26.5 Gallon Custom Nano

[gordonj1]

I like the scape! This tank looks sweet. can't wait to see how it turns out.

 

[watdachuck]

Picked up my first SPS from my LFS along with a Six Line Wrasse to keep the Pygmy company.

Random Acropora - $20 ($500-$20 = $480.00)

 

[watdachuck]

I picked up a couple new SPS corals from the LFS (($480 - (2 X $20))=$440 Balance. I also placed a large order from saltwaterfish.com that will come in on the 25th. That will have another 4 species of SPS along with some Green Star Polyps for a little variety and 3 Blue Reef Chromis to add some activity to the tank.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

The corals look great!!

 

[watdachuck]

Thank you, this is probably the most attention I have ever given to my aquarium (and that really is saying something). Trying to minimize any changes that take place including temperature and PH. In the past those two parameters have probably had the largest swings of any which is not good. My old ATO used to top off nearly a quarter gallon at a time which wouldn't be such a problem in a 90 gallon tank except I was dosing kalk in it! This time I am just going with consistent water changes until a calcium reactor really becomes most practical.

 

[watdachuck]

So typically I look for smaller SPS frags when starting a new aquarium to enjoy watching their growth. Besides my usual intentions I was pleasantly surprised with the larger colonies that SaltwaterFish.com sent my way on Friday. I ordered a 3 piece SPS pack for $89.99 and a WYSIWYG Blue Acropora for $69.99. Add in the Green Star Polyp Colony for a total of $184.98 ($440.00-$184.98) = $255.02.

I have been conducting daily 1 gallon water changes or about 3% of total volume but increased this to about 12% daily for the last 3 days, and will continue for 2 more days. This changes are conducted in the morning and the next batch begins to mix immediately for the following day with fresh RO water. This is matched to temperature and density before adding. Daily PH range is from 8.21 to 8.31 with a temperature range from 80.3 to 81.5 F.

 

[Daniel@R2R]

So typically I look for smaller SPS frags when starting a new aquarium to enjoy watching their growth. Besides my usual intentions I was pleasantly surprised with the larger colonies that SaltwaterFish.com sent my way on Friday. I ordered a 3 piece SPS pack for $89.99 and a WYSIWYG Blue Acropora for $69.99. Add in the Green Star Polyp Colony for a total of $184.98 ($440.00-$184.98) = $255.02.

I have been conducting daily 1 gallon water changes or about 3% of total volume but increased this to about 12% daily for the last 3 days, and will continue for 2 more days. This changes are conducted in the morning and the next batch begins to mix immediately for the following day with fresh RO water. This is matched to temperature and density before adding. Daily PH range is from 8.21 to 8.31 with a temperature range from 80.3 to 81.5 F.

Hey! I'm loving the build! You've got some nice pieces in there. Here's an added benefit for you...since saltwaterfish.com is a R2R sponsor, you only have to count 50% of the cost in the coral budget, so instead of it being $184.98, you only spent $92.49 out of your limit. So...($440.00-$92.49) = $347.51. You've still got a huge coral budget! HTH

 

[watdachuck]

That is great news! I just received my water test results back from aquariumwatertesting.com. It always gives me some comfort when they come back with results I know I can trust! Not sure where the Copper is coming from though...

06-24-2013 - Masini Reef - 1 of 1
Ammonia (NH3-4) Good 0
Nitrite (NO2) Good 0.003
Phosphate (PO4) Good 0.04
Nitrate (NO3) Good 0.8
Silica (Sio2-3) High 0.9
Potassium (K) Low 69.9
Ionic Calcium (Ca) Good 186
Molybdenum (Mo) High 0.3
Strontium (Sr) Good 7.4
Magnesium (Mg) High 1438
Iodine (I) Good 0.04
Copper (Cu) High 0.06
Alkalinity (meq/L) Good 3
Total Calcium (Ca) Good 450

 

[Mike J.]

Coming along nicely. Your consistency is great.

 

[watdachuck]

Calcium Reactor came in!!! Not quite ready for it yet but man am I excited!!!

 

[watdachuck]

I think I need to go shopping this weekend for some more corals....maybe just another trip to saltwaterfish.com

 

[Mrfresh]

Super nice!

 

[spspirate]

Calcium reactor on a nano I like it!


Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

 

[NanaReefer]

What made you decide on a Ca reactor and not a Kalk stirrer?


Sent from my iPhone 4s using Tapatalk

 

[ParkerB]

Or a doser at that.

 

[watdachuck]

I dosed Kalk in the past and had very good results but I didn't particularly enjoy the constant mixing, and waiting for the solution to settle. I have also directly dosed Calcium solutions but that can become very dangerous if not monitored constantly and usually requires the direct dose of magnesium ect to keep a proper balance (chemical swings yikes!!). The Aragonite media I will be using will provides many of the trace elements many aquarists end up dosing separately (Magnesium, Potassium, Strontium...) and I believe it simulates the natural process more closely than adding various manufactured solutions (Always trying to simulate natural). That's my opinion...

 

[watdachuck]

Note to self, 100% intensity with the new Radio Pro is too much!! The SPS corals are very content right around 65% even 12-15" beneath the surface. I just came back from a trip and am leaving again tomorrow, but when I return there will be a visit to LiveAquaria for some new specimens!

 

[watdachuck]

Wow...I am finally done with a month of nearly non-stop travel and have placed a final order with liveaquaria before the contest end. I am very happy with my SPS growth on such a short period and newly set up aquarium (new photos soon).

Incoming from LiveAquaria - love those Milli's:

Rusty Pink Millepora - $29.99
Blue Acropora millepora - $39.99
Northwoods Tri-color Acropora Coral - $19.99
Purple Plasma Coral - $69.99

Remaining Budget $347 - $80 = $267, we'll see if I make it to my LFS before September 1st to max that out!

 

[watdachuck]

Photo Update - New Corals

Yep, I would say Millepora's are my favorite...

 

[watdachuck]