Hello Reef 15 Gallon Cube Build Thread

[DiamondDog1030]

Yooooo, think we got first diatoms, right? Also, got an ATO since I visit my parents an hour out a lot recently. Got tired of asking housemates for the favor. The one I got was from Reefbreeders, so hopefully it does well.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Yooooo, think we got first diatoms, right? Also, got an ATO since I visit my parents an hour out a lot recently. Got tired of asking housemates for the favor. The one I got was from Reefbreeders, so hopefully it does well.

Looks like diatoms to me! What kind of ATO did you get?

 

[DiamondDog1030]

Looks like diatoms to me! What kind of ATO did you get?

I found one from Reef Breeders on BRS. Cost $104 without tax and shipping. Seemed to have a nice and compact sensor. Saw some people on here saying it has served them well so far so I will give it a shot. I know lots of people vouch for the Tunze ATO also but wanted to try something a tad cheaper.

Glad to know others can affirm the diatoms. Thanks.

 

[tbrown]

The Reef Breeders is the EXO, right?

 

[DiamondDog1030]

The Reef Breeders is the EXO, right?

No, it's a different one. Not sure if there is a proper name but on BRS it's just called ReefBreeders ATO.

Sale happened two days after I ordered it, just my luck

 

[tbrown]

No, it's a different one. Not sure if there is a proper name but on BRS it's just called ReefBreeders ATO.

Sale happened two days after I ordered it, just my luck

BRS is usually pretty easy to deal with. Send them an email and maybe they'll work with you?

 

[JumboShrimp]

Diatoms, and an ATO. You've hit the big times, now. Enjoy both!

 

[DiamondDog1030]

BRS is usually pretty easy to deal with. Send them an email and maybe they'll work with you?

Will give it a shot after work today, yeah.

Diatoms, and an ATO. You've hit the big times, now. Enjoy both!

Haha, thank you. I'm hoping to have it set up this Thursday so I can visit my parent's this weekend. Heard that diatoms don't overstay their welcome after a few weeks, we will see, I guess.

 

[DiamondDog1030]

It has arrived! Got it in a 5-gallon bucket for now. Mind the cables, I'm sure I will sort it out at some point before it gets more hectic...maybe.

The sensor is optical and seems nice. Pump is a pump, and the tubing smells kinda funny. Rinsed it all in RODI water and am just letting it dry. Hope it works.

Also, got the sale difference for Labor Day from BRS back. Happy, they are very nice about it.

 

[DiamondDog1030]

Had to check strips twice because I wasn't sure about the shading, but nitrites and nitrates are 0. Guess diatoms ate it for breakfast since they are creeping through the tank more now.

I may be a bit paranoid, but this does mean the cycle finished up as far as this goes? Anyway, to stress test the bacteria, I guess buying the liquid ammonia chloride?

 

[mpatterson42]

I'd say you're ready!

 

[DiamondDog1030]

Perfect, probably going to be a week or so before something goes in anyway. Never got around to thinking what would go in aside from a pair of clowns.

 

[tbrown]

Had to check strips twice because I wasn't sure about the shading, but nitrites and nitrates are 0. Guess diatoms ate it for breakfast since they are creeping through the tank more now.

I may be a bit paranoid, but this does mean the cycle finished up as far as this goes? Anyway, to stress test the bacteria, I guess buying the liquid ammonia chloride?

If you're entering "The Uglies" you're ready to start adding more CUC for sure. Probably a couple of small fish at a time also.

 

[tbrown]

Get some Cerith Snails and Nassarius snails for now to help "stir" the sand. Ceriths will also hit the glass and rock some.

 

[DiamondDog1030]

Get some Cerith Snails and Nassarius snails for now to help "stir" the sand. Ceriths will also hit the glass and rock some.

I was also thinking Nassarius snails, but I couldn't find cerith snails at my LFS when I checked their stock online. They have trochus snails, though. Any website recommendations for ordering ceriths? Was thinking of just getting maybe 4-6 snails to start.

 

[tbrown]

I was also thinking Nassarius snails, but I couldn't find cerith snails at my LFS when I checked their stock online. They have trochus snails, though. Any website recommendations for ordering ceriths? Was thinking of just getting maybe 4-6 snails to start.

I love Trochus. They breed readily in our tanks. Constant supply once you get a male and a female.

I get most of mine at either one of my LFS or occasionally Petco. For online ordering I like Reef Cleaners but they're expensive to ship for small orders.

 

[DiamondDog1030]

I love Trochus. They breed readily in our tanks. Constant supply once you get a male and a female.

I get most of mine at either one of my LFS or occasionally Petco. For online ordering I like Reef Cleaners but they're expensive to ship for small orders.

Heard Reef Cleaners is hit or miss, depending on the weather, but the prices are nice at just a glance.

I'll take a look at some LFS stores first. I know there are at least two around here I would trust.

Was thinking maybe maybe 2 Nassarius, 2 Cerith, and 2 Trochus. Since there aren't too many diatoms, it gives me enough time to learn what to feed them. The ugly phase seems tame, right now.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I was also thinking Nassarius snails, but I couldn't find cerith snails at my LFS when I checked their stock online. They have trochus snails, though. Any website recommendations for ordering ceriths? Was thinking of just getting maybe 4-6 snails to start.

Trochus snails are good! Had a couple of those in my tank and they were good at getting rid of algae

 

[mpatterson42]

I've had good luck with Reef Cleaners, the prices are good, but just keep in mind you have to add $50 at the end for shipping. I'm not sure if it would be worth it for a 15 gallon.

 

[tbrown]

Another option is adding snails to a coral order when/if you order corals online. Some stores have started adding them as live stock.