CCOMBS FIRST REEF!

ccombs · Jan 5, 2020

Hallowhead said:
Emerald crabs really do house bubble algae haha.

I am shocked you struggle with high nitrates as here I am struggling with low nitrates for the longest time. What are you feeding? Have you thought of adding some corals such as zoanthids to eat nitrates ? I barely run my protein skimmer as the water is clean enough from my water changes. Skimmer barely produces and sludge.

I have started a second tank a while back for frag grow outs a 34 gallon with a 15 gallons sump. My protein skimmer is overkill their too. I just won the battle with turf algae GHA and other algaes from frags I've bought. The hobby truly is an addiction so as long as you have the patience and dedication.

Looking forward to the new build. Do you run gfo or carbon? I would up having to remove all carbon gfo etc to raise my nitrates a little

I feed LRS Reef Frenzy, but just the smallest amount I can manage to break off. I have 3 zoa colonies that are thriving as well as a hammer and frogspawn growing like crazy.

I run carbon to clear the water, no GFO.

ccombs · Jan 7, 2020

Sump=Ordered.

Should I start a new build thread?????

Hallowhead · Jan 7, 2020

ccombs said:
Sump=Ordered.

Should I start a new build thread?????

Yes ! And retire this one. Reference this one there

ccombs · Jan 7, 2020

So fun fact. I always did my TDS testing at the source... seems reasonable right? Well for fun today I did a TDS test of my source (still 0ppm) and then did a test of my reservoir...guess what...18ppm. Now 18ppm is not the end of the world by any means, but I am curious as to why there is a discrepancy.....

Hallowhead · Jan 8, 2020

ccombs said:
So fun fact. I always did my TDS testing at the source... seems reasonable right? Well for fun today I did a TDS test of my source (still 0ppm) and then did a test of my reservoir...guess what...18ppm. Now 18ppm is not the end of the world by any means, but I am curious as to why there is a discrepancy.....

This could be a cause for the high Nitrates and phosphates !!

ccombs · Jan 8, 2020

Hallowhead said:
This could be a cause for the high Nitrates and phosphates !!

That’s what I’m thinking. Only thing that doesn’t track is that I had these issues before my ATO container. Maybe that was caused from being an idiot though.

I guess I need to drain the 35 gallons and figure out how to clean this thing?

Hallowhead · Jan 8, 2020

ccombs said:
That’s what I’m thinking. Only thing that doesn’t track is that I had these issues before my ATO container. Maybe that was caused from being an idiot though.

I guess I need to drain the 35 gallons and figure out how to clean this thing?

Was it diy or a bucket? Could just be the material.

ccombs · Jan 8, 2020

Hallowhead said:
Was it diy or a bucket? Could just be the material.

35 Gallon Norwesco Food Grade Storage lol

Hallowhead · Jan 8, 2020

ccombs said:
35 Gallon Norwesco Food Grade Storage lol

Interesting - did you clean it before using it initially? Maybe something was left behind?

Def empty and clean thoroughly - vinegar should do wonders

ccombs · Jan 8, 2020

Hallowhead said:
Interesting - did you clean it before using it initially? Maybe something was left behind?

Def empty and clean thoroughly - vinegar should do wonders

That’s now the plan when I get back in town lol. It was new so I didn’t even think to clean it.

count krunk · Jan 8, 2020

There was probably some things from the manufacturing process. I wouldn't lose sleep over 18 TDS though

Victoria M · Jan 9, 2020

ccombs said:
That’s now the plan when I get back in town lol. It was new so I didn’t even think to clean it.

Definitely need to clean and scrub anything like this for your aquarium. Vinegar, or rubbing alcohol and rinse very well. The manufacturing process leaves behind oily/weird residues. Even aquariums should be cleaned prior to use.

ccombs · Jan 15, 2020

2 things:

1) Got an MP10 installed today, I love the extra flow I am getting and it got a ton out of the rock work.

2) Neptune still has not been able to recreate my issue, hopefully they will soon.

Hallowhead · Jan 16, 2020

Have you ever tested your PAR ?

ccombs · Jan 16, 2020

Hallowhead said:
Have you ever tested your PAR ?

I have been waiting to hear back from the reef club for a few weeks on borrowing the clubs meter.

Hallowhead · Jan 16, 2020

ccombs said:
I have been waiting to hear back from the reef club for a few weeks on borrowing the clubs meter.

I need to get a hold of one as well. I'm not happy with my growth at optimal parameters and knowing you have the same tank and lights I came here to see !

ccombs · Jan 16, 2020

New Build Thread!

Follow Me Here!

Build Thread - CCOMBS Boujee Reef

This thread is a continuation of my thread CCOMBS FIRST REEF since I am doing a full upgrade. That experience taught me so much, and now I am at a place where I feel like I am ready to start a new upgrade and do things better this time around. I am taking the AIO tank from the original thread...

www.reef2reef.com

ccombs · Feb 24, 2020

Very unfortunate update. As much as I love this hobby, I will actually be needing to get out of it. As of this week, all of my livestock and dry goods are on the selling forum.

count krunk · Feb 24, 2020

If you feel comfortable, will you mind telling us what prompted this? Always sad to hear such news

ccombs · Feb 24, 2020

count krunk said:
If you feel comfortable, will you mind telling us what prompted this? Always sad to hear such news

Several reasons.

1) I have sucked at the hobby lately and I think it is better to step away than continue to harm animals.

2) I am shutting down operations of my current company to open a non profit. Meaning I am going from making good money to no money for quite some time, and want to eliminate as many financial stresses on my wife and I as possible.

Luckily this is not a frustrated and quitting sort of situation, this is just me being responsible and looking out for others.