I recently acquired a Red Sea Reefer 170 to replace my old Red Sea Max 130D. I was looking for a tank that had a built in overflow and a well thought out sump. For the money spent, this tank is a great deal in terms of build quality and included features (such as built in ATO, removable filter sock overflow, precision drain flow control valve & more).
I've had my RSM 130D for about two years and have been battling a nightmare case of never-ending dinoflagellates for about 6 months. I've tried 96 hour full blackouts while dosing h2o2, elevating pH with kalk and manual removal with little success. The 96 hour blackouts made a big difference, but within two days it returned. I just ordered some Marin Fauna Dino X from BRS with hopes that I might finally get these dinos under control. My current debate is whether or not to even transfer the live rock from my 130 to the new 170 and risk transferring the dinos. I would like to cut down on cycle time by seeding the tank with my current live rock but don't want to risk transferring the dinos.
So far, this is my current equipment for the tank.
I'm thinking I'll buy some dry rock online or see if my LFS can get some to prevent transferring the dinos. In the past, I have used live sand from CaribSea but now I am learning that the popular opinion is to start with dry sand. This would mean a 6-10 week cycle before moving the livestock from the 130 to the 170. I might buy some MB7 to add some bacteria into the virgin system. Nobody likes to wait but anything is better than staring at that f#*&@* dino.
I've had my RSM 130D for about two years and have been battling a nightmare case of never-ending dinoflagellates for about 6 months. I've tried 96 hour full blackouts while dosing h2o2, elevating pH with kalk and manual removal with little success. The 96 hour blackouts made a big difference, but within two days it returned. I just ordered some Marin Fauna Dino X from BRS with hopes that I might finally get these dinos under control. My current debate is whether or not to even transfer the live rock from my 130 to the new 170 and risk transferring the dinos. I would like to cut down on cycle time by seeding the tank with my current live rock but don't want to risk transferring the dinos.
So far, this is my current equipment for the tank.
- AI Hydra 26 with Director
- Sicce Syncra 2.0 Return Pump
- Reef Octopus Classic 110 Super Space Saver Protein Skimmer
- Vortech MP10wQD
- 2 x BRS 1.1mL/min Alk/Ca dosing pumps
- Neptune Apex Jr
- Pinpoint pH monitor
- BRS Mini 5" Reactor for GFO & Carbon
I'm thinking I'll buy some dry rock online or see if my LFS can get some to prevent transferring the dinos. In the past, I have used live sand from CaribSea but now I am learning that the popular opinion is to start with dry sand. This would mean a 6-10 week cycle before moving the livestock from the 130 to the 170. I might buy some MB7 to add some bacteria into the virgin system. Nobody likes to wait but anything is better than staring at that f#*&@* dino.
