Higher Calcium Level for SPS Growth? (vs Health)
- Thread starter Wally.B
- Start date
Wally.B
Active member
Where to Place the BioFilter in Sump? (Entry or Exit)
It may not matter, but I'm going to install the Sump Baffles for the BioFilter Area. I won't need the Eggcrate box like I'm running now, since New Sump it will be a glass baffle Flow Channel container.
- I'm thinking before the Skimmer since this will be area of highest Nutrients and Ammonia, Nitrates, to feed the Bacteria in the Bio-Media.
- Or it could go just before the Return pump to Polish the water.
Or it doesn't really matter?
It may not matter, but I'm going to install the Sump Baffles for the BioFilter Area. I won't need the Eggcrate box like I'm running now, since New Sump it will be a glass baffle Flow Channel container.
- I'm thinking before the Skimmer since this will be area of highest Nutrients and Ammonia, Nitrates, to feed the Bacteria in the Bio-Media.
- Or it could go just before the Return pump to Polish the water.
Or it doesn't really matter?
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Wally.B
Active member
Bio Filter (in). Middle Dual Purpose design. (Algae Scrubber Next)
I hear you all, and I agree. So I made a compromise.
- I only want one BioFilter baffle, so so the choice was in or out
- I also watched the CoralSnow Cloud patterns while testing. Some mixing but there is flow directly across sump top back to return pump.
So I decided to put the baffle at the beginning. This way the flow is down and swirl, rather than across the top.
There shouldn't be too much Detritus, since it will go thru Sock Area, and then up thru Algae Scrubber.
All detritus will be trapped in that section at the bottom ( 90% ).
And I just re-design the Bio Filter to be in the Middle (or anywhere since it's a shelf). Half of it get's direct flow, the rest is sideways (can be adjusted as needed)
The Glass Bio-Filter Baffle is in a slot and removable, for eazy cleaning.
Notice the Slanted baffle under the bio-Filter. That will enable more swirl.
Probably overkill, but this if fun. And can be adjusted in future, since silicone is easy to remove.
So the last part for the Algae Scrubber section arrived yesterday. Time to design and build.
I hear you all, and I agree. So I made a compromise.
- I only want one BioFilter baffle, so so the choice was in or out
- I also watched the CoralSnow Cloud patterns while testing. Some mixing but there is flow directly across sump top back to return pump.
So I decided to put the baffle at the beginning. This way the flow is down and swirl, rather than across the top.
There shouldn't be too much Detritus, since it will go thru Sock Area, and then up thru Algae Scrubber.
All detritus will be trapped in that section at the bottom ( 90% ).
And I just re-design the Bio Filter to be in the Middle (or anywhere since it's a shelf). Half of it get's direct flow, the rest is sideways (can be adjusted as needed)
The Glass Bio-Filter Baffle is in a slot and removable, for eazy cleaning.
Notice the Slanted baffle under the bio-Filter. That will enable more swirl.
Probably overkill, but this if fun. And can be adjusted in future, since silicone is easy to remove.
So the last part for the Algae Scrubber section arrived yesterday. Time to design and build.
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Wally.B
Active member
"In-Sump" ALGAE Scrubber (Hybrid - [Reverse WaterFall/Upflow]) Build starting
So here are All the parts for the Alage Scrubber:
My Algae Scrubber is going to be unconventional. Been thinking about this some time.
After observer the Upflow scrubber I have, and seeing how waterfalls are built.
It will work on the concept of Upflow, but it will also be designed like a Waterfall (Without either design drawbacks: Noise, Splash, Access, Plugging, Space, External Pump, etc).
The idea is:
- To create a strong flow across the screen by concentrating the water flow the Tank Return. (So quiet and no pump).
- To boost the Algae growth, I'm adding a airstone at the bottom. Not for upflow flow, but to add extra (air=Oxygen, CarbonDioxide for growth)
- There will be baffles for:
-------------> Water channeling
-------------> Flow concentration
-------------> Microbubble elimation
- The LED power module ($33) is 24W dimmable (0-10 Volt so could be apex controlled). I probably will run it 100%, and use on/off cycles.
- Plan is 7 RED, 1 Blue. or (6 RED, 2 Blue) LEDS
- And The Grow Screen will slide on a track to tune the scrubber (both on flow and LED Light Spread)
- It will be a dual screen (General Smooth Screen and Target Growing area Rough Screen)
- There will be some kind of Post ATS Algae Filter, to catch any loose algae from entering Sump, or Tank.
- The whole module will be removable from the Sump Chamber, for cleaning, adjustments, or re-designs.
Now with my track-record of being able to grow Algae, it SHOULD Work like a charm.
So here are All the parts for the Alage Scrubber:
My Algae Scrubber is going to be unconventional. Been thinking about this some time.
After observer the Upflow scrubber I have, and seeing how waterfalls are built.
It will work on the concept of Upflow, but it will also be designed like a Waterfall (Without either design drawbacks: Noise, Splash, Access, Plugging, Space, External Pump, etc).
The idea is:
- To create a strong flow across the screen by concentrating the water flow the Tank Return. (So quiet and no pump).
- To boost the Algae growth, I'm adding a airstone at the bottom. Not for upflow flow, but to add extra (air=Oxygen, CarbonDioxide for growth)
- There will be baffles for:
-------------> Water channeling
-------------> Flow concentration
-------------> Microbubble elimation
- The LED power module ($33) is 24W dimmable (0-10 Volt so could be apex controlled). I probably will run it 100%, and use on/off cycles.
- Plan is 7 RED, 1 Blue. or (6 RED, 2 Blue) LEDS
- And The Grow Screen will slide on a track to tune the scrubber (both on flow and LED Light Spread)
- It will be a dual screen (General Smooth Screen and Target Growing area Rough Screen)
- There will be some kind of Post ATS Algae Filter, to catch any loose algae from entering Sump, or Tank.
- The whole module will be removable from the Sump Chamber, for cleaning, adjustments, or re-designs.
Now with my track-record of being able to grow Algae, it SHOULD Work like a charm.
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Wally.B
Active member
Montipora changing from Brown to Purple (Tank Conditions must be good). All Frags put in.
I noticed my Montipora (Top Right), is actually changing from Brown to Purple. (Looking back over a year ago, it was bought purple).
So this must be a hint that Tank Conditions are improving. If I understand correctly, blues and purples are hardest to get.
With this NEW trust in my tank, I put in all the Frags I got over last while.
Took some minor rock adjustments, but every Frag has a place.
Even put in the New Berrywine Acro which I got today.
Bit crowded for the long run, but if these Frags start to grow and color properly, it should be nice for a while.
One more picture with the MH Lights off (Just LED Strips). (The camera seems to like less lighting to pick up colors better).
Onward!!
I noticed my Montipora (Top Right), is actually changing from Brown to Purple. (Looking back over a year ago, it was bought purple).
So this must be a hint that Tank Conditions are improving. If I understand correctly, blues and purples are hardest to get.
With this NEW trust in my tank, I put in all the Frags I got over last while.
Took some minor rock adjustments, but every Frag has a place.
Even put in the New Berrywine Acro which I got today.
Bit crowded for the long run, but if these Frags start to grow and color properly, it should be nice for a while.
One more picture with the MH Lights off (Just LED Strips). (The camera seems to like less lighting to pick up colors better).
Onward!!
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Wally.B
Active member
Hey Wally, lots of changes, looks great! You added a lot more rock since I saw it last too. I'd say those new bulbs look great! The Phoenix were my favorite bulbs when I had MH. Well, besides Radiums.Where did you get the Phoenix? I thought they were discontinued?
I never added a single rock. Just stacked them differently.
I got the Phoenix bulbs from "reefsupplies.ca", if they are discontinued, I should probably get a couple more, before supplies run out. Love them.
The Phoenix bulbs are sooo blue, I couldn't see my Blue Plus/Actinic T5's come on. So I swapped the Actinic with a Purple Plus, and Pop!!
However, next year when it's bulb replacement time, I may consider FULL LED (Radiums). To save on power at least.
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Wally.B
Active member
Things are definitely looking up, congrats! Word of advice, move both tabling pieces down to the rocks on your sand bed, you'll be glad you did
I hear you loud a and clear. Been thinking about these tabling corals. The already are shading the little space I have.
However that lower coral (Yellow one), isn't suppose to plate like that. It is supposed to spike, but when it encrusted, it kept going flat. (it grows slow). The Monti's will grow fast (and I like that double color one I started at the top).
I will start thinking of moving them. Possibly to the far right of the tank where there is a vertical wall and nothing underneath.
The branching SPS should be easier to deal with since pruning is an option done the road.
However the growth problem isn't something I'm at right now. I do look forward to growth (which I haven't had since the beginning of this tank). So if things grow, and keep colors, that is a pain I look forward to (to learn about pruning etc).
Right now, my tinkering hands are out. Hands are ichy, but under control
(Even thinking of delaying the new Sump and Skimmer, till things stay stable for a few months).
Wally.B
Active member
Green Hair Algae all gone (except for 1 spot)
So I'm 99.9999% convinced RED led strip was causing my Algae Blooms. Or biology caught up.
I couldn't even think more lighting or feeding fish without causing blooms.
One *NEW* change I did few weeks ago is I decided to run my Alk at 7.5 (hanging around 7.7). In past kept over 8.0 (usually 8.5)
Now I feed 3-4 times a day, and MH lights are getting close to 7 hours, and Algae is disappearing EVERYWHERE!! Almost nothing left. Even pumps and heater is staying clean.
There is one Green Hair Algae spot left. A snail is covered in GHA, and I guess the Emerald can't clean him. Gotta catch him and scrub him a bit.
So I'm 99.9999% convinced RED led strip was causing my Algae Blooms. Or biology caught up.
I couldn't even think more lighting or feeding fish without causing blooms.
One *NEW* change I did few weeks ago is I decided to run my Alk at 7.5 (hanging around 7.7). In past kept over 8.0 (usually 8.5)
Now I feed 3-4 times a day, and MH lights are getting close to 7 hours, and Algae is disappearing EVERYWHERE!! Almost nothing left. Even pumps and heater is staying clean.
There is one Green Hair Algae spot left. A snail is covered in GHA, and I guess the Emerald can't clean him. Gotta catch him and scrub him a bit.
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Wally.B
Active member
A photo Trip Down Memory Lane (This Tank) Last 2 years+
How about a review of last two years or so (plus a real old photo of tank years ago).
And one REALLY OLD PHOTO of this tank. (10+ years ago)
It used to be a large Refuge (Macro Algae) Tank, that was linked to my Kitchen tank. (Kept my other tank crystal clear)
How about a review of last two years or so (plus a real old photo of tank years ago).
And one REALLY OLD PHOTO of this tank. (10+ years ago)
It used to be a large Refuge (Macro Algae) Tank, that was linked to my Kitchen tank. (Kept my other tank crystal clear)
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Wally.B
Active member
For my records....(Current Tank Parameters, Setup and Routines).
FULL TANK PARAMETER TESTS [2016-04-20]
Temp..[ 78.0-78.5 ] - Apex Probe 24hrs
Sal......[ 1.025 ] - Calibrated Reflectometer
PH......[ 7.85-8.11 ppm] - Lab Grade PH Probe Apex 24 hours
ALK......[ 7.5 dKH] - Salifert Kit
CALC....[ 430 ppm] - Salifert Kit
MAG.....[ 1380 ppm] - Salifert Kit
NO3.....[ < 2 ppm Detectable] - Salifert Kit (GFO running 24/7)
PO4.....[ 23.0 ppb, 0.07 ppm ] - Hanna Phosphorous Kit
Dosing:
- ESV B-Ionic CALCIUM & ALK (Daily Dosing Pumps)
- AquaForest Pro BioS (1-3 Drops ~Daily), Extra few Drops After Water Change.
- ZeoVit Coral Vitalizer (2 Drops ~Daily)
- ZeoVit Auto Elements (5 tabs (for 3 months): B-Balance, Iron, Potassium Iodide)
Lighting:
- MH (250W Pheonix 14000K) 12" above Water Surface (7 hours)
- T5HO (ATI Blue Plus, Purple Plus) (5 Hours)
- LED (Blue/White/Blue 5050 Strip) (6 hours mixed)
Filtration:
- EuroReef Skimmer
- Algae Scrubber (Santa Monica 0.6 DropBox)
- Filter Sock (Nylon 300 micron)
- MarinePure BioFilter Media (Spheres in EggCrate Wall Container)
- Kent Carbon in Baggie (in Filter Sock)
Tank Maintenace Routines:
- Fish/CUC Feeding: [ Flake, Pellet, Frozen (3 times daily), Live Reef Nutrition Farm CopePods (Weekly), Nori Sheet in Sump for Arabica Cowrie Convict (weekly) ]
- Water Changes: [ Aquaforest Pro Biotic Salt] [ RO Water-DI Filter (0 ppm InLine TDS Meter) ] 10 Gal Weekly (~10%)
- Filter Sock Clean (Weekly) / Kent Carbon Change (Approx Every 2-3 Weeks)
- Algae Scrubber (Weekly Harvesting)
- ZeoVit Coral Snow (Once a Month or as Needed)
FULL TANK PARAMETER TESTS [2016-04-20]
Temp..[ 78.0-78.5 ] - Apex Probe 24hrs
Sal......[ 1.025 ] - Calibrated Reflectometer
PH......[ 7.85-8.11 ppm] - Lab Grade PH Probe Apex 24 hours
ALK......[ 7.5 dKH] - Salifert Kit
CALC....[ 430 ppm] - Salifert Kit
MAG.....[ 1380 ppm] - Salifert Kit
NO3.....[ < 2 ppm Detectable] - Salifert Kit (GFO running 24/7)
PO4.....[ 23.0 ppb, 0.07 ppm ] - Hanna Phosphorous Kit
Dosing:
- ESV B-Ionic CALCIUM & ALK (Daily Dosing Pumps)
- AquaForest Pro BioS (1-3 Drops ~Daily), Extra few Drops After Water Change.
- ZeoVit Coral Vitalizer (2 Drops ~Daily)
- ZeoVit Auto Elements (5 tabs (for 3 months): B-Balance, Iron, Potassium Iodide)
Lighting:
- MH (250W Pheonix 14000K) 12" above Water Surface (7 hours)
- T5HO (ATI Blue Plus, Purple Plus) (5 Hours)
- LED (Blue/White/Blue 5050 Strip) (6 hours mixed)
Filtration:
- EuroReef Skimmer
- Algae Scrubber (Santa Monica 0.6 DropBox)
- Filter Sock (Nylon 300 micron)
- MarinePure BioFilter Media (Spheres in EggCrate Wall Container)
- Kent Carbon in Baggie (in Filter Sock)
Tank Maintenace Routines:
- Fish/CUC Feeding: [ Flake, Pellet, Frozen (3 times daily), Live Reef Nutrition Farm CopePods (Weekly), Nori Sheet in Sump for Arabica Cowrie Convict (weekly) ]
- Water Changes: [ Aquaforest Pro Biotic Salt] [ RO Water-DI Filter (0 ppm InLine TDS Meter) ] 10 Gal Weekly (~10%)
- Filter Sock Clean (Weekly) / Kent Carbon Change (Approx Every 2-3 Weeks)
- Algae Scrubber (Weekly Harvesting)
- ZeoVit Coral Snow (Once a Month or as Needed)
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Wally.B
Active member
Algae Scrubber (Double sided screen) Mirror Protype (Looks good)
So I got the mirrors and gave it a mock up to see if it works.
Appears the mirror idea will work since I tested reflection on back side.
Right now light passes thru the screen, but as Algae builds up that will change.
Next is flow control across screen and acrylic housing.
So I got the mirrors and gave it a mock up to see if it works.
Appears the mirror idea will work since I tested reflection on back side.
Right now light passes thru the screen, but as Algae builds up that will change.
Next is flow control across screen and acrylic housing.
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