120 Gallon Setup Has Begun

[strike2867]

I have one tip, dont use the coralife hydrometer. Mine said my tank was at 1.024 but i suspected something was wrong, I went to my LFS and it was actually at 1.029!!

Seriously tho, sorry for the loss though your tank looks awesome.

Same story, took mine in and it was way off. I had a different hydrometer tested as well, turned out it was almost exact. I'll probably start getting it tested regularly now.

 

[marino420td]

I primarily use a refractometer to check my salinity so that's not the problem. Plus other corals and anemones are thriving.

Thanks for the tip.

 

[drummereef]

Bummer about the birdsnest marino. Glad the rest of the tank is doing well but losing all the SPS is strange. Were/are you dosing a carbon source or using a reactor for solid carbon?

 

[marino420td]

No to both questions Brett. I was running carbon and gfo in a reactor then got lazy and just run gfo now. I'm about to hook up a 2nd reactor for just carbon.

 

[drummereef]

No to both questions Brett. I was running carbon and gfo in a reactor then got lazy and just run gfo now. I'm about to hook up a 2nd reactor for just carbon.

But no bio pellets / vodka or anything? I wonder if there was a hidden phosphate issue or something that was hindering sps growth and color. The more I research it seems like the N/P levels have to be virtually nothing for sps to really thrive.

 

[marino420td]

2 fish pictures taken last night

 

[drummereef]

Beautiful fish! They have the same expression on their faces.

 

[windowlicker916]

Just stumbled upon this. Subscribed.

Sad to see it hasn't worked out as you have hoped.

Didn't read through all 18 pages but have you reached out to any local reef clubs to check it out?

Have you tried using a PAR meter? If not you can rent one online, simple google will give you the top result which is correct. Maybe the MH isn't pumping out as good as you think it is.

 

[marino420td]

I live in a small town so no local reef clubs. Just these forums for advice.

I don't think it is a par issue because it affected just sps corals, both high and low in the tank.

I'm just letting things level out. No new corals. Softies and RBTA's are thriving. Some of the sps survivors are showing new growth.

 

[aandfsoccr04]

looking for an update please

 

[marino420td]

I wish I had something significant and positive to report. Not much has changed. The rbta's in the tank continue to thrive and spread. I have recently experienced an outbreak in hair algae due to poor husbandry on my part. I'm replacing my gfo reactor with a new one from Bulk Reef Supply and I hope that helps.

Thanks for your interest. I'll try to post a pic soon.

 

[Bilk]

Not sure if anyone posted a link to this or if you've discovered it on your own, but there's some good info on SPS related issues in a mixed reef. Link

 

[Crkbaby]

sorry I tagged on so late looks great I have a 120 with a canopy also. Fabricating a linear actuator lift system right now. Only thing I would have advised on is to protect the inside of your canopy with some marine epoxy paint so your wood does not rot out from moisture. I also hole sawed 4 inch holes on each side for intake and exhaust fans it was the best way I could see to circulate air through the canopy instead of blowing it dirrectly at the wall behind it. I am sure yours works great it deffinetly looks it

 

[marino420td]

Thanks. My fans actually blow toward the tank. The top of my canopy is open so I really just wants circulation. It has plenty of places to escape. And yes, I should have taken more time finishing the inside of the stand and canopy. I used several coats of poly but it wasn't enough. But this wood is tough and is holding up well.

 

[mike810]

wondering if your sps problems are due to lack of nutrients for the corals to feed off of? You said you only have 5 fish and feed light but that was back in 08 so just food for thought.

 

[KoralKing]

great thread! and i LOVE your stand... i might take the design for my 120, how about an update FTS.

what Skimmer are you using and have you had any problems? im shopping for one

 

[marino420td]

Thank you. I am using an H&S A150-F2001 external skimmer. Seems to do a good job. I would recommend one.

I am battling hair algae now (due to tank neglect on my part). I'll get a new FTS up soon.

 

[lemkerailroad1]

any update
i know its been awhile and all but i hope everything in doing fine

 

[marino420td]

The tank is doing well. After a battle with hair algae, everything seems to be stable again. I have added a few sps back to the tank and they are growing. I'll try to remember to post an updated photo soon.

 

[marino420td]

I thought I would post some updated pics of my tank. The tank is finally starting to come back after struggling for quite a while. I lost all of my sps then I battled hair algae. I was discouraged to the point that I seriously thought about selling out. But I didn't. waited things out and now they are stable again.