OneReef's 120g DreamReef
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OneReef
Reef Guru
OneReef
Reef Guru
Thanks. It is a Nikon D40 with a Quantaray tele/macro lens, can't remember the model number.
OneReef
Reef Guru
Phosphate Control:
I have been working at keeping my phosphate levels at a consistently low number, since low phosphates are critical to SPS growth and color maximization. My goal is to keep the phosphate levels at .03 or less. Anything higher can start reducing calcification for growth and inhibiting great colors. You can get away with higher numbers, but I am trying to keep everything looking the best that I can. My biopellets play a large role in keeping them low, especially since I feed almost exclusively frozen foods.
I use a Hanna low range phosphate meter, which is instrumental to me in monitoring things. Test kits like Red Sea, API and Salifert just cannot give you accurate low range readings. They will say 0 when the Hanna may show .07. The Hanna is not perfect and there is an error range, but it is better than the normal test kits after having experience with both.
I tested this morning and got .03. I am satisfied with that.
I have been working at keeping my phosphate levels at a consistently low number, since low phosphates are critical to SPS growth and color maximization. My goal is to keep the phosphate levels at .03 or less. Anything higher can start reducing calcification for growth and inhibiting great colors. You can get away with higher numbers, but I am trying to keep everything looking the best that I can. My biopellets play a large role in keeping them low, especially since I feed almost exclusively frozen foods.
I use a Hanna low range phosphate meter, which is instrumental to me in monitoring things. Test kits like Red Sea, API and Salifert just cannot give you accurate low range readings. They will say 0 when the Hanna may show .07. The Hanna is not perfect and there is an error range, but it is better than the normal test kits after having experience with both.
I tested this morning and got .03. I am satisfied with that.
OneReef
Reef Guru
I finally decided to try something that I have never done before. Keep a non-photosynthetic coral. I never wanted the hassle of trying to target feed a coral all the time. But when I saw this beautiful coral, I decided to give it a shot. I will try to post some pictures when it opens up and the pretty yellow tentacles come out. Here it is getting settled into my tank:
shirley386
Member
Wow, that photo is jaw-dropping!
OneReef
Reef Guru
Feeding the SunCoral:
After having the Suncoral a couple of days and it not opening yet, I decided to try and target feed it to get it to open up. I cut an orange juice bottle in half and drilled a hole in the top. I covered the coral with it and squirted some Cyclops in the hole in the top. It seemed to respond well, as it started to open up. (iPhone pictures)
Before:
During:
After having the Suncoral a couple of days and it not opening yet, I decided to try and target feed it to get it to open up. I cut an orange juice bottle in half and drilled a hole in the top. I covered the coral with it and squirted some Cyclops in the hole in the top. It seemed to respond well, as it started to open up. (iPhone pictures)
Before:
During:
OneReef
Reef Guru
Memphis
OneReef
Reef Guru
HitchHikers:
A few days ago I bought a zoanthid rock. On it came a few cool hitchhikers. It had 3 sea cucumbers on it, and one starfish. One of the cucumbers is a nice yellow color. The starfish was identified by Richard as a Linkia Multiflora. They are in my frag tank for the time being.
Here are a couple of iPhone pictures:
A few days ago I bought a zoanthid rock. On it came a few cool hitchhikers. It had 3 sea cucumbers on it, and one starfish. One of the cucumbers is a nice yellow color. The starfish was identified by Richard as a Linkia Multiflora. They are in my frag tank for the time being.
Here are a couple of iPhone pictures:
OneReef
Reef Guru
I have come to realize that my planned SPS reef has turned into a full blown mixed reef. It is hard not to buy pretty corals when you see them, hence it leading me to a mixed reef.....lol. Anyways, I am thinking about selling out several corals to make room for more SPS. Stayed tuned, as I figure out what I will be selling...
OneReef
Reef Guru
Thanks, it has been a fun and interesting project
OneReef
Reef Guru
I got to visit World Wide Corals in Orlando today. Been waiting to go there for 2 years! The place is simply incredible. I have photos and video to show when I get back. After speaking with some of the guys there and seeing their crazy awesome coral coloration, I may rethink my lighting schedule and feeding regime when I get home!
