KnightReefer
New member
You and me both!
90g Reef Rebirth
- Thread starter KnightReefer
- Start date
You and me both!
KnightReefer
New member
So I have been thinking of getting some new powerheads as of late. Currently flow is provided by 2x older Koralia K3s and the return. I tossed around the idea of a vortech but honestly I did not want to spend that much right now. Then I thought about a couple of the non-controllable tunzes and I was almost convinced. I started reading about the new Koralia Evolutions and they peaked my interest. Ultimately I decided to purchase 2 of the new Koralia Evolution 1400s. All I seem to read is good stuff about them and for $46.39 a piece I couldn't resist. Hopefully I will have them by the end of the week and i can test them for myself!
-Sean
-Sean
KnightReefer
New member
I would like to take a minute to discuss my plans for battling nuisance algae in my aquarium. Out of control algae growth was a contributing factor for the rebuild decision and it is crucial for me to get the upper hand. Here is my game plan for managing nuisance algae in my system, not necessarily in order.
1) Manual Removal: This is how I initially started the process by pulling/tearing/scrubbing as much off as possible. I will continue to manually remove as much as I can during weekly water changes.
2) Water Changes: I have been/will continue to perform weekly 10% water changes using 0 TDS RO/DI source water. During these water changes I blow the detritus of the rock and manually remove what I can.
3) Additional Flow: I am replacing my two old style Koralia 3s with two Koralia 4 Evos (850ghp each to 1400gph each) I will then use at least one of the older units to provide supplemental flow to dead spots.
4) Proper Lighting: I am in the process of replacing the bulbs in my 5 bulb T5 unit. The bulbs are approximately 1 year old and I have already recently replaced one. I will continue to replace the others at about 1 a week. I also use a reduced photoperiod now while I have minimal light demanding organisms.
5) Wet Skimming: I use an ASM G3 with a gate valve mod and it is a pretty effective skimmer. I have been keeping it tuned to skim wet in an effort to remove as many organics as possible.
6) Active GFO: I use a Dual BRS reactor with GFO and carbon. Timely replacement of the exhausted media and correct adjustments will ensure the unit is working effectively.
7) Macro Algae: I have a softball sized clump of Chaetomorpha in my refugium. I plan on trying different bulbs and flow patterns to determine the most effective way to propagate it.
8) Clean Up Crew: I currently have a variety of Nerite, Nassarius and Cerith snails that I hope can help control the spread of additional algae.
9) Dark Period: I may try a monthly 2 or 3 day period of darkness. I have seen many threads recommend this for algae control as well as general coral health.
10) Feedings: Since there is currently no fish in the tank I am introducing no new nutrients via feedings. When I do add fish, I will rinse the food that I can in RO/DI water and feed only what the fish can consume in a short time period.
At this point in time the algae growth for the most part is minimal. Over the course of almost four weeks there has been limited growth in a few select locations, certainly much slower than the wild growth in the previous setup. I hope that with good husbandry habits and by implementing these measures I can turn the tide in my favor and establish a stable, healthy system. Any input on these tactics is greatly appreciated
1) Manual Removal: This is how I initially started the process by pulling/tearing/scrubbing as much off as possible. I will continue to manually remove as much as I can during weekly water changes.
2) Water Changes: I have been/will continue to perform weekly 10% water changes using 0 TDS RO/DI source water. During these water changes I blow the detritus of the rock and manually remove what I can.
3) Additional Flow: I am replacing my two old style Koralia 3s with two Koralia 4 Evos (850ghp each to 1400gph each) I will then use at least one of the older units to provide supplemental flow to dead spots.
4) Proper Lighting: I am in the process of replacing the bulbs in my 5 bulb T5 unit. The bulbs are approximately 1 year old and I have already recently replaced one. I will continue to replace the others at about 1 a week. I also use a reduced photoperiod now while I have minimal light demanding organisms.
5) Wet Skimming: I use an ASM G3 with a gate valve mod and it is a pretty effective skimmer. I have been keeping it tuned to skim wet in an effort to remove as many organics as possible.
6) Active GFO: I use a Dual BRS reactor with GFO and carbon. Timely replacement of the exhausted media and correct adjustments will ensure the unit is working effectively.
7) Macro Algae: I have a softball sized clump of Chaetomorpha in my refugium. I plan on trying different bulbs and flow patterns to determine the most effective way to propagate it.
8) Clean Up Crew: I currently have a variety of Nerite, Nassarius and Cerith snails that I hope can help control the spread of additional algae.
9) Dark Period: I may try a monthly 2 or 3 day period of darkness. I have seen many threads recommend this for algae control as well as general coral health.
10) Feedings: Since there is currently no fish in the tank I am introducing no new nutrients via feedings. When I do add fish, I will rinse the food that I can in RO/DI water and feed only what the fish can consume in a short time period.
At this point in time the algae growth for the most part is minimal. Over the course of almost four weeks there has been limited growth in a few select locations, certainly much slower than the wild growth in the previous setup. I hope that with good husbandry habits and by implementing these measures I can turn the tide in my favor and establish a stable, healthy system. Any input on these tactics is greatly appreciated
jenjen
New member
Looks like a sound gameplan to me. It's great to see someone planning to use diligent husbandry as their main plan of attack against algae. Starting from well before there's an issue should head it off. Do remember it's a new young tank, and some amount of nuisance algae is to be expected, but keep with your routine and it should pass quickly.
I find small but more frequent feedings has helped a lot with any algae issues in my tanks. I feed my fish 3 times a day but just tiny amounts. Not a bite goes un-eaten, and all my fish are fat and happy.
I find small but more frequent feedings has helped a lot with any algae issues in my tanks. I feed my fish 3 times a day but just tiny amounts. Not a bite goes un-eaten, and all my fish are fat and happy.
KnightReefer
New member
Well after seeing "Clash of the Titans" tonight, I came home to my new Koralia Evo 4's!
Some Pictures
The Boxes
Compared to old K3
In the Tank
So far I really like the units. The flow is considerably more but is very gentle. The powerheads are silent and look pretty sleek in the tank. Now I plan to work on getting them pointed for maximum effect. The old Koralias are getting a vinegar bath and a cleaning and I will probably incorporate atleast one in the tank elsewhere.
Some Pictures
The Boxes
Compared to old K3
In the Tank
So far I really like the units. The flow is considerably more but is very gentle. The powerheads are silent and look pretty sleek in the tank. Now I plan to work on getting them pointed for maximum effect. The old Koralias are getting a vinegar bath and a cleaning and I will probably incorporate atleast one in the tank elsewhere.
KnightReefer
New member
So far so good. They created a little sand storm action at first but I have them aimed pretty good to try and avoid it. They definitely have a broad nice flow and they are quiet, I cleaned the old K3s and have one aimed down the back of the rockwork and it seems to really help eliminate deadspots.
I performed my monthly tasks the other night. I Cleaned all the glass and scrubbed the problem rocks and performed a 15 gallon water change. I also serviced the reactor by cleaning and changing out the GFO and Carbon. I decided to remove the sponges in the fuge because I am sure the pods have vacated them and I cleaned and rearranged the rocks in there. Hopefully I can actually decide to put a "fish" in my "fish" tank soon, or maybe more coral atleast.
KnightReefer
New member
Microbubbles
I seem to be getting a significant amount of micrbubbles in the display. The water itself is crystal clear but all the bubbles floating around really detract from the clarity. Today I plan to systematically turn off each equipment item to identify where the bubbles are originating from. Once I know where they are coming from I hope I can devise a way to reduce/eliminate them. They really clutter the display and ruin the viewing experience. Any and all feedback is welcome!
I seem to be getting a significant amount of micrbubbles in the display. The water itself is crystal clear but all the bubbles floating around really detract from the clarity. Today I plan to systematically turn off each equipment item to identify where the bubbles are originating from. Once I know where they are coming from I hope I can devise a way to reduce/eliminate them. They really clutter the display and ruin the viewing experience. Any and all feedback is welcome!
KnightReefer
New member
Been a while since I posted an update. The tank really seems to be pretty stable and progressing nicely. I am still keeping up with my maintenance and other duties. I had to battle numerous sandstorms and sand rearrangement due to the powerheads but I finally think I have them aimed where I get good flow and no disruption to the sand.
I also purchased my first fish for the tank recently. I had my eye on a nice young yellow tang at a new fish store. I monitored it closely and it was grazing and appeared disease/parasite free. I scooped it up for $25 and went straight to the display no QT. This will be the largest fish and the only tang in the tank. So far he is doing awesome and very active and grazing away.
I also picked up a Pink Birdsnest recently that seems to be growing very well. It was only $25 for a nice frag and I thought it would make a good indicator of water quality in the tank. Here are some lousy pictures from my Iphone.
Yellow Tang
Clam
Open Brain
Birdsnest
I also purchased my first fish for the tank recently. I had my eye on a nice young yellow tang at a new fish store. I monitored it closely and it was grazing and appeared disease/parasite free. I scooped it up for $25 and went straight to the display no QT. This will be the largest fish and the only tang in the tank. So far he is doing awesome and very active and grazing away.
I also picked up a Pink Birdsnest recently that seems to be growing very well. It was only $25 for a nice frag and I thought it would make a good indicator of water quality in the tank. Here are some lousy pictures from my Iphone.
Yellow Tang
Clam
Open Brain
Birdsnest
KnightReefer
New member
Been a little over a week since I updated. So far so good. The yellow tang is eating flake as well as algae strips and is very active. I added a skunk cleaner shrimp and a frogspawn and other than that no changes. I was thinking of ordering the mix n match from IPSF to seed my sandbed, any feedback?
Frogspawn
Cleaner Shrimp
The molt almost tricked me
Apparently the shrimp eats anything lol
Frogspawn
Cleaner Shrimp
The molt almost tricked me
Apparently the shrimp eats anything lol
KnightReefer
New member
As requested some shots of the tank
FTS
Left Side
Right Side
FTS 3/4 View
Current Bulbs Front to Back:
ATI Blue+
ATI Blue+
UVL Actinic White
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Blue+
It is still blue but much less in person, this camera just seems to have a very hard time with it even in daylight WB mode.
FTS
Left Side
Right Side
FTS 3/4 View
Current Bulbs Front to Back:
ATI Blue+
ATI Blue+
UVL Actinic White
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Blue+
It is still blue but much less in person, this camera just seems to have a very hard time with it even in daylight WB mode.
1sirjustis
New member
very nice! it seems like you took your time and did it rite! i just redid my 90 as well
KnightReefer
New member
yeah FTS
"thinking of ordering the mix n match from IPSF to seed my sandbed"
Whats that?
Indo-Pacifc Sea Farms. They offer a 9 for $99 dollar mix-n-match special. You can choose various snails, macro algaes and critters. I thought it might be good for the DSB in the fuge
Thanks, I hope I can keep the progress up
Thanks! Do you have a link or anything to your 90?
KnightReefer
New member
It has been awhile. I wish I had something to update but no additions or changes have been made recently. I am just enjoying my tang and cleaner shrimp and the few assorted corals. I really want the tank to be allowed to mature as I get myself accustomed to regular husbandry. There is still a little algae here and there but I am confident routine maintenance as outlined in a post on a previous page will eventually leave me algae free as the tank ages.
I made a semi-costly mistake a few nights ago when I accidentally threw out almost 2 cups of good GFO. I confused the canister it was in with the carbon canister and dumped out what i had just replaced lol.
I decided to not have a thread where I update every other week saying, "well I added fish X and fish Y and fish Z and then fish X was dead in the morning and fish Y wouldn't eat and fish Z jumped out". To me that approach is costly to your wallet, confidence and ultimately the tank as well. It seems like some people's stocking list changes every two weeks as they constantly cycle through fish too fast. With that said I am very pleased with my patience and tank progress thus far.
Hopefully I can actually post some exciting pictures or a real update soon!
I made a semi-costly mistake a few nights ago when I accidentally threw out almost 2 cups of good GFO. I confused the canister it was in with the carbon canister and dumped out what i had just replaced lol.
I decided to not have a thread where I update every other week saying, "well I added fish X and fish Y and fish Z and then fish X was dead in the morning and fish Y wouldn't eat and fish Z jumped out". To me that approach is costly to your wallet, confidence and ultimately the tank as well. It seems like some people's stocking list changes every two weeks as they constantly cycle through fish too fast. With that said I am very pleased with my patience and tank progress thus far.
Hopefully I can actually post some exciting pictures or a real update soon!
KnightReefer
New member
The live aragonite was all I used and then only because it was cheap. The Ph stays pretty solid especially because I run the fuge light opposite of the main lights. Until I stock the tank a little more I dont bother testing the calcium because I do weekly >10% water changes. I literally only have 4 stony corals right now
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