who use Chuck method for dendronephtya ?

I tried simplified approximation (manual frequent dosing, same products) in nano tanks. My systems were not able to process such amounts, even with oversized skimmers, alas.

I had read that at least two other reefers with full sized systems used this method and were satisfied with results. Maybe they will post details.
 
I was doing it for awhile and I was quite happy with the results. Nutrients were definitely a bear to deal with. Vodka dosing is absolutely necessary. As such, don't even bother with activated carbon or other porous capturing media. Heavy skimming and vodka use along with regular water changes are the way to go.

Alas, I had a major illness this summer and had to have my tank torn down. I'm just starting to get it back up and running now. I'll be resuming the technique.
 
Hi aninjaatemyshoe,

i hope that your illness is "in the past" !

How long did you use Chuck method ?

yes, i'm sure that it's neccesary to deal with nutrient : heavy (intermittent ?) skimming, vodka and water change.

thanks

xavier
 
I'm in the clear for the most part, but it did screw things up for me in terms of my tank and other stuff.

I used the method for about 8 months prior to having to tear it down. I was dosing about 50mL of Shellfish diet a day and 10mL of Rotifeast in a 70 gallon tank. It wasn't quite as heavy as what Chuck was using, but I didn't have nearly as many non-photo corals as he had. I was dosing using a syringe pump, which was placed in a mini fridge.
 
aninjaatemyshoe:
That was unlucky summer for both of us! Not as major problem, as yours, but I'm limping for half of year too - this drastically reduces time for the tanks maintenance.
Hope that it will past as a bad dream and you will feel good again!
 
Thanks Dendro.

The dendronephthya I was taking care of did indeed do well while I was taking care of it. Now, as far as assessing growth, that is very difficult to do. These things can expand and contract to tremendous extents. The most reliable method would be to count polyps and branches. I didn't really do this as I was mostly concerned with it simply surviving. When my health turned for the worse and I wasn't able to maintain the tank very well, it was one of the first things to go though.
 
Back
Top