Pismo's [Arid] Pico!... [Oh, Dear Lord.]

[gabe3eb]

So does that mean that you should wait to add a CuC until after the diatoms consume your silicates and die off? If we want to remove silicate it makes sense. I always just took diatoms to mean -> add CuC to get rid of that ish.

[pismo_reefer]

Are you using bacterial supplements?

Nope.

 

 

So does that mean that you should wait to add a CuC until after the diatoms consume your silicates and die off?

If we want to remove silicate it makes sense.

I always just took diatoms to mean -> add CuC to get rid of that ish.

Gonna wait for the Diatoms to eat up the Silicate.

After it reaches the dormant phase, I'll do a water test to determine where the cycle is.

If appropriate, I'll add a CUC.

 

Imo, I'd rather have the Silicate gone now.

As opposed to encased in the sand/rock, under stuff; Just waiting to be disturbed.

[JavaJacketOC]

Have you though about any HOB filter options for a Fuge?

 

My area has Fuge Space but I'm thinking about adding an Eheim Liberty 100 for Carbon/Puragen as well as the option to point an Iceprober chiller.

[pismo_reefer]

Fuge is overrated, when I'll be doing 100% water changes.

[pismo_reefer]

The rock is definitely inhabited by denitrifying bacteria.

It was bone white before, with a TON of pin holes.

Now, the pinholes are starting to disappear and the rock is gaining the typical 'dirty, tan' color.

 

Also, tiny encrusting algae have begun to appear.

The algae are so small that I can't get a decent pic, but its happening.

 

Day One:

 

 

Day Eight:

 

 

 

 

[Reefkid88]

Loooooking good man,looking good !!! I absolutely love that scape you have. So much more clear from day 1 to day 8.

 

Have you ever used Nutrafin Cycle at all ? I grabbed some yesterday to help the tank start a cycle,because I used dry rock. Just wanted to see if you had any thoughts on it.

[sal9012]

that's one sexy smoker...errrr....pico

[pismo_reefer]

Thanks, guys.

 

Im gonna take some water into the LFS for testing.

If I have ammonia, I'm gonna grab some cycling bacteria.

Although, I have the sneaking suspicion that I'm already in the 'Nitrite stage'.

 

The diatoms are spreading very slowly.

Which leads me to believe that I have a very small level of silicate in the Pico.

 

I'd like to get a CUC in there, before the diatom die-off starts feeding itself.

Thats my main reason for relenting and using a cycling agent.

[pismo_reefer]

Diatoms EXPLODED, overnight...

 

 

Going to the LFS.

As soon as it opens, that is.

[Justind823]

Nice. Go get em

[pismo_reefer]

Random picture.

 

[pismo_reefer]

Water Test Results:

 

Ammonia - 1.0ppm

Nitrite - 2.0ppm

 

Just about what I expected.

So, I bought a tiny bottle of 'Nutrafin Cycle', and started the 3-day regiment.

I've used Cycle before, with my Freshwater Puffer, but never with a Reef tank.

 

The puffer was fine.

So, I imagine this empty tank will only benefit.

 

Also.... I saw the tiniest Acanthophyllia Deshayesiana!!!!

It was seriously 2" in diameter!

So tiny!!!

 

Looked just like this guy:

[JavaJacketOC]

 

So, I bought a tiny bottle of 'Nutrafin Cycle', and started the 3-day regiment.

 

 

 

 

Sh*t is about to get real

 

 

[pismo_reefer]

Yea... Waiting SUCKS.

 

At any rate.... OPINION TIME!

 

What should I do para el livestock?

I was thinking about a species specific pico.

 

Ideas:

- A huge, single colony, Torch Coral to take up the water column.

-or-

- Acan garden with a crapload of Montipora Caps, up top.

-or-

- A few very small Cynarina's, or Lobo's.

-or-

- Suggestions???

[Reefkid88]

How did it fair in your FW tank ? I'm on my 3rd day of Nurtafin Cycle today,I'll dose it when I get home. Tested everything last night and rites and trates,ammonia were all @ 0 !!!!!! wtf gives.

[pismo_reefer]

It converts Ammonia/Trites/Trates into "safer for fish" chemicals.

Essentially, it just breaks the chemical bonds.

 

So, yer tests should all say zero.

 

After about 5 days, from initial dosing, yer Nitrates will be at like 20ppm.

It'll just happen overnight, seriously.

Do a FAT water change, and watch the Nitrates.

Something about the turbocharged cycling makes the tank Nitrate sensitive, for a few weeks.

[JavaJacketOC]

Yea... Waiting SUCKS.

 

At any rate.... OPINION TIME!

 

What should I do para el livestock?

I was thinking about a species specific pico.

 

Ideas:

- A huge, single colony, Torch Coral to take up the water column.

-or-

- Acan garden with a crapload of Montipora Caps, up top.

-or-

- A few very small Cynarina's, or Lobo's.

-or-

- Suggestions???

 

I think some monti's on the vertical area of the rock and lobos toward the bottom of the tank.

[pismo_reefer]

Also, on NutraFin Cycle....

 

It IS safe to put fish in, the first day, with Cycle.

My Fahaka never even stressed, not once.

Happy and eating on the first day.

[pismo_reefer]

Definitely gonna do an Acan Garden, on the bottom portion.

 

 

The top will be mixed Monti's....

[Reefkid88]

I 110% agree on the acan Garden and the monti idea.

[pismo_reefer]

I 110% agree on the acan Garden and the monti idea.

Then I can get a Green Clown Goby....

[JavaJacketOC]

Definitely gonna do an Acan Garden, on the bottom portion.

 

 

The top will be mixed Monti's....

 

 

Are you still going to include the Lobo you reserved?

[pismo_reefer]

Nah... I'll just swap it for some Acans.

Same dollar value.

[gabe3eb]

Kenya Tree Species Tank.

[Reefkid88]

I say,up the back rocks high end Zoa's and Paly's and then Monti's at the very top and every color of acan on the bottom rocks and sandbed !!!

 

Or chalices up the rock work in the back Zoa's on the rocks and acans on the sandbed.