First Timer - Another 40 Breeder

[Sebastiancrab]

Yes, you can take the water out and put it back in. No problem at all. Just don't forget to check your salinity.
No question here is too dumb. We are all learning something every day! I enjoy the challenge!

 

[THN4AU]

Not much but I’ve started testing and tracking as I go. Should be interesting. Tomorrow is a week with water. Any other element to be testing during the cycle? Is it too early for alk, calcium, and ph?

 

[THN4AU]

Also bought a used AI 16hd on eBay today. Was listed for $170 obo plus shipping. Offered $150 and they took it. Not bad considering used Primes go for that. And it comes with the mounting arm.

Debated going the cheaper route with new viparspectra, hipargero, or nicrew, but I found the 16hd and figured I’d go Chinese black box if they didn’t accept the offer. At $170 plus shipping, I was willing to spend $50 more for a new one. At $150 it was a big enough difference to take it. One should get me started, and I’ll be looking out for another one to match. Ultimately, the app and control made the difference for me.

I’ve also been on the lookout for second hand HOB skimmers. Found a Reef Octopus 1000 for $72 on fb marketplace plus shipping. Trying to lock it down now.

 

[THN4AU]

Day 11.

Got the AI16HD in. Immediately went with Saxby preset. All I have is the damsel still anyway. The light makes it look like a real tank now.

Reef Octopus HOB skimmer is in the mail headed this way. Paid $85 with shipping.

Attaching recent test results and pics. Not 100% sure I’m testing right based on 1mL of liquid color. Not much to go off of in my opinion.

 

[THN4AU]

I do plan on a second 16HD at some point. One should be enough for now. I’d hate to get divorced before I meet my child.

 

[THN4AU]

Fish started acting weird. Ended up dying. (See thread)

Got new Reef Octopus 1000HOB skimmer. Works well so far. Afraid to run it unattended at this moment.

Added carbon to canister filter to remove anything that could’ve killed fishy.

Added 2ppm ammonia last night to test bacteria and continue cycle. Less than 24 hours later, it’s at 0.5ppm with high nitrites and nitrates. Good to see it’s working. Pic of log attached.

Going out of town for the weekend. Turned light off with such high nitrate.

 

[dnott3]

Day 11.

Got the AI16HD in. Immediately went with Saxby preset. All I have is the damsel still anyway. The light makes it look like a real tank now.

Reef Octopus HOB skimmer is in the mail headed this way. Paid $85 with shipping.

Attaching recent test results and pics. Not 100% sure I’m testing right based on 1mL of liquid color. Not much to go off of in my opinion.

Looking good! I have the same skimmer on my 40B and it works great. I had to raise it up so it would actually skim the buildup off the top of the water.

 

[BoneDoc]

I filled the gaps between the legs for more floor contact but that was about it. There’s no way for me to reinforce it without draining it at this point. I’d have to unscrew the bottom board from underneath. I look for any signs of failing. I do like this design you posted. Only makes sense really.

On second thought, I may be able to use a multi tool to cut out space for additional boards. I’ll think it over for sure.

I think you will be fine. Plenty strong for a 40. If that weee on a 100 then I’d be a bit more nervous.

 

[THN4AU]

Looking good! I have the same skimmer on my 40B and it works great. I had to raise it up so it would actually skim the buildup off the top of the water.

About to go cut an inch off the intake pipe so I can raise the cup up more. Just topped off with RO and about to add two clowns.

 

[dnott3]

About to go cut an inch off the intake pipe so I can raise the cup up more. Just topped off with RO and about to add two clowns.

Invest in an auto top off if you can. 100% worth the investment. I know if I didn't have one my tank would always be having huge swings when I'm traveling for work.

 

[THN4AU]

Invest in an auto top off if you can. 100% worth the investment. I know if I didn't have one my tank would always be having huge swings when I'm traveling for work.

That’s my next purchase. Looked at the reef breeders one at the lfs today for a while. $100 didn’t seem bad on it. It just seems like everyone has terrible reviews on all of them but the 3155.

 

[THN4AU]

Just added my clowns. Is it normal for them to play in the flow?

 

[dnott3]

That’s my next purchase. Looked at the reef breeders one at the lfs today for a while. $100 didn’t seem bad on it. It just seems like everyone has terrible reviews on all of them but the 3155.

The one I have is discontinued so no point I'm suggesting that to you!

My clowns like to get in the flow. They can be strange sometimes!

 

[THN4AU]

Added clowns on Saturday. They’re exploring the tank and eating well! Noticing my first algae spots so I’ve dialed back my whites from my Saxby setting to a custom program until I get a CUC. Thinking about my next fish now. May need an ATO first though.

 

[THN4AU]

First corals should be here tomorrow. Got impatient and @REEFTIDE had a sale I had to jump on. Just palys and zoas. We’ll see how they do. I got coral rx waiting on them and alk, calcium, and mag tests on the way from salifert via Amazon. Fingers crossed.

 

[THN4AU]

Corals showed up today. Had a neighbor get them off the porch. Forgot to float for temp acclimation, but doubled the water twice with tank water before a Coralrx dip for 5-10min. They’re already opening up on the sand.

Captain jerk palys
Blues clues zoas
Safe cracker zoas
Red death palys

 

[dMiles]

You're off to a great start. Can't wait to get mine started but until then.....following.

 

[THN4AU]

Just downloaded a few lighting schedules for my AI Prime HD. Running saxby now but just lowered all whites by 25%. Maybe that will slow the red stuff growing on my sand and rock.

 

[THN4AU]

Just got two AI primes today to add to the AI Prime 16HD. Also got my @reefcleaners cuc yesterday. Most snails and hermits have gotten to work, but the big ceriths are still shy. @REEFTIDE corals looking good so far. Also got the Salifert kits for Alk, Calcium, and Magnesium. All seem to be sky high I’m wondering if it’s from the Red Sea Coral Pro salt the lfs uses

 

[THN4AU]

All three smaller frags have popped out a new polyp or two. My blues clues is acting weird and my red death got knocked to the sand by my cuc so I moved them to the safe cracker spot to cheer them up. New corals coming soon from @vcollins9850 …

Still planning my next fish move. Debating coral beauty or goby/shrimp combo.

Phos and NO3 testing very low if not zero. Thinking about running skimmer 12 hours with lights instead of 24/7. We’ll see when I test again.