Luvmyreef's 180g Diary

[luvmyreef]

Yeah I know. I think I will use the fine filter pads to try and help me with the algae, catching debris, etc. This thing has a purge valve at the bottom to help remove stuff too. It is actually pretty cool. I like the fact that it will auto start/prime itself. That will come in handy when the electric goes out and I am at work. Seems like it will be easy maintenance too. All in all, I am happy with it. I like to run carbon, and this thing will hold all the elite I need plus some lol. It is HUGE!! I am ordering the carbon tonight, so I won't be setting it up until it comes in next week.

 

[luvmyreef]

Ok, the tech from aquavitro emailed me back. He says the problem is that I mixed my water to be 1.025, and it has a guaranteed analysis of ca-425 at 1.026. I have never intentionally ran my tank at that. So, I guess I could mix up a fresh batch at 1.026 and retest.

 

[meowzer]

You mean to tell me that .001 difference would make that kind of difference in calcium

I will be very curious to see what results you get when you remix

 

[luvmyreef]

Yeah I know. That is exactly what I emailed him back. I am adding the salt as we speak. Letting it mix. I think he will say its my test kit. But it is fairly new. I don't want to dose my tank with ca, but I am gonna start until it gets over 400. I will buy a new test kit just to double check before I do though. I told him the first batch tested at 400, and the second at 340. This is pretty inconsistant to me lol.

 

[luvmyreef]

Oh forgot to mention, Lucky is doing really good. Eating well, no more white spots, etc. I did a 5g water change today and if all goes well I will add the other clown in with him soon. Glad I didn't loose him. Plan is to add leds and later the anemone if they pair up.

 

[spanko]

temperature is also a consideration when checking the mix.

 

[al&burke]

Quote:
Originally Posted by luvmyreef http:///t/378946/luvmyreefs-180g-diary/600#post_3445911
It gives you a graft. Without going downstairs to look, I believe for my salinity, it should greater than 400. 340 is just too low for my tank. My monti's and acros eat it up... Wonder what everyone else gets when they test, if they test....HEY AL test your Ca....
Hey luvmyreef - happy new year - Ca 450, Mg 1440 - I am happy with that. This is the water before I add it to the tank, sg 1.026 temp 78 deg F, these are with Salifert test kits (they are not expired) Mg is good till 2016 and Ca 2013.

 

[tannersmith200]

Your tank has really come a long way.
I'm diggin' it

 

[luvmyreef]

Thank you al, btldreef, and spanko. I will make sure the water is warm when I test. Tannersmith, where have you been. Thanks for the compliment! How is your tank? Mine still needs alot IMO, but they always do lol. Oh, and Happy New Year to Everyone!!! I hope this year brings all kinds of good things for us and our tanks.

 

[luvmyreef]

Well, since I am still having lots of algae growth on the sand, and on the same three rocks, wondering if I should go bb. That way, I can just focus on siphoning the rocks weekly or so then add the sand back later on once I get rid of the algae? I can remove the nass. and cerith snails? Thoughts?

 

[gemmy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by luvmyreef http:///t/378946/luvmyreefs-180g-diary/620#post_3446856
Well, since I am still having lots of algae growth on the sand, and on the same three rocks, wondering if I should go bb. That way, I can just focus on siphoning the rocks weekly or so then add the sand back later on once I get rid of the algae? I can remove the nass. and cerith snails? Thoughts?
I'm seriously considering going BB. The tank looks cleaner instead of seeing the yucky sand.

 

[luvmyreef]

Yeah, I miss my clean white sand lol. I can always put it back later on I guess. It's one option I am considering....

 

[tannersmith200]

I have been away for a while I guess bec i have been super busy but I have been very much active with my reef keeping still. I am going to post some pics of my 200g bowfront.
I will try to post some pics this week.

 

[tannersmith200]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gemmy http:///t/378946/luvmyreefs-180g-diary/620#post_3446976
I'm seriously considering going BB. The tank looks cleaner instead of seeing the yucky sand.
Something about BB tanks just ddont appeal to me. The unnatural aspect of BB tanks are just wrong IMHO. In my 200g bowfront I have a intermediate to deep sand bed depth. I use 2" of fine sand and 1" of crushed coral on top of that. I never get cyano or any algae growing on the crushed coral. When I used to have just fine sand, I would get cyano and ugly looking sand. I also iproveed my husbandry greatly which really is the reason. Crushed coral is easier to vacuum than fine sand IMO.
The only thing that is attractive to me about BB tanks are when corals such as SPS are placed on the bottom and they spread across the glass. Superman monti's look awesome spread across the bare glass.

 

[snakeblitz33]

I have a barebottom tank and I love it! I don't have to worry about sand blowing everywhere with the extra flow in an SPS tank. It also looks much cleaner. I don't think I will ever go back to a sandbed or crushed coral.

 

[luvmyreef]

I like the look of sand, but I believe I have to go bb temporarily. Tannersmith, update your thread!!! LOL. Would love to see pics of your tank.

 

[luvmyreef]

Ok guys, new test results for the aquavitro salt. I added seachem calcium to my tank, because 340 was too low. The tank now reads 460. Alright, based on the recommendations of the company, I redid a batch to 1.026, heated it to 78, and the calcium is reading 420......go figure.....

 

[luvmyreef]

Looks like my monti is trying to encroach upon my red planet. Crappy pic, my camera settings are off...

 

[spanko]

Looks like the planet is winning. I would leave them be.

 

[luvmyreef]

Yeah, I will not bother them. Hope the monti doesn't cont. to turn white though. Will have to keep an eye on it. Otherwise, it is getting good growth.