Really enjoying getting back into reefing in a big way.
Jason at PremiumAquatics - top guy. I think PA is going supplant MD as my retailer of choice even though they are sometimes slightly more expensive (not by much) and MD seem to have better shipping rates. I started using PA 2 years ago because MD don't ship lights and fixtures. I've been through alot of PCs on my reefing journey and I don't think one has ever arrived broken - and same for the halide lamps.
So I spent a grand on 10 x 36" 96w Power Compacts and 6 x 400w Radium 20k lamps. Yep, I'm switching from Hamilton 14k to the more blue Radium 20k. Main reason for this is I found I enjoyed the tank the most after 6pm when only the PCs were on. The Radiums are even bluer than I thought but I have to say I'm totally psyched to have them and in my current lazy state it helps to motivate me.
Been having some seriously hot and humid weather here the past few weeks with it hitting 37C (100F) on most days. Even with air con and extractor on the water has been hitting 29C (84.5F). So what I've been doing is turning the extractor fan off at night. This allows the air con to chill the water down to about 26.2C (79.5F) and then the temp only rises to 28.3C (83F) during Halide hours. It's a bit of a swing but within parameters I'm sure.
Still waiting on the SpectraPure unit. I tried to cancel it at MD but they said SpectraPure had already sent the unit and I couldn't cancel. I tried to cancel as Jason at PA informed me SpectraPure are discontinuing the SpectraPlus line in favour of the newer (and cheaper) MaxCap line. Another reason to choose PA. Rather than just order the unit he spoke to SpectraPure and gave me vital info. Now I'm stuck with a unit that I probably won't be able to get replacement cartridges for in a year's time.
Anyhow, still need that unit asap because my nitrates are at about 10. I don't feed a huge amount but the 8 months without a water change and degraded performance on the skimmer due to neglect of cleaning is obviously leaving its mark. So the denitrator is not working, heh.
As soon as I get the water parameters sorted out I'm going to get some more livestock. Think I'll be getting more rock and completely re-doing the aquascape first though.
I'll leave you with a nice pic from a Japanese fish importer I have used in Tokyo. Although this fish is not exactly imported. This year they seem to have alot of them and this also means they are getting cheaper. They are priced $570 to $650 compared to $800 last year. If they still have some in about October I might just treat myself (to a pair if possible).
