole! ---> :mrgreen:

Nice work!

i want one of those!

Thanks fellas! $29.99 shipped! But wait... there's more! Get a second one free when you order! :lol: Don't delay!

[WarDog]

Played around with my cameras white balance (still not able to custom set), and came up with some pics more true to colour. A tripod is in order to fix focusing issues. Enjoy.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7622/16939584189_1b0a9064e1_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rNTNdn)

Hulk Acro

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8735/17099825806_02c239dc36_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/s445sS)

Lemonade Green Fuzz

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7591/17124218422_07c8d9f636_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/s6d6xd)

Green Milli, Superman Milli, Lemonade Green Fuzz

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7594/16503326804_463e5a6bd5_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r9kS6j)

Red Planet, Pink Stylo

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8761/16937978408_5d89835df4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rNKySu)

Clowns are loving the Nem!

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8689/17125763105_9cffd35da8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/s6m1HF)

My new Wrasse, added last night, is still sleeping.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8808/16505612223_c859159f0a_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r9xzt6)

That is all.

[gregzz4]

What kinda flasher is that ?
Filamented maybe, or second guess is McCoskers ?

Gotta love wrasses :mrgreen:

[WarDog]

For the life of me I can't remember what Tim called it... but Filamented sounds right.

[WarDog]

Here's a better pic now that he's awake!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7671/17126230782_550e0b2e39_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/s6opK5)

[Wretch]

Now you have gone and made a BIG mistake. One wrasse always leads to another and another. I want more and my tank is pretty full but I am considering it any way.

I see your frag rack is filling up as well, it needs some blue and purple on it though. :razz:

[Bblinks]

Looks great buddy.

[Wretch]

Warren I know you went to Ryan's and got some nice frags but I dont see any pictures yet? :razz:

[Ryanerickson]

I was expecting to see them also must be slacking.
Just messing with you it's been less then 24 hours still.

[Bblinks]

Warren I know you went to Ryan's and got some nice frags but I dont see any pictures yet? :razz:

News travels fast. Lol

[Bugger]

The frag rack you use have been known to rust. I had one it rusted the seals are sometimes badly done. Keep an eye on it.

[WarDog]

Don't get your knickers in a twist boys. Update soon.

[WarDog]

The frag rack you use have been known to rust. I had one it rusted the seals are sometimes badly done. Keep an eye on it.

Thanks for the heads up, I'll keep an eye on it.

[daplatapus]

Waiting..... Little bit of twisting going on....

[WarDog]

Lol... sorry. Had to watch Game of Thrones tonight because I was just too busy picking up some new frags yesterday, lol.

So here we go! Camera does not do them justice!

Blueberry Tenius

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7629/17032314318_bae303a0b8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rX64DG)

Kushberry

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7650/17220098205_e6bbc57118_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/seFvfV)

Wolverine

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8823/16597640884_86507df2f1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rhFfo9)

Cali Tort (near centre) & Turaki (bottom right)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7664/17032560960_61b0d9f313_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rX7jY9)

I want to thank Ryan for the awesome pieces and a big shout out to Rich, who has infected me with his addiction! I sense this is just the beginning!

Here's some more reef porn, enjoy!

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8755/16597644854_c2994e6ab6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rhFgyA)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7585/17220087975_2f37898cbc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/seFsdx)

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8700/17033918959_e613547e20_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rXehDV)

[Bblinks]

Guess you can start crossing out the wish list on the bottom like cali tort and wolverine...:mrgreen:

BTW, don't blame me for your obsession, I am merely just a driver....:twised:

[Wretch]

Seems you picked up some of Ryan's finer pieces. Looking very nice. Time to raid fragbox next it looks like? :biggrin:

[WarDog]

Guess you can start crossing out the wish list on the bottom like cali tort and wolverine...:mrgreen:

BTW, don't blame me for your obsession, I am merely just a driver....:twised:

On the way to get frags :car: Coming home with frags :Banane44:

Time to raid fragbox next it looks like? :biggrin:

Already done!

[daplatapus]

Nice man. Put me down for frags of your frags :p

[gregzz4]

Nice collection there Warren

[rishu_pepper]

Man, you've got some expensive tastes! :wink: Nice looking stuff.

[WarDog]

Nice man. Put me down for frags of your frags :p

Haha, for sure!

Nice collection there Warren

Thanks buddy, only a couple dozen more to go lol!

Man, you've got some expensive tastes! :wink: Nice looking stuff.

For sure! My theory is, what's the point of spending thousands on a set up if your not willing to shell out a few hundred for high end candy? I think everyone should treat themselves!

[jason604]

For sure! My theory is, what's the point of spending thousands on a set up if your not willing to shell out a few hundred for high end candy? I think everyone should treat themselves!

I have to agree with u 100% on this. I've seen pics of Mybe 15-20k+ setups with what looks like $50 total of corals n I think to myself hmmm how does that work lol. Great choices in frags man. Lmk when that kush berry is rdy for fragging. It looks sick lol

[Reef Pilot]

Very nice frags, but you're going to run out of room once they start growing! That's the dilemma I have right now. Lots of frags I would like to buy but nowhere to put them in my DT...

And a bit of advice on that,... don't have any mushrooms or palys in your tank with your SPS. They will take over, and crowd out the SPS, at least on the lower levels. And no way to get rid of them, trust me, I have tried everything. They are a worse plague than aiptasia, valonia, GHA, or anything else that I have encountered.

Anyway, good luck, you certainly have the making of a great looking tank.

[WarDog]

Very nice frags, but you're going to run out of room once they start growing! That's the dilemma I have right now. Lots of frags I would like to buy but nowhere to put them in my DT...

And a bit of advice on that,... don't have any mushrooms or palys in your tank with your SPS. They will take over, and crowd out the SPS, at least on the lower levels. And no way to get rid of them, trust me, I have tried everything. They are a worse plague than aiptasia, valonia, GHA, or anything else that I have encountered.

Anyway, good luck, you certainly have the making of a great looking tank.

Thanks! I hear you on the softies and palys. Zero plans for adding them. I do have 4 pieces of LPS that will probably be removed once the sps starts growing in. I just had to have the rastas and I am also considering some utter chaos and pink hippos too, but I want to secluded them on their own island or tree. I think I am setting myself up for an upgrade lol! The wife is starting to show a lot of interest so hopefully that will work in my favour!

[jason604]

I too fear my Euphylias and zoas attacking sps so I kept them right in he middle of my tank on their own rocks far away from sps. Early will save lots of headaches in the future.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b578/kosin604/3E363A96-707D-46E8-9A3C-0BA639242DD8_zpsyydneoy9.jpg (http://s1292.photobucket.com/user/kosin604/media/3E363A96-707D-46E8-9A3C-0BA639242DD8_zpsyydneoy9.jpg.html)

[WarDog]

Got a couple new pieces from the Fragbox group buy. Frost Bite (front left), and Wasabi Tortusa (front right). Again, sorry about the colours, just a quick pic with the phone.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8729/17110822399_90507147a8_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/s52rni)

Believe it or not, my new favourite piece is Ram3500's Forest Fire Digi. I'm in awe... thanks Ian!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7687/17089580597_4fdddccf2f_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/s39yVk)

Now before you kids start freaking out about the next couple pics, understand first that I am just fostering the Naso for now. He's gorgeous!
It would seem a few fish found their way into my tank over the weekend and I am happy to give them a place to crash. I'm thinking the Kole can stay and become my premier specimen.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8719/17110822599_1323a0b966_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/s52rqK)

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8768/17109264658_cbc81ca63f_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/s4TsiG)

[Ram3500]

Nice to see things are coming along !! You have a lot of nice frags keep the pictures coming :biggrin:

[WarDog]

YOU'VE GOT MAIL!

I wonder what it could be?

All the way from Quebec in 7 days and not a mark on the box!

Impressive Canada Post... impressive!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7693/16685022704_81de9f1e66_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rqp6Xf)

BOOYAA!!

Now we're talkin'!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7685/17281521466_9cd560b71f_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sk7jfE)

I could have made my own battery backup, but electronics DIY is one of my least favourite things... and this comes all assembled and purdy and ready to mount. I'm pretty happy shipping was free from ReefSupplies, because this thing weighs a ton!

I will also be doing a thread documenting the install of the QD, including before and after testing with a sound meter. Here's a preview: 3 feet from the MP40wES running surf crest at 50%.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7684/17121254299_2251034dca_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/s5WUpD)

Thanks for looking!

[Bblinks]

YOU'VE GOT MAIL!

I wonder what it could be?

All the way from Quebec in 7 days and not a mark on the box!

Impressive Canada Post... impressive!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7693/16685022704_81de9f1e66_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rqp6Xf)

BOOYAA!!

Now we're talkin'!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7685/17281521466_9cd560b71f_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sk7jfE)

I could have made my own battery backup, but electronics DIY is one of my least favourite things... and this comes all assembled and purdy and ready to mount. I'm pretty happy shipping was free from ReefSupplies, because this thing weighs a ton!

I will also be doing a thread documenting the install of the QD, including before and after testing with a sound meter. Here's a preview: 3 feet from the MP40wES running surf crest at 50%.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7684/17121254299_2251034dca_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/s5WUpD)

Thanks for looking!

I need that app....lol

So what exactly did you buy for the upgrade? Just the driver?

[Wretch]

Its always nice to get things in the mail. How did you manage not to install everything once you opened it.

[WarDog]

I need that app....lol

So what exactly did you buy for the upgrade? Just the driver?

Yup, just the driver. Didn't feel like shelling out for a whole new whiz-ding.

Its always nice to get things in the mail. How did you manage not to install everything once you opened it.

After I took those pics the couch was calling... then I fell asleep, lol.

[WarDog]

My wife gave me crabs today... well, just 1 crab.

Also picked up a few supplements.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7780/17177400749_730237c8d0_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/saUEMT) https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8835/17363691915_e2e7d1468f_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ssnsEx)

Some more pieces from Peter! Frag rack officially full, need to start mounting!

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8804/17363261681_b24a2e3b35_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sskfLH)

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8768/17363261631_ba228706b0_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sskfKR)

[gregzz4]

need to start mounting!
Or buy another rack :razz:

[daplatapus]

Frag rack officially full, need to start mounting!


or give them to the needy...

[Bblinks]

or give them to the needy...

When are you coming over to this side of the water Dom? You need to start stocking your tank.....and I know where there is abundance of frags up for grabs. :wink:

[WarDog]

or give them to the needy...

I usually hit Nanaimo twice a year... any requests? Once they're grown out a bit I mean. :lol:

...and if you do come to town for a visit, I'm sure there's a bunch of guys who would be happy to take you around on the frag tank tour! VIP entry, no waiting at the door!


My new Acro frag from Peter is awesome!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7689/17187997950_ec5b198e1b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sbQYYf)

Anyone have any idea what these might be. Thousands everywhere. Trochus snail eggs? Best picture I could get.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7684/17375243801_de3025006b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/stoECZ)

[Aquattro]

My new Acro frag from Peter is awesome!


Hmm....

[WarDog]

Hmm....

Yes Brad? Think it would look better under MH?

[Aquattro]

Yes Brad? Think it would look better under MH?

Well ya, that's a given, but really I was thinking it would look better in my tank :)

[daplatapus]

When are you coming over to this side of the water Dom? You need to start stocking your tank.....and I know where there is abundance of frags up for grabs. :wink:

It'll be a few months yet. I'm still crazy busy with work. But I would LOVE to come over.

I usually hit Nanaimo twice a year... any requests? Once they're grown out a bit I mean. :lol:

I'd have to see the whole collection in person to really be able to make a decision :p

...and if you do come to town for a visit, I'm sure there's a bunch of guys who would be happy to take you around on the frag tank tour! VIP entry, no waiting at the door!

I would be sooo into that!


Anyone have any idea what these might be. Thousands everywhere. Trochus snail eggs? Best picture I could get.


My guess is Spirorbid worms


Thanks for the invite's guys, Maybe we'll have to arrange something later in the summer. Great looking progress on the tank Warren!

[WarDog]

Picked up an Omega 150 from Peter. Gave it some TLC for good measure!

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5467/17316371099_d90b5b5bbd_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sobVQp)

Got it installed today after the 25% w/c. Just need a Vertex reactor for the carbon and the sump theme will be complete. Think Bblinks has one kicking around.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5465/17314877728_de351b80db_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/so4gUC)

Still haven't switched out the MP40wes driver with the new QD driver. So lazy!

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5458/17316372919_d165e4c4fc_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sobWnM)

Took a whole 15 seconds to dial in. Skimming like a champ now.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8725/16882366873_edc21cc8e5_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rHQxuV)

Dealing with high Nitrates, added too many fish at once for such a young tank me thinks. Just glad everything looks healthy. Major w/c happening on Tuesday when I pull a few fish out!

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5341/17502667565_cd0c881da2_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sEDKhr)

I'll figure it out.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8782/17502666045_e402a73710_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sEDJQe)

Thanks for looking and happy reefing!

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5333/17283889759_e4a50eed37_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/skjsgi)

[rishu_pepper]

Good call on the Omega 150, I had it on my 75g and it was a breeze to setup and use.

[daplatapus]

Sweet looking tank, bro.
Love the Naso - it was my target fish in upgrading - even though a 210 is technically a bit on the small side for them :(

[Aquattro]

Love the Naso - it was my target fish in upgrading - even though a 210 is technically a bit on the small side for them :(

Ya, hate to be that guy, but a naso in a 65g is pushing the envelope :) Mine outgrew my 180!

[The Guy]

Picked up an Omega 150 from Peter. Gave it some TLC for good measure!


Hey Warren you'll be happy with Omega 150, had one on the 90g & 50 g sump and never had any issues, it worked great for me.

[WarDog]

Good call on the Omega 150, I had it on my 75g and it was a breeze to setup and use.

Hey Warren you'll be happy with Omega 150, had one on the 90g & 50 g sump and never had any issues, it worked great for me.

Loving it so far! Gives me much needed extra room in the sump!

[Wretch]

Come on now. We all know he doesn't care how it works. He just wanted to have a protein skimmer that matched his sump. :wink:

[rishu_pepper]

Come on now. We all know he doesn't care how it works. He just wanted to have a protein skimmer that matched his sump. :wink:

He doesn't care about anything except his sump :wink::lol:

Thanks for the Naso, BTW. It's in my QT atm. Didn't want to chance anything by not QT-ing even though I know it's a clean fish, plus I'm going away for the weekend so just for safety he's going in there for a couple weeks at least.

[WarDog]

Sweet looking tank, bro.
Love the Naso - it was my target fish in upgrading - even though a 210 is technically a bit on the small side for them :(

Thanks Dom! Yeah he was a pretty awesome fish! Too bad he had to go!

Ya, hate to be that guy, but a naso in a 65g is pushing the envelope :) Mine outgrew my 180!

The Naso was re-homed to an appropriate sized tank yesterday. I feel better for it! All 6 Chromis went today. Now I have more room for frags!

[WarDog]

Come on now. We all know he doesn't care how it works. He just wanted to have a protein skimmer that matched his sump. :wink:

He doesn't care about anything except his sump :wink::lol:

I'm worried you guys know me too well! Who cares about livestock... show me your plumbing!!! :lol:

[WarDog]

Thanks for the Naso, BTW. It's in my QT atm. Didn't want to chance anything by not QT-ing even though I know it's a clean fish, plus I'm going away for the weekend so just for safety he's going in there for a couple weeks at least.

Look after him Brian, the wife and I got quite attached to the little devil. :sad:

[gregzz4]

Glad to hear the inappropriate fishes have left the arena
Most chromis suck balls .. but keeping the Naso would have been cool with the right tank. I'm sure your wife was trying to make you keep it :mrgreen:

We need to see some pics of you actually 'mounting corals' !!!
Enough of the Horten von Ware, get on with the mounting :razz:
And sell that ugly green birdsnest already ...

[rishu_pepper]

Look after him Brian, the wife and I got quite attached to the little devil. :sad:

Upgrade to a bigger tank and you can have him back :wink:

[Wretch]

So what kind of fish are going to replace the recently evicted?

[daplatapus]

Upgrade to a bigger tank and you can have him back :wink:

Ya! It's gotta be time for an upgrade already. :boink:

[WarDog]

Upgrade to a bigger tank and you can have him back :wink:

Ya! It's gotta be time for an upgrade already. :boink:

Don't tempt me!

[WarDog]

We need to see some pics of you actually 'mounting corals' !!!
Enough of the Horten von Ware, get on with the mounting :razz:
And sell that ugly green birdsnest already ...

So what kind of fish are going to replace the recently evicted?

Birdsnest is gone. Things are on hold at the moment... see the next post :sad:

[WarDog]

Last night (literally minutes before leaving for the U2 concert) I noticed something wrong with the Blueberry Tenius.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5466/17714998966_32422f3e6b_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sZq11E)

I frantically texted Rich and he diagnosed RTN. Oh man.

I quickly dipped and turkey basted the frag for several minutes.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5462/17553547228_7b876bda74_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sK9w31)

No signs of AEFW, just skin and pods. Then several minutes in Lugols Solution, a rinse and back in the tank as we headed out the door.

Tried to calm myself and enjoy the show, which we did!

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5341/17119284704_57f708a59c_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/s5LNV7)

https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7706/17741759055_8270ef8d75_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/t2M9Rv)

This morning I have been researching RTN and STN, and the appropriate actions to take. I'm thinking just to make fresh cuts of the frag.

If I lose the piece, so be it, that's part of the game. I am worried about all the other pieces and wondering if there is anything I need to do to treat the tank, or is the infection localized? Any insight would be helpful.

[Roskoreef]

I am no expert by any means but i had the same problem about a month ago...for me it was low alk and mag to start with, then i discovered my skimmer pump had a snail stuck in it and wasnt pumping much water all. fixed all that and they stopped stning after a day or 2, i also cut back on feeding the fish a tiny bit.. So i beleive i had too high nutrients, not enough oxygen and too low alk and mag

[Roskoreef]

I did end up fragging up the pieces it was too late for and they are thriving now...

[WarDog]

I am no expert by any means but i had the same problem about a month ago...for me it was low alk and mag to start with, then i discovered my skimmer pump had a snail stuck in it and wasnt pumping much water all. fixed all that and they stopped stning after a day or 2, i also cut back on feeding the fish a tiny bit.. So i beleive i had too high nutrients, not enough oxygen and too low alk and mag

I did end up fragging up the pieces it was too late for and they are thriving now...

Thanks Rosko, everything seems to be in check. Tested yesterday. I wouldn't mind checking my o2 levels.

Alk : 8.3
Ca : 430
Mg : 1275
Salinity : 1.025
NH3 : 0
NO2 : 0
NO3 : 5 (finally dropping)
PO4 : 0 Salifert (bought a Hanna, but haven't tried it yet)
pH : 8.24 - 8.31

[gregzz4]

Sorry to hear about the grief Warren
I wouldn't fret about O2 if your skimmer is producing micro bubbles under the foam head

[Wretch]

So Warren hows everything looking now? Still having issues or back to normal?

[WarDog]

Everything appears to be back to normal. Ended up tossing the piece as it was too late to save. Going to monitor for one more week then begin mounting the frags.

[gregzz4]

Forgot to ask you today how that new skimmer is working out

[WarDog]

Forgot to ask you today how that new skimmer is working out

It's working great! The best part is all the extra room in the sump!

[gregzz4]

What extra room ?

[gregzz4]

What extra room ?
drunk post :biggrin:

[WarDog]

What extra room ?

drunk post :biggrin:

Lol, still drinking? The AquaC, although a fantastic skimmer, is basically a giant box. It took up a full 25% of the sump and blocked access for adding socks... something I can do now.

[Aquattro]

Lol, still drinking?

c'mon, all Greg's weekend posts are "induced" - lol

[WarDog]

Minor disappointing update I'm afraid...

Lost the Kole and a Flame Angel, within 12 hours apart, to what appears to be Ich. Ruled out Velvet, based on where the Flame came from. He was re-homed to my tank last week. Too much stress in too short a time I figure. Clowns and Damsel are showing symptoms, so I am hoping for the best. Plans to add fish at this time are completely on hold. I am starting to reconsider a QT.

Nitrates continue to be around 5 ppm. With the help of a few other members at large, we've pretty much narrowed it down to the dry rock, and the time it takes to build up the beneficial bacteria. Just a waiting game at this point.

Corals were browning out, due possibly to the fact that I was only running the Kessils at 60%. Slowly been ramping them up to 100% with a longer photo period, and the corals seem to be responding, with colours returning.

On a positive note all the inverts are doing well, including the Bubble Tip, which has quadrupled in size. The Trochus Snails continue to keep all hair algae in check, and coralline is starting to take hold on the rocks finally.

At this point I am thinking of a coral and invert only tank, lol.

Finally picked up some pods today in hopes of building a grand army!

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/513/18301495116_4925c7c798_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/tTeWTf)

[Ram3500]

I think your corals are browning because you are using LEDs

[WarDog]

I think your corals are browning because you are using LEDs

Oh yeah? Want to buy a used pair, cheap? You could have 5 over your tank... perfect for your brown corals!

[gregzz4]

c'mon, all Greg's weekend posts are "induced" - lol
Not this weekend :smile:

Wow, sorry to hear about your fish losses.
Have you considered using Stability or MB7 ? Since your rock is kinda lacking in bacteria ... are you using an Ammo Alert badge and testing ? May have no bearing but doesn't hurt to check/keep an eye on these kinds of things.
NH3, and NO2 and 3 testing is one of my chores whenever I add new fish.
Since you don't currently QT, you have more going on than me with fish additions. Possible infections and feeding are a couple that come to mind.

The Tigger pods, IME, are a one-time addition - add, eaten, gone.
I've not used the Doc's eggs yet ..

You've got a lot on your plate ..
Dead rock, new tank, zeo-vit system, new frags, new lights, new fish ....

Deep breath ... :wink:

[Wretch]

Sucks to lose fish. I lost a new wrasse last week. It made it one day, next morning I found it half eaten. After that decided my tank has enough fish.

What happened to taking a break on new things for a while and letting your system settle a bit? Hope everything comes together for you.

[daplatapus]

Sucks to hear, man. Never nice to lose fish. I have to agree with the thoughts already expressed. When I started my first tank (the 77 gal I'm running now and upgrading) I was quick to try and fix things that I perceived were going wrong. And I'm still paying for those actions 3 years later. I'm now in the don't do or add anything into a tank other than new salt water and top up water for at least a year. If corals are not growing... At least they're not dying, lol. Regular water changes will give them all the nutrients they need to stay alive. Keep in mind this is my thinking for people new to the hobby. Until people fully understand the effects of adding agent "a" they really shouldn't be doing it. I thought I new why I added a something as innocuous as an algae turf scrubber.... Still paying for it. I thought I new why I started vodka dosing... Now I believe I'm still paying for it.
I believe the only way to get over my mistakes over the last 3 years is to start over, completely re-starting with almost nothing from my old tank going into the new. It sucks. It's humbling. But, like I've heard before, education is never free.
Resist the temptation to try and fix something unless it's imminently going to kill fish. Work on tweeking colors and corals after a couple years and you can intuitively know how they are reacting when you dose stuff.

[WarDog]

Not this weekend :smile:

Wow, sorry to hear about your fish losses.
Have you considered using Stability or MB7 ? Since your rock is kinda lacking in bacteria ... are you using an Ammo Alert badge and testing ? May have no bearing but doesn't hurt to check/keep an eye on these kinds of things.
NH3, and NO2 and 3 testing is one of my chores whenever I add new fish.
Since you don't currently QT, you have more going on than me with fish additions. Possible infections and feeding are a couple that come to mind.

The Tigger pods, IME, are a one-time addition - add, eaten, gone.
I've not used the Doc's eggs yet ..

You've got a lot on your plate ..
Dead rock, new tank, zeo-vit system, new frags, new lights, new fish ....

Deep breath ... :wink:

I have a bottle of MB7 I am using for the 20 gal, but I have resisted using it in my 65 only because I'm using Zeo. I test for NH3, NO3, PO4, Ca, Alk, and Mag twice a week. Salinity once a week with a refractometer, and monitor pH, temp and salinity (apex probe) daily.

Sucks to lose fish. I lost a new wrasse last week. It made it one day, next morning I found it half eaten. After that decided my tank has enough fish.

What happened to taking a break on new things for a while and letting your system settle a bit? Hope everything comes together for you.

Other than adding the Flame, I am taking a break on adding things... until I find more room for frags! Lol. But yeah, that's it for fish for a while. Please, no one offer me any more free fish, lol!

Sucks to hear, man. Never nice to lose fish. I have to agree with the thoughts already expressed. When I started my first tank (the 77 gal I'm running now and upgrading) I was quick to try and fix things that I perceived were going wrong. And I'm still paying for those actions 3 years later. I'm now in the don't do or add anything into a tank other than new salt water and top up water for at least a year. If corals are not growing... At least they're not dying, lol. Regular water changes will give them all the nutrients they need to stay alive. Keep in mind this is my thinking for people new to the hobby. Until people fully understand the effects of adding agent "a" they really shouldn't be doing it. I thought I new why I added a something as innocuous as an algae turf scrubber.... Still paying for it. I thought I new why I started vodka dosing... Now I believe I'm still paying for it.
I believe the only way to get over my mistakes over the last 3 years is to start over, completely re-starting with almost nothing from my old tank going into the new. It sucks. It's humbling. But, like I've heard before, education is never free.
Resist the temptation to try and fix something unless it's imminently going to kill fish. Work on tweeking colors and corals after a couple years and you can intuitively know how they are reacting when you dose stuff.

I haven't really tried to change anything. I chose ZeoVit for this tank and I'm going to stick with it, hence why I'm not adding MB7. Sure I changed brands of skimmers, but that change should have no effect. My problem is, I went against the grain by using dry rock, knowing full well that it wasn't recommended by ZeoVit. I just have to live with that decision and wait it out. I thought the corals were browning because I wasn't using any specialized amino acids or that sort, but it appears to be the intensity of the Kessils were too low. Like I said, the corals are responding better now that I've increased the intensity and photo period. Ian has been very helpful in sharing his lighting schedule with me and he has no problem getting SPS growth and colours from his Kessils, so I know the lights work just fine.

In the end, this is my first salt tank. Mistakes are bound to be made, hopefully I can learn from them. When I do decide to upgrade, I should have a better understanding of just how things work. Just like you are doing with your upgrade Dom!

[daplatapus]

I hope my first post didn't come of snobbish. I have loved and hated my first tank. But I also wouldn't have chosen to do it any differently. The lessons I've learned, I probably wouldn't have learned any other way. It has brought me many hours of enjoyment and inspired me to try again :)
I believe I now know what things I've done wrong, but I bet in 5 years, I'll realize I still hadn't a clue, lol.
Good on ya for sticking with your decisions and getting help from those experienced with what you're trying to do.
I'll continue to learn vicariously from those who try things different from me :)

[WarDog]

I hope my first post didn't come of snobbish. I have loved and hated my first tank. But I also wouldn't have chosen to do it any differently. The lessons I've learned, I probably wouldn't have learned any other way. It has brought me many hours of enjoyment and inspired me to try again :)
I believe I now know what things I've done wrong, but I bet in 5 years, I'll realize I still hadn't a clue, lol.
Good on ya for sticking with your decisions and getting help from those experienced with what you're trying to do.
I'll continue to learn vicariously from those who try things different from me :)

No no, I didn't read that as snobbish at all. I appreciate all your input Dom!

[Myka]

Fwiw, Tigger pods won't colonize in the tank. What is in the Doc's? I can see in the pic it mentions rotifers which won't colonize either, and copepods...what kind of copepods? For pods that will colonize the tank, you're better off using a ball of chaeto from someone else's (clean) system. Adding some clean, cured live rock to the sump might help you out too.

[WarDog]

Fwiw, Tigger pods won't colonize in the tank. What is in the Doc's? I can see in the pic it mentions rotifers which won't colonize either, and copepods...what kind of copepods? For pods that will colonize the tank, you're better off using a ball of chaeto from someone else's (clean) system. Adding some clean, cured live rock to the sump might help you out too.

It was a bottle of Doc's Eco Matter. Added last night. Worth a shot. I picked up some cheato from Ian for my 20 gal, but there's aptasia in that tank now, so no way it's getting near the 65. Lol.

[rishu_pepper]

Man, that's a brutal few days. I know how that feels from a couple weeks ago. Hope everything will turn out positively for you soon, buddy!

[WarDog]

Man, that's a brutal few days. I know how that feels from a couple weeks ago. Hope everything will turn out positively for you soon, buddy!

Thanks Brian, I was a bit of a Debbie Downer there for a few days but I'm trying to stay positive!

[Wretch]

Fwiw, Tigger pods won't colonize in the tank. What is in the Doc's? I can see in the pic it mentions rotifers which won't colonize either, and copepods...what kind of copepods? For pods that will colonize the tank, you're better off using a ball of chaeto from someone else's (clean) system. Adding some clean, cured live rock to the sump might help you out too.

Eco matter contains: “L” Shaped Rotifers, Moina Salina, Nanno Phytoplankton, Copepods: Tigriopus, Tisbe, Parvocalanus, Pseudodiaptomus, Acartia

[WarDog]

Eco matter contains: “L” Shaped Rotifers, Moina Salina, Nanno Phytoplankton, Copepods: Tigriopus, Tisbe, Parvocalanus, Pseudodiaptomus, Acartia

Sounds delicious, thanks Joe!

[WarDog]

Well, its official, the wife just called and reported the Damsel and her favorite Clown are dead. Second Clown probably isn't too far behind. Corals and inverts appear to be unaffected. Time to reevaluate and leave the tank fallow for 3 months I guess.

Seriously ****ed, because I know it could have been avoided.

[wilswils57]

damn dude i was following this thread too! that sucks. i got wrecked by velvet/ich too! lost 9 fish

[Wretch]

Well, its official, the wife just called and reported the Damsel and her favorite Clown are dead. Second Clown probably isn't too far behind. Corals and inverts appear to be unaffected. Time to reevaluate and leave the tank fallow for 3 months I guess.

Seriously ****ed, because I know it could have been avoided.

Damn man that really sucks? Do you know exactly what it is? Seems to be pretty harsh just to be ick. I know it sucks not having any fish in the tank for a while but it lets you work on other things.

Aquascape and frag placement. Lets you acquire more frags. Lets your pod population increase. Allows you to plan for the fish you want and the order you want to get them(or all at once). Gotta keep it positive. Really 3 months in the life of a tank isn't all that long.

[WarDog]

damn dude i was following this thread too! that sucks. i got wrecked by velvet/ich too! lost 9 fish

I've lost countless numbers of fish during my freshwater days, but as this is my first salt tank, it really stings. Probably the worst part is that the clowns were my wifes favourite part of the tank. She really started to come around once they went in. The poor girl had to flush her favourite fish today. I'll need to buy her something shiny.

Damn man that really sucks? Do you know exactly what it is? Seems to be pretty harsh just to be ick. I know it sucks not having any fish in the tank for a while but it lets you work on other things.

Aquascape and frag placement. Lets you acquire more frags. Lets your pod population increase. Allows you to plan for the fish you want and the order you want to get them(or all at once). Gotta keep it positive. Really 3 months in the life of a tank isn't all that long.

Unfortunately I wont know what it is unless I can do a biopsy under a microscope, which I don't have. Lots of telltale white spots, but also a white sheen that appears under blues.

If and when the last fish dies, I'll be putting him on ice until I can get my hands on a microscope.

Completely ruled out Velvet based on the fact that the tank from which the Flame came, has mild Ich, but all fish are fine.

Can Ich wipe out an entire tank once introduced in 7 days? Symptoms began after the Flame was introduced, so I assume he was patient zero.

Also considering poisoning, and use of tap water for rinsing certain tools etc. Pretty hard to believe any poisoning would show the same symptoms as Ich. Confirmed with the wife and mother in law that no cleaning/spraying was done near the tank.

Still haven't mounted any frags, and I wanted to thin out the sandbed. So yeah, lots of stuff to do in the meantime. Maybe even set up a QT because, you know, I'm an idiot. :doh:

[Wretch]

I've lost countless numbers of fish during my freshwater days, but as this is my first salt tank, it really stings. Probably the worst part is that the clowns were my wifes favourite part of the tank. She really started to come around once they went in. The poor girl had to flush her favourite fish today. I'll need to buy her something shiny.



Unfortunately I wont know what it is unless I can do a biopsy under a microscope, which I don't have. Lots of telltale white spots, but also a white sheen that appears under blues.

If and when the last fish dies, I'll be putting him on ice until I can get my hands on a microscope.

Completely ruled out Velvet based on the fact that the tank from which the Flame came, has mild Ich, but all fish are fine.

Can Ich wipe out an entire tank once introduced in 7 days? Symptoms began after the Flame was introduced, so I assume he was patient zero.

Also considering poisoning, and use of tap water for rinsing certain tools etc. Pretty hard to believe any poisoning would show the same symptoms as Ich. Confirmed with the wife and mother in law that no cleaning/spraying was done near the tank.

Still haven't mounted any frags, and I wanted to thin out the sandbed. So yeah, lots of stuff to do in the meantime. Maybe even set up a QT because, you know, I'm an idiot. :doh:

Well fish die in quarantine as much as in a display tank but everyone has there opinion on that. Maybe yours has changed now after this icky episode.

Make your tank nice and pretty in the next 3 months. Get good growth on your sps then when you add fish they will make the tank even better looking.

[gregzz4]

Sorry to hear about your losses Warren
It definitely hurts losing fish

[Aquattro]

FWIW, I set up a QT after losing a bunch of fish. I lost more fish in QT than not, so now my tank is full of non quarantined fish, all happy and healthy.
I don't even have an opinion on it anymore, I think it's a good idea, but not for me.

[WarDog]

FWIW, I set up a QT after losing a bunch of fish. I lost more fish in QT than not, so now my tank is full of non quarantined fish, all happy and healthy.
I don't even have an opinion on it anymore, I think it's a good idea, but not for me.


Oh yeah... that's why I didn't bother with a QT.

[Aquattro]

I got lucky so far, and not pushing it. Fish list is complete, so fingers crossed nothing happens. If I lose another tank full, I'm probably done!!

[F.H]

FWIW, I set up a QT after losing a bunch of fish. I lost more fish in QT than not, so now my tank is full of non quarantined fish, all happy and healthy.
I don't even have an opinion on it anymore, I think it's a good idea, but not for me.

FWIW, I lost all my fish, about 4 of them when I was new to saltwater about 3 years ago to ich, or a similar "white spot" disease, although I'm pretty sure it wasn't velvet.

Left my tank fallow for 3 months, vowed to QT everything wet that goes into my tank from then on.

I haven't lost a single fish since, and currently have 7 in my tank.

As with every other aspect of this hobby, you'll have stories on one end of the spectrum such as Aquattro's and then stories on the other end such as mine.

My experiences have convinced me that QT is the way to go, his have convinced him otherwise.

Good luck with moving forward, I know probably every single reefer on Canreef has lost some livestock one way or another. Right now is the perfect time to ask around, maybe do some research and figure out exactly which direction you would like to take.

[Aquattro]

Absolutely 2 views on QT. If anyone asks me, I recommend it, I just don't practice it myself anymore. Mostly out of frustration.

[daplatapus]

That totally sucks. Sorry to hear. I agree about all the views expressed with QT. I think it's a good idea in practice. I do a modified QT :)
Here's my rationalization, wrong or right or somewhere in between. My QT consists of a full tank change every 72 hours for two weeks. So a full cycle of the TTM. That, in theory should get rid of ich.
If anything else should show, I figure the stress of that should make it apparent and I can deal with it. If nothing shows in that two weeks, into the display it goes.
I've tried a full 6-8 weeks QT and I've not been able to do it. That's when I've killed fish. So far since I've done the TTM, I haven't lost a fish due to my negligence, and I actually have seen few sick fish. Prazipro has been able to take care of anything else so far.

But I know the TTM isn't easy if you don't have a fish room or somewhere you can set up an entire system...

[Myka]

Quarantine is all about risk factor. If you have several thousand dollars worth of fish in a large tank then it doesn't make sense to NOT quarantine. One little fish can wipe out all of them. If you have a small tank, and few fish, then maybe quarantine isn't as dire.

[Aquattro]

Quarantine is all about risk factor. If you have several thousand dollars worth of fish in a large tank then it doesn't make sense to NOT quarantine. One little fish can wipe out all of them. If you have a small tank, and few fish, then maybe quarantine isn't as dire.

Agreed. If I decided to add another fish now, I would risk losing that single fish in QT vs risking the tank populous overall.

[WarDog]

Quarantine is all about risk factor. If you have several thousand dollars worth of fish in a large tank then it doesn't make sense to NOT quarantine. One little fish can wipe out all of them. If you have a small tank, and few fish, then maybe quarantine isn't as dire.

This sounds like a pretty good idea and is something I will seriously consider. The wife and I are starting to think about a new stocking list (no more tangs or rescue fish). The one remaining fish, male clown, appears not too bad and I'm starting to think he might have a chance. Guess I will try to catch him in the future and treat, if he survives. I'd really like to start the fallow period.

[Bblinks]

This sounds like a pretty good idea and is something I will seriously consider. The wife and I are starting to think about a new stocking list (no more tangs or rescue fish). The one remaining fish, male clown, appears not too bad and I'm starting to think he might have a chance. Guess I will try to catch him in the future and treat, if he survives. I'd really like to start the fallow period.

I think Myka nailed it on the head. Quarantine is important if you have an established tank with a lot to lose, not saying if you have only a few fishes that you don't have to worry. It all cost money. I think you can quarantine but just need to quarantine in the right tank, putting a larger fish in a 20 gallon quarantine is just not the best practice. Corals on the other hand can be quarantined in a 20 gallon tank with proper flow and lighting of course.

I do feel responsible for your loses and I think the only way to make it up to you is to set up that 120 for you. just tell me when and i'll be over...

[WarDog]

I think Myka nailed it on the head. Quarantine is important if you have an established tank with a lot to lose, not saying if you have only a few fishes that you don't have to worry. It all cost money. I think you can quarantine but just need to quarantine in the right tank, putting a larger fish in a 20 gallon quarantine is just not the best practice. Corals on the other hand can be quarantined in a 20 gallon tank with proper flow and lighting of course.

I do feel responsible for your loses and I think the only way to make it up to you is to set up that 120 for you. just tell me when and i'll be over...

Lol, don't sweat it. We're still friends!

[Bblinks]

Lol, don't sweat it. We're still friends!

So this weekend.....:fadein:

[WarDog]

So this weekend.....:fadein:

Hell ya... you had me at 'so'. Lol.

Wait... did you mean the 120? Ummmm, no.

[Wretch]

Maybe you can just setup another 65 right next to the current one? run to the same sump and have a sorta 130? or is the 120 a better idea?

[WarDog]

I kinda like the idea of dual 65's.:lol:

[Bblinks]

I kinda like the idea of dual 65's.:lol:

Dual 120 or just a 210....ready to go! :mrgreen:

[Wretch]

Gotta think custom Warren. Everyones stuff now is custom. Even I asked for a custom tank quote from concepts. :twised:

[WarDog]

The last Clown seems to be weathering the storm. He ate no problem, but still acts a bit off. I'll let you kids have a look and tell me what you think.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/541/17818037534_8fe25fd3fd_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/t9w6MG)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/389/18442425941_1d6779ec77_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/u6GfH4)

Tested today just to be sure I didn't overlook something. All seems ok.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8884/18442424011_0f98f0ab79_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/u6Gf8M)

[gregzz4]

Hey, cool paper spreadsheet. Did you steal that idea from someone too ? :smile:

I don't think I've ever seen velvet on marine fish, but that looks like waaay tooo much powder to be MI.
But if it is velvet you'd expect it to be dead by now.
If it is MI, it looks to me like it's cycled more than once or twice.

Hopefully others with more long-term experience will chime in.

In the meantime, good luck W

[Roskoreef]

oh man do i ever feel for you, I feel like we have had very similar tank issues... Dry rock, zeovit and my acros started stning, then i also had an ick outbreak from an emporer angel i added (dumb fish to add to a reef tank btw) that killed over 13 fish and quick 1000 bucks. Several tangs, clownfish, mandarins(prob not ich but weird timing), 10 chromis 1 by 1, it was awful. After about 12 days there was my coris wrasse and 3 chromis that seems to be doing just fine.

I had planned on going fallow but couldnt catch the coris...so i just left it alone for a good month. I recently started to add fish again...

Ich is still present in my tank, for sure, but none of my fish I have added have died. I beleive that feeding well and have a very good source of oxygen for the water ( i added another exteral skimmer) keeps fish healthy and heavy oxygen is hard for ich parasites to thrive. My fish show some spots here and there in the evening, but by mid day they are all ich free it seems. so far i have added 15 chromis, a yellow eye tang, mellanarus wrasse, male and female bird wrasse and several anthias..All relatively hardy except for the tang..

Im still not going to QT anymore but i now realise that great husbandy and hardy fish with well oxygenated water is the way i am going to deal with ich.

[gregzz4]

I use a QT. I'm not against the TT method, nor am I against adding fish directly to a DT. I just don't do it 'cause for me it's too risky. And because I QT everything I lose about 20% of my fish, but I've never lost one that was added to my DT due to being new to the tank.
I'm sure people who add fish directly to their DTs lose at least 20% of their new fish, so isn't it relative ?
QT does not kill fish, reefers kill fish ... :smile:
A proper QT setup can support almost any new fish, IMHO.
Now we'll hear the arguments about it after this post ...

On the other side of the fence with Rosco's comments in mind ...
MI apparently cycles itself out after approx 11 months.
So in Rosco's situation, if he added no new critters of any kind for 1 year he could potentially be MI free.
Then he could use a TTMethod or QT to keep his DT MI free.

Then there's the concern about Tomonts coming into the tank with 'stuff'.
They can be on anything wet. So what do you do ?
Even though I QT everything, I've given up worrying about the small things (thanks Brad).
I dip new corals, don't do anything beyond acclimation with shrimps and crabs, and for 3 years my tank appears to be MI free. Knock on wood.

So many choices ...

Then, if you do QT, what protocol do you employ ?
Aargh, this hobby is so much fun.
Aren't you glad you took it up, instead of basket weaving ?
I'll bet you could have had some awesome embroideries for sale by now at the local market :mrgreen:

Then, what if it truly is Velvet ? As I said earlier, it's beyond my experience so I can't diagnose/recognize it. But if it is ....
Well, then you need to keep some chloroquine phosphate on hand, and I happen to have some if you need it ...

[WarDog]

Hey, cool paper spreadsheet. Did you steal that idea from someone too ? :smile:

Totally stole it from a guy I know! :wink:

Then, what if it truly is Velvet ?

Can't be, or everything in Rich's tank would be dead too!

In regards to QT, so much to consider... regrouping as of now.

[WarDog]

A very good source of oxygen for the water ( i added another exteral skimmer) keeps fish healthy and heavy oxygen is hard for ich parasites to thrive.

Never knew about that, interesting. Something else to consider. Thanks Rosko!

[Wretch]

You do have an extra skimmer kicking around...

[WarDog]

Last fish dead... just now. Fallow tank day 1. :sad:

[gregzz4]

Well maybe that's a good thing - maybe ?
It'll give you time to remove some more phosphate from your rock, and use the zeo to possibly build up more bacteria?

[WarDog]

Well maybe that's a good thing - maybe ?
It'll give you time to remove some more phosphate from your rock, and use the zeo to possibly build up more bacteria?

Yeah it sucks, but it's the best thing for the tank. Not too worried about PO4 @ .03, corals don't mind. 3 months of no fish does give me the opportunity to add some more live rock, remove an inch of substrate, finish the stand, mount the frags and the Apex, and on and on. Lots to keep me busy.

[rishu_pepper]

Last fish dead... just now. Fallow tank day 1. :sad:

Sucks to hear bro. At least now fallow starts you'll know the new fish 3 months later will/can all be healthy. Something to look forward to!

[Aquattro]

Never knew about that, interesting. Something else to consider. Thanks Rosko!

I've never heard that, and according to a study I found, not really valid.

"The effects of dissolved oxygen on tomont development were examined. Tomonts were incubated in hyperoxic (141%), oxic (100%), hypoxic (24%) and anoxic (0%) conditions. Under the hypoxic and hyperoxic conditions, tomont development was suppressed. Under the anoxic condition, tomonts died. However, when tomonts were transferred into an oxic condition after 2 or 4- week incubation in the hypoxic condition, development resumed, showing a rapid increase in theront excystment rates 10 to 11 days after the transfer."

[WarDog]

Sucks to hear bro. At least now fallow starts you'll know the new fish 3 months later will/can all be healthy. Something to look forward to!

Thanks Brian.

I've never heard that, and according to a study I found, not really valid.

"The effects of dissolved oxygen on tomont development were examined. Tomonts were incubated in hyperoxic (141%), oxic (100%), hypoxic (24%) and anoxic (0%) conditions. Under the hypoxic and hyperoxic conditions, tomont development was suppressed. Under the anoxic condition, tomonts died. However, when tomonts were transferred into an oxic condition after 2 or 4- week incubation in the hypoxic condition, development resumed, showing a rapid increase in theront excystment rates 10 to 11 days after the transfer."

Thanks for doing the research Brad. I was going to get around to it... within the next 3 months, lol.

[Roskoreef]

I've never heard that, and according to a study I found, not really valid.

"The effects of dissolved oxygen on tomont development were examined. Tomonts were incubated in hyperoxic (141%), oxic (100%), hypoxic (24%) and anoxic (0%) conditions. Under the hypoxic and hyperoxic conditions, tomont development was suppressed. Under the anoxic condition, tomonts died. However, when tomonts were transferred into an oxic condition after 2 or 4- week incubation in the hypoxic condition, development resumed, showing a rapid increase in theront excystment rates 10 to 11 days after the transfer."
I phrased that wrong. I should have said low dissolved oxygen is stressful for fish and stress makes the fish more prone to parasites. Higher DO would help the fish be less stressed.

[Aquattro]

I phrased that wrong. I should have said low dissolved oxygen is stressful for fish and stress makes the fish more prone to parasites. Higher DO would help the fish be less stressed.

That I would agree with.

[Ginu]

I am very sorry for the fish losses... losing fish/coral is the worst thing ever and its extremely discouraging...

Alright I did about 20 min of skimming through the thread and I could not find the following information:

Net water in the system
Flow through the zeovit reactor
Dosing schedule

Now the bad part which is most likely causing your corals to stn/rtn...

1. I didn't notice a change of salt, however the salt you started with is not recomended in a zeo system... high alk works very well outside of ULNS... Might want to change salts to KZ reef crystals (on sale for another month, but pricy regardless) or going with the Red Sea blue bucket.. tough to get in Vancouver (aquariums west carries it)

2. it is recommended against using a uv reactor with zeovit as it will interfere with the zeovit bacteria... i think you have a constant battle and most likely that's also affecting the sps... think of it this way, you add zeobak which you supposed to do every 3 days, however the uv reactor kills the bacteria and cant properly colonize the rocks; then zeostart floats around the system.. then you add zeobak and there is too much food due to the suspended start in the system and so on...

Basically I think the balance of bak vs start is never achieved and the swings are really high due to the UV doing its job.

This is not documented, just my conclusion from all the readings I've done.

Now you can use a UV, however you need to shut off the UV when dosing bak and turn back on once the cycle is complete, recommended 3 hours if I recall (I don't think anyone can say for sure whats the exact timing of the zeostart vs zeobak is and that's most likely why it is recommended against using a UV reactor with zeovit). Also every tank is different and the timing will be different from tank to tank and that's most likely why they recommend against using UV with zeo.

I know this is tough due to fish losses, however I can tell you will be very pleased once the zeovit balance is met...

[Ginu]

Also forgot to add but whats your potassium at?
Potassium tends to be very important with Zeovit as it is easily skimmed by needle-wheel skimmers :(

It is recommended by the zeoheads to use a venturi skimmer which I believe doesn't remove potassium... I'm trying to get a Life Reef skimmer but they are very rare in Canada and they instantly sell on Reef Central...

[WarDog]

I am very sorry for the fish losses... losing fish/coral is the worst thing ever and its extremely discouraging...

Alright I did about 20 min of skimming through the thread and I could not find the following information:

Net water in the system
Flow through the zeovit reactor
Dosing schedule

Now the bad part which is most likely causing your corals to stn/rtn...

1. I didn't notice a change of salt, however the salt you started with is not recomended in a zeo system... high alk works very well outside of ULNS... Might want to change salts to KZ reef crystals (on sale for another month, but pricy regardless) or going with the Red Sea blue bucket.. tough to get in Vancouver (aquariums west carries it)

2. it is recommended against using a uv reactor with zeovit as it will interfere with the zeovit bacteria... i think you have a constant battle and most likely that's also affecting the sps... think of it this way, you add zeobak which you supposed to do every 3 days, however the uv reactor kills the bacteria and cant properly colonize the rocks; then zeostart floats around the system.. then you add zeobak and there is too much food due to the suspended start in the system and so on...

Basically I think the balance of bak vs start is never achieved and the swings are really high due to the UV doing its job.

This is not documented, just my conclusion from all the readings I've done.

Now you can use a UV, however you need to shut off the UV when dosing bak and turn back on once the cycle is complete, recommended 3 hours if I recall (I don't think anyone can say for sure whats the exact timing of the zeostart vs zeobak is and that's most likely why it is recommended against using a UV reactor with zeovit). Also every tank is different and the timing will be different from tank to tank and that's most likely why they recommend against using UV with zeo.

I know this is tough due to fish losses, however I can tell you will be very pleased once the zeovit balance is met...

Also forgot to add but whats your potassium at?
Potassium tends to be very important with Zeovit as it is easily skimmed by needle-wheel skimmers :(

It is recommended by the zeoheads to use a venturi skimmer which I believe doesn't remove potassium... I'm trying to get a Life Reef skimmer but they are very rare in Canada and they instantly sell on Reef Central...

Ginu, I will try to answer all your questions from this thread, your PM and the other thread here.

System gross is about 80 gallons/303 litres. Net is unknown, but dosing based on 75 gals.

Start .3ml X2 daily
Bak 3 drops twice a week
SP 3 drops three times a week

All Zeo additives are in date and Start smells like vinegar. Bak is stored in the fridge and can only be described as smelling like 'garbage'.

Reactor flow is just under 300 litres per hour. 750ml of stones.

Just recently learned that Start is a source of NO3, so I'm thinking of dropping my dosage to .2ml X2 daily.

Jesse (wheelman76) provided me with this link :http://www.zeovit.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30236

Very interesting and thinking of giving it a try.

Accepted the fact that it could take a year to reach ULNS, lucky I'm somewhat patient.

Just realized I didn't put this in my build thread, but I only ran the UV for a couple weeks, it's been offline for ages now. My bad.

Only had one coral hit with RTN. Had to remove ALL the water from the tank to catch some fish. Removed the frag rack to the holding tub as well. Reused the drained water and then proceeded with a regularly scheduled 25% w/c. Pretty sure this was the reason for the RTN event. All corals currently look fabulous now that I've tweaked my lighting schedule and intensity.

I have dipped my frags religiously several times.

Don't have a Potassium test kit yet. J&L is out of stock on Saliferts and apparently Salifert has discontinued it, and is developing a new kit. Don't feel like paying $10 shipping on a $20 kit.

I've run out of time, wife is calling, lol.

[kien]

Just got myself caught up on this thread. Sorry to hear of your losses Warren ! Been there, done that, got the wet t-shirt :-( But we keep on reefin on right? :biggrin:

[WarDog]

Just got myself caught up on this thread. Sorry to hear of your losses Warren ! Been there, done that, got the wet t-shirt :-( But we keep on reefin on right? :biggrin:

Thanks Kien.. what else would we do with our free time?

[kien]

Thanks Kien.. what else would we do with our free time?

Probably something more sane and rational, but this isn't the place for that kind of crazy talk!

[WarDog]

Probably something more sane and rational, but this isn't the place for that kind of crazy talk!

Agreed!

[gregzz4]

I have an Elos potassium test kit and I'll be at Rich's tonight after 4:30

Edit: Hmm, just pulled it out. Best before date is 2 years ago :surprise:

[Bblinks]

I have an Elos potassium test kit and I'll be at Rich's tonight after 4:30

Edit: Hmm, just pulled it out. Best before date is 2 years ago :surprise:

Dust it off, see you after 4:30.