Acronics sps Peninsula
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Acronic
The Fifth Master
:wavehand: Hey guys, thanks alot for the visit and the nice comments :thumbsup:
I am very proud of the tank right now. Lets hope it continues to play nice :lmao:
Acronic
The Fifth Master
Some bad news to share.... 2 days ago the floor under the tank has suffered some kind of structural failure and the tank now has an extremely scary wobble to it. Its so bad I am scared to clean the glass with the mag float it shakes so much, a good half inch sway. I had to block the area off from foot traffic because every time people walk or the dogs run past it it shakes. I guess I am lucky it hasn't crashed down yet at least. Now I am faced with a tough decision to carry on with this tank and build a new stand and relocate, downsize or just break it down... I am torn but I have to make a decision by tonight and get crackin' since it could all come down at any time... Its a race against the clock.
Also to further kick in my manhood, the tank developed some cyano. I also lost half my lokani to RTN and had tip burn on two acros.... WTH is going on? Well this all sounds like issues with Biopellets to me... Low and behold, the pellets have all clumped together and there is zero tumble! I dont know how long this has been going on but the pellets are more a yellow brown color as appose to the normal cream white. Looks like a new reactor is in order.
Wish me luck, I may be going silent for a week or two while I figure it all out
Also to further kick in my manhood, the tank developed some cyano. I also lost half my lokani to RTN and had tip burn on two acros.... WTH is going on? Well this all sounds like issues with Biopellets to me... Low and behold, the pellets have all clumped together and there is zero tumble! I dont know how long this has been going on but the pellets are more a yellow brown color as appose to the normal cream white. Looks like a new reactor is in order.
Wish me luck, I may be going silent for a week or two while I figure it all out
Acronic
The Fifth Master
Thanks for the offer guys. I hope this all goes smoothly but if I need a hand with something I wont hesitate to reach out 
Right now, everything is OK.. as in the house is still dry! haha. I believe I have decided to just move the tank. Amanda is pushing for a downsize but I went into the mechanical room and mapped out the beams and believe I have found a good spot for the tank above a structural wall. Plus I don't feel like looking for a new home for my tangs.
The main issue I'm guessing is that the plywood subfloor has failed under the weight of the tank. The stand is a standard black steel tube frame with four legs as oppose to having support along the whole length of the tank. My guess is that the legs are positioned in-between the joists and causing pressure points that sagg the weaker subfloor.
At this point the plan is to (over)build a new wooden stand that is larger than the tank for Amanda's piece of mind and place it in the room next to where the tank is now, above the structural wall. Problem with this new spot is that it is oddly positioned in the dinning room. .. I can live with that, already cleared the room out and put the dinning set in storage to prep for the transfer.
I haven't figured out the logistics of the transfer yet and can only assume its going to be... "fun" especially since Im starting to get crazy ideas like going bare-bottom and other possible changes (maybe I can sneak a tunes pump or two in while Amanda isn't looking?!) My mind is racing!
Ill snap a pic or two just in case Murphy is lurking
Right now, everything is OK.. as in the house is still dry! haha. I believe I have decided to just move the tank. Amanda is pushing for a downsize but I went into the mechanical room and mapped out the beams and believe I have found a good spot for the tank above a structural wall. Plus I don't feel like looking for a new home for my tangs.
The main issue I'm guessing is that the plywood subfloor has failed under the weight of the tank. The stand is a standard black steel tube frame with four legs as oppose to having support along the whole length of the tank. My guess is that the legs are positioned in-between the joists and causing pressure points that sagg the weaker subfloor.
At this point the plan is to (over)build a new wooden stand that is larger than the tank for Amanda's piece of mind and place it in the room next to where the tank is now, above the structural wall. Problem with this new spot is that it is oddly positioned in the dinning room. .. I can live with that, already cleared the room out and put the dinning set in storage to prep for the transfer.
I haven't figured out the logistics of the transfer yet and can only assume its going to be... "fun" especially since Im starting to get crazy ideas like going bare-bottom and other possible changes (maybe I can sneak a tunes pump or two in while Amanda isn't looking?!) My mind is racing!
Ill snap a pic or two just in case Murphy is lurking
dvanacker
DID I SOUNDS SMRT??
first off nice pictures...I missed those. Do you really think bio=pellets are too blame for some problems. I mean cyano, ok maybe but I have always had good luck with biopellets myself.
Wish you all the best in moving the tank though. I hope it goes off with out a hitch. Careful planning is key.
Wish you all the best in moving the tank though. I hope it goes off with out a hitch. Careful planning is key.
Reef_Noob
New member
Hi Kev,
Wishing you all the best with the move. And it seems like you know exactly what the problem is and have it planned out to settle it. Cool!
I do feel clumped bio pellets can be the issue. The reactor has to be checked on and off and make sure the pellets are in motion.
Wishing you all the best with the move. And it seems like you know exactly what the problem is and have it planned out to settle it. Cool!
I do feel clumped bio pellets can be the issue. The reactor has to be checked on and off and make sure the pellets are in motion.
Acronic
The Fifth Master
Thanks Darryl.
No I don't blame the biopellets. I have had amazing results with biopellets for the last 2 years. I believe the issues were simply compounded once the pellets stopped tumbling.
I have been slowly increasing my alk since november from 7.5dkh to 9dkh just to experiment and see what would happen. Growth and color have been amazing at 9dkh. I didnt have any problems until I noticed the cyano, (then the tip burn on only two acros) and decided to check the pellet reactor and saw no tumble, just a massive clump of pellets pinned to the top of the chamber. I am assuming the cause was alk of 9dkh and the clumped pellets acting together. I will likely return to an alk of 8dkh.
My thought is that the pellets clumped after the skimmer overflowed. Giving the pellets a huge intake of waste likely fed the bacteria and gummed up the reactor. The resulting color of the pellets is what scares me. A weird yellow brown color, I hope they are not trashed. I am going to have to buy a bigger reactor and run a lot of water through the pellets before returning them to the tank. I don't want a huge amount of bacteria sloughing off into the tank.
This really isn't a huge problem, all other corals are healthy and very happy except the lokani which I bet is related to a lack of flow. I have fragged the remaining half and placed it in three separate locations in the tank.
Thanks for the well wishes. I am not worried about moving the tank. It's just going to be a daunting task especially when I am trying to focus my time on prepping the house for the baby. I just hope that I can round up the fish with minimal stress. Ive had a foxface die just from being netted.. That sucked. I think I am going to place a large section of PVC in the tank with one end capped and let the fish seek refuge in the pipe when I am removing the corals and rock. That way I can just cap the open end and remove the fish in darkness. I hope it works out that way at least haha. I still have a lot of bases to cover and I agree, careful planning will be the difference between having a tank or not.
No I don't blame the biopellets. I have had amazing results with biopellets for the last 2 years. I believe the issues were simply compounded once the pellets stopped tumbling.
I have been slowly increasing my alk since november from 7.5dkh to 9dkh just to experiment and see what would happen. Growth and color have been amazing at 9dkh. I didnt have any problems until I noticed the cyano, (then the tip burn on only two acros) and decided to check the pellet reactor and saw no tumble, just a massive clump of pellets pinned to the top of the chamber. I am assuming the cause was alk of 9dkh and the clumped pellets acting together. I will likely return to an alk of 8dkh.
My thought is that the pellets clumped after the skimmer overflowed. Giving the pellets a huge intake of waste likely fed the bacteria and gummed up the reactor. The resulting color of the pellets is what scares me. A weird yellow brown color, I hope they are not trashed. I am going to have to buy a bigger reactor and run a lot of water through the pellets before returning them to the tank. I don't want a huge amount of bacteria sloughing off into the tank.
This really isn't a huge problem, all other corals are healthy and very happy except the lokani which I bet is related to a lack of flow. I have fragged the remaining half and placed it in three separate locations in the tank.
Thanks for the well wishes. I am not worried about moving the tank. It's just going to be a daunting task especially when I am trying to focus my time on prepping the house for the baby. I just hope that I can round up the fish with minimal stress. Ive had a foxface die just from being netted.. That sucked. I think I am going to place a large section of PVC in the tank with one end capped and let the fish seek refuge in the pipe when I am removing the corals and rock. That way I can just cap the open end and remove the fish in darkness. I hope it works out that way at least haha. I still have a lot of bases to cover and I agree, careful planning will be the difference between having a tank or not.
Acronic
The Fifth Master
Thanks man, I'm not giving up this easy!
I know what the problem is but I am still working on planning the resolution.
That's the thing with pellets, very easy to look past them as there is no maintenance. I had it tucked behind the skimmer and carbon reactor so I don't see it unless I go back and check it.
Acronic
The Fifth Master
I havent gotten much tank stuff done lately. Finally I am starting to get this transfer underway. I had to put the tank on hold two weeks ago when Amanda came to me and told me she was having more abdominal pains. I took her to the hospital and they told us that she was going into labor. She is only 28 weeks, getting contractions every 5 mins but her water had not broken. It scared the crap out of me when the doctors started talking about an emergency c-section! She was transferred to another hospital asap with an NICU that could handle a premature baby under 32 weeks. There, the doctors were able to stop the labor with some meds and we spent the last week and a half in the high risk unit. We are home safe and sound now. Amanda is on strict bed rest and Im on double duty looking after her. Plus I just started a new job to add to the stress. I managed to find some free time to build the stands 2 days ago. I was supposed to add cross braces and skin them today but just my luck, I slipped on the icy stairs this morning and injured my back pretty bad... I just want to sleep for a week! Also good news is the tank is still standing just a little neglected and some unhappy acros...
my wood shop
complete with fancy pocket holes.
still need cross bracing and skin
just a little neglected and some unhappy acros...my wood shop
complete with fancy pocket holes.
still need cross bracing and skin
reefmutt
Active member
good luck with the pregnancy!
i went through the exact same thing during the winter of 09- that crazy snowy winter.
my wife was pregnant with our second kid, on full bed rest and the usual 20 minute ride to the hospital always took an hour.
I remember the doc saying "we gotta get you past 28 weeks.."
It was some dark and scary times.
in the end, my wife went basically full term, so hang in there!
hopefully working on the tank can give you a break from the stress..
this is when the words "yes dear, whatever you say, dear" will serve you well!
i went through the exact same thing during the winter of 09- that crazy snowy winter.
my wife was pregnant with our second kid, on full bed rest and the usual 20 minute ride to the hospital always took an hour.
I remember the doc saying "we gotta get you past 28 weeks.."
It was some dark and scary times.
in the end, my wife went basically full term, so hang in there!
hopefully working on the tank can give you a break from the stress..
this is when the words "yes dear, whatever you say, dear" will serve you well!
biggles
Premium Member
Sorry to hear things are not going at all well for you mate. Scary times when bubs wants to make an early entry into the world, my wife spent the last 10 weeks bedridden after a similar thing with our son. With everything you have on your plate atm don't let it get the better of you, there will come a day when the three of you will be sitting together watching your reef and all this will be an distant memory - hang tough buddy.
Reef_Noob
New member
Hi Kevin,
Glad you braved through the storm and things are working out good.
Yep we can understand the stressful times and with all the stuff going on.
Hats off to you for finding time to be in touch with the hobby even with all the extra responsibilities.
Dude you are an inspiration.
The DIY looks very cool and coming out great.
Good luck with all the endeavors and my best wishes to Amanda.
Cheers mate :beer:
Glad you braved through the storm and things are working out good.
Yep we can understand the stressful times and with all the stuff going on.
Hats off to you for finding time to be in touch with the hobby even with all the extra responsibilities.
Dude you are an inspiration.
The DIY looks very cool and coming out great.
Good luck with all the endeavors and my best wishes to Amanda.
Cheers mate :beer:
jroovers
New member
Kevin,
Sorry to hear of all your difficulties - when it rains, it pours. Hopefully the worst is behind you and it will all be smooth sailing from here on out. Glad to hear that they were able to stop the pregnancy and hopefully your wife is feeling alright. I'm sure bed rest and having nothing to do but think about it is incredibly difficult. Above everything else (tank, new job), I'm sure this is your main concern. Good luck with everything and hopefully all goes well.
Jordan
Sorry to hear of all your difficulties - when it rains, it pours. Hopefully the worst is behind you and it will all be smooth sailing from here on out. Glad to hear that they were able to stop the pregnancy and hopefully your wife is feeling alright. I'm sure bed rest and having nothing to do but think about it is incredibly difficult. Above everything else (tank, new job), I'm sure this is your main concern. Good luck with everything and hopefully all goes well.
Jordan
Acronic
The Fifth Master
Thanks guys! Sorry for the lack of updates. Ive just been spread a little thin lately. All is well on the home front. Baby Sophia is due on march 27th due to her being breach. Amanda has been rather distraught about it all. It seems to be a full time job just keeping her in check and relaxed lol!
The tank hasent been on par lately, i have lost a few sps frags and 2 fish to an ich outbreak. Ever since the biopellets crashed things have not been going my way. I had to start a new culture of biopellets and it has caused a nasty bout of green cyano. They have made the skimmer overflow a few times now. I have been doing religious water changes to keep things from totally imploding and its making it hard to get a handle on the ALK consumption. Last week my ATO failed on and dumped 30g of RODI in the tank wich stressed the fish and I lost my copperband and an anthia. Things seem to be settling again.
I have not made the transfer yet for a handful of reasons and for now i have made some 2x4 braces to hold the tank steady while I plan the transfer.
The transfer has taken a delay since I have decided to build a new custom tank. I have decided to lay this chapter of my time in the hobby to rest and I will be starting a new thread once the tank arrives from Texas.
Initially i didnt want to spill any beans about the new tank but I felt you guys deserved to know I am still alive and making moves The new tank will be 54x30x22 starfire, pvc bottom, external overflow and rimless. So that is 157 gallon in a workable footprint (a am getting tired of the 30 deep). I am almost 100% sure it will be barebottom even though i am hands down a sand guy. IME the sand bed has been the root of alot of my reefkeeping problems. Either way I know you guys, and I, will love it! Even though I am meer weeks from being a new father, I will do my best to make regular updates as I really enjoy sharing my slice of the pie with you guys. Take care and thanks for checking in 
The tank hasent been on par lately, i have lost a few sps frags and 2 fish to an ich outbreak. Ever since the biopellets crashed things have not been going my way. I had to start a new culture of biopellets and it has caused a nasty bout of green cyano. They have made the skimmer overflow a few times now. I have been doing religious water changes to keep things from totally imploding and its making it hard to get a handle on the ALK consumption. Last week my ATO failed on and dumped 30g of RODI in the tank wich stressed the fish and I lost my copperband and an anthia. Things seem to be settling again.
I have not made the transfer yet for a handful of reasons and for now i have made some 2x4 braces to hold the tank steady while I plan the transfer.
The transfer has taken a delay since I have decided to build a new custom tank. I have decided to lay this chapter of my time in the hobby to rest and I will be starting a new thread once the tank arrives from Texas.
Initially i didnt want to spill any beans about the new tank but I felt you guys deserved to know I am still alive and making moves
The new tank will be 54x30x22 starfire, pvc bottom, external overflow and rimless. So that is 157 gallon in a workable footprint (a am getting tired of the 30 deep). I am almost 100% sure it will be barebottom even though i am hands down a sand guy. IME the sand bed has been the root of alot of my reefkeeping problems. Either way I know you guys, and I, will love it! Even though I am meer weeks from being a new father, I will do my best to make regular updates as I really enjoy sharing my slice of the pie with you guys. Take care and thanks for checking in Similar threads
