★ 110 Gallon (In-Wall Office Dream SPS Reef Tank) ★ PROJECT GENESIS [Total Automation, DIY & More ]★

[WallyB]

MANDARIN (KILLING SUMP DT) FIXED

Obviously I'm still upset about Killing my Mandarin of Years.

Thinking about using the In-Sump-DT for a mini Tank. Not sure what will be inside, but whatever goes in. STAYS IN. And if it jumps...STAY ALIVE in Return-Pump Section.

The substrate/SandBottom in the Sump/DT/Refuge needs something to keep it clean (I dare not stir it at this point)

I'm thinking Sand Sifting Starfish, or a Watchman Goby.

And either a few small fish, or a PAIR OF MADARINS after filling the mini-DT with more Live-Rock-Work (since I still want to keep my Copepod Farm running)

 

[WallyB]

I'm bored with my TANKS....WHICH IS DANGEROUS.

Thought of adding stuff to the Refuge DT. Had a CONCH bagged, but then thought. NOTHING NEW for now. No changes!!!

SPS are doing FINE. CYANO GONE.

So why not look at Snail Paced Growth in Photos.

And a FIRST Closeup PHOTO of the New Strawberry Shortcake

I killed the Last one.

Today I noticed the Newbie Show some PE. Something I never got from last SSC.

If I can keep this guy alive, then I can keep anything alive in my DT since they are as sensitive as a SPS you can get.

 

[NY_Caveman]

I am generally not a big fan of these light colored acropora, but this is a beautiful specimen.

 

[WallyB]

New FRAGS ( These have Future Potential ) Not Super Slow Growers

I do have some Nice Frags in DT, but the best ones are The SUPER SLOW Growing kind.

So I went on a hunt for some Medium Fast Growing SPS.

1) Habanero - Shockaholic
2) Aussie Voilet Tenuis
3) Blue Cali Tort
4) Validia
5) RR Papi Chulo
6) RR Wakatobi

Photo taken Fresh from bags, and just glued on plugs, so they will color up a bit more when Contrasting PE shows up.

Thanks to @tenurepro for #1, #3, #4 from his great SPS collection.

Was going to put them in the Frag Tank, but a few will be Flipped with DT Frags. (Unlesss somehow I can fit them all in)

 

[tenurepro]

Nice collection you are building here!

 

[WallyB]

Nice collection you are building here!

Yes, thanks to your contribution.

I am thinking I better start for Long Term. Things are too tight in DT, and I don't trust the Frag Tank at this point (Based on results so far).

Running a frag tank without doser, and without constant monitoring similar to DT, and without similar nutrient levels (with Fish) may not work as well. Or may NOT work at all.

So I need a long term Frag Tank solution. which will be Plumb Frag tank into DT.
THAT is a big undertaking with my current shelving and equipment layout.

So going to start planning/design for that. A Many month project.
PERFECT WAY TO Relive Boredom for the Frag Growth Wait. and Also way to stop me from Messing up my STABLE DT.

 

[WallyB]

Time for a New Collectables Hobby ( I just Over DID it ) 6 New FRAGS Mounted in DT

Well now my (DT) is Officially a (SPS Collectables Frag Tank),
and no longer what I would consider a respectable DT for someone with Years of Experience...who built a nicely laid out (Properly Spaced Out) LPS TANK.

Sure it looks like a Amazing Multi-Colored Dream Coat since I now have every color in the Rainbow in there.

I took a FTS Photo in Full Lighting, but won't show it..... till I build a Proper Separate Frag Tank, and tidy things up.

I'm actually now ashamed of myself.

Here is what it looks like (as far as I'm willing to show for now)

Those new frags are spectacular looking under Tank Lighting....

TANK in General is Very Pretty, but a not a well laid out piece of Reef Art Work.

THE ONLY GOOD NEWS.....is....NOW I WANT the SPS to GROW SLOW or I will be in big trouble!!

 

[WallyB]

SPS FRAGS ...... TOP SHOTS (Best Photo's)

No full tank shots for a while, but individual Frag Photo's needed for future compares.....

All Photos taken with the White LED Video Camera Light and my DIY Portal.

Wish I could rotate my Tank Sideways....They don't Look as good from Front Viewing.
.

 

[Janci]

Gorgeous pictures Wally!!!
Something good is happening in the tank!

 

[NY_Caveman]

Very nice!

 

[WallyB]

Gorgeous pictures Wally!!!
Something good is happening in the tank!

Very nice!

Thanks @Janci @NY_Caveman,

It Goes to show that "PATIENCE" and "HANDS OUT of TANK" to achieve STABILITY....two of my Past Greatest Flaws does make a BIG DIFFERENCE.

Not out of the woods yet, since I have learned that Tanks Fight us to self destruct, either accidentally, or by struggle to achieve balance.

I'm going to raise the T5 Light fixture, and get some more reference photo's of the Frag's that I couldn't Photo properly. That LED Video Camera Flood light is the best.

Everything looks great.....Keeping my fingers crossed, and out of tank.

Absolutely....No changes!!! to my Current Methodology/Light/Flow Setting, since the formula is working, and no need to make things Better.

 

[WallyB]

FIRST (GROWTH LESSON) Watched in HORRROR!! ( Responded Fast and All OK ) ELECTRIC MIYAGI FALL

I guess the time has come..... Never expected this, but a good lesson learned for the Future.

I DID NOT TOUCH ANYTHING last night, or put more then my Camera lense into tank.....

This is my Majayi (last MONTH) that is the Oldest Frag I have, and most grown up.

IT was one of 4 FIRST Frags going into this NEW TANK back 6 Months ago.
Given as a new Tank Gift by the Generous @tenurepro

They were NEW TANK sacrifices....and two never made it....

This Morning....
When Lights came on, I noticed in horror that the Miyagi dislodged from it's glued spot and it was tethering on the edge of the Rock Cliff.

If it fit and fell into that Crevice, WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE to Retrieve without Taking RockScape Apart. So IMPOSSIBLE!!

Right away I turned off circulation, so it wouldn't fall.

Carefully remove it, and got some putty and Glue, and mounted it back, Same Spot...but in better position and firmly Puttied down.

All good now. Actually better since more room to spread out and slightly more upright.

Lesson learned, is Frags on Plugs need to be glued better, and as the Frags get bigger, I need to check mounting firmness (Weight and Flow tug at them more).

 

[NY_Caveman]

FIRST (GROWTH LESSON) Watched in HORRROR!! ( Responded Fast and All OK ) ELECTRIC MIYAGI FALL

I guess the time has come..... Never expected this, but a good lesson learned for the Future.

I DID NOT TOUCH ANYTHING last night, or put more then my Camera lense into tank.....

This is my Majayi (last MONTH) that is the Oldest Frag I have, and most grown up.

IT was one of 4 FIRST Frags going into this NEW TANK back 6 Months ago.
Given as a new Tank Gift by the Generous @tenurepro

They were NEW TANK sacrifices....and two never made it....

This Morning....
When Lights came on, I noticed in horror that the Miyagi dislodged from it's glued spot and it was tethering on the edge of the Rock Cliff.

If it fit and fell into that Crevice, WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE to Retrieve without Taking RockScape Apart. So IMPOSSIBLE!!

Right away I turned off circulation, so it wouldn't fall.

Carefully remove it, and got some putty and Glue, and mounted it back, Same Spot...but in better position and firmly Puttied down.

All good now. Actually better since more room to spread out and slightly more upright.

Lesson learned, is Frags on Plugs need to be glued better, and as the Frags get bigger, I need to check mounting firmness (Weight and Flow tug at them more).

You sure it was not snails or something bulldozing it? Not that it matters really. Nice save for a beautiful piece.

 

[WallyB]

Could be Snail, but I don't have any powerful Turbos.

It could also be the first frags were not glued down properly in haste, and I hear that glue/putty doesn't last forever for bonding. Things work better when SPS frags encrust to rock.

However with my overcrowding I will be watching in advance before entrusting happens for minor placement adjustments for the final layout.

Either way next time a Snail wants to get by the Miyagi he will have to go around.

 

[NY_Caveman]

I found a Turbo Snail on my classic Miyagi recently. I was not happy.

Go away!

 

[tenurepro]

SPS FRAGS ...... TOP SHOTS (Best Photo's)

No full tank shots for a while, but individual Frag Photo's needed for future compares.....

All Photos taken with the White LED Video Camera Light and my DIY Portal.

Wish I could rotate my Tank Sideways....They don't Look as good from Front Viewing.
.

Some really nice colors here Wally! I am going to want to get some frags from you when things grow out!

 

[WallyB]

Some really nice colors here Wally! I am going to want to get some frags from you when things grow out!

For sure!!! I owe you something nice from my Tank. (after all the nice Premium SPS I got from you).

IF THEY GROW OUT & Keep Colors. Hoping they do since things are in the right direction.

But there are alternatives if you want COLOR.

I was at Big Als Fish store, and saw this tank of fish.

From a DISTANCE.......I thought is was one of those FUNKY ALL PLASTIC "blacklight" Display Tanks with floating Neon Plastic Jellyfish/Fish.

But as I got closer, I realized they were real fish.

I heard about GLOFISH from a friend, but this was the first Time I saw them in Person.

See for yourself. I TOOK A VIDEO..... (REAL!!)


I remember decades ago there were these Fresh Water Fish, with Bellies full of Phosphorescent (whatever).

But these GLOFISH fish are actually genetically modified to Have These Colors.

Kind of COOL!! But not for me. Too Tacky.

 

[Janci]

FIRST (GROWTH LESSON) Watched in HORRROR!! ( Responded Fast and All OK ) ELECTRIC MIYAGI FALL

I guess the time has come..... Never expected this, but a good lesson learned for the Future.

I DID NOT TOUCH ANYTHING last night, or put more then my Camera lense into tank.....

This is my Majayi (last MONTH) that is the Oldest Frag I have, and most grown up.

IT was one of 4 FIRST Frags going into this NEW TANK back 6 Months ago.
Given as a new Tank Gift by the Generous @tenurepro

They were NEW TANK sacrifices....and two never made it....

This Morning....
When Lights came on, I noticed in horror that the Miyagi dislodged from it's glued spot and it was tethering on the edge of the Rock Cliff.

If it fit and fell into that Crevice, WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE to Retrieve without Taking RockScape Apart. So IMPOSSIBLE!!

Right away I turned off circulation, so it wouldn't fall.

Carefully remove it, and got some putty and Glue, and mounted it back, Same Spot...but in better position and firmly Puttied down.

All good now. Actually better since more room to spread out and slightly more upright.

Lesson learned, is Frags on Plugs need to be glued better, and as the Frags get bigger, I need to check mounting firmness (Weight and Flow tug at them more).

Nice save.
With now the putty put that professionally, I doubt a snail will now be able to make a come back to throw it off the rocks. LOL

 

[NY_Caveman]

For sure!!! I owe you something nice from my Tank. (after all the nice Premium SPS I got from you).

IF THEY GROW OUT & Keep Colors. Hoping they do since things are in the right direction.

But there are alternatives if you want COLOR.

I was at Big Als Fish store, and saw this tank of fish.

From a DISTANCE.......I thought is was one of those FUNKY ALL PLASTIC "blacklight" Display Tanks with floating Neon Plastic Jellyfish/Fish.

But as I got closer, I realized they were real fish.

I heard about GLOFISH from a friend, but this was the first Time I saw them in Person.

See for yourself. I TOOK A VIDEO..... (REAL!!)


I remember decades ago there were these Fresh Water Fish, with Bellies full of Phosphorescent (whatever).

But these GLOFISH fish are actually genetically modified to Have These Colors.

Kind of COOL!! But not for me. Too Tacky.

They used to inject dye into the mass pet store Glo Fish. After a short while the dye would fade and people would be left with transparent glass fish. There was a big debate in the freshwater hobby about the ethics of this.

 

[WallyB]

Triton ICP Test Results (Came Back)
All Good after 1 Week WC and Running Algae Scrubber
(Trace Elements fine) [ Salifert K test is OFF ]

So this is very interesting and Glad I did the ICP Test.

SUMMARY:

-> My Algae Scrubber, running FULL TILT on making Macro had no Impact on Lowering Trace Elements (1 Week after Water change)
-----------> This means I can Scrub All I want with my Current Weekly Water change and no worries about adding anything.

-> ALSO I know my Tropic Marin PRO Salt is Good Salt to Use (along with the Few Additives I drop in Like Fuel, CE Gro/Amino)

HEAVY METALS (Toxic):
-> The Very Slightly High Aluminum is expected since I was using Aluminum Based PhosGuard.
-> Not sure where the tiny Copper/Tin comes from (Magnets, Rusty Clamps?), but I just threw in some CurpriSorb that will polish the water clean
-> I did a check on my Fuel Additive and it does contain Very Low Level of TIN (could that be the cause of the spike)

-> My Iodine Levels are slightly low, and that can be something I can look at for dosing.
-> My IRON is fine [slightly high]......... (I though it might be LOW and was considering additive to increase.....Now I don't need to at ALL )
---------> Wonder what is increasing Iron (Maybe Fuel, or Some Contaminator)

K (Postassium):
-> My best learning from this is my Multiple Salifert Tests showed Low K=380, but Triton test came back K=413 (high) and I actually have been testing a lot, and adding KCL to get to 400
-------> I am probably very off now (TOO HIGH)....but nothing Critical.
-------> I NO LONGER can Trust my K SALIFERT KIT! (not expired)...Will try Red Sea Kit

(Phosphate):
-> Yup, I am on the high side (WHO CARES)
---------> I did start AquaForest BioS-Pro and -NPpro (that will drop N&P slowly over time).

CONCLUSION: (Changes to apply):

-> Continue running with Tropic Marin PRO salt (all trace elements doing good)

-> Continue running Algae Scrubber (Full Tilt..No TraceElement Stripping proven), Good for keeping Nuisance Algae out of DT. (probably helps with N&P)

-> STOP ADDITING FUEL since Water Changes are good enough, and Algae Scrubber is NOT Stripping off Elements. Fuel could be adding Tin/Copper

-> Never use PhosGuard ever again (Possible Aluminum), and no need to control P with it.

-> Add CurpriSorb (on/off) every week or so for a day or two (Copper and Heavy metal Polish)

-> Look into but not necessary (Iodine) additive

.