The old tank ready for a bath.

 

 

Good help is so hard to find!    Actually, my kids and the neighborhood kids were happy to come help get wet.

 

 

Making the plenum from egg crate.  Thanks Bob for the DIY.

 

 

I decided to use tile spacers to create the gap under the screen.  It's a lot smaller than what Bob did, so I hope it works.

 

 

 

 

I used the extra egg crate to make the gap larger towards the back.  I figured the sandbed was going to be sloped anyway.

 

 

My old light setup for FW was 2x96w PC.

 

http://www.vadryn.com/images/swc10.jpg">

 

I cut out a section between the studs to run my canister hoses.  I used primer to help make it more resitant to water/salt damage.  The channel may also help me push cool air to my lights.

 

 

The new light setup = 4x96w PC.

 

 

Bulbs are 12k, 50/50, 6700, 50/50.  The 12k is new, the others are over a year old and need replaced.  PM me with suggestions of what to put with the 12k.  I'm thinking mixing 12k with Actintic.  Good idea?  I'll be buying replacement bulbs from reefgeek.com - the 12k I got from there is WAY bright.  It's upside-down in that pic.

 

I know that PC lights are the red-headed stepchild in SW lighting, but this setup is very bright and I'm confident it'll do for the reef system I want to do.  I'm sure many are thinking "rookie" and "noob" but I think 384w of PC can't be tremendously inferior to 216w of T5.  Bulbs are about 6" off the water.

 

 

Bob never said how hard it was to get the screen in place and to keep it there.   We used some aquarium silicone to hold the spacers in place.

 

 

Ready for sand.

 

 

 

First batch of SW!

 

 

 

 

 

 

When you cut the plenum screen, you cut it a bit larger than the eggcrate so it would overhang, right (looks like you did)?

 

Did you remember to cut a 1" or so 45 degree 'slice' into the screen at each corner, this way the screen wouldn't "bunch up" in the corners when you try to install it?

 

No big deal if you didn't... other than it would just be harder to keep it in place

 

How are you mixing up your SW? You can just run the water line (RO or tap) right into the tank, fill it up, then add the salt after the water is in...

 

The Morrills (FrednWilma) have a really nice reef setup with PC lighting; it was TOTM in January (I think) so I wouldn't be too worried about not going with T5s.

 

Besides, everybody knows that even the most high-end T5 setup is still inferior to a proper MH setup anyway

 

Keep up the good work!

 

 

 

 

 

That's called a plenum:

 

http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=24146&PN=2 - http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=24146&PN=2       (Step #4 on page 2 of the Thread).

 

 

But let not your heart be troubled - many here at the WMAS are not "wise in the ways of the plenum" and know not of the benefits of PNRT (Plenumed Nitrate Reduction Technology) and the peace and harmony it can bring to your Reef...

 

You have much to learn, grasshopper... much to learn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anyway, I'm expecting to get some LBTR today and if I'm lucky, some Codium.

 

I got my FX5 canister going, and with it going, I was able to turn on my maximod too without having a huse sandstorm.  Interesting how that works.  Tank is running with about 30x turnover between the canisters (10x) and the Powerhead (20x).  I am running the sponges in the canisters with a little filter floss (poly quit batting) during this stage.  When I get the rest of my LBTR and the water is running clear, I'll pull the sponges and start the AC.

 

My temp flux from day to night was approaching 10 degrees, so I added my heater.  I have a fan pushing cool air up to the top of the tank from behind, one blowing across the water/lights and one more up top on the ballasts.  I set the heater at about 76 and now it stays between 76-78 even after the lights have been on all day.  Note the brown on the glass.

 

 

The other algea growing appears to be the infamous "hair algea" that so many speak of.  I have it on at least 3 of the rocks.  So when do I get a cleanup crew?

 

 

BTW have you checked the temp in the little cubby above the tank?  Be careful what you store up there, I bet it gets too warm to keep dosing stuff.

 

Also, you might want to "stack" the rock instead of having it all resting on the sandbed; the idea being to minimize contact points between rock and sand as that is a prime place for crud to build up and each contact point is a bit of a "dead zone" in terms of water flow / circulation...

 

On another note, I pulled out the Salifert Alk test and thought to give it a try and see where I'm at.  Well, to be brief, I'm kinda tired and decided I'd tackle that project another day.  Using that kit, from the instructions, could be good for upper division credit for a Chemistry degree at the University.  It sure makes buying some kind of digital probe sound appealing.

 

On a sad note, most of my Codium isn't looking so good.  Lots of algea is growing, so hopefully it turns around.  If it starts to lose peices, I'll pull it and try it again later.  I thought macro algea was an early tank necessity  but apparently I'm missing something.  Oh well.  Not panicking yet.

 

Save yourself some headaches and go to PetSmart and ask for the "Reefmaster" Test kit from API... it has nitrate, phosphate, alk and Ca all in the one kit. Around $25, which is the cost of just 1 Salifert. IMO just as good, and much much easier to use.

 

You can spend the "big bucks" on a Mg kit from Salifert later (not too many people make Mg kits)

 

As far as pH any name brand is fine

 

Then you are pretty much covered for test kits

 

 

 

 

 

I am wondering if the time of year you get it doesn't have something to do with it

 

Codium is harvested off the S. Carolina and Florida coast

 

In winter the water temp goes down to the high 50s / low 60s

 

In summer it is in the high 70s / low 80s

 

Wonder if the swing from winter ocean at 60F to our tanks at 75-80F is too much for the plant to handle

 

The first order of Codium I got was in July and lasted almost a year until the Queen Angel and the Hippo decided it was "tasty"

 

The 2nd order of Codium I got in Feb and it disintegrated in my sump within a week

 

Same supplier, just different time of year...

 

Hmmmmm

 

 

 

 

I would take a small container of SW (like a bowlful) out of your tank, place the Codium in it and gently try to remove some of the algae. Then return the "cleaned" Codium to the tank, and discard the bowl of dirty water...

 

 

 

She continues to decend into the bowels of brown (rust) algea, but everything I've seen seems to indicate this is normal cycling.  I'm keeping the front glass clean, but other than that I'm letting it go.  I'm probably going to do as Bob suggested and get the API test kit at Petsmart and see where the nitrates are at.  Might need to do a WC if they are skyrocketing.  They could be high from the FW algea some of the rocks had I put in that wouldn't scrub off.

 

If the API test kit is decent, I'll be posting the Salifert ones for sale.

I bought the API test kit, but it doesn't have an Alk test.  I'm going to try the Calcium one and if I'm happy with it, I'll sell my Salifert Ca test.  I tried the Nitrate test this morning and it reads at 40 (ppm?).  That didn't seem to high on the card, but I'm going to go look for "normal" ranges, especially for a cycling tank.

 

"If NO3 testing indicates levels of Nitrate have risen above 25 ppm then it's time to slow down, excercise patience and let the algae and nitrate reducing bacteria catch up to the available supply of Nitrate."

 

I'm just going to let things keep on working themselves out and test again Saturday to make sure it's not climbing much.

 

What did yours come with?

 

Mine (the ReefMaster) has dKH (Alk), nO3, pO4 and Ca...

 

They also make a "SaltMaster" Kit which I believe comes with pH, Alk, nH3 and nO2...

 

?

 

Other updates.  I tested my nitrates again this morning and they were between 5 & 10 ppm, that's down from 40 ppm in just two days, so some good things are happening.  The algea on the front glass is growing at a rediculous pace.  I used the mag flaot before going to work Friday and then when I came home at 3:00 PM I was able to drag a path through the new growth.  Amazing to me.  Anyway, the new algea is decidedly green and I'm seeing hints of green elsewhere too.

 

The new rock I added had been out of SW for a couple years, I'm told.  I ran the power wash on it and stuck it in.  I'm curious to see if there's a temporary setback with it or if having all that new surface area will accelerate the process.  I think the tank is a bit rock-heavy, but with no sump, I figured it was better heavy than lean.

 

I also plugged in my 2nd maxijet1200 with the mod.  It has given me some fits as I think the turbulance in the tank causes it to try and run backwards at times.  It rattles terribly when that happens.  I've got it going OK now, but I will be recruiting someone to come help me choose the best placement for them for good flow throughout.  In theory I have about 50x flow with the 2 maxis and the 2 canisters.

 

The patience required to work through a SW cycle is nigh unto torture for an OCD hobbiest like myself.  I keep telling myself go ahead and take it slow in and I'll stay here a long time enjoying it.  I really would like to have a mature tank that we enjoy for many years.

 

The other recent happening is a "revisit" of doing this as a FOWLR tank with a Volitan Lion, Clown Trigger and compatible tankmates.  Can you do softies in a FOWLR tank with these types of fish?  I'm thinking mushrooms, xenia, hammer, GSP, frogspawn...

 

Thoughts?

 

 

The dead rock I picked up friday after it's powerwash.

 

 

All but 4 peices, the ones too big to fit in through the opening between my tank and cabinet.

 

 

 

And finally, the shot this morning.  I had to rearrange the rock a bit due to some collapse brought on by the 2nd powerhead and shifting sand.  I tested Nitrates this morning with the new rock having been in a couple days and it was 20 ppm.  Not bad.  I took a hammer to the big rock and got them down to size.

 

 

 

 

 

They are the same. Carbonate hardness = alk. 

 

Looks good, BTW - your algae + the live rock are consuming the excess nO3; that's why the levels have dropped from 40ppm to >10 ppm.

 

Once you hit 0, take those test kits and make sure everything is in the "good" range:

 

dkh / alk = 7 - 11

Ca = 380 - 440 ppm

pO4 = "0" / undetectable

nO3 = "0"/ undetectable

If you've picked up kits for pH, and Mg then pH = 8.0 - 8.3 and Mg = 1250 - 1350 ppm

 

Temp depends on personal opinion; in reality anywhere from 74 - 81F is fine, as long as it doesn't "swing" too much (doesn't vary by more than 4 - 5 degrees each day)

 

SG (salinity) should be 1.023 - 1.026 (again, different people have different opinions; just make sure it is stable and doesn't fluctuate more than 0.005)

 

Once you get all that stablized then (IMO) you can go out and get some "cleanup crew" and 2 fish to start... Then I'd add 1 more fish every 2 - 4 weeks after that. Corals I'd wait until after the 1st month, then 1 piece every 2 weeks (you can alternate between corals and fish if you like)

 

As far as the "agressive FOWLR" idea - yes, you can do "softies" with these types of fish and they generally won't bother anything; however, most triggers will eat any and all shrimp, crabs and snails (includign your cleanup crew). Lions won't bother the cleanup crew but may eat shrimp; and they will eat ANY fish small enough to be swallowed whole.

 

The only other concern re: Triggers / lions is that IMO you will have a space problem with Volitans and Triggers meaning they will (QUICKLY) outgrow your tank. You could consider a dwarf Lion and it would be OK even in a full-blown reef setting, as long as you don't have any small fish like gobies, blennies, cardinals, etc. The Trigger one is tougher; more for the space aspect than anything else.

 

 

 

 

 

My temps are good, ranging no more than about 2 degrees per day. (76-78)

 

I'm going to stick with the original idea and go with the Reef tank.  I agree that space is an issue and with the amount of rocks I feel I need with a sumpless setup, it will really cramp the more aggressive fish.  Combine that with my rock collapse from just the sand readjusting, I want to have a different setup for fish that will topple things for fun.

 

The only fish I've seen recommended to start a tank up with are Chromis and Mollies .  Do you suggest something else?  Chromis are fine, but I've heard soem resistence towards them.  Are they problematic?  Are Clowns OK for starters?  My kids have decided they like Black and White Clowns best.  I'm not sure what size of a cleanup crew a 90g tank needs.  I was thinking a half-dozen each of hermits and snails.  My preference is to get "some" stuff that is self-perpetuating.

 

Thanks again!

 

Mollies are OK as far as temperment and hardiness but IMO if I am building a SW setup I like to go with true "marine" fish only.

 

A pair of clowns would be a good start. There are a few other fish that are good starters too - I'm sure other posters can give you good suggestions...

 

Cleanup crew you are looking (long term) at minimum 50+ each on the snails / crabs; I know that sounds like a lot but trust me you WILL need that many. However, there is no law that says you can't add them in incremements of 5 or 10 at a time. Cost-wise though, you might want to look at one of the "group buys" they do here every few weeks as you will save considerably over just going to a LFS and paying almost a buck apiece for snails and hermits. Or go it alone and try eBay or an online store for the cleanup crew. Last time that's what I did for my 225. Got 120 crabs and 200 snails, plus a sea cuke and a couple other things for like $160 shipped; ended up at less than 50 cents per item even with the shipping cost... and you'll get a little of the "self perpetuating" thingie with the snails but not the crabs.

 

Plan on a smaller "cleanup crew freshen-up restock" maybe every couple of years, not a huge expense, really.

 

 

 

Progress?  I think so...

 

 

Calcium = 400

Nitrate = 20

Alk = 12

Phosphate = 0

 

 

I went to ReefKingdom and pickup some snails and crabs.  A small lot, but things are growing fast in my tank and I've been itching to have something move besides the sand.  Anyway, they have settle in quite well and are leaving trails of cleanliness.  I suppose that is a balancing force in the universe to my kids.

 

I've been having a lot of noise and chatter from one of my maxijet mods trying to run backwards all the time.  It's been running for well over a week, definitley long enough for any reasonable "break in period."  Last night I was about ready to take it out of the tank and throw it full speed of my tile floor.  While I was fussing with it, I dropped the little back impeller cap and had to move a bunch of rock to find it.  When I restacked the rock, and made a low cave structure all below the powerhead's level.  Now it works flawlessly.    I think that the currents in the tank may have contributed to it trying to run backwards now.  Well, it's here to stay for a while... so long as it stays quiet.

 

I've rearranged the rock in a couple areas a couple times due to collapses.  I think for one collapes the powerhead changed where it was aimed and it eroded the sand under some of the rocks, causing the shift.  It's a lower profile "reef" now and still pretty "open" IMO.  Hopefully It'll get to a nice reliable level of stability as things continue to settle in.

 

I decided to open up my 405 canister and get it to how I'm going to keep it for general use.  I had been running full sponge and 2 of the 4 baskets with floss/batting.  I wanted it to physically polish the water for the first while as things settled.  Now that things are moving along, I don't want the canister to be chugging Nitrates into the tank.  I put AC in 6 of the 8 compartments (3 baskets) and removed half of the sponges.  Overkill on the AC, I'm sure, as it's about 6 lbs in there.  I didn't use medai bags and left the top basket empty.  The 405 pump is on top, so it's less likely to have problems with particles than a bottom-pump style canister.

 

My Alk and Hydrometer have tested slightly high, so I didn't replace the water in the filter with SW, but used FW.  I'll test my parameters again tomorrow morning.  (Alk and Nitrates, anyway)

 

What is the best "base" for AC?  Coconut?  Coal?  Whatever is cheap?

 

I'm planning on changing the config on my FX5 here in the next week.  I'm open to recommendations for how many sponges to leave in and in what config.  There are 3 baskets each rimmed by 2 semi-circle sponges.  Ideas?  I'm going to run more AC in that filter, but I have "special plans" that I'll talk about when I get there.  I'm tempted to still run some floss because of the sand that gets whipped up all the time by the turbulance.  I'm just guessing, but I have to believe the sand will eventually settle more and won't be so prone to sand storms.

 

I may pick up a few more softies in the next couple days, but after that I'm going to give it a week and test the waters again.  Slow and steady...

 

Should I still look to get an anenome?  RBTA?  Also, as for the plate coral, I've tried to keep in on a sandbed, but the water currents keep digging out from under one side.  Is that a worry?

 

As far as floss and sponges go, I take all that out and have only the sponge on my skimmer and the sponge in my sump baffle. That is it for mechanical filtration. Anything else and I get algae blooms (nitrate caused).

 

I personally like anemones with clowns but I would guess your tank is not quite mature enough for one just yet. They can be touchy. We have maroon clowns and GBTAs because I like the color of the clown to pop when they are hosting. They split all the time, if you are interested, when you are ready for one LMK and I will see if I can find one not too attached. I think we have five right now, and two are humongous and likely to split soon.

 

On your plate, it probably doesn't overly appreciate the sand being blown out from under it, but it won't kill it. If sand is being blown onto it though, that is a different story.

 

Looking forward to pics!

 

Wendy

 

This is the algea growing on my hoses and a little on the back glass.  It looks great in the tank, whipping around in the flow.

 

 

Here's my Green Plate Coral.  You can see both clowns if you look closely.  You can also see where the sand is undercut at the front.  Got it from Dave at ReefKingdom.  I have my two canisters and two maxijet mods and everything is aimed at or near the top, at least parallel with the surface, but it's enough current that I still get a lot of movement down at the sandbed.  Any obstruction forces "digging" around it, so I will need to continue to tweak it.  Hoping to add some Kenya tree, Xenia and other softies that will obstruct and change the flow pattens more.

 

 

This little Blue Clove Polyp is only about an inch across, so it's tiny, but the color is great.  Can't wait to see it under the new lights bulbs on order.

 

http://www.vadryn.com/images/life11.jpg">

 

I got a small Candy Cane and cropped the pic to show the algea behind too.  Anyone know what type of algea that is?

 

 

On a general note, I have a lot of Brown Algea, but the snails are leaving patches of cleanliness.  I just need to get more snails to get on top of it.

 

 

The clowns have been in the tank since Tuesday, so no, they aren't comfortable with their surroundings yet.  Some of my FW fish took a while to get used to this tank as it's in a high traffic area (my entryway).  This summer I'm sure they will give up on trying to hide everytime someone walks by.

 

My daughter pointed out this morning that some of my codium is still alive as it's got a lot of new growth despite the brown algea on it.  I want non-invasive macro in the display because I am running sumpless.... and it looks cool, IMO.  

Some snails would be a great help to all the brown diatoms still. I would look into getting a few Mexcian Turbo Snails to help with the hair algae and the diatoms. I added one into my nano and have never had hair algae again.

 

 

 

 The cinnamon clowns are there, the large one is the female and she's often trying to come through the glass to get me.  If they dont' take well to other fish, they will be up for sale.  I think they are cool looking and I love to watch them in the Plate Coral, but they don't get a 90g to themselves.  Period.

 

Next pic shows the algea that I have growing and have yet to ID.  I took a sample of it in water over to SandDune600 and he assured me it was neither hair algea (which I do have in some places now) or Bryopsis, which he said he'd know because he has it in his tank.  Anyway, if you can ID this and let me know if I need to worry about it or not, that would be great.  I do want macro in my display, but not as a dominating feature.

 

 

 I readjusted my powerheads again and it *appears* that I have finally found something that has reduced the sandstorms I've been dealing with.  My rocks and corals were slowly getting covered in sand that was getting stirred up.  I am using my top-off water hose to blow the sand off the rocks and will continue to do that.  The corals I held in front of the powerheads for a minute to blow them off... not using the FW to clean them.

 

I was in Provo on saturday and picked up a Cleanup crew package from Aquatica, including a Cuke and an Emerald Crab.  The crab is super cool, but having just one means we can go a long time between sightings.  I have made no attempt to clean any surface besides the front glass, so comparing this pic to older ones shows how effective the cleaning crew is for me.  I would like some larger snails, crabs etc to get the tank algea into balance, but the money is tight right now.  We'll see what this week holds.

 

mason

 

 

It's been a couple weeks since I posted and there's been some changes and additions. 

 

My parameters continue to be steady.  I am trying to feed very moderately a couple times a week to keep the water quality up.  I have had an explosion of little white bugs.  I'm told they are pods, but I thought the little shrimp-like things were pods... anyway, the tiny starfish, bugs etc are expanding and that has to be the best sign.

 

I have some basic corals and all of them appear to be happy except my candycane, which is definitely receeding.  If someone close wants to try to save it, let me know.  It just doesn't look like it's going to make it in my setup.  The other stuff is all growing.

 

Maybe my biggest frustration is getting some of the softies I've picked up to attach.  I've tried netting them for 2+ weeks, wedging them into crevices, glue... my success rate is probably < 50%.  If there's good information on getting softies (mushrooms especially) to attach, just point me in the right direction.

 

Yesterday I bit the bullet and picked up some more fish.  I got a Yellow Tang and a Purple Firefish.  Both have settled in and were eating this morning.  The Clowns, which had me very nervous with how aggressive they were towards me, couldn't care less about the new tankmates.  No signs of aggression or avoidance, so I think this may turn out good.  I got a pair of Peppermint Shrimp too.

 

I spotted the Cuke yesterday.  He's growing!  Not sure what he's eating for me, but it's gotta be doing some good.

 

Picked up some seaweed for the Tang (my wife did) at the grocery store.  I decided not to pay 5x as much to have "not fit for human consumption" typed on the package.

 

Mated Pair of Tomato/Cinnamon Clowns

Red Firefish

Purple Firefish

Bengaii Cardinal

Yellow Tang

Royal Gramma

Lawnmower Blenny

 

I tested the water this morning and my Phosphates and Nitrates were Zero.  I guess the heavy LR and AC are working.

 

My wife has expressed disappointment on several occasions about not being able to get the fish she thinks are cool with our reef tank.  Angels, Rays, Triggers, Lionfish...  sounds like I need another SW tank, doesn't it?!   Maybe if the money truck wrecks in my yard... until then....

 

The spots growing on my hoses and in other places have definitely turned purple, meaning that I have coraline growing!

 

Saturday I tested all my parameters (for the tests I have) and they were:

 

Calcium 380

Phosphates 0

Nitrates 0

Alk 11

 

Everything was right in line with recommended parameters.  I was particularly happy about the Phosphates and Nitrates being undetectable.  Running sumpless means my ability to skim and physically remove stuff is limited.  I do get a skim on the top of my water where the turbulence is less.  I use a clean towel and manually skim that off once a week or so.

 

Livestock has changed a little.  The Royal Gramma and Six Line Warasse I had didn't make it.  I'm not sure if they starved or what.  No evidence was left, so the cleanup crew took care of them I suppose.  I have been feeding 1mm and 3mm NLS pellets daily.  More recently I started feeding Mysis 2-3 times a week, which has been extremely popular.  I'm afraid that is all that my Cardinal is eating, while all the other fish have taken to the NLS very well.

 

My wife brought home a cooked seafood blend.  I threw a few peices of that and water into the blender.  When I poured some of that into the tank, everything went nuts.  I had little starfish legs poking out of everything.  I froze the rest of it in a couple small containers and melt off some in the tank once in a while.  My wife complained about me using $5/lb seafood for fish food... I haven't found the right time to explain that by far that is the cheapest fish food I feed.  

 

The latest algea is tan stuff that doesn't get more than about 1/4" long, but the snails, hermits, cuke and emerald crab seem happy with eating it.  I added a spiney sea urchin over the weekend.  I had no idea those things were so cool.

 

Big question - when do I do my first "big" water change?  I've been topping off every other day with FW.  Things seem to be doing too well for me to want to mess with it.  I did a small WC when I reconfigured one of my canisters and it really seemed to shock the tank.  I think I'm going to take a more passive approach to the WC routine than most.  Maybe if I had a skimmer, refugium etc I would need the WC more?

 

Anyway - things are progressing quite well, imo.

 

 

http://www.vadryn.com/images/swjuly091.jpg -