Growth

[McCrary]

So the last couple weeks I have been able to finally see some really good growth. I have been having problems with the tank and I finally figured out what was going on. After the crash I did a couple large water changes using Reef Crystals. This is a good salt if you have a heavy SPS load because it adds a lot more calcium than alkalinity. Unfortunately, after the crash the calcium demand wasn't high and the calcium began to build up while the alkalinity stayed around 10. I switched to instant ocean which has less calcium and the tank is finally starting to stabilize and the growth has really taken off. Just thought I would post and tell you guys.

 

[Tanque Verde]

Cool. Congrats on the comeback. I've yet to endure a crash and I dread the day.

 

[McCrary]

Yea, I thought that I would never had one and then it happened to me, lol. But it has allowed me to start over, but it is frustrating having to watch things grow from frags into colonies again.

 

[adamsky27]

Hey Matt, what other stuff do you dose your tank with? My SPS seems like it is growing like crazy (especially my caps and green slimer), and I have no idea why. I don't dose ANYTHING. I have always used Reef Crystals.

I was thinking of adding some Purple-Up. I had an urchin that ate so much of my coraline. What do you think?

 

[McCrary]

I don't dose anything right now, I might have to dose magnesium in the future, but right now it seems to be fine. Purple-Up isn't going to do anything for the tank because you have a calcium reactor, not to mention it isn't a very effective product anyway, lol. Your SPS growth is pretty crazy and I think its probably do to your good husbandry efforts. SPS love stability, so I bet its due to your tanks stability.

 

[adamsky27]

That would make sense. I have my heater and chiller set up perfectly, so the temp is always right at 79. My calcuim reactor keeps things constant, and I top off the water every day so the salinity stays the same. I think I have tested my water once in the last six months.

Thank you for the advice on the purple up. I actually used it once before I had my calcium reactor, and I was very pleased with the results. I guess I don't need to dose that now though huh?

I've been doing water changes about once every 2 months or so (I use to do them every 2 weeks). I do ensure that my calcium and salinity levels are perfect before doing the water change though (from the new water). I think anybody that mixes their own water should test these two levels before the water change. Oh yeah, and ensure the temperature is the same. Other than that, that is all I do. It is very simple lately.

/Knocks on wood

 

[McCrary]

Yea dude, I think simplicity and stability are the trick. It also seems that coral get used to a tanks setup and grow when that tank setup is consistent. You also probably have all your parameters in check which is the hard part. SPS can be tricky and once you get it down everything else is cake.

 

[adamsky27]

So what do I need to do to get my PPE to grow faster?

 

[McCrary]

A time machine.

 

[adamsky27]

Can you build me one?

 

[McCrary]

Anytime, lol.

 

[lovelylinda]

That was funny, Matt!

 

[adamsky27]

Yes it was, and I'm still waiting for it!

 

[SWSaltwater]

I saw a good design for one on Napoleon Dynamite!

http://video.aol.com/partner/hulu/n...time-machine/rUlxa8TIOUA1zsyxEEap9Kdy_d0iXw7V

 

[adamsky27]

I don't think sticking that in my tank would be a good thing!

 

[cerreta]

Dude, your PPE grows like a fungus.

Do you really need the time machine