First time 40 Breeder

FF419 · Sep 3, 2018

Things are still going well! Since my last post I've added a clean up crew from reefcleaner.com, one of their preset packages with hermits. I've also added a 3rd anemone, 3 emerald crabs and an urchin. The clowns finished up in QT and made their way into the tank. Unfortunately they only like to hang out in a back lower corner, so I don't get to see them out much.

I also added a refugium section to my sump with some chaeto and pods from algae barn. Chaeto hasn't shown much growth so I've turned off my GFO in hopes that'll help.

Pods on the glass...

I also went to the downriver frag swap in MI this past weekend and picked up a few things ;-). A few frags and a clam. They're going through QT right now.

NY_Caveman · Sep 3, 2018

FF419 said:

Great pictures! The crab is my favorite though.

Fudsey · Sep 3, 2018

That crab reminds me of the one in Finding Nemo..... "Hey, Hey "

Victoria M · Feb 21, 2019

Love the pictures, but this is my favorite too! This thread definitely needs some updating.

Victoria M · Feb 22, 2019

Beautiful tank. I saw it in person. We are practically neighbors.

Rakie · Feb 22, 2019

Just by seeing your build so far I can tell you've done some proper research. That's refreshing to see, and bodes well for your first go at reefing.

FF419 · Feb 22, 2019

Thanks guys. I do need to update it. But for now, here's some pics.

Victoria M · Feb 22, 2019

I did not realize that built the light hanger yourself. That makes it even more amazing. Did you get to take some readings with the PAR meter?

FF419 · Feb 22, 2019

Thanks!

I did yeah, this is after a bit of tweaking...

Victoria M · Feb 22, 2019

How was the PAR on the rocks?

Victoria M · Feb 25, 2019

Hey @FF419. Those new pictures are great. What do you use to take them? You have got to post some pictures of those zoas you have growing out they are insane. How is the algae improving? Also I for got to tell you an easy fix for the algae you are fighting on the rock you have plans for a zoa mound. Remove the rock and dribble peroxide over the algae, scrub with a tooth brush, and rinse with salt water. You can also turn off all the water flow and use the long feeder or medicine dropper to gently lay peroxide on the worst algae spots. Try it on a rock you don’t just love, removing it to a little 2.5 to 5 gallon tank as an experiment. Scrub and siphon the debris at the same time. It works without a full nuclear attack, like diflucan. Which btw I have a prescription tablet you can have if you decide you want it. I did not see anything that would make me think you should though. ;Happy Your tank is just beautiful! It is going to be stunning when the corals grow out.

Victoria M · Feb 25, 2019

Rakie said:
Just by seeing your build so far I can tell you've done some proper research. That's refreshing to see, and bodes well for your first go at reefing.

Rakie, it is apparent in visiting with him, that he is smarter than your average bear and really understands what he is talking about. It was so fun to see his tank and talk reefing “stuff”. It is going to be stunning. He taught me a bit about how to improve my pod population. Going to try this very soon.

Victoria M · Mar 16, 2019

Hello, updates ? Where have you been?

FF419 · Mar 16, 2019

Haha, I'm here, still alive. Just been busy building a canopy and scrubbing hair algae.

I haven't tried peroxide yet. Still trying to get ahead of it with some chaeto, scrubber I built and cutting my lighting intensity. Put my GFO back online and switched salts from reef crystals to Tropic Marin.

Thank you for the kind words! All pics are taken with my cell phone! No editing, no filters. Just advanced mode.

Scrubber I made powered with a $20 shop flood light from lowes.

Starting to get some good growth after about 2 weeks of lighting it 45mins on, 15 mins off throughout the day.

Top is my par measurements with the Hydra 52 at 100%. Bottom is with the T5s added. For now I'm running the Hydra at a Max of 25% and T5s for only an hour.