Nick's 75g Tank (My First Ever)

[Nick James]

Water is crystal clear now. It was deifinately the sand. My tank is now reading 0's across the board, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate.. and PH is 8.0. I am using API kits for the cycle and I will likely buy Elos or Salifert when I stock the tank with more then a couple fish.

I did notice the ammonia went up slightly but I never noticed a large jump. Should I be worried that one is still to come?

Also, can anyone recommend what type of filtration to use for a separate refugium? Would just a small HOB skimmer do? Or would a HOB filter like a penguin be suffice since there is no fish etc..

 

[Nick James]

Pics

Pics

Here are some pics after 4.5 weeks. I Just put 2 Chromis in as the ammonia and Nitrite have disappeared and there is almost no Nitrate. Keep in mind I have another 30lbs or more of live rock to add still.. still need some more tho.

 

[filippo]

looking good. i would put more live rock

 

[Ryan_Lap]

Re: Pics

Re: Pics

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13488570#post13488570 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nallender
Keep in mind I have another 30lbs or more of live rock to add still..

 

[filippo]

ahhh ok ok nice

 

[Rustylugnuts]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13405906#post13405906 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nallender
Figured out what was wrong with the skimmer.. it really should have come with instructions..

+1! When I got my 1st skimmer I had no idea what I was doin.

The tank is lookin good, the rocks you have so far should aquascape nicely when the next 30 lbs is ready.
::lightning flashes in the background:: ITS ALIVE!

 

[Nick James]

I am trying to go for two separate "islands" with an angled narrow channel between them for swimming through.
and..
I will be adding some berghia nudibranches to get rid of the aptasia. Just wanted to throw that in there before I get too many comments on it! ;-)

 

[Nick James]

Isopods

Isopods

I have been inspecting all the life on the rocks and in my tank and I noticed some exoskeletons floating around that looked like they were from some kind of bug. Then I saw the actual bugs in a hole in a rock.. this was what they were:

I then noticed VERY small versions of these crawling around the rocks. I have come to the conclusion that they are munnid isopods. Very exciting find.. I am expecting my reef pods and tigger pods to arrive today/ tomorrow so I will have some MORE bugs. It's pretty sad when I get excited about bugs..

 

[nikon187]

pods. there will be many many more. you could move your heater to your sump to help unclutter the display

 

[Nick James]

I have one in the sump. I want to keep one in the tank in the event the pump for the sump were to give out.. that way there is a source of heat in the main tank. I want to get a RENA Smartheater for in the display and replace that one. They are a little better looking..

 

[Nick James]

I have put my Berghia Nudibranchs in the tank tonight. Let's cross our fingers that they take a bite out of my Aiptasia farm!

 

[Nick James]

Some more pics with the rest of my rock, mandarin, serpent, and nudis..

.. need to get some nice pieces of rock to top it off

 

[Nick James]

just another update.. all test readings (nitrate, nitrite, ammonia) are zero and pH is 8.2-8.4.

Berghia have "disappeared" and have not noticed any reduction in aiptasia.. actually noticing more babies starting. I may get a peppermint shrimp and I am definately getting aiptasia x to take care of most of the big ones.

I am also looking at a DIY kalk doser. Perhaps a jug set up with kalk to drip into the sump.. still doing research on it..

 

[Nick James]

watch these videos of Aiptasia X..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3NZXjxZaqo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo3DZYdAD2Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGsk1-SC5D0

I can't wait to do THAT!!!!

 

[Rustylugnuts]

Woah that stuff is violent! You almost feel sorry for the lil critters (well not really).

 

[Nick James]

LabAquatics.com Results

LabAquatics.com Results

I had my water tested by Lab Aquatics. Here are my results:

http://www.labaquatics.com/water-tes...ts-LA1290.aspx

definately an eye opener that I need to improve my water keeping abilities!

The problem likely stems from me starting my system with tap water.. I am now using distilled until I get an R/O DI system installed.

Any comments on my results are welcome!

 

[Aquarist007]

I just pm'ed you

 

[smalls383]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13528973#post13528973 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nallender
Some more pics with the rest of my rock, mandarin, serpent, and nudis..

That coraline growth on your new rock looks great....should spread well nicely to the other rocks as well

 

[Nick James]

I messed it up.. this should work now..

http://www.labaquatics.com/water-test-results-LA1290.aspx

 

[Nick James]

I have been running my skimmer too wet and had a mishap yesterday.. it overflowed onto the floor.. now I am running it drier.. unfortunate trial and error.. will running it wet make it less efficient at pulling out *crap* in the water?

I have purchased a digital Milwaukee PH meter, a HM TDS meter, and a refractometer.. the liquid tests and hydrometer are not precise enough for my liking..