Mhucasey's SPS obsession

[mhucasey]

Thanks..
So, how would you think this method could be employed (if it can be employed) in systems that rely on macro algea fuges for nutrient control?
I ask because I rely on one and so does Joe (he has a pax bellum)..
I'll have to check what Joe is adding at the moment.. He mentioned an uptick in cheato growth after beginning trace element additions, but I'm not sure exactly which ones..

Theoretically, higher levels of Manganese interfere with chlorophyl production. I can tell you very little in the way of algae survives in the tank even with Nitrate at 10 and Phosphate at 0.08. The rocks are so clean its ridiculous. Given that, I don't think that Chaeto would thrive in this environment. I guess Joe will find out as he plays around with Mn levels(he is specifically doing this right now).

 

[mhucasey]

Theoretically, higher levels of Manganese interfere with chlorophyl production. I can tell you very little in the way of algae survives in the tank even with Nitrate at 10 and Phosphate at 0.08. The rocks are so clean its ridiculous. Given that, I don't think that Chaeto would thrive in this environment. I guess Joe will find out as he plays around with Mn levels(he is specifically doing this right now).

As you can see color is really good:

And I have no shortage of polyps:

 

[nemodan]

Amazing. .... what else I can say of those corals.

Daniel

 

[Kurt03]

Theoretically, higher levels of Manganese interfere with chlorophyl production. I can tell you very little in the way of algae survives in the tank even with Nitrate at 10 and Phosphate at 0.08. The rocks are so clean its ridiculous. Given that, I don't think that Chaeto would thrive in this environment. I guess Joe will find out as he plays around with Mn levels(he is specifically doing this right now).

Hmm, I wonder if this would assist in fighting bubble algae?

 

[Acronic]

Huchtiis and resplendents. Two of my fave anthias!!!

 

[mhucasey]

Amazing. .... what else I can say of those corals.

Daniel

Thanks Daniel!

Hmm, I wonder if this would assist in fighting bubble algae?

So far it has not, bubble algae is the one type that has resisted. That may be because bubble algae and Bryopsis are the work of Satan:mad2:

Huchtiis and resplendents. Two of my fave anthias!!!

I totally agree!
Both have been hardy as well, once they make it through the transfer from the wholesaler to the store.

I had a Purple Queen Anthias that ate but then jumped after a few months and two Sunset Anthias that ate like crazy but died anyway. Finicky and sensitive.

The Resplendents eat everything, even pellets and have done well. I will add to their numbers I think. The Huchtii don't act like Anthias at all. Piglet bullies, those two.:fish1::fish1:

 

[Acronic]

Haha it's so true. Huchtii are very robust tank fish IMO.

I would love to try some purple queens one day as well as ventrails. All time fave are the square spots but they are massive!

 

[rs1831]

Everything looks great! Do you have any feedback on how you like running the Aquaforest carbon, phosphate minus, and zeomix in one reactor yet? I am interested to see what you think.

Best,
Roland

 

[mhucasey]

Everything looks great! Do you have any feedback on how you like running the Aquaforest carbon, phosphate minus, and zeomix in one reactor yet? I am interested to see what you think.

Best,
Roland

I'm still observing and collecting information, no conclusions yet.

My first batch was not set up the best, the Carbon and P- ended up mixed up together. I was just using the same material from the Zeolite material and Bag of carbon, only the P- was new.

Sunday I changed out the whole batch. I put a screen on top of the carbon and below the P-, that has kept them separate. I started with flow at ~ 45gph and then ramped it up over the next three days to about 90gph which has fluidized the P- nicely.

The phosphate levels have stayed low(~0.06 - 0.1) but not quite as low as I would like(~0.02), but the tank looks good and I am feeding quite a lot.

 

[drawman]

Corals are looking great Matt!

You have me excited to try the Micro E I should be getting it on Tuesday. Hopefully I won't be fueling my cyano with the iron addition I plan to get some Phos Minus going as well.

 

[Pife]

Hey Matt do you have any suggestions for a bulb combo for 4 bulb ati? I've have always ran radiums and want to try t5's over half my frag tank to see what color I can achieve. I have decent color and growth now but want brighter color. I really appreciate any tips you could give on t5s. Here is my thread about coloring up my sps. I think I'm close on color I just want more. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2523506

 

[JB NY]

I believe it was because zinc chloride anhydrous didn't appear to be soluble in water. Apparently full dissolution doesn't happen even with the hydrated forms. Finding Zinc sulfate seemed to be an easy solution.

I guess we will see if it is water soluble, I have some Zinc Chloride on the way. I specially bought it because was the recommend salt to use when making artificial seawater medium for cultures. Either way it will be good to know if both can be used or just one.

 

[mhucasey]

What has your potassium been lately?

I checked Potassium last night, it had dropped to between 375 and 383:facepalm:
I've been dosing the AF potassium at the normal daily rate and it is my only Potassium source so I added about 5-10ml thinking there must not be much Potasium in it. I tested this morning and it was at 407...whoops! I would have liked a smaller increase. Corals seem to be fine so I'm not going to sweat it.

 

[mhucasey]

I guess we will see if it is water soluble, I have some Zinc Chloride on the way. I specially bought it because was the recommend salt to use when making artificial seawater medium for cultures. Either way it will be good to know if both can be used or just one.

Is it anhydrous?

 

[mhucasey]

Corals are looking great Matt!

You have me excited to try the Micro E I should be getting it on Tuesday. Hopefully I won't be fueling my cyano with the iron addition I plan to get some Phos Minus going as well.

Thanks! As with all the Additives, start at half dose and work up from there

 

[mhucasey]

Hey Matt do you have any suggestions for a bulb combo for 4 bulb ati? I've have always ran radiums and want to try t5's over half my frag tank to see what color I can achieve. I have decent color and growth now but want brighter color. I really appreciate any tips you could give on t5s. Here is my thread about coloring up my sps. I think I'm close on color I just want more. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2523506

The popular suggestion for 4 bulbs seems to be 2B+, 2C+. It's a little on the blue side but the corals will like it. If it's too blue, swap one of the coral pluses out for a Fiji Purple, Super Purple, or Purple plus

 

[JB NY]

Is it anhydrous?

Yes I think so. ZnCl2

 

[Myka]

Matt, your tank is looking awesome even if you think it needs tweaking. Interesting observations regarding the Manganese.

 

[kainic]

Hi Matt,

Nice tank, incredible corals, astonishing colors and amazing thread. What do you think about the E5 led tubes? Will you move to E5 or stay with T5?

Thanks in advance

Sergi

 

[Acronic]

I checked Potassium last night, it had dropped to between 375 and 383:facepalm:
I've been dosing the AF potassium at the normal daily rate and it is my only Potassium source so I added about 5-10ml thinking there must not be much Potasium in it. I tested this morning and it was at 407...whoops! I would have liked a smaller increase. Corals seem to be fine so I'm not going to sweat it.

I'm glad I asked then haha. I had a feeling that was happening when you described the tip colour. IMO that increase will be ok. Keep an eye on snail and shrimp for warning signs of overdose. Though if you had your acros would be peeling today.