Another 40 Breeder Build..

[reef_guy81]

After lurking the forums, researching and planning for close to a year, i decided to get my tank started. I know I still got a long way to go, but this is my first step !!!

This is my first saltwater tank and I have had a freshwater tank for about 2 years.. I didn't wanna spend too much as I was not sure if I could get this right.. So most of my equipment is used and I made my own stand.

Current Equipment:
40 Breeder
29 Gal Long Sump with 3 compartments
DIY Stand
CPR CS-90 Overflow box
QuietOne 3000 Return pump
CPR BAKPAK2 skimmer
Koralia 3 and another huge Koralia(The markings have worn off)
Current USA 4x39 3 bulb fixture (LED in Future)
2 heaters - 1 100W and 1 150W.
40 pounds of fine sugar sized sand
10 pounds of dry rock
50 pounds of live rock ( half in DT and half in Sump)

Misc:
Test Kits
PinPoint Thermometer
Refractometer
The Filter Guys 5 stage Ro/Di.

Planned Fish List:
Pair of TP Clownfish
Yellow Watchman Goby and Pistol Shrimp (Yet to add)
BiColor DottyBack (Yet to add)
Pair of PurpleFirefish (Yet to add)

Coral List:
Not Yet Decided..


This was how the tank was in Feb :

This is how it is now..
FTS:

Live rock with Mushrooms ( ID Please?)

Crab HitchHiker ( ID Please? He is about an inch)

My Paired Juvenile True Percula Clownfish

Tank Parameters:
Salinity: 1.023
Temp: 77-78
Ammonia = 0, Nitrite = 0, Nitrate = 5
PH = 7.6 ( need to increase, but how?)
Ca = 500 mg/L ppm
Kh:161.1ppm
MG= 1600 ppm
Phosphate = 0.1ppm

I was hoping if you guys could help Id the crab (dangerous or safe?) and the mushrooms.. Also is my PH fine? If not, how do you suggest I increase it to acceptable levels?

Finally,. there is an amazing amount of info on here and I thank all that have posted throughout this site, for it is been so very helpful.

Thanks.

 

[rjmayes34]

not to sure about you questions, but i like your rock structure in your tank!!
I have a pink spotted watchman goby and tiger pistol shrimp and they are an awesome combo!!

 

[Randrew215]

Great looking stack!

 

[Jstn]

looks nice, salinity is a bit low imo. Whats your dkh of your alk?

 

[teamdulski]

Those are your generic mushrooms, I would not trust that crab.

 

[reef_guy81]

Thanks guys.

looks nice, salinity is a bit low imo. Whats your dkh of your alk?

@Jstn: Using one of the online convertors. I calculated my DKH to be about 9.016. I need to work on the salinity and PH.. Will try to get the salinity slowly up to 1.025 over the weekend..

 

[SkiFletch]

Edit, my conversions must suck, are you sure about that alkalinity?

If that is correct, then your most likel cause for pH being that low is high CO2 in the tank.

 

[reef_guy81]

Edit, my conversions must suck, are you sure about that alkalinity?

If that is correct, then your most likel cause for pH being that low is high CO2 in the tank.

@SkiFletch: Well i am using the API Carbonate Hardness test kit. As per its instructions, it took me 9 drops to change color from orange to Green. So as per the provided cart, my KH is 161.1ppm. Now using the convertor at http://www.saltyzoo.com/SaltyCalcs/AlkConv.php, my alkalinity is DKH = 9.0216.

How I do properly aerate the tank to increase O2? Use Air pumps? Or is there a better method?

Thanks.

 

[iadubber]

I like your rockwork!

 

[NirvanaFan]

Looks good. I like the Rock stack. To raise your salinity, just top off the water that has evaporated with saltwater instead of RO/DI. It will raise it slowly and won't be a sudden change for anything.

As for your low pH, check out this article by Randy Holmes-Farley. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.php

 

[reef_guy81]

As for your low pH, check out this article by Randy Holmes-Farley. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.php

As per the instructions from the article, I started aerating the water in the sump using 2 air pumps and added a ball of chaeto. I did not want to dose Kalk or anything else YET , so opted for this method. I also slowly topped off with saltwater in small amounts(one cup)until my salinity was 1.025. Next day onwards, I topped off using RO/DI.

Its been 4 days since.. My ph is still lingering between 7.6-7.8 and my salinity is down to 1.023. Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks.

 

[Jstn]

i would calibrate your refractometer to be sure of your readings.