Kasey's 60g
- Thread starter kaserpick
- Start date
kaserpick
Keeping it Simple
I finished setting the rock structure, yesterday. Today, I removed the zipties, that were holding it together while some of the epoxy cured. The tank is doing well. I tested everything yesterday; here's the results.
Nitrate: undetectable (Red Sea Kit and API)
Phosphate: 0.06 ppm (Red Sea Kit)
Alkalinity: 9.1 (Salifert), 8.5 (Tropic Marin), 8.7 (Red Sea Kit)
Calcium: 440 ppm
Magnesium: 1320 ppm
pH: 7.9 (not dosing Kalkwasser...not sure if I will)
Salinity: 1.025
While the precision of the Red Sea test kit is nothing to write home about, the PO4 is definitely high; I'm seeing some algae growth, and the coral colors indicate either the NO3 or the PO4 is not great. That being said, I'm going to increase my carbon source and bacteria slightly. I don't want to ease up on feeding. These corals won't starve in this tank.
Here's a shot of the frags I received 2-3 weeks ago (can't remember exactly):
Here's a shot of Copps Miyagi Tort. It's showing some improvement:
Here's a few pics of the new structure. It'll replace most of the rockwork. I'm really excited about this thing:
Please forgive the loose wires. I just finished programming my Apex Jr, and I had to re-route some things.
Nitrate: undetectable (Red Sea Kit and API)
Phosphate: 0.06 ppm (Red Sea Kit)
Alkalinity: 9.1 (Salifert), 8.5 (Tropic Marin), 8.7 (Red Sea Kit)
Calcium: 440 ppm
Magnesium: 1320 ppm
pH: 7.9 (not dosing Kalkwasser...not sure if I will)
Salinity: 1.025
While the precision of the Red Sea test kit is nothing to write home about, the PO4 is definitely high; I'm seeing some algae growth, and the coral colors indicate either the NO3 or the PO4 is not great. That being said, I'm going to increase my carbon source and bacteria slightly. I don't want to ease up on feeding. These corals won't starve in this tank.
Here's a shot of the frags I received 2-3 weeks ago (can't remember exactly):
Here's a shot of Copps Miyagi Tort. It's showing some improvement:
Here's a few pics of the new structure. It'll replace most of the rockwork. I'm really excited about this thing:
Please forgive the loose wires. I just finished programming my Apex Jr, and I had to re-route some things.
brad65ford
New member
looks like a good start, look forward in seeing your tank mature.
Cool face in #4.
biggles
Premium Member
Damn Kasey that new structure you built is very cool mate. It looks like a spiral design unless i'm mistaken and if so it's going to look fantastic with corals decorating it. I'm glad you put so much work into your reef aquascaping as it's going to pay big dividends down the track. :thumbsup: Nice batch of frags you have there too.
kaserpick
Keeping it Simple
Thanks, me too!
Haha, I see it...kinda creepy.
Thank you, sir! Yes, it's a spiral. I'm very excited about adding corals to it; I just wanna make sure I do it justice. Also, I'm trying to think of another separate piece to accent it, but I'm at a loss.
tmantaylor18
Active member
Thanks, Marty! I'm pretty happy with how it came out.
I bought the frags from JER-Z, here on RC. He also happens to be Raleigh, NC; I highly recommend buying from him. The digi to the left is local; it hates me.
How does one know what he has for sale?
kaserpick
Keeping it Simple
If I see a thread in the sales forums that has some nice corals, I'll bookmark it sometimes. That's what I did with his thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2260966
When I felt that the tank was ready, I PM'ed him with a list of corals I'm interested in buying. Hope that helps! He did a great job packaging and shipping. He must have a nice reef because all of the corals were very healthy looking and vibrant. Everyone of them transitioned well and are now growing at the bases.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2260966
When I felt that the tank was ready, I PM'ed him with a list of corals I'm interested in buying. Hope that helps! He did a great job packaging and shipping. He must have a nice reef because all of the corals were very healthy looking and vibrant. Everyone of them transitioned well and are now growing at the bases.
biggles
Premium Member
How about an elevated raft or platform, not too high. Keep the highest point at about 2/3 the highest point on the middle structure and i think it would be very pleasing to the eye when viewed in company with the two structures already built. Odd numbers always look more pleasing to the eye so a third structure will be good. Did i mention that spiral is super cool - my LR critters are lucky i didn't see your creation a few months back Kasey lol.
Can't be too hard to knock up something, it only took me a minute to do it in paint......
Can't be too hard to knock up something, it only took me a minute to do it in paint......
kaserpick
Keeping it Simple
How about an elevated raft or platform, not too high. Keep the highest point at about 2/3 the highest point on the middle structure and i think it would be very pleasing to the eye when viewed in company with the two structures already built. Odd numbers always look more pleasing to the eye so a third structure will be good. Did i mention that spiral is super cool - my LR critters are lucky i didn't see your creation a few months back Kasey lol.
Can't be too hard to knock up something, it only took me a minute to do it in paint......
I think you're right; three structures would be ideal. The middle one has to change, though. It's taking up all the good lighting. I'd like the remove some of it and have 2 smaller islands to accent the spiral. I like the platform idea, as the 2nd biggest structure; maybe I could have it suspended off to the side so that it looks like it's defying gravity.
Here's the real issue: Things are doing really well. I feel like I'm in that sweet spot. I'm afraid to move the corals from the rack to the new structure. This is exactly why I should have taken my time and added corals AFTER I finished the aquascape!
Thanks for the compliment and advice, Biggles! Always appreciated. :thumbsup:
kaserpick
Keeping it Simple
Update: here's a few things that I've done
1. I moved the corals to the new spiral rockwork. I think it's looking good.
2. I started spot feeding Reef Snow twice a week.
3. I added some more snails.
4. I started dosing saturated limewater through a BRS dosing pump to keep up with Alkalinity demands.
5. Finally, I just replaced my 3g water jug (ATO res.) with a 10g tank.
Things to happen in the future:
1. Start 24/7 refugium for nitrate reduction and continue with Prodibio.
2. Add a small amount of GFO and change weekly.
3. Add sand...taking my sweet lazy time.
4. Add a small group of Chromis for more poop and color.
How things look:
All SPS are continuing to encrust; some are growing /out, as well. Colors are slowly increasing, which is always nice. Fish are fat and colorful. Also, coralline algae is starting to grow on the equipment and some rocks. All in all, everything's going well. Since I've added stability to the alkalinity, things seem to have settled in quite nicely. As always, time will tell.
1. I moved the corals to the new spiral rockwork. I think it's looking good.
2. I started spot feeding Reef Snow twice a week.
3. I added some more snails.
4. I started dosing saturated limewater through a BRS dosing pump to keep up with Alkalinity demands.
5. Finally, I just replaced my 3g water jug (ATO res.) with a 10g tank.
Things to happen in the future:
1. Start 24/7 refugium for nitrate reduction and continue with Prodibio.
2. Add a small amount of GFO and change weekly.
3. Add sand...taking my sweet lazy time.
4. Add a small group of Chromis for more poop and color.
How things look:
All SPS are continuing to encrust; some are growing /out, as well. Colors are slowly increasing, which is always nice. Fish are fat and colorful. Also, coralline algae is starting to grow on the equipment and some rocks. All in all, everything's going well. Since I've added stability to the alkalinity, things seem to have settled in quite nicely. As always, time will tell.
biggles
Premium Member
Lots of things going on by the sounds of it, hope to see a shot of the spiral with a few corals adorning it soon
I definitely agree that feeding your corals foods that are specifically targeted at their needs, both in size and nutrition is a good move. I've always used the polyp response to foods i tried to decide whether or not to continue using it. Are you seeing a good reaction PE wise to the Reef Snow ? Can't have too many snails :thumbsup:
I always used kalk previously to supply the bulk of my alk and cal to the reef and it never let me down. I bought some rowa kalk the other day just because i felt weird not having any on hand since trying 2 part dosing this time around lol.
Are you having GHA probs or just adding the GFO as a preventative measure. It worked great at stripping the phos available to GHA in my tank i'm sure and i only removed it once it had broken the back of the algae growth. I won't hesitate to throw the bag back in the sump if i feel the need though, it's a very handy tool to have on standby just as GAC is i think. :thumbsup:
Throw the sand in and have a go....... i think you've seen the marvelous lagoon pool look i've managed to create so far with my sand :headwallblue: i pretend it blowing around in sand dunes doesn't bug me but it does lol.
If i showed you a vid of how i feed my clown you'd laugh Kasey - he gets one or two pellets at a time until he's swallowed his food and pecks at my fingers for more. If i could put a nappy on him i would............. poop - pfffft
I definitely agree that feeding your corals foods that are specifically targeted at their needs, both in size and nutrition is a good move. I've always used the polyp response to foods i tried to decide whether or not to continue using it. Are you seeing a good reaction PE wise to the Reef Snow ? Can't have too many snails :thumbsup:
I always used kalk previously to supply the bulk of my alk and cal to the reef and it never let me down. I bought some rowa kalk the other day just because i felt weird not having any on hand since trying 2 part dosing this time around lol.
Are you having GHA probs or just adding the GFO as a preventative measure. It worked great at stripping the phos available to GHA in my tank i'm sure and i only removed it once it had broken the back of the algae growth. I won't hesitate to throw the bag back in the sump if i feel the need though, it's a very handy tool to have on standby just as GAC is i think. :thumbsup:
Throw the sand in and have a go....... i think you've seen the marvelous lagoon pool look i've managed to create so far with my sand :headwallblue: i pretend it blowing around in sand dunes doesn't bug me but it does lol.
If i showed you a vid of how i feed my clown you'd laugh Kasey - he gets one or two pellets at a time until he's swallowed his food and pecks at my fingers for more. If i could put a nappy on him i would............. poop - pfffft
kaserpick
Keeping it Simple
Lots of things going on by the sounds of it, hope to see a shot of the spiral with a few corals adorning it soon
I definitely agree that feeding your corals foods that are specifically targeted at their needs, both in size and nutrition is a good move. I've always used the polyp response to foods i tried to decide whether or not to continue using it. Are you seeing a good reaction PE wise to the Reef Snow ? Can't have too many snails :thumbsup:
I always used kalk previously to supply the bulk of my alk and cal to the reef and it never let me down. I bought some rowa kalk the other day just because i felt weird not having any on hand since trying 2 part dosing this time around lol.
Are you having GHA probs or just adding the GFO as a preventative measure. It worked great at stripping the phos available to GHA in my tank i'm sure and i only removed it once it had broken the back of the algae growth. I won't hesitate to throw the bag back in the sump if i feel the need though, it's a very handy tool to have on standby just as GAC is i think. :thumbsup:
Throw the sand in and have a go....... i think you've seen the marvelous lagoon pool look i've managed to create so far with my sand :headwallblue: i pretend it blowing around in sand dunes doesn't bug me but it does lol.
If i showed you a vid of how i feed my clown you'd laugh Kasey - he gets one or two pellets at a time until he's swallowed his food and pecks at my fingers for more. If i could put a nappy on him i would............. poop - pfffft
Since spot feeding the Reef Snow, I've definitely noticed an increase of PE, across the board. One really thick stag is actually showing polyps, when you could barely see them before.
With the increased feedings, I have been seeing an increase in GHA. The coral colors are still increasing, which makes me thinking the PO4 isn't too high in the water column. The rocks with GHA were predestined to go to the sump to clean up the look of the tank, anyway; I may just try to farm GHA under 24/7 lighting in the refugium. I'm slow to use GFO, if I can use natural means to keep PO4 low. I just need to make my fuge as enticing as a resort for algae.
I've always used kalkwasser on previous tanks in my ATO, but I worried about something going wrong and my system getting too much at once. But, with the dosing pump and Apex Jr, I can feel a little more confident about dosing it. The added benefits of pH increase and stable Alk seems to be just what the tank needed.
I need to post some pics, but my shots always seem crappy.
I'll try this Sunday when I get back into town. I the spiral is going to look nice, as long as things continue to grow.That's funny about the clownfish; the one you have is a beaut! I feed mine too much sometimes (also not helping with GHA). I looked at him a few minutes after the food was gone. Seriously, I found him propped on his pectoral fins, between rocks, breathing heavily with a bulging belly. I could imagine him thinking, 'I'm not gonna puke, I'm not gonna puke, I'm not gonna puke!' Needless to say, I never fed him that much again; I felt bad about that.
You're right; I just need to throw the sand it. I might wait til I start the fuge. I'm just so scared to rock the boat. The tank seems to be in that sweet spot!
biggles
Premium Member
I like the new top downs, SPS always look so beautiful when photographed this way. Is that frag in the 4th pic out of the water when the return pump is off ? - that's a high mounted frag if so lol.
I've been slowly increasing coral food feeds until i see the signs of GHA on my pumps and then i stop and let the tank take up the slack before continuing with any increases. It doesn't look like you are way over with your nutrients in the water as there's only minimal GHA spots by the look of things.
I'm glad the kalk is working for you, as long as you take precautions and set up a dosing system that has fail safes i think kalk is great to use. I'm up to 90ml a day of each 2 part at the 4 month mark and it's obviously going to go through the roof as time goes by so i'm also thinking of including a nightly kalk dose to offset the increasing demand for 2 part.
Lol that's funny about your over stuffed clown breathing hard...... you're a bad man Kasey :lol: If things feel just right atm i wouldn't rush the sand mate, that can happen any time so i'd do as you are and just watch things grow - don't rock the boat when it's sailing straight and true........:thumbsup:
I've been slowly increasing coral food feeds until i see the signs of GHA on my pumps and then i stop and let the tank take up the slack before continuing with any increases. It doesn't look like you are way over with your nutrients in the water as there's only minimal GHA spots by the look of things.
I'm glad the kalk is working for you, as long as you take precautions and set up a dosing system that has fail safes i think kalk is great to use. I'm up to 90ml a day of each 2 part at the 4 month mark and it's obviously going to go through the roof as time goes by so i'm also thinking of including a nightly kalk dose to offset the increasing demand for 2 part.
Lol that's funny about your over stuffed clown breathing hard...... you're a bad man Kasey :lol: If things feel just right atm i wouldn't rush the sand mate, that can happen any time so i'd do as you are and just watch things grow - don't rock the boat when it's sailing straight and true........:thumbsup:
kaserpick
Keeping it Simple
Thanks for great idea with the PVC conduit! I'll have to check that our. :thumbsup:
Yeah, I'm really hoping the look with the single light works out. That would be great.
I like the new top downs, SPS always look so beautiful when photographed this way. Is that frag in the 4th pic out of the water when the return pump is off ? - that's a high mounted frag if so lol.
I've been slowly increasing coral food feeds until i see the signs of GHA on my pumps and then i stop and let the tank take up the slack before continuing with any increases. It doesn't look like you are way over with your nutrients in the water as there's only minimal GHA spots by the look of things.
I'm glad the kalk is working for you, as long as you take precautions and set up a dosing system that has fail safes i think kalk is great to use. I'm up to 90ml a day of each 2 part at the 4 month mark and it's obviously going to go through the roof as time goes by so i'm also thinking of including a nightly kalk dose to offset the increasing demand for 2 part.
Lol that's funny about your over stuffed clown breathing hard...... you're a bad man Kasey :lol: If things feel just right atm i wouldn't rush the sand mate, that can happen any time so i'd do as you are and just watch things grow - don't rock the boat when it's sailing straight and true........:thumbsup:
Yeah, it's mounted that high.
To be honest, it concerns me; I'm wonding how it would fair in a power outage. That's something to think about.Yeah, I don't think the PO4 is through the roof, but it's there for sure. I need to check my nitrates and phosphates. Last time, my nitrates were very low, and I'm thinking that they might limit the bacteria/carbon dosing's effects on the phosphates. I really want to be able to continue feeding the corals, even if it's cut down a bit. This makes me want to add GFO. The only thing holding me back is that my last experience with it resulted in STN. Of course, I'm think that I added too much; it was on a 15g nano, so that's not hard to do.
A nightly dose of kalk is always awesome for the pH. My plan is to let the system outrun the kalk, then go to 2-part, in addition. That's funny that you're using 90ml of each, while I'm only at 500ml of kalk. I can't even add it to the ATO, saturated, without spiking things.
Yeah, I felt pretty bad about the fish!
That's kinda what I'm thinking about the sand, too. I know you said the resort look is not your preference. But, if my tank looked like yours, I'd be skipping around like a little school girl!
Thanks for the compliments and advice, Biggles! It's been some much needed encouragement! :thumbsup:
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