John's Noob ?'s thread. . .PLZ Help if BOLD

[Palting]

If you flipped over the rock and noticed the purple color, that is just discoloration of the rock from sitting on the substarte or base. Certainly not coraline. BTW, you can spell it coraline or coralline, but not corline . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coralline_algae

The oceanic 72" aqualight pro is simillar to my light. You can keep pretty much anything in there with those 3 150W MH and 8 actinics.

 

[philosophile]

coralline takes a while to grow.... I'm not sure how much growth you're seeing since we don't have pics.... If its little spots, all over, then its very possible that its coralline.

 

[Hermes`]

Is yours the 150w or the 250w version. Here's a link of someone who tested 250w bulbs. He tested color of bulbs w/ & w/o actinics, power consumption with different ballasts, Lamp heat due to ballasts, and PAR. http://cnidarianreef.com/G180/lamps.php

 

[~JSG~]

Thanks you all, well kinda bummed that it isn't the purple stuff but glad that the lights will work out, being the 150w version I was afraid I was going to be a lil underlit

 

[Palting]

I want to make sure I am not giving you the bum steer here. I looked back on the thread and could not see it. What are your tank dimensions?

 

[~JSG~]

I want to make sure I am not giving you the bum steer here. I looked back on the thread and could not see it. What are your tank dimensions?

Can't remember off the top of my head but length is 7ft by ~30" tall by ~30"

 

[~JSG~]

Ok so I got an API nitrate, nitrate, and ammonia test kit. I was just looking for some input on how well this kit works or if anyone has any advice?

 

[Palting]

Can't remember off the top of my head but length is 7ft by ~30" tall by ~30"

If it's truly 30" deep, then even the 150 MH won't go that deep. You'll need 250 or even 400 w MH.

 

[~JSG~]

If it's truly 30" deep, then even the 150 MH won't go that deep. You'll need 250 or even 400 w MH.

Well i went and took a measurement of my tank height and i found that it is actually only 24" deep so then that means that my lights are good? IDK?

Also, I just took my readings of Nitrite, Nitrate and Ammonia and PH

PH 8.0 a little low i know

NH3/NH4= .25ppm

NO2= 0ppm

NO3= 5.0ppm

How do i fix these readings? Any suggestions ANYONE?

 

[Palting]

Yep, your lights should be fine at 24"

Nothing to fix, yet. You are still cycling, bud. Your ammonia is still being broken down, and your pH is on the low side because of the cycling producing acids. Once you finish the cyycle and start regular water changes, things should settle down and start correcting itself.

 

[~JSG~]

Well that's good to hear, another question though, I have the opportunity to add 300lbs of live rock from an established tank (5yr running) should I take this deal and just place it in my tank?

 

[~JSG~]

:sad1: anyone for the above? Also, I just upgraded my proitien skimmer to a Reef Dynamics INS300, will this help with my algea problem?

 

[msr224]

If you have the opportunity to buy additional LR at a good price and you need it and it's from an established tank and you trust that it is safe LR then by all means.....have at it. just remember that you may be buying someone elses problem. Being that you are this early in the process you'll probably be ok.

I thought you were adding 400# already or is this 300 part of the initial 400?

Tagging along.

 

[~JSG~]

If you have the opportunity to buy additional LR at a good price and you need it and it's from an established tank and you trust that it is safe LR then by all means.....have at it. just remember that you may be buying someone elses problem. Being that you are this early in the process you'll probably be ok.

I thought you were adding 400# already or is this 300 part of the initial 400?

Tagging along.

This is part if the initial 400

 

[msr224]

This is part if the initial 400

Cool, Take some pics and show us what you're getting. Looking forward to seeing.

 

[~JSG~]

I'm Pretty sure i can, but i wanted to check w/ you folks first, Later on, of course, I would like to put a Regal Blue Tang in my tank as well as a Yellow Tang. My tank is 200+ so i should be ok as long as i have plenty of nooks and kranys right?

 

[Grant W]

Why do you want so much rock? you will regret it later as I have and be removing it as your corals grow

 

[~JSG~]

Would like some help. . .

Would like some help. . .

Here are a few pics of my tank, and well, I just want some identification on what I think is either apistasia(sp?.) or anemone? IDK? Also is that red stuff red slime algea or sponge or what? Either way, if you know let me know. Thanks in advance!

 

[kelvindodd]

Me spots an aptasia on your rock. I assume that's coming from the established rock you bought. I'd suggest giving those things both barrels before you start adding anything.

The red stuff is cyanobacteria. Normal in the early stages, just keep an eye on the tests.

 

[Palting]

Yup, aptasia and cyano. Looks like some zoas on the cyano rock as well.

You can turkey baster then suck up the cyano with you water change. I'd get rid of the aptasia ASAP.