How do you like the Plank? I've been thinking about getting one for my tank for awhile now.
IM Nuvo 100 EXT complete build
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It’s great, especially if you have fish that aren’t great at eating off the water surface. The fact that it mixes the dispensed food directly into the water column is great for the anthias.
@turbo2oh I am also setting up an older IM 100EXT that I had sitting in storage for a bit. I can't seem to find the PVC pipes that go in the bean overflow. Are you able to measure for the the two pipes and how long they are so I can recut some. The length of the emergency drain pipe and the secondary drain pipe. Thanks!!
Quick question for you guys.
I tried adding a couple Monti caps recently and they didn’t make it. LPS and softies are doing fine, but SPS hasn’t gone well so far. I think it might be alk swings or possibly lighting, and that’s why I’m trying to decide between these two options.
My tank is pretty automated since I don’t have a ton of time for maintenance. So I’m debating:
1. Adding a Neptune Trident to monitor and stabilize alkalinity
2. Upgrading lighting to a Kessil AP9X for better spread and coverage
Right now I’m running a 24 inch T5 hybrid with a Kessil. Coverage is ok, but not across the tank.
If you had to pick one first, would you focus on stability with the Trident or improve lighting? I’m leaning toward stability, but curious what others would prioritize.
I tried adding a couple Monti caps recently and they didn’t make it. LPS and softies are doing fine, but SPS hasn’t gone well so far. I think it might be alk swings or possibly lighting, and that’s why I’m trying to decide between these two options.
My tank is pretty automated since I don’t have a ton of time for maintenance. So I’m debating:
1. Adding a Neptune Trident to monitor and stabilize alkalinity
2. Upgrading lighting to a Kessil AP9X for better spread and coverage
Right now I’m running a 24 inch T5 hybrid with a Kessil. Coverage is ok, but not across the tank.
If you had to pick one first, would you focus on stability with the Trident or improve lighting? I’m leaning toward stability, but curious what others would prioritize.
Monti caps are pretty forgiving and grow fairly easily under basic SPS water/lighting/flow conditions. What happened to the monti caps that didn't make it? Did they bleach? Lose tissue quickly/slowly? Brown out and die? IMO, your lighting should be fine for montis. I would look to water chemistry first before spending a ton on lighting. If you want to do more demanding SPS or other corals, you would want to get more PAR over the tank for sure.
Figured I’d throw out a quick update since a few things have changed.
I added a Neptune Trident recently. Mostly just trying to get a better handle on alkalinity over time. I’ve been struggling with even basic SPS and I’m starting to think it’s not one big issue, just smaller swings I’m missing with manual testing. Not dosing yet, still just doing water changes, but this should help me decide when it’s time to actually lock that in.
The anemones are still doing their thing. I’m up to 13 now. They all look great, but yeah… they’re definitely starting to claim space.
Gave SPS another shot. Nothing crazy, just a couple monti caps and a birdsnest. Last round didn’t go well so this is more of a “try again but with better visibility” situation.
Lighting is the next thing I’m thinking about. Right now I’m running a 24” T5 hybrid with a Kessil. It’s been fine, but coverage across the tank isn’t great, especially as I think about placing SPS more intentionally.
I don’t really want to go bigger hybrid or add a bunch of separate lights and bars. Too many plugs, gets messy fast. I’d rather keep it to something cleaner and more contained.
Right now I keep coming back to the ReefBreeders Meridian 36 LED Fixture. Seems like it would give better spread across the tank without turning into a cable management project. Price is a little over $1k which feels about right if it replaces everything I’ve got going on now.
Tank itself is doing well overall. Fish are good, LPS is happy, just trying to get things stable enough to not kill SPS again.
Really looking for advice on lighting upgrades.
I added a Neptune Trident recently. Mostly just trying to get a better handle on alkalinity over time. I’ve been struggling with even basic SPS and I’m starting to think it’s not one big issue, just smaller swings I’m missing with manual testing. Not dosing yet, still just doing water changes, but this should help me decide when it’s time to actually lock that in.
The anemones are still doing their thing. I’m up to 13 now. They all look great, but yeah… they’re definitely starting to claim space.
Gave SPS another shot. Nothing crazy, just a couple monti caps and a birdsnest. Last round didn’t go well so this is more of a “try again but with better visibility” situation.
Lighting is the next thing I’m thinking about. Right now I’m running a 24” T5 hybrid with a Kessil. It’s been fine, but coverage across the tank isn’t great, especially as I think about placing SPS more intentionally.
I don’t really want to go bigger hybrid or add a bunch of separate lights and bars. Too many plugs, gets messy fast. I’d rather keep it to something cleaner and more contained.
Right now I keep coming back to the ReefBreeders Meridian 36 LED Fixture. Seems like it would give better spread across the tank without turning into a cable management project. Price is a little over $1k which feels about right if it replaces everything I’ve got going on now.
Tank itself is doing well overall. Fish are good, LPS is happy, just trying to get things stable enough to not kill SPS again.
Really looking for advice on lighting upgrades.
KStatefan
5000 Club Member
No help on lighting I run two Mitra 7206 and to 48" helix bars on my 100ext.
I have a KH Director but have not installed it yet and just do manual testing once a week and adjust my dosing off of that test.
Nice group of fish. It looks like they're hungry lol.
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#1 Rule of Fish-keeping: "Beware-- fish ALWAYS look hungry!" 
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