Refocusing...

[moralesk214]

A little background. I've been running a biocube 14 along with a 75g. I've learned a lot from here, but never really posted much. With the issues I've been having lately with the BC it makes more sense to upgrade. So now I've got the fusion 10 wet and want to keep track of the progress.

 

My concept: clean, functional, and little maintenance. Right now it would be LSP and softies, but might venture into SPS.

 

Equipment:

• Fusion 10
• Al Prime nano
• 8lbs dry rock & 8lbs live sand
• Colbalt MJ 900
• Aqua Smart ATO
• Red Sea pro salt (previously used instant ocean reef crystals)

 

Upgrades to Possibly Come:

• Apex Jr.
• InTank media basket

 

How I Started:

To start I did a large 5g water change in my BC, and transferred that to the fusion after it was leak tested. And mixed a new batch of water to finish filling the tank.

 

It's currently been filled and running for a week, and I just notice this morning the beginning of the diatom bloom. Potentially will transfer the 2 clowns from the BC this weekend, dependent upon testing which will be done morning and evening this week for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates (using API test kits for the cycle).

 

All suggestion and tips are welcomed! Hoping to upload some pictures soon, although it's rather empty.

[vlangel]

I always added some live bacteria for insurance and checked ammonia levels for about 2 weeks. Usually I would have a very small cycle that I controlled with water changes.

[moralesk214]

I always added some live bacteria for insurance and checked ammonia levels for about 2 weeks. Usually I would have a very small cycle that I controlled with water changes.

Thanks I'll definitely do a larger water change before transferring the clowns. Or were you referring to water changes during your cycle?

[vlangel]

Thanks I'll definitely do a larger water change before transferring the clowns. Or were you referring to water changes during your cycle?

Yes, after the transfer I would see.012- .025 ppm of ammonia and I would dilute it with a water change. I never lost anything though.

[moralesk214]

Here's a current FTS. Of course the tank is in it's ugly duckling stage... Any inputs on the scape? I'm debating removing the top Shelf rock, and potentially breaking up the front rock as well.

 

[moralesk214]

So a few things have changed. I've decided to split my original tank. I originally planned on transferring my 2 clowns, and coral into the fusion. However, I've decided to maintain two tanks. So I am currently still in the process of transferring some corals into the fusion, but the clowns, torch and hammer coral will stay. Once I have finished transferring the ric, zoas, and waving hand. I will buy a second fusion and begin cycling a 3rd tank to eventually transfer the two clowns, CUC (various snails and my monster of a emerald) into the second fusion.

 

I have not been the best with updating/logging my tank changes, which was why I never truly posted before but here's the update:

 

Tank has finished cycling, as diatoms disappeared, and the tank became green. I bought a new CUC (several cerths, nassarius, turbos, and 2 small hermits).

 

On 2/2 I added a midas blenny and did a 2 gallon water change.

 

On 2/4 1g water change, (had broadcasted frozen mysis since the blenny never took to my pellets).

 

On 2/6: went to my LFS to pick up a few extras and came across a lovely teal colored branching acro (I believe... if anyone could confirm would be appreciated).

Did a 2g water change

Changed filter floss

Added 1 bag of chemipure elite (have never used in previous tanks always maintained by WCs)

Transferred some pink ultra zoas*

Transferred my candy cane*

* a rock bridge in my BC had collapsed crushing both the zoas and candy cane so they aren't looking their best right now.

 

On 2/7 relocated both tanks to their permanent homes, BC on my desk, and Fusion 10 on my night stand (my boyfriend certainly wasn't happy about lifting both, although I have taken out 5g from each to make it easier and then replaced it )

 

So currently I have glued my ultra pink zoas, have the acro acclimating to the light on the bottom and will move up gradually, and the duncan is resting on rock work until I transfer the other corals to ensure good placement.

[moralesk214]

Here are some photos (Super Bowl 1 DSLR 0)... taken on iPhone 6s

 

Will work on posting my maintenance schedule at some point this week. I am hoping to transfer over my waving hand, and a small zoo frag tonight after work.

[moralesk214]

So I have officially ordered the Al Prime, so that I can change out the Skyee light.

 

Things got hindered with transferring the coral for several reasons... as you can see I'm battling green algae. I feed frozen brine/mysis (alternated every other week) 3x per week only equating to 1/2 a cube/week, and do 2 gallons WC on Sundays. Does anyone have any suggestions? My tank had finished it's cycle. But since the addition of the CUC, midas, candy cane and acro it's sprouted. I've yet to ever have experienced this, on the 2 tanks previously (despite taking things slower... but I have never used dry rock). I had added 1 nano package of chemipure blue at the same time. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. All readings have been well amongst normal readings, but with the algae bloom I know something must be off.

 

 

FTS 2/17/16

 

Sunny came out to say hello

[reefernanoman]

A little background. I've been running a biocube 14 along with a 75g. I've learned a lot from here, but never really posted much. With the issues I've been having lately with the BC it makes more sense to upgrade. So now I've got the fusion 10 wet and want to keep track of the progress.

 

My concept: clean, functional, and little maintenance. Right now it would be LSP and softies, but might venture into SPS.

 

My plan:

Fusion 10

skyee light (plan on upgrading to al prime, but open to other suggestions)

5lbs (new) aragonite sand

10lbs dry rock (i believe my LFS said it was Texas holy)

looking to order an InTank media rack to run floss & chemipure blue

MJ600

Instant Ocean Reef Crystals

**to come (possibly):

Apex Jr.

Tunza Nano ATO (will see how topping off by hand will work, right now it's less than a gallon/wk)

 

To start I did a large 5g water change in my BC, and transferred that to the fusion after it was leak tested. And mixed a new batch of water to finish filling the tank.

 

It's currently been filled and running for a week, and I just notice this morning the beginning of the diatom bloom. Potentially will transfer the 2 clowns from the BC this weekend, dependent upon testing which will be done morning and evening this week for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates (using API test kits for the cycle).

 

All suggestion and tips are welcomed! Hoping to upload some pictures soon, although it's rather empty.

 

 

Nice plan and I see that you got the tank going. Next transfer, just use 100% new water because the beneficial bacteria is mostly in your LR and LS. Adding some old water just adds unnecessary nitrates. Good luck and looking good.

So I have officially ordered the Al Prime, so that I can change out the Skyee light.

 

Things got hindered with transferring the coral for several reasons... as you can see I'm battling green algae. I feed frozen brine/mysis (alternated every other week) 3x per week only equating to 1/2 a cube/week, and do 2 gallons WC on Sundays. Does anyone have any suggestions? My tank had finished it's cycle. But since the addition of the CUC, midas, candy cane and acro it's sprouted. I've yet to ever have experienced this, on the 2 tanks previously (despite taking things slower... but I have never used dry rock). I had added 1 nano package of chemipure blue at the same time. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. All readings have been well amongst normal readings, but with the algae bloom I know something must be off.

 

 

FTS 2/17/16

FTS 2:17:16.jpg

 

Sunny came out to say hello

peek-a-boo.jpg

Looking good.

[vlangel]

The midas blenny is darling. The tank doesn't look real bad in the pics. Its still settling in so I would just be diligent with WCs and go easy on the food. If the algae gets worse maybe reduce the photo phase an hour?

[moralesk214]

 

Nice plan and I see that you got the tank going. Next transfer, just use 100% new water because the beneficial bacteria is mostly in your LR and LS. Adding some old water just adds unnecessary nitrates. Good luck and looking good.

Looking good.

 

Thanks reefernanoman, my thought process behind this was: I did not want to feed the tank/add a raw shrimp, or do a fish-in cycle. It did cut down the cycle time, unfortunately I hand''t started the thread on the build during the cycling period (I'm not so good keeping up with it as is...).

 

You're tanks are an inspiration!

[moralesk214]

The midas blenny is darling. The tank doesn't look real bad in the pics. Its still settling in so I would just be diligent with WCs and go easy on the food. If the algae gets worse maybe reduce the photo phase an hour?

Vlangel thanks Sunny is definitely skittish (she won't stay out with movement around the tank) but the coloring is very vivid. I did also take a closer look at the rocks & said to be algae this morning. You're totally right by saying it's not terribly bad but I guess since there is none present in the BC with the corals still waiting to be transferred I was hesitant.

 

However, with closer inspection there are flecks of deep maroon and little purple amongst the green. Could be the start of coraline algae. I had this stage when setting up the BC... just never happened all at once like this. I hope I am correct, but I did do a 1g WC yesterday after work and will do the typically 2g on Sunday.

[reefernanoman]

Thanks reefernanoman, my thought process behind this was: I did not want to feed the tank/add a raw shrimp, or do a fish-in cycle. It did cut down the cycle time, unfortunately I hand''t started the thread on the build during the cycling period (I'm not so good keeping up with it as is...).

 

You're tanks are an inspiration!

Thanks, I'm glad it worked out for you.

[moralesk214]

So yesterday I got around to transferring over a few more corals. I've had 3 florida rics in a holding basket in the BC until I got around to transferring them. They were a birthday present from my boyfriend, after he realized my fascination with the look of the gardens some people have displayed on here. I also transferred over a frag of the bubble coral I have, which I fragged from the BC (since it was getting too large) transferring the smallest piece to my fusion and the larger part to his 75g. While I was at it, I glued down the acro frag I'd gotten. I also stopped by my LFS to pick up some food and trade in a piece of the bubble along with return one of the BC emerald carb who became 'large and in charge' as I say (but truthfully he was a destructive menace). They had literally just received a shipment of Benepets powdered reef food, which they decided to throw me for free in order for me to try. So I will now incorporate this into my feeding schedule. My plan today with the WC would be to transfer over the remaining zoas from the BC.

 

My DSLR is still out of commission... will be replacing as soon as my monthly commission check comes in (I'm a recruiter...) - but here goes nothing. All were originally the size of pencil erasers

 

[moralesk214]

So I transfered over the rest of my zoos yesterday during WC time. I also ended up fragging the bubble coral I had, placing a small piece in the fusion and transferring the rest to the 75g.

 

Here are a few photos! Any ID help on the zoas would of course be appreciated!

 

 

 

 

[moralesk214]

And here's a few more...

[moralesk214]

I haven't been feeling too hot this past week and it definitely taught me a thing or two. ATO is a must, I could hardly move... Worked from home in bed. And only got up when absolutely necessary. I got my Al Prime in on Thursday where my boyfriend brought it in, and it's been sitting by the door all week. I finally got the courage to venture out of bed today and am fussing with the light. Ran to my LFS to start setting up an ATO and well came home with a few extras plus some necessities while I was at it. I will post more later. But if anyone has any feedback regarding their light settings etc. Itd be appreciated since my head and eyes already hear screwing with the settings isn't helping much. Thanks in advanced!

[davidanthony921]

I run my prime at 20k 70% intensity. 7hrs on with 1hr tank up and down. Weather is on and lunar is off.

[moralesk214]

I run my prime at 20k 70% intensity. 7hrs on with 1hr tank up and down. Weather is on and lunar is off.

- thanks! What do you use to control it IOs/Androis/laptop. Not seeing that breakdown. My current setup (any suggestions/or tweaking suggestions would be appreciated ): UV 80, V 80, DB 80, B 80, G 35, DR 35, CW 35. I do run my tank a reverse schedule since I typically work in the office and go to bed early so it's set for sunrise at 7pm and sunset at 6:30am with an 1hr20min ramp up/down. With lunar (running V & DB at 1% till 8:30am). I do have it set for acclimation mode till March 19th (the tank was running the Skyee light previously - which I never intended to keep it seems pretty low and seems to run more white then what would do any good...)

 

Of course will follow up with pics once the lights come on. Today I added an acan frag, PomPom crab, did a WC and was exhausted. Will try to fuss with the ATO tomorrow if possible.

[moralesk214]

So as promised, here are the pictures I snapped last night after lights came on

 

I plan an ordering InTank media basket within the next two weeks, although I am currently running chemipure blue along with filter floss in the stock media caddy. Following this would be a protein skimmer, going to let everything settle in for the next month.

 

Any suggestions on additional fish (whole reason for the skimmer - although parms are in check with just doing 2g WCs on the weekend)

 

Acclimating the PomPom

 

Seems to be taking to the beginning of my ric garden

 

My new acan- believed to be skittles

 

Current FTS

[Bowen1022]

Tank is looking good! Do you have a powerhead in there? I cannot see lol. Those acans are sweet! I think an acan is going to be what I pick up after the corals Ill be getting tomorrow.

 

How is running the Prime at 70%? Im currently running at about 55% and have been thinking about increasing it slowly but Im so afraid of melting something.

 

A monti cap on the rock to the right?

[moralesk214]

Tank is looking good! Do you have a powerhead in there? I cannot see lol. Those acans are sweet! I think an acan is going to be what I pick up after the corals Ill be getting tomorrow.

 

How is running the Prime at 70%? Im currently running at about 55% and have been thinking about increasing it slowly but Im so afraid of melting something.

 

A monti cap on the rock to the right?

 

No power head, upgraded the return pump to a MJ600 I had available. Possibly looking into upgrading to the 900 and adding a spin stream nozzle. I'm honestly not exactly what setting my light is currently on my number are above but it is on acclimation mode for the next two weeks. Hoping DB,B,B, and UV 80%, everything else 35% after acclimation and will take it from there. Last night was the 1st night it was running. I haven't been feeling great so it sat unopened for several days. So we'll see..

 

No monti I do have a teal colored acro which only extends at night... right rock originally was scaled with a flat rock across, but shaded most of the tank, see previous posts.

 

Thanks though, always glad to get some feedback and even better if ya'll are along for the ride.

[Bowen1022]

Sorry I meant a monti would look great lol. Hope you start to feel better! Ill be following along for the ride

[moralesk214]

Thanks for well wishes! Personal goal is a purple monti directly on too and a red one underneath and towards the side. Which is why I didn't stress about left behind glue. Good eye!

[moralesk214]

It's been awhile, since ive posted any sort of an update. Between closing out a placement and having a sick dog. I honestly feel as though I've been going 24/7. I've maintained basic maintenance of topping off, feeding, and WCs. Unfortunately Monday morning I woke up with my acro having RTN from the base. I swear it wasn't there Sunday, since that's when I perform weekly maintenance the tanks. I'm pretty bummed... Was a present for the "new tank" from my boyfriend but I clearly just wasn't ready for it. Will do research for the next few weeks/months and venture back to SPS if anyone has any pointers, etc would be appreciated. My blue ric has forms a second mouth and I have new zoa buds on all (still don't know IDs) ?. However, with my new commission check I ordered a second fusion 10 which will be catered towards to two clowns, anemones, and some frogspawn, torch etc. The package from BRS should be here tomorrow. So will start yet a second thread or mesh the two on here since I'm clearly not the best at posting. When you work in the business of people and recruiting you pretty much have to be reachable 24/7 - love my job... I swear. Acans will be moved to their permanent location this weekend and then glued the following one.