230 Ohio reef tank
- Thread starter tjsailosullivan
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tjsailosullivan
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Ok, had share this with the community and for the record. My reef system is very effective at maintaining itself as ultra low nutirent tank. (0 nitrates and .012-.03 phosphates) As a result my coral colors on some of my SPS are very pale in color but still growing. So based on the Red Sea Color program they recommend a slightly elevated Nitrate level. I started to try and overfeed to raise the nitrates, but quickly started to notice some algae growth due to increasing levels of phosphates. I then stopped this approach until the phosphate levels went back down.
Today I am starting a new approach trying to raise my nitrates while keeping the phosphates low using spectricide stump remover (Sodium Nitrate). I tested the tank before adding the spectricide and nitrates were undetectable. I mixed about 1/3 cup into 1 liter of RO/DI water and dosed about 18ml to the tank. My nitrates then when up to about 1ppm. Havent noticed any negative effects so far and I took photos of some of my washed out SPS and will continue to monitor them through out the next week or so and will post the results and observations. Crossing my fingers to see how well this works.
Today I am starting a new approach trying to raise my nitrates while keeping the phosphates low using spectricide stump remover (Sodium Nitrate). I tested the tank before adding the spectricide and nitrates were undetectable. I mixed about 1/3 cup into 1 liter of RO/DI water and dosed about 18ml to the tank. My nitrates then when up to about 1ppm. Havent noticed any negative effects so far and I took photos of some of my washed out SPS and will continue to monitor them through out the next week or so and will post the results and observations. Crossing my fingers to see how well this works.
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Trainwreck618
New member
Stump remover in a reef tank! You got my attention. I am curious of the outcome, hopefully nothing negative.
Pufferchick
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Fantastic tank! I am in Miamisburg and just now in the process of having my first tank started...should I turn back now?? LOL
tjsailosullivan
New member
Well , it's been a few days since very carefully dosing stump remover and no ill sided effects as far as I can see. Will post some photo updates after week 2. I think I am actually starting to see some deeper colors. My nitrates are steady around 1-2ppm with the dosage. I did however said earlier sodium nitrate and miss spoke, it's actually potassium nitrate. So I'm actually adding potassium and nitrates to the tank without increasing phosphates.
tjsailosullivan
New member
Thanks, once you start there's no turning back.
I started my first reef 23 years ago with a 50 gallon. It is definitely a rewarding hobby.
tjsailosullivan
New member
Just finished the new frag tank stand. Now I Just need the tank. Plans are for one 67x17.5x9. Debating on building this myself or having it made?
tjsailosullivan
New member
The Some shots I took today. The clown has finally taken to his new home. So far I really think that the increase of nitrates has helped with a slight improvement of coloration. Will wait about another 2 weeks and will show some before and after of some of the specific corals I took shots of earlier.
tjsailosullivan
New member
Few shots today. The tang is finally starting to fatten up.
tjsailosullivan
New member
Just a few shots playing with the Iphone today.
tjsailosullivan
New member
The tank looks Great. I am in West Chester so probably not too far from you. Just got my new tank setup over the last few months and put fish in it yesterday for the first time.
For your question on possibly building or buying a frag tank. You should go talk to Jason at Aquatics & Exotics in Mt. Healthy. He built my 360 and did a great job. Can build to any size really and has been doing it for 10+ years.
For your question on possibly building or buying a frag tank. You should go talk to Jason at Aquatics & Exotics in Mt. Healthy. He built my 360 and did a great job. Can build to any size really and has been doing it for 10+ years.
tjsailosullivan
New member
Thanks CWfish. Decided to take the leap and build the tank myself. Ordered the materials today. 3/8 cell cast. Good thing is that I had the company finish all the edges so that Its just assemble. Cant wait to get it done, ready to cut back a few pieces.
Added a new pink lemonade SPS a few days ago and is taking well to its new home. You can sort of see it next to the clam and right below the yellow birdsnest.
Added a new pink lemonade SPS a few days ago and is taking well to its new home. You can sort of see it next to the clam and right below the yellow birdsnest.
Newbie Aquarist
Reefing is my middle name
Wow your growth is crazy. Your system had definitely found its sweet spot. I am almost there myself.
tjsailosullivan
New member
Thanks Wayne, will be down you way on the 6th. Would love to see the new lights. Heres a video from this morning.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Znt6NSvcWCE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
tjsailosullivan
New member
Thanks Wayne, will be down your way on the 6th. Would love to see the new lights. Heres a video i wanted to share from this morning. Love kicking back with a cup a coffee and watching the Led sunrise.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Znt6NSvcWCE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
tjsailosullivan
New member
Frag tank is almost finished. Glued the peices together and just going to round the edges.
tjsailosullivan
New member
Frag tank is now up and running and connected to the main system. Should of added almost another 40 gallons which will bring the total volume up to around 290-300 gallons. This video shows the side view and the frag tank operating. No leaks and works like a charm. I really enjoy the arm rest on the side of tank which a fellow reefer recommended. Just need some better lighting which I will be adding in time.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/__vYbwTO4lo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/__vYbwTO4lo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
tjsailosullivan
New member
Thanks Corey!
Just took a few photos with the lighting in the 12k range. The Iphone seems to like the camera a little better. Just wish I could take some pro shots or had someone local to shoot some macro's. Added a few small frags from the Frag swap and everthing is adapting well.
Just took a few photos with the lighting in the 12k range. The Iphone seems to like the camera a little better. Just wish I could take some pro shots or had someone local to shoot some macro's. Added a few small frags from the Frag swap and everthing is adapting well.
