Higher Calcium Level for SPS Growth? (vs Health)
- Thread starter Wally.B
- Start date
Wally.B
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Yup. About a year ago, but this has become a Fun Tank Thread for all.
Wally.B
Active member
LEOPARD WRASSE (Out a lot now. Appears to be EATING)
- Lighting has helped. Leopard out for hours and swimming around.
- Picky on food. Appears to like to pick food off glass. Learning to catch food floating around.
- Trying Live Brine Shrimp, Reef Nutrition ArtiPods, PE Mysis soaked in Garlic.
HERE IS THE LEOPARD today (During feeding time)
https://www.youtube.com/upload
- Lighting has helped. Leopard out for hours and swimming around.
- Picky on food. Appears to like to pick food off glass. Learning to catch food floating around.
- Trying Live Brine Shrimp, Reef Nutrition ArtiPods, PE Mysis soaked in Garlic.
HERE IS THE LEOPARD today (During feeding time)
https://www.youtube.com/upload
Wally.B
Active member
*NEW FRAG LIGHT * Test
So that DIY LED Light Got the Wrasse woken up.
Time to test what it can do for future Corals.
Side by side test of (two lighting extremes)
1) SPS Frag
2) Mushroom
I'm pretty sure that Mushroom is going to need to be moved into some shade.
It's no loss if it burns, I scooped it out of my Water Change bucket from my Kitchen tank. Was swimming around loose on the bottom.
So that DIY LED Light Got the Wrasse woken up.
Time to test what it can do for future Corals.
Side by side test of (two lighting extremes)
1) SPS Frag
2) Mushroom
I'm pretty sure that Mushroom is going to need to be moved into some shade.
It's no loss if it burns, I scooped it out of my Water Change bucket from my Kitchen tank. Was swimming around loose on the bottom.
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Wally.B
Active member
Today's Photo of Leopard Wrasse (Doing Very Well). Must be patient in Quarentine
I must stay put, even though I feel like he might be good to go into Display Tank.
Will give him at least 4 more weeks in Quarantine, to learn to eat normal foods. At this point he does eat (not sure what), pecking at glass all the time. (Could be the live Brine Shrimp I keep hatching for him).
BTW. Added a dimmer to the SUMP LED Fixture, for some Less Intense lighting (on timer). Lower levels really bring out the Royal Blue LED's.
I must stay put, even though I feel like he might be good to go into Display Tank.
Will give him at least 4 more weeks in Quarantine, to learn to eat normal foods. At this point he does eat (not sure what), pecking at glass all the time. (Could be the live Brine Shrimp I keep hatching for him).
BTW. Added a dimmer to the SUMP LED Fixture, for some Less Intense lighting (on timer). Lower levels really bring out the Royal Blue LED's.
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Wally.B
Active member
LEOPARD Wrasse (BIG!! Improvement in QT). Video of him Eating and active
Here is Day 4 (YOUTUBE VIDEO) of Leopard Wrasse in QT (after coming out). Slept in Sandbed for a week.
https://youtu.be/f_BzQgAFsHg
Things look really promising after a bleak week of patience and worry.
Here is Day 4 (YOUTUBE VIDEO) of Leopard Wrasse in QT (after coming out). Slept in Sandbed for a week.
https://youtu.be/f_BzQgAFsHg
Things look really promising after a bleak week of patience and worry.
Wally.B
Active member
DEPRESSING (After Getting the two new 250MH Phoenix 14,000K bulbs) ** ONE of my Galaxy Ballasts has failed **
Things were going well with the new 250W Phoenix Bulbs.
I just noticed one side of tank not lighting up as bright. After investigation (switching cords/bulbs) one ballast is not working.
Probably not under warranty (5 years Warranty), so a Replacement Ballast is about $300+tax.
Depressing. Maybe time to go LED but that's a big price jump.
Hoping it can be repaired.
Things were going well with the new 250W Phoenix Bulbs.
I just noticed one side of tank not lighting up as bright. After investigation (switching cords/bulbs) one ballast is not working.
Probably not under warranty (5 years Warranty), so a Replacement Ballast is about $300+tax.
Depressing. Maybe time to go LED but that's a big price jump.
Hoping it can be repaired.
Wally.B
Active member
All cheered up!! (Broken Ballast situations resolve)
- Got a CoralVue Luxcore Replacement ballast $180 (cheaper than new Lighting)
- Gutted the old Galaxy ballast for the Heat Sink (Bit of work, they seal the inside by Pouring in Black Tar). Freezing it and chipping away did the job.
- Got a CoralVue Luxcore Replacement ballast $180 (cheaper than new Lighting)
- Gutted the old Galaxy ballast for the Heat Sink (Bit of work, they seal the inside by Pouring in Black Tar). Freezing it and chipping away did the job.
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Wally.B
Active member
Got a Small Slap on the Hand with Over Confidence (Purple Plus T5 Bulbb causes small Algae Comeback)
So for weeks there has been no Algae issues.
I got over confident since I could feed to my hearts content, and no algae. Photo Period of MH lights at 8 hours (no Algae).
I also decided to bring back my favourite T5 (Purple Plus) a few weeks ago. I loved the extra red coral coloration.
The Purple plus only shined on the upper portion of my tank (due to reflector aim). But I just noticed Algae growing on the rocks where the bulb Shine.
So I quickly put back the Atnic.
Lesson Learned twice (Red Light Grows algae!!!) Purple plus is ok when in proper ratios, but in my cases I only have 2 T5s, so 50% is not a good idea.
So for weeks there has been no Algae issues.
I got over confident since I could feed to my hearts content, and no algae. Photo Period of MH lights at 8 hours (no Algae).
I also decided to bring back my favourite T5 (Purple Plus) a few weeks ago. I loved the extra red coral coloration.
The Purple plus only shined on the upper portion of my tank (due to reflector aim). But I just noticed Algae growing on the rocks where the bulb Shine.
So I quickly put back the Atnic.
Lesson Learned twice (Red Light Grows algae!!!) Purple plus is ok when in proper ratios, but in my cases I only have 2 T5s, so 50% is not a good idea.
Wally.B
Active member
Leopard Wrasse (Back from the Dead)
- So things have been iffy with the Leopard Wrasse since not Crazy Eatting.
But a couple days Ago, he wasn't being picked up on Motion Detection WEbCam.
He wasn't coming out of sand. Which appeared to be a turn for the worse.
I was getting ready to take apart the QT (and dig out the corpse out of the sand), then I noticed him swimming at the bottom for a moment.
But that was from the other side of the glass. (He escaped QT and made a waterfall trip in to the Return Pump area).
So he is back in QT, and swimming around happy!!
- So things have been iffy with the Leopard Wrasse since not Crazy Eatting.
But a couple days Ago, he wasn't being picked up on Motion Detection WEbCam.
He wasn't coming out of sand. Which appeared to be a turn for the worse.
I was getting ready to take apart the QT (and dig out the corpse out of the sand), then I noticed him swimming at the bottom for a moment.
But that was from the other side of the glass. (He escaped QT and made a waterfall trip in to the Return Pump area).
So he is back in QT, and swimming around happy!!
Wally.B
Active member
YouTube Video of the Juvenile Leopard Wrasse, in QT week 4.
He is being feed both Tiger Copepods and Live Brine Shrimp (Feed Reef Nutrition Phytofeast). Plus being trained on Flake, Pellets, Frozen Foods.
https://youtu.be/cszovHKV8yA
Few more weeks, or when he starts eating variety and he goes into DT.
He is being feed both Tiger Copepods and Live Brine Shrimp (Feed Reef Nutrition Phytofeast). Plus being trained on Flake, Pellets, Frozen Foods.
https://youtu.be/cszovHKV8yA
Few more weeks, or when he starts eating variety and he goes into DT.
Wally.B
Active member
SPS TANK (TOP View) 2015-Aug VS 2016-May (9 Months later)
So this is not Stellar Rocket growth, but after all the challenges over the last year, things have grown/colored up. (Few Corals lost, and some newbies over time)
Starting to see the early pains of some success (Coral's Crashing into one another). Even had to prune my first one
2015-08-29 (Under Bad Algae Causing (RGB=White LED) Camera: Auto White Balance )
2016-05-30 ( Photo under (White & Blue) Strip LED, (Camera: Custom-White-Balance) ) *Same rocks, just stacked differently *
So this is not Stellar Rocket growth, but after all the challenges over the last year, things have grown/colored up. (Few Corals lost, and some newbies over time)
Starting to see the early pains of some success (Coral's Crashing into one another). Even had to prune my first one
2015-08-29 (Under Bad Algae Causing (RGB=White LED) Camera: Auto White Balance )
2016-05-30 ( Photo under (White & Blue) Strip LED, (Camera: Custom-White-Balance) ) *Same rocks, just stacked differently *
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Wally.B
Active member
Leopard Wrasse (Ain't going to Make it) Brief Visit into Display Tank (back into Quarantine)
So I tried everything I could to raise that Juvenile Leopard Wrasse.
I managed to keep him alive in QT for about 5 weeks (which is higher than expected for a non-eater).
I tried all live foods (copepods, Live BrineShrimps), and every food on my Shelf.
All he would eat is Live Foods and couldn't get trained on Regular food.
Today I noticed him very thin, and as last attempt tried him in my Display tank. However after an hour or so I could see he wasn't strong enough to handle the SPS tank currents. Was floating around trying to stay upright. SAD to watch.
Luckily enough I managed to scoop him up and he is back in Quarantine for his last bit of life. He's resting on the sand bed, since he can't even bury himself anymore.
(I do get attached to fish, especially when trying so hard/long to keep them alive. I gave this attempt all my might [Custom QT, All foods possible]).
(On the bright side) I did manage to get one nice Photo during his brief Display Tank Visit.
At least I have this memory of him in DT, and he won't be polluting it (since pulled out still alive).
MEMORY PHOTO of Leopard in SPS Display Tank
Too bad he would have been a nice addition. I would have enjoyed seeing him transition form Juvenile to adult.
ONWARD....(Time to clean up QT)...I'm still waiting for the Black Cap Basslet. Being told the shipment of many will arrive in next few weeks.
So I tried everything I could to raise that Juvenile Leopard Wrasse.
I managed to keep him alive in QT for about 5 weeks (which is higher than expected for a non-eater).
I tried all live foods (copepods, Live BrineShrimps), and every food on my Shelf.
All he would eat is Live Foods and couldn't get trained on Regular food.
Today I noticed him very thin, and as last attempt tried him in my Display tank. However after an hour or so I could see he wasn't strong enough to handle the SPS tank currents. Was floating around trying to stay upright. SAD to watch.
Luckily enough I managed to scoop him up and he is back in Quarantine for his last bit of life. He's resting on the sand bed, since he can't even bury himself anymore.
(I do get attached to fish, especially when trying so hard/long to keep them alive. I gave this attempt all my might [Custom QT, All foods possible]). (On the bright side) I did manage to get one nice Photo during his brief Display Tank Visit. At least I have this memory of him in DT, and he won't be polluting it (since pulled out still alive).
MEMORY PHOTO of Leopard in SPS Display Tank
Too bad he would have been a nice addition. I would have enjoyed seeing him transition form Juvenile to adult.
ONWARD....(Time to clean up QT)...I'm still waiting for the Black Cap Basslet. Being told the shipment of many will arrive in next few weeks.
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Wally.B
Active member
Leo BACK FROM THE DEAD!! Impossible. But Real. First Time Ever for me!
Well this is a first for me. Whenever I've had an ailing fish, they usually perish quickly.
And considering what Leo the Leopard looked like yesterday, I had him written off (Dead last night..... (Especially after a double Tank Transfer)
So I started tearing apart the QT, expecting to pull out a corpse out of the Sandbed.
When I lifted a 2nd rock, he popped out. He came out all sleepy, but then perked up (and started peck eating). From what I read these fish do wake up very slowly. Up to 15 minutes when woken.
Anyway, he is still thin looking, but should have been dead by now.
I got a last burst of hope, thinking all that feeding could have polluted the water even though I was doing water changes from Display tank.
So I quickly drained the 2nd QT section for the Black Cap that is all aged Fresh Salt water into his area (Maybe clean water is what he needs).
We'll see what happens. Hopes are pretty low. But I never give up.
Making a fresh batch of brine shrimp for a dump in tomorrow. Big batch that will all go into his tank area, if he is still alive.
Here I proof of his comeback tonight. Really Erie. Still feel kind of freaked out.
If he continues to live, which I doubt, I'll get him freshened up in the new water, and try again in DT (where there is live food colonies of many varieties, that has kept my Mandarin Alive for months)
Well this is a first for me. Whenever I've had an ailing fish, they usually perish quickly.
And considering what Leo the Leopard looked like yesterday, I had him written off (Dead last night..... (Especially after a double Tank Transfer)
So I started tearing apart the QT, expecting to pull out a corpse out of the Sandbed.
When I lifted a 2nd rock, he popped out. He came out all sleepy, but then perked up (and started peck eating). From what I read these fish do wake up very slowly. Up to 15 minutes when woken.
Anyway, he is still thin looking, but should have been dead by now.
I got a last burst of hope, thinking all that feeding could have polluted the water even though I was doing water changes from Display tank.
So I quickly drained the 2nd QT section for the Black Cap that is all aged Fresh Salt water into his area (Maybe clean water is what he needs).
We'll see what happens. Hopes are pretty low. But I never give up.
Making a fresh batch of brine shrimp for a dump in tomorrow. Big batch that will all go into his tank area, if he is still alive.
Here I proof of his comeback tonight. Really Erie. Still feel kind of freaked out.
If he continues to live, which I doubt, I'll get him freshened up in the new water, and try again in DT (where there is live food colonies of many varieties, that has kept my Mandarin Alive for months)
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Wally.B
Active member
Just checked on Leo Again. He found a resting place under a rock.
Doesn't look good, but he's fooled me more than once.
He is still breathing. Not the typical hard breathing I've seen in dying fish.
We'll see if he hangs in till tomorrow. It would be a miracle if he does.
Doesn't look good, but he's fooled me more than once.
He is still breathing. Not the typical hard breathing I've seen in dying fish.
We'll see if he hangs in till tomorrow. It would be a miracle if he does.
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Wally.B
Active member
Looks worse this morning. Fluttering on the sand bottom to stay upright, Very Frail, but won't pass away.
I feel like flushing him to end his misery, but let nature do it's thing (I think starvation is slow, compared to typical quicker Shock/Disease death).
At least there are no Nasty hermits to bother him, which would merit flushing.
I feel like flushing him to end his misery, but let nature do it's thing (I think starvation is slow, compared to typical quicker Shock/Disease death).
At least there are no Nasty hermits to bother him, which would merit flushing.
Wally.B
Active member
Leo Keeps Perking up (Thinking of throwing directly into Brine Shrimp Farm)
I don't give up easy, that why I respect Leo not giving up either.
Check him out. He's just resting on the sand.
I'm thinking of trying something, if he lives till tomorrow.
Going to make a batch of Live Brine Shrimp in matched water.
Then throw him in and he will have thousands of fresh brine shrimp to eat, even if he can't get up.
Or I just throw 1000 Live Brine shrimps right into his QT.
I don't give up easy, that why I respect Leo not giving up either.
Check him out. He's just resting on the sand.
I'm thinking of trying something, if he lives till tomorrow.
Going to make a batch of Live Brine Shrimp in matched water.
Then throw him in and he will have thousands of fresh brine shrimp to eat, even if he can't get up.
Or I just throw 1000 Live Brine shrimps right into his QT.
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