Kessil

My Glass Box Full Of Rocks

Devon

Supporting Member
So I’m not much of a journalist but I’ll give it a go.
I have been reefing since 2008 but took a hiatus from the hobby in 2018. Late last year I had some life changing stuff happen to me and it led me back to reefing for whatever reason.
So I started an AIO tank late last year. I was instantly on the reefing hi and couldn’t get enough. I did realize that the AIO tank really wasn’t for me. I’ve always had aquariums with sumps and wanted to get back to what I’m used to.
In beginning January BRS had the 10% off on the Red Sea line. I ended up getting the RSR 200 xl. Sure I wish I could go bigger but I’m a renter and want to be able to move it if need be. (not sure what the ratio is between size of tank and easiness to move).
It took about two weeks for it to get to my house. So I started buying all the other goodies.

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As soon as I received the tank I wanted to get water in it and cycled.

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I went with the Dr Tims fishless cycle. I did have an issue where the cycle got hung up for whatever reason. After asking around on BAR I was given the advise by @H2OPlayar to add my established rock from my nano into the new tank. Boom, the cycle finished up about 3 days later.
A few days later I moved everything over from the nano into the new tank.
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Now that the tank was cycled and live stock moved over. I got back to the build.
My goal is to set up as much equipment ahead of needed it.
I went on to install the Neptune Apex,Trident and 2 Doses. I wanted a remote location for all the equipment. So I purchased the expanded PVC controller board that fits perfectly into my nano stand and went for it.
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That’s were the tank is now, I’ve just been taking it slow I haven’t purchased or added anything as far as livestock. I’m looking for a bit more stability before I add any coral although I’m close.

Since installing the Trident a few weeks ago I watching the ALK slowly dropping. Also the nitrates/phosphates are a little high. Not chasing numbers just observing.

Thanks for reading, so much more to come!
(I may need to go back and edit this. I was done on my phone which is a little jumbled)
-Devon
 
Here are my latest parameters:
 

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New corals today! Got some classics.
All the Zoas are from my previous tank.
 

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My reef is going well!
Mostly good things are happening as the tank matures. Everything I have added has doing well. I have to give a shout out to @H2OPlayar for the coaching he has given me! I hope he can have a long distance relationship with the club as he moves to another state and begins a new adventure with his fiancé.
The issues: Bubble Algae. I added 8 Emerald crabs and they immediately started eating it. Hopefully they will put a big dent in it.
Color of corals: A couple Monti’s I have gotten a bit pale while all other sps are bright and happy. Hopefully they will color up as time goes on.
Over all I am super happy with the progress and I am looking forward to the future.

Happy reefing!
 
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Thanks for the shoutout, you are welcome. Asking the right questions is half the battle. I think monti's like higher magnesium. Check that and try bringing it up to 1400-1450 if it is lower.
 
Thanks for the shoutout, you are welcome. Asking the right questions is half the battle. I think monti's like higher magnesium. Check that and try bringing it up to 1400-1450 if it is lower.
The Mag is about 1365, I’ve been thinking about raising it to 1450. From what I’ve read mostly positive things come from the 1450 range. I’m going to raise it up over the next couple weeks. Hopefully the montis respond and color up.
Thanks for the tip!
 
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