Sonny's Rimless Shallow Reef.
- Thread starter JohnL
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SunnyX
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Here is my complete and up to date dosing list:
After water displacement I figure the entire system volume is 140-150gl total.
Daily
CA: 110ML
ALK: 110ML
Strontium: 1 Teaspoon
Lugols: 1 drop
MB7: 14 drops
Vodka(80 proof): 2ml
Weekly
MG: 110ML
AA's: 6 drops(twice a week)
Monthly
30gl Water change Reef Crystals
Carbon replaced (3-4 cups in a mesh bag)
I am not sure whether it is the AA's or the Strontium but I have had an amazing growth explosion recently. My growth had slowed down for over a month but just last week it has really taken off. It could be just a coincidence as my tank goes through these growth spurts and slow downs, but I feel the AA's and Strontium have really made a difference.
My tank and corals have never looked better.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15349534#post15349534 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SunnyX
Hello
I would go with the MP40W. This will put out more flow and will come in handy if you decide to upgrade tanks again in the future.
I have a Phoenix 14K running on a 30gl rimless and it really could use some "pop". Go with two Ati Blue+ bulbs for a bluer look, or use an Ati Aquablue Special and Blue+ bulb.
The MSX160 looks like a fine skimmer. Just be sure to seed your new system with MB7 and move as much water as possible from the old system over.
Hey Sonny,
Thanks for the quick response. After looking at the skimmers again I am going to get the msx200 instead. Its really not a large increase in price. I think I'm going to try out the aquablue and blue+. Here's another question for you, would 36 retro t5's look terrible on a 48 inch tank? They are just going to be supplementing my halides.
Thanks,
Roland
SunnyX
New member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15354546#post15354546 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rs1831
Ok Sonny, last question..I swear.
With supplemental lighting would you go with a normal tek retro setup or with a high output setup that is powered by icecap 660 ballast?
Thanks.
While the Ice cap is a great option it will cost you $100 more and require better cooling. Since it is only going to be used for supplementation the standard TEK will work great.
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/Sunlight_Supply/Tek_2_Retrofit_Kits/
Not that I feel I need to keep you updated, but...
My tank is doing great. My Corals are coloring up again and growing a lot faster. NO4 is Zero, the first time in years. PO4, can't really get a reading on this, I hope it's not too low. I still haven't started vodka yet. PH is at 8.6 or higher. My test only reads up to 8.6...so.
Where do you prefer to have your Mg at?
I'm dosing Kent Iodide daily, only 12 drops and Kent CoralVite 10drops. Started Strontium dosing 5ml twice a week.
Did you ever hookup a refugium? Do you feel there is an advantage in having a refugium in a Low nutrient system?
I used to have a DSB Bucket with lots of Caulerpa growing. I remember adding it thinking it would help with my PO4 and NO4 but didn't do anything. I later realized the great diversity of little critters that were growing in my tank and fuge. Lots of filter feeders and amphipods.
Or could the fuge also be a place to trap detritus? Even though I never had zero NO4 and PO4 on my previous system, I did have brightly colored corals.
Just wanted your opinion on the subject.
My tank is doing great. My Corals are coloring up again and growing a lot faster. NO4 is Zero, the first time in years. PO4, can't really get a reading on this, I hope it's not too low. I still haven't started vodka yet. PH is at 8.6 or higher. My test only reads up to 8.6...so.
Where do you prefer to have your Mg at?
I'm dosing Kent Iodide daily, only 12 drops and Kent CoralVite 10drops. Started Strontium dosing 5ml twice a week.
Did you ever hookup a refugium? Do you feel there is an advantage in having a refugium in a Low nutrient system?
I used to have a DSB Bucket with lots of Caulerpa growing. I remember adding it thinking it would help with my PO4 and NO4 but didn't do anything. I later realized the great diversity of little critters that were growing in my tank and fuge. Lots of filter feeders and amphipods.
Or could the fuge also be a place to trap detritus? Even though I never had zero NO4 and PO4 on my previous system, I did have brightly colored corals.
Just wanted your opinion on the subject.
SunnyX
New member
I am glad it has worked out well for you.
There really is no need for a refugium in a ULNS. The fuge would eventually die off due to the lack of nutrients in the water and it may also trap detritus.
I had a small fuge on my old setup but when I started playing around with Prodibio and bacteria driven systems the fuge died off in less then a month.
Lowredranger
New member
Would you still recommend keeping the fuge for pod production and extra live rock even if you are not keeping it to extract nutrients?
Lowredranger
New member
I understand that the algae will die off but I currently have a section in my sump filled with live rock and chaeto. I was figuring the chaeto would die off but to keep the rock area mainly for pod production for the fish.
Is that not feasible if you do not have any algae for the pods to eat?
Is that not feasible if you do not have any algae for the pods to eat?
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