First Time Reefer - Waterbox AIO 20 Cube - Build Thread

[FindingNem0]

I discovered today that my "red hair algae" is actually a cyano outbreak. It's making the tank look quite bad and so far I'm having no luck controlling it.

Is Cyano RX going to be my next step?

How is the cyano going atm ? Has it cleared up now?

 

[PeachStateReef]

How is the cyano going atm ? Has it cleared up now?

It is still quite bad but it doesn't seem to be negatively affecting other members of the tank. I started dosing Dr Tim's Waste-Away this week but have not noticed a difference so far.

 

[PeachStateReef]

I'm second guessing myself on my identification of what this actually is. Can someone ID this algae/bacteria? I originally thought it was cyano but maybe it's diatoms?

 

[lil sumpin]

Looks like a brown dusting (diatoms). It might be time to add more CUC if you don’t already have a decent population, a variety of snails like cerith, nerite, astrea and trochus snails will help to keep some nuisance algae under control. This stuff might even go away on its own as the tank continues to age. What’s your parameters like? Might wanna keep an eye on your N and P

 

[PeachStateReef]

Looks like a brown dusting (diatoms). It might be time to add more CUC if you don’t already have a decent population, a variety of snails like cerith, nerite, astrea and trochus snails will help to keep some nuisance algae under control. This stuff might even go away on its own as the tank continues to age. What’s your parameters like? Might wanna keep an eye on your N and P

Phosphate (Hanna) is measuring at .1ppm and Nitrate (API) between 20-40. First time measuring these since the cycle. I guess I need to research how to bring those down.

I'm debating on adding a Comline 9001 skimmer, which I think may help?

 

[PeachStateReef]

Is this a torch? I received it in a coral shipment today but I didn't order a torch :rolling-on-the-floor-laughing:

 

[PeachStateReef]

Another update on the reef. All corals seem happy minus one that appears to have been DOA :confused-face: . The diatoms continue to give me problems.

I added a AI Nero 3 which is helping break up some of the detritus buildup. Next week, I am kicking the filter sock to the curb and running a media basket with floss, chemi-pure elite and an undecided mechanical filter. I'm also adding a protein skimmer to the second chamber. With any luck, my parameters will start to stabilize and the diatoms will be on their way out.

 

[KC2020]

You can easily skip the skimmer with water changes. I have a WB20 and change 5 gals a week. It's quick and easy, parameters stay where they should be, nutrients low enough to avoid algae outbreaks and corals are growing.

 

[PeachStateReef]

You can easily skip the skimmer with water changes. I have a WB20 and change 5 gals a week. It's quick and easy, parameters stay where they should be, nutrients low enough to avoid algae outbreaks and corals are growing.

Yeah I'll admit I'm on the fence. But on one hand, the skimmer isn't all that expensive and could save issues if I ever have to miss a water change or two for any reason.

 

[KC2020]

I've been in this hobby for over 40 years. The other end of the experience spectrum from you. I've been there, done that, with just about every method and every technology. When you're new in the hobby there's an inclination to rely on technology and really the best suggestion I can give to you is wait and see if you need a skimmer. Missing a water change or two isn't likely to be a crisis.

Here's a good reference. Josh from World Wide Corals talking about a WB20 that one of their employees is running in their shop. Check it out, it's worth your time and he gives really good advice.

 

[PeachStateReef]

I've been in this hobby for over 40 years. The other end of the experience spectrum from you. I've been there, done that, with just about every method and every technology. When you're new in the hobby there's an inclination to rely on technology and really the best suggestion I can give to you is wait and see if you need a skimmer. Missing a water change or two isn't likely to be a crisis.

Here's a good reference. Josh from World Wide Corals talking about a WB20 that one of their employees is running in their shop. Check it out, it's worth your time and he gives really good advice.

Thanks for sharing! That was a really good, and eye-opening watch.

 

[KC2020]

Thanks for sharing! That was a really good, and eye-opening watch.

Yeah that's what forums are about, sharing good info.

Josh is a straight forward guy, so is the owner of world wide corals and their videos are not just sales tools so I appreciate that.

 

[Texx]

You mentioned you're using the AI Blade Grow--are you using the elevated mount or the included extensions at tank level? And are you getting enough coverage?

 

[PeachStateReef]

You mentioned you're using the AI Blade Grow--are you using the elevated mount or the included extensions at tank level? And are you getting enough coverage?

I'm using the included mount that rests on the edge of the tank (on top of the kraken reef lid). I have not done PAR readings, but everything seems to get great coverage. All coral is happy and GROWING (even the torch is growing already)!

 

[Reef Plop]

Following! Love the build!

 

[PeachStateReef]

A short update tonight, this cyano outbreak is really frustrating me. I added chemipure elite in hope that will help balance things. I added a few more corals to acclimate on the sandbed and plan on moving those onto the rock soon. If anyone has tips for dealing with cyano, I'm all ears.

 

[PeachStateReef]

Another update tonight, got some new coral in the mail yesterday from TSA. Indo Gold Torch, Malaysian Miami Torch, and an Ultra Japanese Acan.

The cyano outbreak continues to be a problem, I'm a bit lost on how to solve the issue.

The octospawn I received from The Coral Farm had brown jelly disease on arrival so I'm praying to the coral gods that it didn't spread before I realized it and removed it from the tank (lost $120 :downcast-face-with-sweat:).

Parameters today:
.03ppm Phosphate (hanna) and 20-40ppm Nitrates (API). Salinity 1.026-1.027

These pictures were taken towards the end of the light cycle so the torches are a bit more closed.

 

[luis angel]

 

[PeachStateReef]

Update on the tanks progress:

Today's parameters:
Mag: 1350ppm
Alk: 10.2
Calcium: 460ppm

Things have been going quite well all things considered. I lost a frogspawn to BJD, a NY Knicks to unknown causes, and 1 head off of a 3 head hammer to unknown causes (the other two will likely die as well as they are not opening up at all).

The Cyano problem continues to be a pain. I'm planning on doing 4 water changes in a two week span (already 2 changes in) to see if that helps. If not, I'm resorting to Chemi Clean.

But for me being brand new to the hobby, I don't think it's going horribly wrong. Despite some new pesky algae on the glass that the nano flipper won't get off. I'm also starting to dose phyto from TSA.

The torches are by far my favorite.

 

[kevgib67]

Update on the tanks progress:

Today's parameters:
Mag: 1350ppm
Alk: 10.2
Calcium: 460ppm

Things have been going quite well all things considered. I lost a frogspawn to BJD, a NY Knicks to unknown causes, and 1 head off of a 3 head hammer to unknown causes (the other two will likely die as well as they are not opening up at all).

The Cyano problem continues to be a pain. I'm planning on doing 4 water changes in a two week span (already 2 changes in) to see if that helps. If not, I'm resorting to Chemi Clean.

But for me being brand new to the hobby, I don't think it's going horribly wrong. Despite some new pesky algae on the glass that the nano flipper won't get off. I'm also starting to dose phyto from TSA.

The torches are by far my favorite.

Nitrates and phosphate.

Nitrates and phosphates?