20^3

[Wander]

Finally upgrading my the 12^3. The semi-DIY Aqueon cube has done me well. However, it is time to move on to larger adventures in reef keeping.

 

20x20 cube w/ corner overflow (lets call it 35g) w/ an Eshopps RS-75 sump.

 

For the time being I am using a PAR38 to establish the cube. Light stand built out of 1" metal conduit. Mount is already attached to the stand. Once stand is painted and attached to the mount, the PAR 38 will serve as a temporary light. Future dreams would include one of the AI models and controller.

 

Waiting on the Eheim compact+2000 return pump to arrive and will then begin plumbing. Both the drain and return bulkheads cam from the manufacturer as barbed. I have seen plenty of sumps with flexible tubing such as vinyl. Other than future algae issues with clear tubing and potential for crimping, anyone screaming against flexible tubing (not pvc). I am a little curious if leaking would be an issue with standard flexible tubing.

 

Have not decided on a Protein Skimmer. Looking at the Tunze 9004, but I am not sold. With the expense of a protein skimmer, I want to lean on the experience of other nano-reef members before committing.

 

As you can see, the setup is still in the design phase of the build. I am planning to plumb in a T along the return for future reactor(s). Living where I do, a chiller is not a concern. Bag'o'ice method can be used if power goes out in the dead of Summer. Heater will be located in sump.

 

Will likely build a holder for macro algae in the sump, at minimum for a pod farm. I like the benefit of macro algae, but want to keep them out of the display. I have an old LED clamp that should be sufficient for macro such as chaeta. If not, Ill build another LED set up at a later date easy enough.

 

Trying to keep this tank simple. Looking forward to hearing what other members might think.

 

 

 

Bad cell pick. Future picks during build will be clearer.

[Coolhandreefer]

Looking good so far, good luck with it!

[Wander]

Thanks. Will finish plumbing later in the week, and on to fill and cycle.

 

Now trying to get a large destructive bristle worm out of the smaller tank. Did not fall for my homemade trap, so now maybe some type of dip for the rock he appears to be in. I know there is a whole debate on bristle worms, but I prefer to get them out when they get this big.

 

A six line wrasse in the new tank should keep the bristle population controlled moving forward. (Because we all know if there is a problem the only solution is more tank occupants).

[Wander]

Sump built, and tank is running. Plan to add rock and sand this evening to start the initial cycle.

 

The Eheim compact 2000 is definitely enough pump to run an additional reactor as needed. Plumbed the sump with an additional output connection to feed excess return back into sump or reactor(s) down the road as needed.

 

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[Wander]

The cube is plumbed, tested, and running for a few days.

Mixed to 1.025 in tank....... A few days pass.....Poorly rinsed sand which in turn caused a two day white out. My bad....A few days pass.....Added some dry rock scape, and a small island of live rock from my 8g as an initial seed.

Ammonia is going nowhere, so I may have to turn to drastic measures to get this cycle moving. Meaning, a piece of raw shrimp for a time. I will be that guy at the seafood counter asking for one shrimp.
I am getting some algae growth, but that is expected given the small piece of live rock and a lot of dry rock. I don't want to test the phosphates yet and you can't make me.

I want to get the cycle a few weeks in before moving over more rock form the old tank. 1. only a few pieces have coral frags that can easily be removed. 2. Leslie the mocha clown is still in the small tank and I don't want the bio-load to deplete and cause an ammonia spike or the ammonia to spike in the new tank.

Sump is running decently quiet. Going to make the air hole on the durso drain a little larger as there is some minimum flushing every so often. Extra line on return is currently closed, but plan to use that line for a media reactor as needed.

Enjoy...I guess to you all this is just another start up, but to me

 

[Wander]

All contents transferred earlier in the week. Added a Reef Octopus 110 SSS, Hydor Evo Koralia, and BRS Mini Reactor.

 

Thank you for those who aided in the protein skimmer discussion. Most everyone recommended reef octopus, and the votes were split even between the 110 and the smaller BH50. Only went with the 110 as even more people recommended going with a skimmer rated higher than actual tank size.

 

I am very impressed with the BRS Mini Reactor so far. Currently just running some carbon. Will add GFO as needed.

 

Not so impressed with the Hydor Evo. Flow is great, but after running for about an hour it gets the worst vibration/noise. I can stop the pump, wait a few minutes, turn it back on, and it will be quiet. Hour later the vibration comes back. All rubber stoppers are present, no part defects to be seen, and magnet is fine. Reached out to Hydor and waiting on a response. If they have no solution I may need to either swap it out or upgrade.

 

Leslie the clownfish has quickly taken to her new home. I think she needs a friend after 3 years.

 

About time to place an order with reef cleaners.

[Wander]

[Wander]

Mr. Mahoney's spectacular clarifying de-detritying terminators on the way. With the sheer volume of positive feedback, I am looking forward to experiencing this wonder myself. If the crew is half as good as his prices I am already impressed.

[Wander]

The diatoms have officially made their presence known. Woke up to a nice dusting over the sanded.

 

However, did not expect the other nuisance. it appears to be a dark Cyano. Black and stringy flowing in the current and attached to the sand and dry rock. Not much showing up on the older established live rock. I am running some generic carbon. Not sure if that is leaking phosphates, but I would think the dry rock or new sand bend would be a greater issue. Those are also the two primary locations of the outbreak. The Salifert test kit does not have the greatest color variance, but it is what I have and will be used momentarily.

 

I expect I still have a while before the beneficial bacteria catches up to the new tank size as well.

 

Reefcleaner crew should be here in a few days.

[Wander]

Reef cleaners crew arrived yesterday. John Maloney sent more than ordered. Quick crew ststes 24 dwarf ceriths, and received around 40 (honestly lost count). Also received 2 extra Nassarius, 1 extra large Florida Cerith, and 5 mixed dwarf hermits that hitchhiked with the dwarf ceriths.

Happy to have the dwarf hermits, but will need to keep an eye on them.

All, snails have all moved about with only one are Florida Cerith being either dead or dormant. Will give him a day or two before removing.

 

Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my order from ReefCleaners and will use them again.

[Wander]

So, I was looking around the rocks the other day and noticed a hint of bright green pocking up from a random crevice. Upon a closer look, two zoos I had believe died off over a year ago have made their presence known.

 

When my old birds nest died causing a wonderful cyano and hair algae outbreak, I thought I had lost the handful of neon green polyps as well as the three purple w/ green skirt polyps. Apparently they must have receded and now that the new tank is fresh and clean they have come back. Neon Green (top left and around this rock bump to the bottom right. Purple w/green skirt (top right). Of course some old school eagle eyes or watermelons, or.....the ones in the middle.

 

I had just assumed they were a casualty. Thought I would share my newb excitement.

 

 

Here's to lessons learned and a fresh start.

[Coolhandreefer]

Looks like your chugging along now, how about a sump picture?

[Wander]

Yeah, its coming along. Diatoms and what looks like Cyano are dying down. Phosphates, Nitrates and so on all test at or near 0. Water change tonight. Planning some new additions this weekend. My wife wants a firefish, but she hasn't decided what color. Also, a Yellow Watchman Goby or a Tailspot Blenny. I am sure both will be added eventually, but no reason to rush additions. I built a screen top, but now I am thinking I better fix some screening from the top of the overflow to the lid to cover about an inch gap to minimize jumpers in the sump.

 

Coral wise, I am looking at some Acans, maybe a chalice, more zoa variety, and looking for some interesting shrooms like patchwork. Still pretty undecided. Then, in a few weeks there is a Local coral swap not to far from me. Hoping to pick up a few good pieces. Tank is still young. Again, no rush to overstock. Getting some inspiration from members tanks.

 

Here is the sump. Nothing special. Pic is a few weeks old.

Since the pic was taken, the skimmer has broken in nicely and producing good colored skim considering such a low stocked tank. The Hydor ATO is working very well so far. ATO container is behind the stand but still hidden from view. The sensor is hard to see, but is in the return chamber on the right side. I really like the reactor size for this tank. I have some quick connect elbows to make it a little more organized and out of the way. Just need to find time.

 

[Wander]

Fun with photos. Just because, I took some inspirations from monthly nano-reef winners. Here is a very bad photo shop of placement and possible coral thoughts for a mixed reef. I think I might just tape these on the outside of the glass while I let the tank mature.

 

[Wander]

Picked up 3 Acan Lord variations, Prism Favia, Red&Green Favia, and two types of rhodactis mushrooms.

 

Also, picked up a yellow watchmen goby. His name is Mr. Wilson. He has been all around the tank, but mainly stays half in a hole at the base of the rock work right in front. I really hope he makes this his main burrow.

 

For anyone in the Central Virginia Area I highly recommend Blue Ridge Coral just north of Roanoke. Great variety, service, and prices that cannot be beat. If you are in the area stop by the Blue Ridge Coral house and take a look.

 

I have some Omega One Frozen Reef Formula, Omega One Marine Flakes with Garlic, and some Sera Marin Granules. Any other food recommendations or preparation recommendations are more than welcome.

[Wander]

Excuse my amateur photo dump. Just started using the SLR.

 

This photo was fun. Playing with white balance using the acans. The YWG, Wilson, decided to photobomb.

 

Prism Favia.

 

Green w. Blue. Mushrooms. One of the better true to life photos as far as color.

 

 

Not the best photo, but another shroom. It has a bright pink center with green and purple on the "skirt".

 

FTS. I am loving Wilson's burrow location up front just left of center.

 

 

 

Not mentioned previously is the teal and pink favia in the top right. I had to move it this afternoon as it was placed too close to the zoanthids and started sending out sweepers.

 

 

 

 

 

[Wander]

New Fish. Midas Blenny. The Midas and the Clown have teamed up in their efforts to beg for food.

 

Both in the top corner swimming all cute together, the Midas with big blue puppy dog eyes. "Look how well we are getting along. Food Please."

 

The Watchmen seems to be a finicky eater. He eats small bits as they come by his burrow, but I do not see him eat each day. He just sits on the bed and stares at the food waiting for it to come to him. He is out all day around the sand bed, but rarely swims up more than an inch. I have tried spot feeding in front of him, but he swims back into the burrow and hides. The snails and hermits get the food before he comes back out. Not sure if I should be worried about this or not. I just want to make sure he is getting enough food. Any thoughts?

[Wander]

Favites. Moved it down to the sanded. Will see how it does here for a month or two.

 

 

 

Also moved the prism favor down a ledge to roughly half way with just the slightest shade.

The favorites have sweepers out on a regular basis, but I have yet to see even feeders from the prism favia.

[Wander]

Any suggestions for center of rock work?

Once the tank matures over the next 6 months to a year, and remains stable, I am thinking a monti cap in the right corner and other SPS along the top ridge.

However, I am still stuck with the dead center. Any suggestions?

[Wander]

Update. Working on dosing. Have been dosing daily by hand. Had to go out of town and missed one day. Alkalinity dropped significantly.

 

Looking at an automated system for 2 part.

 

Few new frags. All fish are doing great and fattening up. Will likely add another fish or two in a few weeks once auto dosing is worked out.

 

Flow direction is a current concern. Added a Hydor Nano to address dead spots. It works great. However, flow to the dead spots from any angle causes everything to suspend in the center column with larger particles never reaching the overflow. Not sure if a wave maker would fix the concern, but it may be the best option for this cube.

[Paleoreef103]

 

Looking at an automated system for 2 part.

 

Flow direction is a current concern. Added a Hydor Nano to address dead spots. It works great. However, flow to the dead spots from any angle causes everything to suspend in the center column with larger particles never reaching the overflow. Not sure if a wave maker would fix the concern, but it may be the best option for this cube.

Do you have a controller? If you do, a pair of BulkReefSupply 1.1mL dosers are really all you need. As for flow look into a a Jebao RW-4 for what you're trying to do. It would easily be enough flow for the type of tank you are running and if you wanted to move into an sps tank later on, a second one would be all you need. As for the lighting situation, why are you eyeballing an AI unit? There are better ones for the price. An AI prime wouldn't be much stronger than your PAR38 and the hydra 26 for some unknown reason has a big whole in its spectrum which makes it look pink/purple at full bore.

 

It looks like you have a nice start on your tank and good luck to you!

[Wander]

I had been looking at the Hydra 52. I would rather turn down the 52 as I would expect better coverage over the full length of the cube. I am not interested in a Prime, the tank is well beyond the max 18x18 inch spread of the prime.

I am curious if the wifi capability of the prime is a success will AI/Ecotech release a larger option at a price more around the Hydra but not as high as the Radion Pro.

 

I like the Jebao units. However, I like the design of the MP10 QD best. I know it is a huge price jump. I am considering getting one MP10w just so that I can add a second for use with a larger tank (which we all know will happens sooner or later the longer we are in the hobby).

 

I do not have a controller, but am actually looking at an apex to monitor the tank including dosing pumps. I am reading thread after thread looking for reviews and experiences with various pumps. I am a fan of 2 part over kalkwasser.

[Wander]

Updates

 

Added 2 BRS dosers and using ESV 2-part on digital times. Alk and Calcium have both stabilized. Will keep an eye on this. The rest of the levels are doing well and as expected at just over 5 months.

 

Removed the Hydor circulation pumps and added an MP10 QD. Wet side is pretty loud. I spoke with Ecotech and they said they would replace it if it continues. It has now been about a month and while it did get quieter, it is still considerably loud and even more so above 50%. The dry side is near quiet. All the noise is from the wet side.

 

Wife asked for a purple filefish, so there is a new (and likely final) fish addition.

 

Now back to the light discussion as the PAR38 needs to go. It is simply not enough, no real debate there.

 

Could a NanoBox Duo support a clam, and at what max depth? Anyone have any experience with clams and the Duo? I need to research this one further. With 18" of water I imagine a clam would need to be kept higher up maybe in the top 10" or so. I have no experience with clams. I may need reach out to Dave on this one.

[Wander]

Hard to find many things with such vibrance and detail as our little pieces of ocean. Being a Bill Murray fan as well as a Wes Anderson fan, I fell in love with the film Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. Of course, not everyone enjoys this movie as much as I do. Really though, who wouldn't want to experience the beauty of a Jaguar Shark supported by a little ambient Life on Mars? Anyways......

 

Reached out to Nanobox and Dave to get the process started on a Duo. Being Memorial Day weekend, I don't expect to hear anything for another day or two.

 

Anyways, while I work with Dave to get a new light. Here is a simple photo I enjoy that I thought I would share.

 

[Wander]

Good and very bad news.

 

First the very bad. After only 2 weeks the filefish passed. Still cannot find a cause. Parameters all in range, no obvious answer, no external signs of parasite or otherwise. Sad to see. May send a water sample to be tested more deeply before adding any additional fish.

 

Good news. NanoBox Duo is up and running. Looking great. Very happy so far with this new fixture. Thanks Dave for the product and service.