So it has been a long time since I even thought of posting in the build thread...because unfortunately the tank was on the back burner for the longest time. Lost the few zoas I had and my mushroom detached from the frag plug and moved into the back, dark corner under a rock. No fish issues during this time but had the beginning of GHA.
Over the few months I was able to really focus on the tank. I completely reworked the filtration- starting with ditching the disintingerating, detritus and bristleworm filled marinepure blocks. These came with the tank and I had them stuff in the back AIO compartments. I had no mechanical filtration so all the detritus got trapped in the blocks. They were unsalvagavle and literally full of very large bristleworms. I decided to go with Intank Media baskets in both overflow chambers- filter floss on top, followed up Seachem Pond Matrix and a few small chunks of the best Marinepure, and a bag of carbon in one and GFO in the other.
I found a great deal on practically new XR 15 Pro and RMS mount to upgrade the lighting. Wow the difference compared to the old JBJ light. Purchased a new Tunze 9004 DC skimmer. The adjustment controller makes it so much easier to dial in, and it fits perfectly in the one overflow chamber.
Upgraded to an Icecap Gyre 1k and am really happy with the increased flow. The final major equipment upgrade should arrive tomorrow- Tunze 1073.05 DC return pump.
I realized my sandbed and Rocks were full of detritus. I started using the turkey baster to clean off the rocks, and started to stir up and vacuum the sandbed. Overall my parameters aren’t perfect but they’re the best they’ve ever been in this tank- nitrates at approx 10, PO4 .049.
I figured it was getting to be time to look at my stocking plan. The five damsels in there I know I’d have to rehome if I wanted to add any additional fish. They didn’t make it easy to catch them- had to disassemble the entire rock formation. Used it as an opportunity to rinse off the detritus from the rocks in a bucket of tank water. When putting everything back together I decided to remove some excess rock in order to eliminate some dead spots and detritus traps. Really liking the look of the tank without them.
Took the damsels to the LFS and picked up a Lawnmower Blenny and Diamond Goby. The blenny is settling right in- eating algae already. The diamon goby I haven’t seen since the night he was added to the tank. I’m hoping he’s just shy and hiding and didn’t die under the rock. I don’t think he jumped out as the screen lid is pretty secure. Just in case I added some extra protections.
So overall this is the most pleased I’ve been with this tank, ever. I plan on adding some more fish- specifically wrasses. Hoping for some good Black Friday deals on some softies and maybe some tolerant LPS. Still have a way to go but I’m optimistic.
Over the few months I was able to really focus on the tank. I completely reworked the filtration- starting with ditching the disintingerating, detritus and bristleworm filled marinepure blocks. These came with the tank and I had them stuff in the back AIO compartments. I had no mechanical filtration so all the detritus got trapped in the blocks. They were unsalvagavle and literally full of very large bristleworms. I decided to go with Intank Media baskets in both overflow chambers- filter floss on top, followed up Seachem Pond Matrix and a few small chunks of the best Marinepure, and a bag of carbon in one and GFO in the other.
I found a great deal on practically new XR 15 Pro and RMS mount to upgrade the lighting. Wow the difference compared to the old JBJ light. Purchased a new Tunze 9004 DC skimmer. The adjustment controller makes it so much easier to dial in, and it fits perfectly in the one overflow chamber.
Upgraded to an Icecap Gyre 1k and am really happy with the increased flow. The final major equipment upgrade should arrive tomorrow- Tunze 1073.05 DC return pump.
I realized my sandbed and Rocks were full of detritus. I started using the turkey baster to clean off the rocks, and started to stir up and vacuum the sandbed. Overall my parameters aren’t perfect but they’re the best they’ve ever been in this tank- nitrates at approx 10, PO4 .049.
I figured it was getting to be time to look at my stocking plan. The five damsels in there I know I’d have to rehome if I wanted to add any additional fish. They didn’t make it easy to catch them- had to disassemble the entire rock formation. Used it as an opportunity to rinse off the detritus from the rocks in a bucket of tank water. When putting everything back together I decided to remove some excess rock in order to eliminate some dead spots and detritus traps. Really liking the look of the tank without them.
Took the damsels to the LFS and picked up a Lawnmower Blenny and Diamond Goby. The blenny is settling right in- eating algae already. The diamon goby I haven’t seen since the night he was added to the tank. I’m hoping he’s just shy and hiding and didn’t die under the rock. I don’t think he jumped out as the screen lid is pretty secure. Just in case I added some extra protections.
So overall this is the most pleased I’ve been with this tank, ever. I plan on adding some more fish- specifically wrasses. Hoping for some good Black Friday deals on some softies and maybe some tolerant LPS. Still have a way to go but I’m optimistic.