A reef grows in Brooklyn

[russianmd]

Thanks, Russ.

I have a question on the Salifert Ammonia kit - when I first started testing, there was definitely a color that could be read. Now, the sample stays white - cloudy, but white. So I am not sure how to read an ammonia level of 0 since the test only shows as white at <0.25.

As far as phosphate goes, I've been doing water changes and have brought it down from 0.5 to 0.25 - I assume as the algae grows, it will absorb some of it.

Any recommendations on a Phosban reactor? Do you have any in stock?:scratch:

 

[masterswimmer]

As long as you don't see any color in the ammonia titration test, you should be ok. These hobbyist test kits are far from precise, but the Salifert kit remains one of the more reliable ones. It will read undetectable, as you can see. However, that doesn't always mean there isn't a trace.

Same holds true for the PO4 and nitrate test.

Stay on top of your water changes. That will be a very effective way to export nutrients (PO4 & 'trates).

We have Phosban Reactors if you'd like one.

swimmer

 

[OBTEPPER]

nice setup

looks great. enjoy!

 

[nanchil]

Updated pic?

 

[russianmd]

An updates is due... The good news - I haven't killed anything. The bad news - I have a very green thumb for bryopsis.

The nutrients are low - nitrates 2, phosphates 0.1 (Salifert) - and it is beginning to thin out (due to aggressive harvesting by me and two lettuce nudibranchs).

A finger leather is doing so-so. It just finished getting its slime off and now extends again (though not in the pictures). It perks quite a bit with digitialreefer's phyto (dosed cautiously).

My blue-legged hermits had a fiesta on lots of my astreas - but the ones who survived are doing a good job.

I got three chromis - all are doing well (I even rescued one out of the overflow). So here are the pics: FTS:

The finger leather:​

Can you make out the nudibranch?

Some palys:

Wellso/Trachy - has been squirting out inky stuff for the last couple of nights - puffs that immediately disappear

Platygyra:

I will post more pics later - and hopefully will be able to trade a nudibranch for some softies!!

There are tons of zoas and a couple of mushrooms - all are doing very well, growing - and in case of zoas, multiplying.​

 

[masterswimmer]

russian, the corals all look good. Don't let the bryopsis get a foothold on the Platygyra. Make sure you keep that in check. It looks like you're in need of a larger cleanup crew and maybe a phosban reactor.

Seems to be progressing nicely. Lets get some more fish in there. I think you're ready

swimmer

 

[russianmd]

Thanks, Russ

About the platy - I moved it to a very bare spot, but it was way too close to the lights, and the brown color got a lot lighter. I've moved it back into partial shade - but that's where the $#@!@#$ bryopsis is. I will keep an eye, though. Arkady

 

[DevIouS]

From the pic, it looks more like Hair Algae than Bryopsis.

 

[russianmd]

There is probably a combination of both... The lettuce slugs certainly seem to like at least some of it - and are growing bigger and fatter by the day.

 

[loismustdie]

I don't see anything in your tank that uses the phyto except the algae. Why are you using it?
Your tank is new. Give it time. All it needs right now is clean water. Giving corals food is counterproductive right now. You're setting yourself back.
I don't remember there being a 0.01 on the Salifert scale, but just so you know, the slightest tint of blue on a Salifert is way too high. Closer to .2
Going with Russ, a PO4 reactor is a cheap and effective tool. I would never run a tank without one, but I would suggest water changes while your tank gets used to it.

 

[Deanos]

I don't see anything in your tank that uses the phyto except the algae. Why are you using it?

You took the words right out of my mouth.

Don't follow the masses!! :tired:

 

[russianmd]

Thanks, Chris. I am getting a phosban reactor this Wed - and the water changes have become part of the weekend routine.

I was just reading wetwebmedia's Anthony Calfo's many responses about coral feeding - and, except for the pods, you're right - nothing in my tank really needs any phyto.

So, anybody wants some free phyto??

 

[loismustdie]

Yeah, it was a debate in another thread. Nothing in our tanks really needs the phyto. If your tank isn't mature and established with excellent water quality, foods do more harm than good. Pods will find their own food. It's not like our tanks are sterile.
I agree with Deanos: don't follow the masses.
You won't regret the PO4 reactor. Trust me on the water changes though and keep us posted.

 

[russianmd]

Redoing the aquascape

I've had the tank going since march - and things have been going pretty well. But now, as I've been adding corals (mostly LPS, mushrooms, zoanthids and a couple of leathers), I see that my rockwork is less than ideal in terms of coral placement.

What I would like to do is get a flat storage container (something like this):

and take all the rocks and corals out, and play with the aquascape until I am satisfied (I will give myself a couple of hours).

I plan to use the tank water to fill these drawers, and it will give me a good view of what's where. I will also put nanostream(s) into them.

Any ideas on how to make this less stressful on the livestock?

Many thanks, -A​

 

[masterswimmer]

Arkady, let me preface this comment with, notice what time it is......... :banghead:

I'm totally confused about your 'drawers' idea. Care to elaborate a bit? Are you planning to fill the drawers with tank water and place them beneath your rockwork? Like I said, it's 3 am....... don't castigate me for being brain dead at this hour.

BTW, where are the current pix? I'd think by this time you'd know better

R

 

[russianmd]

Hi, Russ

I can cure insomnia!! :sleeping:

And yes, I know that this thread is worthless without pics....

The idea behind the drawers is just to use them as containers for livestock outside of the tank - that way I can easily ID what's where when I place everything back in. So the drawers will stay outside of the tank. I also plan to leave the tops open for oxygen exchange.

Hope all is well with HOF! I still have Jim's fish trap.

 

[russianmd]

New pics (finally)

I wanted to thank everyone who's helped me to come this far: House of Fish (for support, livestock, advice, and so much more), mshur (for three amazing LR pieces), and Alex from Aquatic Express (great livestock at incredible prices - and free delivery!).

So here is a before:

And after some aquascaping, addition of LR, lots of time and $:

(I am becoming clam crazy too!)​

That's all for now, folks!
P.S. I love MR - and all the resources it offers! :groupflip​

 

[prattreef]

Lookin' great Arkady. Nice work. Randy

 

[crox99]

Good job Dr. Arkady.

 

[jacob_lee]

wow...scary moment. great looking tank btw.