Kasey's Kube

[kaserpick]

Perry: Thanks for the encouragement; this build has definitely been a challenge. But, I fully believe I've underestimated the importance of a solid biologically diverse system. Sometimes I focus so hard on chemistry that I suppose I overlooked some of the most fundamental building blocks in our reefs. The fuge will be half of an AGA 5.5g. As far as flow goes, it's the same rate that flows through my sump. The drain will be positioned on the side of the fuge closest to the baffles. This will allow the far end to have much less flow; I'm hoping this will provide an ideal breeding area for pods. There will be 4-5 different macros: green and red gracilaria, chaeto, and ulva. The higher flow algaes can be placed closer to the baffles, while the others can be in the slow flow area. I'm hoping it'll be a good mix. I'm going low-tech with the light, just a simple PC bulb in a dome lamp, probably in the 20-30w range. I'll definitely post some pics once it comes together.

Steve: I don't know why I was thinking 24/7. Reverse photoperiods are the norm with fuges, so I don't really know what I was thinking when I typed that. Anyway, yes, I'll be incorporating a reverse photoperiod to help stabilize pH. I agree; while I don't think this is necessarily a 'fix all', I am certain that it can do nothing but benefit the system. But, I honestly do believe it will help with my current problem.

Chaotic Reefer: With these current problems, it is definitely evident that I am far from a genius. But, thank you very much for the kind words. I'm hoping this tank pulls through to be a gem.

On a more positive note, since I've moved the LED's higher, I've noticed a slow but consistent increase in color in the tricolor. If things have turned around within the next couple of months, I'll probably be looking at some zoas and Euphylia sp. corals. I'd love a nice Wall Hammer and Green Trumpet; I've always been a sucker for those corals.

 

[moga]

Kasey what MP10 mode are you using?~

 

[kaserpick]

I actually don't have an MP10, but I do have an MP20. Currently, I'm not using it. When I did use it, I set it around 75% on Reef Crest.

I'm using a Tunze Nanostream 6045 with a 6095 housing outlet. I just swapped the housing today, and good grief, the flow difference between the two housings is tremendous. I love it because I can direct the flow. The Tunze lets me have over 1200gph without sand storms. I'll probably add the MP20 behind the rock on Reef Crest just to add some more random flow.

 

[kaserpick]

Project: Kite That Never Takes Off!

As the title says, I feel like this project has been like some of my homemade kites that wouldn't fly until I tweaked it for, what felt like, the 20th time.

The DT went full blown live rock; while this changed the look a bit, the theme I feel is still extremely similar to the Marco Rock. I feel like the system was desperately lacking bacterial diversity. In the end, the tank has a more natural look with a more natural biological system.

The sump has Chaetomorpha, Red and Green Gracilaria, and Sargassum algaes with an 18w PC fluorescent bulb. Currently, I'm on vacation, but this weekend I'll be setting up a new sump that will be dominated by the refugia. I'll also be adding my Koralia 550 to help keep waste from settling as well as encourage further aeration in the sump. In the end, I'll be adding a conventional ATO; keeping bottles next to the tank detracts from the overall look.

Once everything settles, I'll post pics. I'm thinking of starting a new thread at this point to have a fresh start.