IM 25G Lagoon Tank Build

[Synthesis]

That's a very good point to test the new saltwater. Its such a trusted saltwater that I didn't think it would mix high. I use the red Sea Pro calcium test kit and it's recently ranked best tester for calcium by BRS so I can't imagine it's the test kit. TBH, my calcium has always measured high since I owned the test kit. So at least it's consistent 😊.

I will test the calcium for the new water next time I do my water change.

[Dearth]

Emerald crabs are IMO a waste of time plus they generally will only eat bubble Algae only if nothing else is to be had plus they are known to kill other crabs, snails and small shrimp

I've had bubble algae in my tank for 4 years now I do manual removal which keeps it in check however it is very unlikely that it will be eradicated

I used vibrant twice and both times bubble algae came back with a vengeance so I am not a fan of it

personally I would manually remove what you can and if able remove rocks and scrub them and do it when you change your water. You most likely won't be rid of the algae but it will be manageable

[Synthesis]

Thanks for the feedback on the bubble algae. Sounds like I am doing everything I can then to keep it in check. It's spreading but it's not causing any harm. In areas it's building up I just remove during water change. I certainly prefer it over bryopsis which I have also been removing manually to keep in check.

I did have an outbreak of red slime algae for a period of 2 weeks. Not sure why it appeared but I decided to try out Chemiclean and I have to say that i HIGHLY recommend this for red slime algae. It completely removed it within 48 hours and it has not returned in the 2 months since. Great product.

[Synthesis]

So I tested newly made water with reef crystals and did the test. It also measured at 550ppm. This is of course higher than the Red Sea test kit will go in a single test, so what I do is add more drops to see when it finally turns blue than do the math on that. So it might not be perfect measurements but it's close enough. So it's the reef crystals causing the calcium to be high. I mix at 1.025 specific gravity.

This is strange...wouldn't someone else experience this? I have been using reef crystals since inception and have always had calcium really high. So i know it's not a result of a bad bag. It does say right on the bag that it has added calcium.

Would the high calcium impact SPS growth in a measurable way? My alk, ph and magnesium are all at ideal levels.

[Sidius]

Nice tank build!

How have you liked the bare bottom tank? I'm debating going that route with my tank upgrade. I like the natural look of sand but the maintenance on it is annoying.

With regards to the bubble algae.. I'm fighting off a small outbreak of it as well. I started using Vibrant twice a week at the recommended dose and it's made a huge difference. I'm not seeing any new spots and what's there is dying off slowly. I added an emerald crab as well in the hopes it would help but so far I've seen no evidence the crab has touched it.

[Synthesis]

Ok managed to get my flickr account fixed. So here are some tank photos taken back on July.8th before my big SPS purchases



Both the green chromis's passed within 2 weeks of being added. Was disappointing. I am also in the process of losing my clown fish. He suddenly stopped eating and has got really skinny. I tried many types of food. My other 2 fish ate everything without issue.

[Sidius]

Ya I had the same thing happen with a Banggai Cardinal. I lost one during a lengthy power outtage (30+ hours) that was eating like a champ and the one I bought to replace him, would not eat anything I tried. Though you mentioned he suddenly stopped eating so I'm assuming he was eating everything previously?

The tank looks great!