JBJ 28g Advanced LED build

krkosiba

New member
Hey all, after much deliberation of possibly giving up this hobby after numerous tank crashes. (This last crash due to a power outage.) Well...I have decided to keep with it. Though, my cube is far from new. I am pretty much starting from scratch.

Let me state this. I am ashamed and embarrassed of how bad I let my tank go without doing anything to it. I lost everything so went a month and a half without touching it. :(

My purpose of this thread is to show progress as with any thread. Also, to have kind reefers help me with this fresh new start.

With the attached photos is my progress from letting my tank completely go to bringing it back to life. But, first...

Tank info:

JBJ Advanced LED.

2 accela return pumps (stock). Upgraded to maxijet 1200's but decided the
accela returns were sufficient with both returns on continuous.

Vortech MP10 set at 50%. Upgraded to Wes in case of adding another MP10.

Digital Aquatics reefkeeper lite.

Ran the stock JBJ skimmer...easy up keep. Works very well with a modified air pump. However, I upgraded to an Eshopps PSK-75.

I wanted to go with the Aquamaxx for 2 reasons. With the Aquamaxx I could still utilize my reefkeeper probes. With the Eshopps I might not be able to pull it off. Also, the Eshopps has an external pump. My tank runs 79-80.2 without a heater. I fear with anymore heat from an internal pump I may need a chiller.

The first attached photo is after a serious algae scrape and 2 water changes. The algae was so overwhelming. The second photo is a shot taken today after a month and a half of a slow progress of constantly fighting with algae and water parameters.

There is still algae on my live rock. However, it has been better and eventually now everything is back in sync it will choke out...hopefully.

Also, I rearranged my live rock. I had about 30lbs but cut down to about 18-20 building a lagoon formation. I find aquascaping the hardest part. It's like putting together a jigsaw puzzle without a picture.
 

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Got the skimmer up and running.
I can open the hood to the second notch.
 

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My weapons to keep the tank healthy. Though, my test kits are more hobby grade than lab grade...they do the trick. Any suggestions on changes/additions? I want this tank to thrive.
 

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I was gonna get that skimmer for mine but I run a reactor for gfo so that leaves no room...I think now I'm gonna try the aquamaxx....

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
 
Run it, great skimmer. This isn't my first cube or my first rodeo with either skimmer. I have no complaints with the Eshopps. I found that Aquamaxx was easier to dial in. However, I am little upset with the eshopps this time around because the pump is making a horrible vibration and I got inside and the impeller is messed up.

Also, I wish I could run my probes...I might be able to squeeze an itemp or ph probe in there. However, I don't know if the water being taking in or released in either chamber with toy with the calibration of them. Anyone know?

Also, a probe that doesn't get much use I feel is the ORP...my favorite probe. Digital Aquatics did a fine job with it and for individuals with nano tanks it is a good thing to keep peace of mind in the overall health of your tank. That is, if you do a little reading on how to read it.
 
Also, anyone looking to run the Aquamaxx on their 28 cube. I highly suggest you look at ange's thread. Pretty much wrote the book on running the Aquamaxx plus pretty amazing cube...i must say.
 
So, basically...wrote the book. In a very humble way. lol...it is the least I could do for helping make the decision with the Radion. I would drop the 750 on it no questions asked. I just find it a bit pointless being I bought the advanced LED system for the sole purpose of being able to have the option of having more demanding corals of light. So JBJ says...we shall see.
 
My McCosker's Flasher Wrasse and mated pair of clowns. Very pleased with the clowns. The LFS calls them vivid fancies with Wyoma white. As far as the McCosker's wrasse. It really is a colorful fish and adds a lot of character to my tank with it's constant swimming. I feel bad, I know if we are being technical this fish exceeds the limits of my tank. However, I was a bit selfish :/. I guess that is no excuse for bad practices of tank husbandry. Nevertheless, I hope you all like the fish.
 

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