Right Now NanoCube

[Anonymous]

I just setup a 29G Biocube. I purchased Caribsea live sand (not live) and purchased cured LR from the LFS. I did wait a month before adding corals but I barely saw a cycle. A little ammonia when I added some frozen food to start a cycle but that was gone in a week. I agree nothign good hapens fast. I added 2 fish last week and I am waiting another week or so before adding a zoa frag. IME - Slow and steady works.

Good luck with your tank. Its fun getting a tank setup.

 

[bfessler]

It's a long time since I poked around with it (I ran into Snake at MACNA in '98 and the product testing came about soon afterwards as a consequence) and my memory isn't what it used to be, but the short version is that I set up two five gallon tanks side by side. Both got five pounds of fresh from LAX Walt Smith fiji rock, uncured and poorly handled. One used the TPC and RightNow bacteria, the other just used the rock. I monitored ammonia, nitrates and nitrites, and both tanks used natural seawater (Catalina Water Company) from the same collection batch that was itself tested before beginning the project.

It's important to realize the rock was the rankest I could get my hands on.

Was the tank with the rock and the Hyatt products cycled on day one? No. It took, in fact, nearly about as long as the tank without the Hyatt products. But, the important bit: levels of a/n/n in the Hyatt tank were lower consistently throughout then the tank without them. It did have an effect, just not enough of one. In the end I concluded that it in a tank with live rock, it really didn't serve a purpose.

As a follow up I restarted one of the five gallon tanks with no rock, using the Hyatt products and adding a small clownfish. The Hyatt products had no problem maintaining that tank for the month or so it was set up. So in a tank without live rock, I can see the product having some value. It does nothing other systems don't already do, though. Hence the 'meh' result of my experiences.

It's not snake oil. It's just something with, in my experience, limited utility in the context of a reef tank.

Was it possible to gorw corals with this system?

I didn't try, so I can't directly answer that. But to be very honest I'd be shocked beyond words if it really caused a problem.

It was a hard lesson but in the future I will research the corals and fish before purchasing them.

FWIW, that's probably the most important lesson in the entire hobby. Good on you for picking it up so quickly

Thanks for the info.

Good luck. Move slow and methodically Don't be offended when ppl disagree with you.. there ARE a lot of unconventional ways to do things, but are also some proven methods that shouldn't be overlooked Kinda like body building... everyone knows how to get big.. but hardly anyone has muscles haha.

:lol: Thats funny. I think I fit in with that last statement. Good Advice.


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[bfessler]

I wanted to see a tank that was using the Right Now Bacteria. Majesticreefs gave a reference for a store in Garden Grove that was using the system on 2 of their display tanks and were in process of updating the entire store so I drove the 45 minutes to see this display and hoped to speak with the staff about the system. I also wanted to purchase the bacteria and other necessary items for my experiment and save the shipping charges.

What a Joke. This store, (I wont mention the name to protect the innocent) wound up geing a Dollar Store with a section in the front for tropical and salt water fish. The place was packed with dollar items and the fish portion of the store was a mess. No one in the store knew anything about the products and could barely speak english. After hunting for about 15 minutes I finally found a bottle of Right Now bacteria. After about 20 minutes the person in charge of fish finally came back to the store. She had no idea about the Hiatt system or the products. I gave her a list of what I wanted and she had to call her husband to try and find the items I needed.

We were able to locate the Right Now Bacteria, PH Rock and TriBaseCarbon which will get me started but none of the other recommended products. Needless to say I didn't get to speak with anyone familiar with this system. I did see the red bullet canister filter they were using but thats as much info as I got.

I am beginning to have my doubts about this system. I sent a message to HDL the manufacturer of the products asking if there was any LFS in the LA area that I could visit and see tanks using the system as well as speak to someone knowledgable about their products. We'll see if I get a response.

For now I am going to test the system in a smaller tank with fish only before turning it loose on my 28G nano. If the product works as described it may still be good to set up a quick quarentine tank for new fish or to try to save something having trouble in the main tank like my Dad's plate coral that was dying in his reef and had to be removed for the sake of the rest of the occupents. I will post some pics of this test as well.

 

[bfessler]

Haven't heard form HDL but I did speak with Robert from majesticreefs.com. I explained my concerns and he admitted that there just arent many tanks usig the Hiatt system. The one thing I did notice at the strainge Dollar/LFS is that the tanks using the system looked much better than the other tanks in the shop.

Robert sent me this link, http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/carbon ... mation.htm


It is to a couple articles by Stan and Debbie Hunter at about.com that describes how they helped rescue a LFS in NC using the Hiatt System. It perked my interest so I think I will procede with the original plan however I may start out with the smaller tank first.

I will be setting up my tanks for testing this weekend. If they work ok (no leeks or problems) i will be adding the bacteria and fish around the 26th of March

 

[SnowManSnow]

add the bacteria first.. WAIT.... for a cycle.. then add fish

jmho

b

 

[bfessler]

Here Goes.

After several weeks gathering all the parts its time to start up my tank. I know this Right Now Bacteria is controversional but I am determined to see if it works as stated.

The Tank - JBJ 28G Nano with the folloing options: 105W Compact Fluorescent Lighting, Artica 1/15th HP Chiller, JBJ Auto Top Off, 2 powerhead wave maker. 2" Carib Sea Seaflor Special Blend, 17 lbs PH Rock, 2 Lbs Tri Base Carbon, Right Now Bacteria, (The last 3 items are for Hiatt System), No Protein Skimmer. Baseline Tests for Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate all at 0.

Startup:
1. Assembled components and tested for proper function and leaks. Everything checked out OK
2. Drained fresh water and replaced with new Salt Mix. Let run over night.
3. Added clean up crew, 1 live rock, 2 green cromies starter fish. I know you want me to cycle the tank first but thats not the Hiatt System.
4. Added Right Now Bacteria. The water was cloudy for about 1 hour then cleared up.
5. Installed Sea Chem Ammonia Alert to monitor for ammonia.

I will include some pics soon. Will monitor ammonia alert for increase in ammonia and I have a 10G quarantien tank setup in case there is a problem with a Marineland Canister filter.

Side note: I was following the Ceramic Live Rock Substitute thread and I was able to tour the Vida Rock facility in Salt Lake City. I met the owner and talked with him regarding his product. It is a porous inert clay product. The rock has major porosity and sucks up water as soon as it is touched. This rock should be able to accept bacteria and become live. Mark At CeramEco the manufacturer of the Vida Rock product allowed me to select several samples of unfired rock for my tank. He is fireing them today and I should have them by Saturday.

Regarding porosity, without telling me his secrets to creating Vida Rock Mark explained that the clay is mixed with organic particles and fibers. When the rock is fired these organic particles are burned off and leave microscopic pores in the clay. The clay really sucks up water and should function as a biological filter once colonized by the proper bacteria.

I also purchased several pounds of Garf Grunge and the one live rock to seed the Vida Rock. These items should arrive soon. Until then the experiment begins as outlined above.

 

[Ben1]

When I first started the hobby, the common recommendation was to add saltwater, live rock, and damsels to cycle with. Damsels would live out the cycle and then you could replace them or leave them in. Adding hardy fish like this right at the start may end up with none dieing but are you trying to moniter if your tank doesnt need any cycle or just how fast you can add live stock?

 

[bfessler]

Hi Ben,

When I started toying around with the idea of a reef aquarium I had 2 goals. First I needed to automate it as much as possible as I travel 3 to 5 days a week. Second I wanted the tank to be stable so that I don't have to worry too much while I am away. My father was the first one to set up a reef. He is 74 years old and not real patient. We took the traditional approch to cycling and stocking his tank but it was very hard to make him wate to add fish and other animals to his tank.

While researching for my reef I stumbled across the Hiatt System that promised stability and 24 hour cycling. It sounded almost too good to be true so I started searching the message boards for anyone who had experiance with the products. What I found was a lot of debate on the ethics of the products wild accusations but not a lot of good info. Most threads were pulled by the moderator before any real conclusions could be made. My searching for answers eventually lead me to Stan and Debbie Hunter who post for About.com. They told me about their experiance with the products and how it has helped them turn a around a failing shark tank and the water system in a LFS. They assured me that the products really do work so I decided to try them out.

Dads tank has been going through the regular fluctuations of a new reef. It is now a little over 2 months up and running but he has complained about the amount of maintenance required to keep it looking the way he wants it. As I start up my reef I am proceeding with caution so I am not testing the Hiatt system to its limits but I want to find out if it will create a stable reef in a short time. So far the results have been good. I added 1 reletively small piece of live rock at setup just to see if it would cycle the rock without raising ammonia levels. The rock was covered with a black looking algae/slime but I put it into the tank without cleaning it. Today most of the slime is gone and the rock actually looks pretty good.

Today I am testing the Auto Feeder and should be getting my Vida Rock which I will be adding as soon as I get it home. The water tests today are:

PH 8.4
Alk 7.8dKH
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0

I have to leave on business again Monday. If the tank is still stable when I return Wednesday I will likely add a couple clown fish as my grandaughters really want a nemo.

 

[Ben1]

I want to find out if it will create a stable reef in a short time

IME I just dont think this is possible, depending on your idea of "stable". IME I feel for a reef tank to become truely stable takes time. The live rock needs to stop dieing off, if using a sand bed it takes time to develope, critters like pods/bristle worms etc need to reproduce and populate the rocks and sustrate. Of course bacteria is a part of the stability of the system but IMO is only a part and the rest can not be rushed, and depends on many factors.

When ever I talk to people about setting up saltwater tank one of the first things they say is "but doesn't saltwater take a lot more maintance then fresh water?" I really dont think so..I clean my glass once a week and empty my skimmer 2-3 times a week. I test my water every 2 weeks and do water changes every week or two when I have time. Besides feeding my fish thats about it.

Anyhow good luck with your tank and system, and tell your Dad to stick with it. The longer the system is set up the better it will get for ya.

 

[bfessler]

I guess I should clarify what I ment by stable. By a stable tank I mean one that I don't have to worry about serious problems that may arise when I have to travel. If I can leave the reef for 3 to 5 days then return to find it in similar condition to the way I left it I consider it stable. I realize that for the tank to mature will take years.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[bfessler]

Ok its day 3 and the tank looks great this morning. Ammonia levels still undetectable.

Yesterday was a real test for the Hiatt System. I received my Vita Rock and installed 4 pieces. This rock has many arches for the fish to swim through and ledges for coral. It looks a little stark right now because nothing is growing on it yet. I also added 7 lbs of Garf Grunge which finally arrived. This really clouded the water. It looked like mud. I was afraid for the Damsels and cleaning crew but this morning the tank is clear and all occupants are fine.

All automation is working now, (lights, pumps, ATO, and feeder). The pumps shut down just before the feeder dumps so I am pretty happy about the system at this point. Its taken me about 2 weeks to get the tank setup but now that its running and the rock is in place its getting exciting.

Here are some pics of the tank at 3 days old.

 

[bfessler]

Day 4

Added 2 Clown Fish and 1 Hammer Coral yesterday. This should really test the Hiatt system. My QT is ready should ammonia and nitrites get out of hand. No further additions are planned for the next week. Total reef occupants 15 Hermet Crabs, 20 Snails, 2 Damsels, 2 Clowns, 1 Hammer Coral.

Water tests this morning show a slight raise in ammonia, nitrite and nitrate but all still at acceptable levels. The indicator on my ammonia alert is still registering 0.

Todays test results
Ph 8.4
Alkalinity 9.5dKH
Ammonia .035
Nitrite .02
Nitrate 5.0
Calcium 450

 

[Anonymous]

Do you have any LR or Live Sand in the tank?

I have a feeling that your tests are beginning to indicate that the Hiatt system is already showing signs that it is not going to work. I hope the QT is fully cycled, I have a feeling that you will need it soon.

 

[bfessler]

Day 5

Ammonia level is constant at .035 from my test kit but still reads 0 on the ammonia alert.
Nitrates dropped from 5.0 to 2.5
Nitrites are up this morning however from .2 to .4 which is a little concerning. I plan a water change today.

I think the autofeeder may be dumping too much food into the tank. This may have something to do with the elevated levels. I have been using pellet food that seems to drop to the bottom faster than the fish can eat it. Has anyone had experience with using an autofeeder? What type of food works best?

I use the autofeeder because I travel a few days each week. I plan to hand feed when home but have been testing the auto feeder this week to make sure that it works when I leave.

the fish and coral all look good. The hammer is extending nicely and my clown cant leave it alone. She seems adicted to the hammer. The other fish all seem energetic.

I have another thought concerning the elevated nitrite level. When I added the grunge my aquarium looked like a tank of mud. I think some of the fine silt in the gurnge may have clogged the Tri Base Carbon. The right now bacteria live in the carbon. It is recommended that 1/2 the carbon be removed rinced and returned to the filter monthly so if the has covered the carbon it may reduce the effectiveness of the bacteria. In addition to the water change I will clean half of the carbon as well. BTW the carbon is not used to polish the water in the Hiatt system but as a bed for the bacteria. According to the instructions the carbon should last for 3 years before needing replacement.

I will be out of town for a couple days but Dad is watching the tank for me. I will post more results and a current picture when I return.

 

[bfessler]

Day 8 It Works!!!!!

I was a little worried on Day 5 when I had to leave town on business and the nitrite level was rising. I did a water change and cleaned the carbon as I stated in the last post. I just got back and the tank looks great. Tests results are

Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0

Brown algea is beginning to grow on the ceramic rock. They don't look so stark any more. Hopefully I will see some coroline gorwing soon. The clown fish seem very happy. The larger Maroon Clown is digging a hole at he back of the tank and the smaller Percula is shill in love with the hammer coral. The Hammer is fully extended and the tips are fluoressing brightly. I am going to my first meeting of Utah Reefs tonight so I will post some pictures tomorrow. :mrgreen:

 

[bfessler]

Day 9 Everything looks great

First the complete water quality tests
Salinity 1.025
PH 8.4
Alk 9.52 dKH
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
Calcium 550
Magnesium 1240

The Hiatt system is now functioning as described in their literature. I believe it was the addition of the grunge that caused the high readings of nitrite on day 5. The fine silt in the grunge covered the filter bags containing Tri Base Carbon preventing proper contact of water with the carbon. After cleaning off the bag ammonia, nitrite and nitrate have been undetectable.

The water is very clear today. Here is a pic of the tank.

Here is a pic of the hole the Maroon Clown is digging.

This is the Clown in the Hammer.

At the club meeting last night Frank Burr spoke about SPS tanks and the importance of QT for all corals and fish entering the system. I need some better lighting for my QT for the corals. He also recommended dipping all corals before putting them into the QT. What Dips do you like for corals?

I just noticed a faint white patch on the small clown. Don't know if its something to be concerned about or if I should just watch it for a day or two. I have moved the green cromis out of the QT and may have to move the clown over to the QT for treatment if the patch grows.

 

[bfessler]

Day 10 and all is well. I am going to visit my grandkids in Idaho this weekend so I will now be posting on tank progress until Tuesday. The tank automation is great for someone who travels frequently.

 

[Anonymous]

Dip the corals in Lugol's solution(formula of potassium iodide).

A patch on a clown could be Brooklynella, be careful and watch closely, it kills very fast and will spread to other clowns in the tank.

I am glad the Hiatt system worked for you.

 

[bfessler]

Thanks Dan,

I think the Clown is fine. The patch may have been some mucous from sleeping in the coral the night before. It seems to be completely gone now.
I have been wondering about dips for new corals during quarantine. At the last meeting of our local reef club they discussed the importance of quarantining everything and treating fish and corals prior to introduction to the display tank. I would be interested in what others are doing to make sure that there are no unwelcome guests on new additions to their tanks.

 

[Anonymous]

I have to be honest, I have not Qted a fish yet. I do try to QT the fish at my LFS in one of their invert tanks for a few days. I do not QT my corals, but I do a lugol's dip to make sure I do not get red bugs or flat worms.