So it begins, part two (120G)

[carb850]

I had algae problems in the past and tested zero for phosphates. Either I had a bad test or like you said, it was being consumed by the algae. For that reason, I haven't purchased another Phosphate kit or bothered to test for them.

I been using IO salt but this last bucket I cracked open is RC. I need to stock up again and not sure which to go with. Leaning toward IO with these levels I"m seeing.

I definitely need new MH bulbs at some point, but I will move that a bit down the priority list if it isn't contributing to this algae. Get the multi-controller first. The new Tunze 7096 only cost a bit more than a pair of quality DE bulbs.

 

[carb850]

Well, preliminary findings have been positive. The war is not over but I am gaining ground in this particular battle. I don't think it was any one thing, just the combination of everything, oh and that doesn't include GFO because I just got it running last night.

 

[carb850]

I have most all of my microbubble problem solved. I had the idea, but i keep making it more complex than it needed to be. What I ended up using is a section of PVC tubing that is a little longer than my sump is deep. Then on the bottom, I cut some slots that makes it look like an upside down 'rook'. Then I just have my drain lines dumping into the top of it. Nearly all of the bubbles are raising to the top and being contained in the pipe. Now, to get my ATO running again.


Fish update:
The Tail Spot Blenny is missing and I don't expect to see him again. The Tomini Flame Fin is looking great. Super appetite, eats anything. He had some places on his lips that didn't look good when I got him but they are almost completely healed up. I'm going to try and move him out of quarantine in the next couple weeks if all goes well. Give him some more swimming room.

Coral Update:
While my Pink Stylo is still looking good, I didn't realize how much it had faded out until I found an early photo. I'm not sure the issue but I need to get a Nitrate test kit and new MH bulbs. I'm trying to siphon more frequently but the detritus under my HDPE bottom just sits there. I'm getting closer and closer to removing the HDPE and replacing with a shallow sand bed.

 

[carb850]

Another non photo update.

I believe I have control over the green hair algae. The changes I made along with the GFO seems to have done the trick. At this rate, it will probably be completely gone in 2 weeks. I'm still getting the nasty black stuff growing on some of my rocks. It seems it's rate of spreading is pretty slow but spreading none the less.

I currently have a single TLF media reactor which was running carbon but has been switched over to GFO. I want to run both and do so continuously so I plan on getting the new BRS dual media reactor.

While little has changed, I plan on posting an updated photo by the end of next week just to prove the tank is still running.

 

[MattG]

Im using a single BRS reactor and for the money they are great! Glad to hear you are getting the hair algae under control

 

[carb850]

Algae condition much improved. I still haven't got my Osmolator or Kalk reactor online :hmm3:

 

[grendl]

That rockwork looks really nice Mike!

 

[carb850]

Thanks. I keep thinking about removing the HDPE bottom and putting a shallow sand bed in place of it but I fear I will never get the rock that nice again. Other issues too, that is just one.


While not a great photo, you can see my new Tomini Flame Fin too. I really like the fish but so far it has been pretty shy. I just moved it into the tank this weekend from quarantine.

 

[Altpers0na]

nice

 

[carb850]

I desperately need new MH bulbs, Tunze 7096 controller, and MORE CORAL!

 

[JeffBoyRD]

Love the rockwork too. Looking great. How did you do such a balancing act? Did you work with the circus at one point? Seriously, looking awesome.

 

[carb850]

Thanks!

This formation was achieved by a combination of acrylic rods, putty, and a lot of luck.

 

[JeffBoyRD]

Where did you get the rods? Any special drill bit used for drilling the rocks? Thanks.

 

[carb850]

I think I got the acrylic rods from US Plastics and the masonry bit came from Lowes. Drill quiet easily even without a hammer drill, actually a hammer drill would have most likely broke apart the Fiji rock I have.

 

[coralreefer]

Didn't have a chance to chime in earlier Mike but I'm another that loves you rock design.
I'd think twice about messing with it to remove the starboard too. From experience if you move two rocks they'll never fit the same way again. Even if you think you remember just how they were placed.:rolleye1:
It looks like you've gotten the upper hand on any algae too.

 

[carb850]

Thanks Amy.

Things are continueing to do well. Most of my rock was purchased dry but cycled for a long time. I beileve it was full of bacteria but not much in the way of coraline. I'm just now starting to see coraline starting to spread. I think that is a good sign.

Also, I finally ordered some new bulbs. $200 would have went a long way in some coral frags or to get a few fish that I really want, but I knew I needed to hold of my coral purchases until I replaced these. I purchased the fixture used and was told it had about 10 months of use on it, I been running it since about April I figure. So it was past time. It had Phoenix Halides in it and that is what I reordered, but I have no idea what T5's it had. I went with ATI Blue Plus and Fiji Purple bulbs. The Phoenix run blue already on the electronic ballast but any white bulb would have looked very odd in the dusk to dawn useage of it. So after days of beating my head on the wall I finally made a decision. Hopefully, this will help the few frags I have color up.

 

[carb850]

Bulbs should arrive early next week. Looking forward to getting those guys in and seeing how that effects my tank.

My goal is to get my 30G cube plumbed in this weekend. If completed, I will post some photos of that too. So don't let me forget to do it!

Lastly, I think I need a new Nitrate test kit. I'm testing at 0 and that cannot be right. I looked for a date and didn't see one but I believe the test could be a 3+ years old. API even at that. Next purchase will be a Salifert Nitrate kit.

 

[carb850]

Well, I didn't get the 30 plumbed this weekend but I did get it started. I was hoping to use a hardline from the pump but for lack of proper fittings I will be forced to use a short section of flexible hose on the barbed fitting.

Any problems with running a drain line completely level? I know in sewer lines you want a certain drop to keep solids from collecting but the solids are soo small in this application I'm thinking they should wash down to the sump easily. Any thoughts?

 

[solareclisped]

I have about a 1 foot level section in my drain and I am hoping it doesnt cause any problems. I have my sump in my basement now and i had to go through a wall and then the floor so I kinda had to have a level area.

 

[rnhrtfan]

Keep as much slope as possible but try not to let it go perfectly level.... When I first did my 90 I had one section about 8"-12" which slowed the drain down just enough to cause the overflow to "flush". so try to keep as much slope as possible.