90 Gal SPS Tank Start Over - A Learning Experience

[scumbag_gli]

Well it's been awhile since I've updated anything - mostly for the fact I've been waiting to see how things turn out. Luckily, my parameters have been stable for 7 days now, and the Alk issue seemed to have gone away! Yay!

A lot of stuff is looking a bit happier. I've seen some color popping on my millies, torts, as well as my nicer pieces from Inland Corals. Now I know someone will say "it's only been a few weeks" but I can seriously tell a difference! I'm hoping I can snag some pictures this week for you guys of how much things have improved since this whole Alk issue started. Also seeing a spike in coralline growth in the walls/acrylic so I take that as a good sign.

I've bumped up feeding, still have not done a water change, and raised my light fixture about 3". Seems all has helped.

 

[DaveRaz]

Good news

 

[scumbag_gli]

Dang! It's been awhile since I've updated. Well, I've gotten quite a bit done to the tank over the last couple weeks.

What's been done...
-finally skinned the stand, still needs to be painted/stained...went with a nautical grey to match out living room
-hooked up my jbj ato unit
-picked up a few news friends and pieces in the tank
-been doing regular cleaning of the acrylic every 3 days
-finally lowered my light unit to the proper height over a 4-6 week period of time
-got new timers on the lights for a better schedule (ones with battery back up for power outages)

Next to do...
-build a cabinet for the left side of the tank for my ATO bucket, reactor, and soon to be ordered dosing pump
-stain the skin of the stand
-order some more coral

 

[scumbag_gli]

And some more pics...woo!

 

[cugly]

Nice looks better and better every pic update.

 

[scumbag_gli]

Nice looks better and better every pic update.

Thanks cugly! It's definitely been a project I should've planned better for (never enough) but it's come a long way this past year, and especially the past few months. Appreciate your kind words.

 

[scumbag_gli]

A little preview of what I picked up tonight

 

[scumbag_gli]

Well with my tank finally stable, apex unit taking control, and winning a few bucks on a scratch off ticket - I order some more pieces from Ron @ Inland Corals! Should be here next Friday

 

[scumbag_gli]

Well...the apex is all hooked up! So far I am running pH, temp, Wav, and obviously all the standard controls on the new 4.40 software.

Here's a quick pic of the Wav installed (don't mind the dirty back glass). Absolutely loving these pumps, the control and capabilities is unreal. Although it's a little more of an "eye sore" compared to the MP40, they're 100 times more functional in my book.

My Dos and Dos Reservoir will be here Friday, I'm most excited about that for accurate control of dosing as well as seeing how much liquid is left in each tank

 

[scumbag_gli]

Well small delay - I guess Apex/Neptune got super backed up on orders and now its delayed until Tuesday. Oh well...was looking forward to getting the Dos & Reservoir hooked up this weekend, but thats not happening.

Going to do some hefty cleaning of the tank tonight. Also debating about a water change. I have not done one in over 2 months - I am worried that it will spike my Alk levels again =/

 

[scumbag_gli]

Soooo I made some more upgrades! My new Eshopps ADV-200 sump. Loving the design, room and looks of this sump.

And also my new Hydor Performance Skimmer 505. Within 3 hours was already pulling skimmate, this thing is an absolute beast.

 

[scumbag_gli]

Few new pieces added to the tank! Including an orange crush (that needs some coloring up) in the back

 

[cFloor]

Everything is looking really good! Those corals you ordered look amazing, some great pieces there

 

[scumbag_gli]

Everything is looking really good! Those corals you ordered look amazing, some great pieces there

Thanks cfloor! Ron has some amazing stuff at a great price. Things are finally coming around for me.

 

[scumbag_gli]

A few more late night pictures cause I'm bored. Via my potato phone!

 

[scumbag_gli]

A few pieces and some of my favorite(s) of my fish!

 

[scumbag_gli]

Well, the Dos Unit still isn't here...but my container finally came!

 

[scumbag_gli]

Switched out two of my bulbs today for an atinic & purple plus (instead of blue plus and coral plus). We shall see how the corals like it!

 

[scumbag_gli]

A little late night shot that I grabbed last night. Also purchased 3 new frags today - 2 wild aussie acros and a raspberry shortcake. Doing a water change currently, so I'll post some good pictures tomorrow!

And also my green tenuis (or so it was labeled) is starting to color up and show some polyps!

 

[DaveRaz]

Looking great!! I like the WAV as well.