120 Pirate Mixed Reef Build!

[T-J]

Wow, I haven't updated this build thread in a bit. So here we go...

I've been battling Dinos from nearly the beginning. I've never had Dinos in my 25+ years of reefkeeping, so this was a mystery and a learning curve for me. I didn't do anything different with this tank than my other tanks...other than using Dr. Tim's bacteria for a fishless cycle. I'm not saying that it has anything to do with it, but it's the first time I've used Dr. Tims, and this is the only tank with this issue.

I'm currently using DinoX, and I'm about halfway through the 10 dose treatment plan. The Dinos are dying off, and the rocks are clearing up (sand is slowly clearing). It's been a non-stop battle of blowing off rocks and changing filter socks.

I've also lost all of my SPS frags during this Dino battle. The only thing I can think of is that the toxins from the dying Dinos is responsible. My LPS seem unaffected. When dosing DinoX, you need to keep your carbon off, and no waterchanges. Not ideal, but hopefully it'll be worth it.

Here's a still from a video I made of my Dino battle (to be featured on an upcoming episode of T.J.'s Reef!):

So what else is going on? Well, I'm changing out my lights! I bit the bullet and I'm switching out my ReefBreeder for 4 Radion XR15 G5 Pros. I've also switched out my wavemakers to Vortech MP40's. Updates on the new gear to follow.

 

[Sleeping Giant]

Can't wait to see the update video

 

[T-J]

Here's the latest PAR maps. Measurements taken with an Apogee Quantum PAR meter. I went back and checked the measurements with my Seneye, and they were surprisingly VERY close to the Apogee readings.
Lights are 4 Radion XR15 G5 Pros.
Yes, dinos are in the tank, but clearing out nicely. Been dosing DinoX, blowing off rocks and using filter socks. Going to be vacuuming sand through filter sock, as you're not supposed to do waterchanges during DinoX treatment.

 

[T-J]

So, it looks like I may have finally beat out the Dinos. The stuff that's still stuck on the rocks and sand appears to be dead. Not producing any more bubbles during the lighting hours. Blows/scrapes off the rocks easily, so I'll be getting carbon back online and doing a waterchange tonight.

During this dino battle, I lost every one of my SPS test corals. LPS and softies appear to be doing ok, except for one Acan. My thought is that the dino die-off toxins may have triggered the SPS to die. They all started to die at the same time. If anyone has a thought on this, I'd love to hear about it.

 

[T-J]

I also sent my ICP test out today (04/13/21), so I'm excited to see the results. Perhaps there is something in the water that I'm not aware of.

 

[T-J]

It's been a bit since I've updated this build thread. So instead of typing out everything, which is boring, here's my latest video from my YouTube channel. Enjoy!

 

[Sleeping Giant]

I also sent my ICP test out today (04/13/21), so I'm excited to see the results. Perhaps there is something in the water that I'm not aware of.

How did the tests turn out? Any big surprises?

 

[T-J]

How did the tests turn out? Any big surprises?

Tests came out all good. I thought I posted them, but I'll do it again here.

 

[Sleeping Giant]

Tests came out all good. I thought I posted them, but I'll do it again here.

Looks great

 

[T-J]

Just thought I'd post an update on the tank. Added some new corals from Joe Knows Reef and their live sale the other week. Everything arrived alive and appears to be doing great in the tank. Overall I'm happy with their corals, however, their pictures are a bit off. I think they filter their pictures WAY too much. For example, here's a green psammy. Their pic vs mine:

Anyways, I'm working on putting together some growth comparison pics, as things are finally starting to take off. It seems some corals, especially SPS, can sit for a bit before they really start to show growth. So look for a new post soon. Here's one last pic, showing how clear the water is. This is a shot from one side of the tank to the other (4 feet). Enjoy!

 

[E.intheC]

Your tank is coming along nicely, especially after beating the dino.

Can I ask what made you want to upgrade from the reefbreeders fixture to the Radions? I was seriously considering a Photon v2 as well, but went with the XR15s.

 

[T-J]

Your tank is coming along nicely, especially after beating the dino.

Can I ask what made you want to upgrade from the reefbreeders fixture to the Radions? I was seriously considering a Photon v2 as well, but went with the XR15s.

Funny enough, I just posted a new video about this!

 

[E.intheC]

^Nice video - I’m surprised you went 100% on all four lights though. Did you check PAR w/out the diffusers installed as well?

 

[T-J]

^Nice video - I’m surprised you went 100% on all four lights though. Did you check PAR w/out the diffusers installed as well?

Actually, after the video, I looked at my schedule again and I'm not running 100%. It's actually running at 90% of the schedule. So, looking at the picture below, I'm running at around 70% (or just a bit under).

Yes, I did a PAR map both before and after adding the diffusers. I'd say they dropped PAR by about an average of 10. Some spots a bit more, some a bit less. Overall, not really much to make a difference IMO. But the diffusers do make a much more blended look.

 

[revhtree]

Nice job man and cool video!

 

[E.intheC]

Actually, after the video, I looked at my schedule again and I'm not running 100%. It's actually running at 90% of the schedule. So, looking at the picture below, I'm running at around 70% (or just a bit under).

Yes, I did a PAR map both before and after adding the diffusers. I'd say they dropped PAR by about an average of 10. Some spots a bit more, some a bit less. Overall, not really much to make a difference IMO. But the diffusers do make a much more blended look.

Its interesting because I watched the BRSTV videos on the Sunpower T5 and Xr15 PAR readings. They had the Radions set at 100%, and the PAR was slightly less in the center than the T5 fixture. The sides were slightly higher than the T5, though. Not at all what I would have expected.

 

[Ro Bow]

any updates?

 

[T-J]

any updates?

Well, funny enough, I just added a clam today!

Here's a shot of the tank from the side. Nice and clear!

 

[Ro Bow]

Well, funny enough, I just added a clam today!

Here's a shot of the tank from the side. Nice and clear!

wow!

 

[T-J]

As good as everything has been running, just noticed that one of my acros RTN'd overnight on me! It was my Terra Red Acro from WWC. It encrusted really great, had great color and appeared just fine. I just ran parameters last night and everything was fine. Not seeing any other issues with any of the other acros or SPS.

I cut off the frag, but left the encrusted plug to see if it continues or to see if it survives.