Evo 13.5 Build

[mvz13.5]

The time had finally come and I’ve decided to pick back up the hobby/obsession after being out for 8 years. I figured I would use this thread to post updates and for help whenever anything arises. The tank has been setup for a month but is in the final stretch of the ugly stages. To begin with I started with about 17lbs of Marco rock where I broke everything down and built my own structure to my liking (wish I had left a bit more open space but still very happy). I’ve upgraded the return pump to the Sicce 1.0 and added 1/4” rfg’s to help with flow and loaded the 1st and 2nd chamber with max spect bio balls and also plugged the smaller hole to help with flow. As far as stocking goes Ive added a black ice and orange storm who immediately paired up.

 

[jfoahs04]

Nice! I have the same tank which is a reintroduction to the hobby after 5 years away. What are you using for lighting? It looks bluer than the stock light. I think some people have struggled to grow SPS (even the encrusting montis) with the stock lot on this tank.

 

[mvz13.5]

Nice! I have the same tank which is a reintroduction to the hobby after 5 years away. What are you using for lighting? It looks bluer than the stock light. I think some people have struggled to grow SPS (even the encrusting montis) with the stock lot on this tank.

Thanks @jfoahs04. I have the stock light and then added a 12" strip of 460nm and another 12" strip of 440nm that I purchased off of amazon. Well worth the investment off of appearance alone but the Monti's and Stylo seem to love it as well. Will see if I can grow some easier acros as well once the tank is a bit more mature.

 

[mvz13.5]

does anyone know why my rainbow incinerators are turning inside out? My rastas and fruit loops are doing just fine. I have two frags and both are doing this. I’ve moved one around to see if different flow or lighting helps but nothing has. Assuming they will melt soon and will try to dip as a last resort.

 

[mvz13.5]

So the tank decided to go through a little bacteria/algae bloom and I’ve been scraping rock and glass nonstop for two days to help alongside a 30% water change. I’ve also just noticed that I got a little hitchhiker on the fruit loops frag that I just received. Please lmk if anyone knows what it may be.

 

[mvz13.5]

Wanted to post an update after a “few” additions to the tank. I’ve decided to switch to RS blue bucket and have been doing small 1 gallon water changes EOD to help slowly bring down my alk as I believe this was what attributed to the loss of one of my acros.