120 Gallon Setup Has Begun

[ZOKU]

I'm definitely taggin' along... man, you did an awesome job with everything!!

1. I was gonna ask about the RO/DI, too... but figured since you already had a 65-gal. tank prior to the 120 gal.... obviously, you were using RO/DI. I just didn't see the unit incorporated into this set-up. *shrug*

2. Did you ever figure out what kind of weird red algae was in the 'fuge? Has it gone away? Have you seen any of it in the main tank? ...just curious.

3. Not a question but wanted to comment and say that the wide gap in between the "piers" on your aquascaping is awesome... I love the idea.

 

[marino420td]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8359751#post8359751 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ZOKU
I'm definitely taggin' along... man, you did an awesome job with everything!!

1. I was gonna ask about the RO/DI, too... but figured since you already had a 65-gal. tank prior to the 120 gal.... obviously, you were using RO/DI. I just didn't see the unit incorporated into this set-up. *shrug*

2. Did you ever figure out what kind of weird red algae was in the 'fuge? Has it gone away? Have you seen any of it in the main tank? ...just curious.

3. Not a question but wanted to comment and say that the wide gap in between the "piers" on your aquascaping is awesome... I love the idea.

1. my RO/DI setup is in my shop a room over. I am thinking of moving it into the equipment room but I don't have a supply line in there currently.

2. Not sure what the red algae is. It is still in my fuge but none in the display. I guess it is not hurting anything. Next water change, I'll try to siphon it out.

3. Thanks for the compliment. I really wanted an open center for coral growth and swimming room.

 

[carpetride]

I like the open rock work as well, wish mine was more open.

I should have warned you about the GARF grunge, wasn't real impressed myself.

On your Chaeto you don't have a real high bio load (currently) and you do have a strong skimmer---maybe there just isn't much for it to pick up out of the water. I've never used the stuff so take that for what it's worth! Also got some old CoraLife PC's in the attic that you are welcome to try.

 

[marino420td]

PH 8.2
Calcium 420
Alk 2.5

These are test results tonight.

I'm still not happy with the coloration of my sps in this tank. I'm not sure what to do. Maybe adding some VHO actinic supplementation will help.

Here is a video I shot of the tank tonight.

 

[marino420td]

Here is another video showing my Naso Tang feeding

 

[murfman]

Alk is way low, are you supplementing it?

 

[synthesis]

2.5 must be mg/L not kH

 

[marino420td]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8372026#post8372026 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by synthesis
2.5 must be mg/L not kH

You are correct. The test kit recommended an Alk level of 4-6 mg/l.

I am not supplementing yet but plan to start using 2 part B-Ionic.

 

[thejuggernaut]

Nice looking tank. those paper towels are a good idea but probably wouldnt work for those of us with the sump in the stand. The role would get very nasty very fast. haha....Im in the process of building a 120 AGA. I also am gonna use the dart for my closed loop. I cant wait till its finished and i can start watching my first frag grow.

 

[marino420td]

The handy paper towel roll is one of my favorite features. I can't believe how many I go through.

The Dart is an impressive pump. Lots of flow and very quiet.

 

[JustOneMoreTank]

I love my Dart as well ! It seems to be a favorite of everyone who has one.
A Dart pump plus an Oceans Motions 4 Way working in a 120g tank on a closed loop is a perfect setup!

I have had some problems with my Chaeto as well. Whenever I get some new from local club members it is soft, light and stringy and bright flourescent green. After sitting in my sump for a couple of weeks it is much darker evergreen, and like brittle and stiff. Not growing at all. The stuff stays in a tight clump and I try to pull it apart so that it can get more light and it just kinda falls apart and cannot be strung out well. Ohh well.

 

[synthesis]

You could save your money on alk buffers and use baking soda. Check the chem forumn about information on this. There is no difference or benefits between using store bought overpriced buffers and regular baking soda.

In regards to the cheato problem, its possible that it is lacking the nutrients needed to grow rapidly. You also need to harvest it in order to get new growth. You could try harvesting some of it out and see if you get some new growth. Its the import/export concept. Of course having low nutrients is the goal so it should be a positive sign that it isnt growing rapidly.

 

[murfman]

Check out this thread, a much cheaper alternative to B-Ionic.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=684437

what size are the inlet/outlet fittins in your Dart? I am setting up my closed loop and just got a used Dart that I need to get fittings for.

 

[DrBDC]

I use the homemade 2 part also. If you have any questions lmk.

 

[marino420td]

murfman- my Dart has a 2" intake and 1 1/2" out.

DrBDC- I may have questions if I decide to make my own. I think using B-Ionic would cost me a fortune on a 200 gallon system.

 

[Tiki G.]

Just finished going through your thread. Your stand is awesome and your tank is looking really good. I always like to see the do it yourself stands. I do a little woodwork myself.

 

[murfman]

Marino, I use the 3 part my self, on my 3rd gallon and it is awsome.

 

[Dorado13]

Hey Marino,
Great looking setup, is that a H&S A150-F2001 skimmer you have? I'm thinking about getting one and was wondering how you like it.

 

[marino420td]

It is an H&S A150. I think it is a great skimmer. I would highly recommend one.

 

[thejuggernaut]

How are you liking your lumenarc minis. Im building a 120 gallon. I was thinking about using the minis and two 48" t5 to supplement with actinics. Im just trying to justify the extra 200 bucks for two reflectors.