snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
This is 3 days worth of skimmate from the SC65 protein skimmer
Snake's 20g Nano Build thread
- Thread starter snakeblitz33
- Start date
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Yeah, I think it's finally getting happy enough to start healing and growing. I'm starting to notice a little bit of difference every single day, actually. It's getting better and better. That makes me know that my tank might be ready for some new hardy SPS corals.
I guess I really should try to bump my calcium and alkalinity up a bit.
And if guess if I am going to do it right I might as well buy a magnesium test kit too. Yah know something? I've never used or owned a magnesium test kit! HAHAHAHA
I guess I really should try to bump my calcium and alkalinity up a bit.
And if guess if I am going to do it right I might as well buy a magnesium test kit too. Yah know something? I've never used or owned a magnesium test kit! HAHAHAHA
S
smallreef
Guest
What a good idea,lol...don't they usually sell them in a set together?.....
your skimmer is looking good....
can't wait to see the monti looking even better and you with some new sps
your skimmer is looking good....
can't wait to see the monti looking even better and you with some new sps
travelerjp98
Active Member
Your tank looks reaaallllly good Seth!
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Smallreef, I think magnesium test kits are sold separate. I use API brand, and that doesn't come with one. But that's ok, because I'de rather use Salifert for the magnesium test kit.
I am considering drilling a 10g tank and setting it up beside the aquarium as a fuge to give my tank some extra overall water volume. I'm hoping that getting the tank a lot more stable I can start seeing some better healing in that montipora. Once I get the fuge online, I'm thinking about taking down my scrubber temporarily until I can find something better to install it in. Too much salt creep - and since I installed my protein skimmer, there's honestly not that much growing anymore. It's all a really bright green.
I'm not saying that I am giving up on scrubbers by any means - I'm simply going to a fuge because of the extra water volume and space constraints. I'm saving up for a used 90g aquarium at the same time all of this is going on. I'm going to see what's out there and available close to me and check on some prices. I might be able to snag a 90g and just take a year or so to set it up. Shoot, you all know I don't do anything quickly anymore. lol!
I'm thinking about shutting down my aquarium maintenance business too. I have a newborn baby girl coming in about a month and I'm going to need all the extra time I can get to help my wife.
I am considering drilling a 10g tank and setting it up beside the aquarium as a fuge to give my tank some extra overall water volume. I'm hoping that getting the tank a lot more stable I can start seeing some better healing in that montipora. Once I get the fuge online, I'm thinking about taking down my scrubber temporarily until I can find something better to install it in. Too much salt creep - and since I installed my protein skimmer, there's honestly not that much growing anymore. It's all a really bright green.
I'm not saying that I am giving up on scrubbers by any means - I'm simply going to a fuge because of the extra water volume and space constraints. I'm saving up for a used 90g aquarium at the same time all of this is going on. I'm going to see what's out there and available close to me and check on some prices. I might be able to snag a 90g and just take a year or so to set it up. Shoot, you all know I don't do anything quickly anymore. lol!
I'm thinking about shutting down my aquarium maintenance business too. I have a newborn baby girl coming in about a month and I'm going to need all the extra time I can get to help my wife.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Thank you Justin! I really appreciate it! Yours looks good too. I can't wait to see some decent lighting go in your tank.
E
eric b 125
Guest
That cap seems to be turning around for you. What frags are you thinking about getting?
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
At this point... anything that a local reefer is going to give me for free. lol
Thinking about ordering a few things from Harry's.
It's just going to be a little while till things get situated.
Thinking about ordering a few things from Harry's.
It's just going to be a little while till things get situated.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
woohoo! I got an extra $200 just for the tank!!!!!!
So... here's my coral list from Harry's
Montipora greensleeves digitata
Montipora Purple Smoke Capricornis
Montipora Green Spongodes
ORA Green Stylophora
Seriatopora Pink Lace Birdsnest
They're all hearty SPS corals, and I think they will do well in a tank like this. So... there goes half the money. I do realize that three of those corals are green. However, I like the green. lol. That means I'll have green, pink, purple, and orange in my tank after this. Then I'm going to put in another order when I can for some reds, tricolors and a blue acro. So... basically I'll have six non-acro's and five acro's in this tank by the time I'm done stocking.
Also, I'm going to use the other hundred for new t5 bulbs, a 10g tank for a fuge, a glass hole saw and a bulkhead. I'm going to set up a fuge for my tank. yay. I'm adding a fuge because it's going to help with total overall water volume and help keep my parameters more stable. woohoo! I'm excited for the new developments. I'm going to put in my livestock order soon. Maybe tomorrow.
So... here's my coral list from Harry's
Montipora greensleeves digitata
Montipora Purple Smoke Capricornis
Montipora Green Spongodes
ORA Green Stylophora
Seriatopora Pink Lace Birdsnest
They're all hearty SPS corals, and I think they will do well in a tank like this. So... there goes half the money. I do realize that three of those corals are green. However, I like the green. lol. That means I'll have green, pink, purple, and orange in my tank after this. Then I'm going to put in another order when I can for some reds, tricolors and a blue acro. So... basically I'll have six non-acro's and five acro's in this tank by the time I'm done stocking.
Also, I'm going to use the other hundred for new t5 bulbs, a 10g tank for a fuge, a glass hole saw and a bulkhead. I'm going to set up a fuge for my tank. yay. I'm adding a fuge because it's going to help with total overall water volume and help keep my parameters more stable. woohoo! I'm excited for the new developments. I'm going to put in my livestock order soon. Maybe tomorrow.
S
smallreef
Guest
sounds GREAT!!!
of course I need pictures
new bulbs and a new fuge is also a great investment.. and feel free to tell me how much fun you have when drilling...
of course I need pictures
new bulbs and a new fuge is also a great investment.. and feel free to tell me how much fun you have when drilling...
acrylic51
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/387674/snakes-20g-nano-build-thread/340#post_3454185
Smallreef, I think magnesium test kits are sold separate. I use API brand, and that doesn't come with one. But that's ok, because I'de rather use Salifert for the magnesium test kit.
I am considering drilling a 10g tank and setting it up beside the aquarium as a fuge to give my tank some extra overall water volume. I'm hoping that getting the tank a lot more stable I can start seeing some better healing in that montipora. Once I get the fuge online, I'm thinking about taking down my scrubber temporarily until I can find something better to install it in. Too much salt creep - and since I installed my protein skimmer, there's honestly not that much growing anymore. It's all a really bright green.
I'm not saying that I am giving up on scrubbers by any means - I'm simply going to a fuge because of the extra water volume and space constraints. I'm saving up for a used 90g aquarium at the same time all of this is going on. I'm going to see what's out there and available close to me and check on some prices. I might be able to snag a 90g and just take a year or so to set it up. Shoot, you all know I don't do anything quickly anymore. lol!
I'm thinking about shutting down my aquarium maintenance business too. I have a newborn baby girl coming in about a month and I'm going to need all the extra time I can get to help my wife.
Keep your business.....Your going to need the extra cash!!!!!!!
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/387674/snakes-20g-nano-build-thread/340#post_3454185
Smallreef, I think magnesium test kits are sold separate. I use API brand, and that doesn't come with one. But that's ok, because I'de rather use Salifert for the magnesium test kit.
I am considering drilling a 10g tank and setting it up beside the aquarium as a fuge to give my tank some extra overall water volume. I'm hoping that getting the tank a lot more stable I can start seeing some better healing in that montipora. Once I get the fuge online, I'm thinking about taking down my scrubber temporarily until I can find something better to install it in. Too much salt creep - and since I installed my protein skimmer, there's honestly not that much growing anymore. It's all a really bright green.
I'm not saying that I am giving up on scrubbers by any means - I'm simply going to a fuge because of the extra water volume and space constraints. I'm saving up for a used 90g aquarium at the same time all of this is going on. I'm going to see what's out there and available close to me and check on some prices. I might be able to snag a 90g and just take a year or so to set it up. Shoot, you all know I don't do anything quickly anymore. lol!
I'm thinking about shutting down my aquarium maintenance business too. I have a newborn baby girl coming in about a month and I'm going to need all the extra time I can get to help my wife.
Keep your business.....Your going to need the extra cash!!!!!!!
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Thanks smallreef, I am going to post pics when I get them. I actually just put in my order tonight. I don't know much about paypal, so I'm hoping that I can learn on the fly to get this guy paid before noon tomorrow. lol.
Acrylic - most of my maintenance accounts except one right now is costing me money. I'm going to drop the ones that aren't producing and concentrate on the ones that are. Less time I have to spend away from the house and more time I get to take care of my daughter while my wife is in school. It's a win/win.
Acrylic - most of my maintenance accounts except one right now is costing me money. I'm going to drop the ones that aren't producing and concentrate on the ones that are. Less time I have to spend away from the house and more time I get to take care of my daughter while my wife is in school. It's a win/win.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Well, there goes my $200. LOL
Just ordered new ATI bulbs...
2x Blue Plus
1x Purple Plus
1x Coral Plus
I'm sure it's going to look good and give plenty more par then what my standard bulbs have. My bulbs now are six months old, and the daylights are yellowing badly!! I hope these new ATI bulbs give enough light to let that monti start growing... and let those new frags grow well too. I hope my bulb choices let the coral colors pop.
I still haven't dosed my tank. I'm going to wal-mart soon. I'm looking for a 10 fl oz measuring container (or more) that's accurate down to 1/2 fl oz. I gotta have it before I can start dosing my tank with calcium, alkalinity and magnesium. I would hate to overdose the tank.
Just ordered new ATI bulbs...
2x Blue Plus
1x Purple Plus
1x Coral Plus
I'm sure it's going to look good and give plenty more par then what my standard bulbs have. My bulbs now are six months old, and the daylights are yellowing badly!! I hope these new ATI bulbs give enough light to let that monti start growing... and let those new frags grow well too. I hope my bulb choices let the coral colors pop.
I still haven't dosed my tank. I'm going to wal-mart soon. I'm looking for a 10 fl oz measuring container (or more) that's accurate down to 1/2 fl oz. I gotta have it before I can start dosing my tank with calcium, alkalinity and magnesium. I would hate to overdose the tank.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Description
Quantity
Unit price
Amount
Greensleeves Montipora digitat
1
$15.00
$15.00
olor: rgb(238, 238, 238); ">
Purple Smloke Montipora capric
1
$20.00
$20.00
Montipora spongodes
1
$25.00
$25.00
Pink Lace Bird's Nest
1
$15.00
$15.00
n: left; vertical-align: top; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); ">
Valentine Pocillipora damicorn
1
$15.00
$15.00
Montipora palawanensis
1
$15.00
$15.00
and free shipping! Woot woot!
Quantity
Unit price
Amount
Greensleeves Montipora digitat
1
$15.00
$15.00
olor: rgb(238, 238, 238); ">
Purple Smloke Montipora capric
1
$20.00
$20.00
Montipora spongodes
1
$25.00
$25.00
Pink Lace Bird's Nest
1
$15.00
$15.00
n: left; vertical-align: top; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); ">
Valentine Pocillipora damicorn
1
$15.00
$15.00
Montipora palawanensis
1
$15.00
$15.00
and free shipping! Woot woot!
S
smallreef
Guest
WAHOO!!! sounds like a stellar deal to me
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Kem, just get em' shipped from the Waikiki aquarium. lol I've seen pics of that place - it's absolutely gorgeous. I would love to meet Dr. Charles Delbeek one day. At least you're closer to meeting him than I am. lol
I'm so excited about getting my shipment as well. I think he said he would ship Thursday and would be here Friday. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm getting three green corals, one purple, one pink and one mixed colored coral... I think it's going to be a great color pallet. Not to mention, I've always wanted a spongodes, but I've never been able to get my hand on one. I'm really excited!
I'm so excited about getting my shipment as well. I think he said he would ship Thursday and would be here Friday. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm getting three green corals, one purple, one pink and one mixed colored coral... I think it's going to be a great color pallet. Not to mention, I've always wanted a spongodes, but I've never been able to get my hand on one. I'm really excited!
kemfish
Member
I am going there in March, maybe we will meet him. I don't know all the ins and outs of our coral law still, I have been majorly slacking on it. I know we can have zoas, as they stock them here, but I keep meaning to call to get exact details...everyone you talk to says something different. I had a guy tell me we can't own live sand or rock here just a few weeks ago ...so who knows! Someday I will get on it and make a simple phone call
or I will just ask when we go to the aquarium while my family is visiting in March.
The Waikiki Aquarium isn't very far from home though, only about 30 minutes (across the island)...sad to report that I have lived here for 8 months and have not been to it. I am sure it is amazing, and I will be sure to inform you when we get back! Just going to the fish stores here is pretty exciting, always something new to be seen.
As far as the colors, I think it will look great. I love really colorful reef tanks. I had to do an image search on your choices(literally...I know nothing. Still have so much to learn in the coming months), but the ones I can find look great. I love the greensleeves. I saw a fake spongodes last night for $52 at the LFS, so I have to assume that a live one for $25 is fantastic.
I don't know all the ins and outs of our coral law still, I have been majorly slacking on it. I know we can have zoas, as they stock them here, but I keep meaning to call to get exact details...everyone you talk to says something different. I had a guy tell me we can't own live sand or rock here just a few weeks ago ...so who knows! Someday I will get on it and make a simple phone call
The Waikiki Aquarium isn't very far from home though, only about 30 minutes (across the island)...sad to report that I have lived here for 8 months and have not been to it. I am sure it is amazing, and I will be sure to inform you when we get back! Just going to the fish stores here is pretty exciting, always something new to be seen.
As far as the colors, I think it will look great. I love really colorful reef tanks. I had to do an image search on your choices(literally...I know nothing. Still have so much to learn in the coming months), but the ones I can find look great. I love the greensleeves. I saw a fake spongodes last night for $52 at the LFS, so I have to assume that a live one for $25 is fantastic.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Shouldn't they have some kind of book or manual that you can read for the coral laws? I'm sure there's something you can print out from the internet. Thank you for looking up some of the pictures on the computer. Lets me know you are interested. I guess everyone else is just waiting for me to post pics of my frags. LOL. I'm sure you will enjoy your trip to the aquarium. I'm sure you will learn a lot! It sounds like you are addicted already.
So, I double checked my water parameters this evening.
Nitrate: 0
Phosphate 0 (or very dang close)
pH: 8.2
Calcium: 440ppm
Alkalinity: 7dKh
My alkalinity was way low - so I decided to dose a little alkalinity to get it up to 10dKh. I added it slowly, so hopefully I won't wake up to a mess in the morning. I have no idea why my alkalinity was low and my calcium was a bit too high for my alkalinity. I'm using API test kits, so it might be their inaccuracy. I double checked it just to be sure. Everything looks like it's doing alright so far. I'm going to re-check in the morning to make sure that my alkalinity came up some.
I know I don't have a magnesium test kit but yeah... I added about a half a cup of dissolved epsom salt, part of Randy's recipe. Should have increased my mag levels by 150ppm. I just wanted a little bump just in case it was also a little low. I am going to use a toothbrush and brush some of the coralline really hard on one rock in front of a powerhead and see if some coralline algae starts to spread. Regardless of what others think, I like my tanks purple. XD
So, I double checked my water parameters this evening.
Nitrate: 0
Phosphate 0 (or very dang close)
pH: 8.2
Calcium: 440ppm
Alkalinity: 7dKh
My alkalinity was way low - so I decided to dose a little alkalinity to get it up to 10dKh. I added it slowly, so hopefully I won't wake up to a mess in the morning. I have no idea why my alkalinity was low and my calcium was a bit too high for my alkalinity. I'm using API test kits, so it might be their inaccuracy. I double checked it just to be sure. Everything looks like it's doing alright so far. I'm going to re-check in the morning to make sure that my alkalinity came up some.
I know I don't have a magnesium test kit but yeah... I added about a half a cup of dissolved epsom salt, part of Randy's recipe. Should have increased my mag levels by 150ppm. I just wanted a little bump just in case it was also a little low. I am going to use a toothbrush and brush some of the coralline really hard on one rock in front of a powerhead and see if some coralline algae starts to spread. Regardless of what others think, I like my tanks purple. XD
kemfish
Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/387674/snakes-20g-nano-build-thread/340#post_3454927
Shouldn't they have some kind of book or manual that you can read for the coral laws? I'm sure there's something you can print out from the internet. Thank you for looking up some of the pictures on the computer. Lets me know you are interested. I guess everyone else is just waiting for me to post pics of my frags. LOL. I'm sure you will enjoy your trip to the aquarium. I'm sure you will learn a lot! It sounds like you are addicted already.
So, I double checked my water parameters this evening.
Nitrate: 0
Phosphate 0 (or very dang close)
pH: 8.2
Calcium: 440ppm
Alkalinity: 7dKh
My alkalinity was way low - so I decided to dose a little alkalinity to get it up to 10dKh. I added it slowly, so hopefully I won't wake up to a mess in the morning. I have no idea why my alkalinity was low and my calcium was a bit too high for my alkalinity. I'm using API test kits, so it might be their inaccuracy. I double checked it just to be sure. Everything looks like it's doing alright so far. I'm going to re-check in the morning to make sure that my alkalinity came up some.
I know I don't have a magnesium test kit but yeah... I added about a half a cup of dissolved epsom salt, part of Randy's recipe. Should have increased my mag levels by 150ppm. I just wanted a little bump just in case it was also a little low. I am going to use a toothbrush and brush some of the coralline really hard on one rock in front of a powerhead and see if some coralline algae starts to spread. Regardless of what others think, I like my tanks purple. XD
You are absolutely right, I am 100% addicted! My "uncle-in-law" has a 500 gallon in wall reef tank, one visit to his house and I was hooked. No more freshwater tanks for me! We make a trip at least weekly down to check out the LFS, the store manager knows me by name, and I have his phone number and email! I have a problem, but I can admit it
.
I will PM you what I found online about coral laws, I don't want to keep hijacking your thread
I am very interested! I love build threads, they usually give us good ideas or solve some of the same problems we are dealing with. Since you have been helping me with all the questions about my own tank, I am excited to see your new one develop.
What is a good brand of test kit to use? We have Instant Ocean Master kit which is all the LFS had besides strips, but I kind of hate it. If there was something better I would definitely find a place to order it. I get really steady results from this one, it is just a pain to use because it has little packets of powder instead of using liquid and it can be hard to get everything out of the packet and into the test chamber (I assume this messes with the overall accuracy, though our week to week result is stable). If it is a good kit we will deal with it, but if not I won't spend more money on refill packets.
As far as the coralline, is it bad? I was really happy with my newest rocks that have it growing on them, I thought it was a good thing?
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/387674/snakes-20g-nano-build-thread/340#post_3454927
Shouldn't they have some kind of book or manual that you can read for the coral laws? I'm sure there's something you can print out from the internet. Thank you for looking up some of the pictures on the computer. Lets me know you are interested. I guess everyone else is just waiting for me to post pics of my frags. LOL. I'm sure you will enjoy your trip to the aquarium. I'm sure you will learn a lot! It sounds like you are addicted already.
So, I double checked my water parameters this evening.
Nitrate: 0
Phosphate 0 (or very dang close)
pH: 8.2
Calcium: 440ppm
Alkalinity: 7dKh
My alkalinity was way low - so I decided to dose a little alkalinity to get it up to 10dKh. I added it slowly, so hopefully I won't wake up to a mess in the morning. I have no idea why my alkalinity was low and my calcium was a bit too high for my alkalinity. I'm using API test kits, so it might be their inaccuracy. I double checked it just to be sure. Everything looks like it's doing alright so far. I'm going to re-check in the morning to make sure that my alkalinity came up some.
I know I don't have a magnesium test kit but yeah... I added about a half a cup of dissolved epsom salt, part of Randy's recipe. Should have increased my mag levels by 150ppm. I just wanted a little bump just in case it was also a little low. I am going to use a toothbrush and brush some of the coralline really hard on one rock in front of a powerhead and see if some coralline algae starts to spread. Regardless of what others think, I like my tanks purple. XD
You are absolutely right, I am 100% addicted! My "uncle-in-law" has a 500 gallon in wall reef tank, one visit to his house and I was hooked. No more freshwater tanks for me! We make a trip at least weekly down to check out the LFS, the store manager knows me by name, and I have his phone number and email! I have a problem, but I can admit it
I will PM you what I found online about coral laws, I don't want to keep hijacking your thread
I am very interested! I love build threads, they usually give us good ideas or solve some of the same problems we are dealing with. Since you have been helping me with all the questions about my own tank, I am excited to see your new one develop.
What is a good brand of test kit to use? We have Instant Ocean Master kit which is all the LFS had besides strips, but I kind of hate it. If there was something better I would definitely find a place to order it. I get really steady results from this one, it is just a pain to use because it has little packets of powder instead of using liquid and it can be hard to get everything out of the packet and into the test chamber (I assume this messes with the overall accuracy, though our week to week result is stable). If it is a good kit we will deal with it, but if not I won't spend more money on refill packets.
As far as the coralline, is it bad? I was really happy with my newest rocks that have it growing on them, I thought it was a good thing?