Shallow Reef 36"x24"x16" - SPS Dominant Reef

[Revilo]

I ditched the Hydra52s and got an 8 bulb sunpower and suppliments it with 2 24" reefbrite xho actinics, o love it and wish I would have just done this along time ago instead of hopping on the led band wagon.

I actually liked the AI Hydra 52 HD. I did actually noticed growth from some of my SPS while under them. I only switched because my original first option for lighting had become available in the US and I knew it would eat me up that I didn't get it while I could. From what I notice, hobbyist whom have LEDs tinker with them too much and that will not produce any results. I chose one setting and stuck with them when I had them up and running.

I hope it will be a successful bandwagon though, no more replacing expiring bulbs, save electricity on running and heating. What's not to like?

Both have pros and cons.

Probably the part where it sucks at coloring coral unlike T5 and MH.

That is debatable. From my use, I saw better coloration with the addition/use of LEDs but I saw better EVEN growth with T5s.

I actually laughed at this partially true statement. I think halide and t5 do an awesome job but here's a 720 gallon sps tank run completely with aI leds


Watch "My 720g SPS full LED reef Aquarium" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/L4rBfbbismQ

It works for some and not for others. Although, the lack of success by some hobbyists can be mitigated.

good build

Thanks!

BOOM!!!!

 

[milsaltnewbie07]

What bulb combo are you using. Love the build. I just switched from hydras to 6bulb ati. Love it

 

[Revilo]

What bulb combo are you using. Love the build. I just switched from hydras to 6bulb ati. Love it

Thanks! (4) Giesemann Actinic Blue & (2) ATI Coral Plus

 

[Wrangy]

In the wild, they live in large groups so I wanted to imitate that. I will add about 5 more but once I am certain my tank can take the load. I haven't seen any aggression among them.

I been feeding them fish eggs, mysis, and pods. So far, it has kept them all fed and less aggressive towards each other. I am pretty sure I will see a fight later for dominance but it will subside once the winner is crowned.

Yes, I added them all at once.

Thanks!

It's an absolutely brilliant idea and I love it lol I'm really glad to hear it's working out and they're all happy and peaceful

8 March 16

The tank also looks great, the scape is awesome as well Really cool layout and it would look pretty kickass with the gramma's al hovering around it!

[/CENTER]

Now that's a sleek looking unit with the ReefBrite's on the sides! I'm definitely getting some for myself as I do miss that blue led pop!

 

[afernandez]

Nice looking tank!

 

[Revilo]

Nice looking tank!

Thanks!

 

[joshky]

Nice build, love the royal gramma harem. I've been thinking about doing a group of chalk basslets myself later on.

 

[Revilo]

Nice build, love the royal gramma harem. I've been thinking about doing a group of chalk basslets myself later on.

Thanks! I say go for it and all at once; if not save up until you can.

 

[DiscusHeckel]

Nice build. Subscribed.

 

[joshky]

Thanks! I say go for it and all at once; if not save up until you can.

Yeah of course, thanks. Look forward to more updates!

 

[Revilo]

Nice build. Subscribed.

Thanks!

 

[Revilo]

Growth Shots

-The first images of each coral were taken on 03.05.16 and second images on 03.12.16 (7 days). Only changes in the time frame were addition of (2) 30" Reef Brite XHO.

 

[Wrangy]

Nice pics and good to see the growth is going strong too

 

[markalot]

Great looking tank, love all the RG's!

... and of course the new lighting.

 

[Revilo]

Nice pics and good to see the growth is going strong too

Thanks! Hopefully it stays that way.

Great looking tank, love all the RG's!

... and of course the new lighting.

Thanks! I wanted to try something different and so far I love it. No remorse or constantly wanting to change something. I think I am at my happy point with my reef.

 

[las]

Revilo

I've been thinking of adding a marine pure block for filtration but I'm apprehensive. My thoughts are that it would, like bio balls, raise nitrates over time. Do you have any experience with this? Thanks.

 

[Revilo]

Revilo

I've been thinking of adding a marine pure block for filtration but I'm apprehensive. My thoughts are that it would, like bio balls, raise nitrates over time. Do you have any experience with this? Thanks.

It's a product designed to reduce ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates by providing an abundant amount of surface area for bacteria to grow. I am not seeing how it would produce nitrates when it has billions of bacteria on it that consume nitrates.

If you are referring to detritus as the reason for nitrates, then you might as well be cautious of any piece of rock and/or equipment that is capable of collecting detritus.


Bottom line up front: It is nothing to worry about and is a non-existent issue. Nitrates do not = Bad. A lot of ammonia and nitrite does.

 

[las]

Cool ty for the response... Does the marine pure block help you with phosphates or is it just the nitrogen cycle that is beefed up by using the block?

 

[Revilo]

Cool ty for the response... Does the marine pure block help you with phosphates or is it just the nitrogen cycle that is beefed up by using the block?

Your phosphates will reduce as well so long as you have more nitrates than phosphates; you can always use a small amount of gfo in a mesh bag to reduce it.

 

[las]

So if I put a DSB on this tank, it would limit the capacity of the marine pure block to remove phosphates because of the limited nitrates from using that DSB? Is that correct?