Many ways to skin a reef, this is mine. (54 Litre/14 Gallon)

[hotashes]

Hi everyone, those who read this and wish to say hi then my name is Ash. In a nutshell, I'm totally fresh to saltwater fish tanks and just embarking on my first ever attempt. Having been a lurker here for a short while I decided to begin my thread as I've had my nano tank set up just 24 hours.

My nano reef currently is 2' long 1' deep 1' high
Tank - 54L Aquael
Temp controller - Aquamedic t controller twin
Heater - 50w Aquael
Salt -
(2/4/2018-2019) Tropic Marin Pro
(2019 - current) H2Ocean Pro+
Rock - live reef branch/bones
Sand - ReeFlowers Pearl White Sand 1mm-1.5mm (Removed 2019)
Flow - Ecotech MP10QD until early 2020 and now Nero 5
Light - Radion XR30w pro gen 3
ATO - Tunze 3152 nano
Skimmer - Reefloat nano, Hidom air pump
Doser - Grotech NG III
Dosing containers - custom 5ltr separate
HOB - Fluval Edge (modified)
Glass cleaner - Flipper nano

I have been wanting to make the jump from tropical fish keeping to reefing since the day I set up my first ever tropical tank just over 2 years ago. However I was always concerned with regards to the overwhelming thought of all the many parameters which seemed critical to be kept. Having said that, when I stumbled across @brandon429 many arguably challenging threads/efforts to simplify the dreaded downward spirals within the hobby I began to learn how my worries could possibly be faced. Thank you to everybody who has gone to such efforts to contribute to the hobby, be it scientifically proven or just mechanically tested it's those efforts that help.

Places I found helpful IMHO (Thanks @brandon429)

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/t...ead-aka-one-against-many.230281/#post-2681445

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-microbiology-of-reef-tank-cycling.214618/

http://reef2reef.com/threads/lets-d...ndefinite-reef-life-span.222105/#post-2558471

Well now a little about me, I'm based in London, Uk. Started keeping tropical fish 2 years ago as I had a baby boy born and wanted a way of keeping him focused/disciplined and learning responsibilities as he grows. When I mention 'Hudson', that's my son's name [emoji6] He is now 3 years and growing fast, likes feeding my tropical fish tank(s), which is going in the right direction I guess. I mention tank(s) as yes from day 1 I went big..... Without any knowledge I purchased 2 separate tanks measuring (5' x 2' x 2') and (4' x 2' x 2') both systemised for sumps. I always read it's best to get as big as you can when considering tank size, and I did. Long story short, I've had both tanks up and running freshwater systems and been breeding Thorichthys ellioti/maculipinnis. (Central American) no issues. (Time to go salty )

So since I have accumulated equipment along the journey such as Ecotech Radion(s), Powerhead(s), return pumps, Neptunes Apex controller(s), Korallin reactor, Deltec Skimmer(s), Kamoer doser, LedZeal LED, AWC, ATO, RODI(s) just to name a few. As well as recently purchasing a binocular microscope for the joys of examining parasites etc. We all know what nasties can be amongst our beloved corals and fish or even rock and sand.

Now I've began with a nano for many reasons, however if I manage to maintain the learning curve well and no doubt with help from everyone here then I do plan to also transform my 4' sumped tank into a reef tank also. Thats the challenge here, by having the joys of the internet I can use R2R to gain more knowledge and help from a brother from another mother and a sister from another Mr worldwide [emoji6]

P.S I will upload pictures shortly as they are currently on my mobile, excuse my bad photography in advance. I never once said I was a photographer lol

 

[hotashes]

As of today I've tested for ammonia using a salifert test kit, having followed the instructions I ended with a minimal cloudiness (Approx. 0.25ppm). I'm thinking this is from the slight die off due to the rock being transported from another reef tank which was being closed down. The rock had been left in a vat/barrel overnight at room temperature with a pump for circulation as I needed to prepare my water using my 4 stage rodi unit. Once I'd got the salt levels to that of the water which my rock was majority covered then I added the rock and water to my new water which I'd had at room temperature. Now the rock was in its new tank I heated to 25°C (not sure if it was too fast a rise in heat for the hitchhikers)...... They are still alive and kickin'.

Feel free to identify any of the critters seen in the images above for me

Image of fan worm to follow....

 

[hotashes]

Starting to build my little personal log in my tank parameters. Currently using and iPhone iOS app called aquaplanner, pretty decent so far.
Currently as the rock added was a skip cycle, I've only been testing for ammonia, salinity and ph. All within good shape, NH3 = <0.25, salinity 1.023, ph 8.3. Remembering my tank currently has not coral or fish life, just hitchhikers such as limpets, fan worms and amphipods. All good

 

[hotashes]

We've got coral life. Birds nest, Duncan, candy cane, torch, Acan Lord, plate coral. So far so good, dipped all coral in Dettol and seemed to have settled in the DT well enough. No fish/cuc just yet as I've been listening to @brandon429 with regards to keeping the tank running on an export basis which as we all know, prevention is far better then waiting for something to happen and then finding it all a little too much. Yes learning my husbandry within reefin, and keeping the fun alive

Ammonia : .25 salifert
Temp : 24.5
Salinity 1.023/4

10% water change today to help replenish the elements as I'm. It dosing anything. Doing my best to K.I.S.S heh

Pictures to follow, Ash.

 

[hotashes]

 

[LEOreefer]

Welcome ! Looks like your off to a good start! If your reading any ammonia your experiencinga littke cycle. Watch that number and make sure your ready to do a water change when ever that ammonia number gets higher than .25. I have a 50 cube and do weekly 2o gal water change religiously ( not saying you have to do such a large water change ). I was dosing trace elements and I’m pretty sure it contributed to a major algae outbreak and I have about 25 corals in my tank. Stick you your water changes, good husbandry take your time , reasearch reseach research ! This site is a life saver and is loaded with any information that you could ever want.
With all that being said your tank looks beautiful so far and it appears your headed in the right direction! Don’t hesitate to use the extremely knowledgeable people here to answer your questions

 

[hotashes]

Off topic....

Part of the transition from freshwater to marine fish keeping was also to gather more of an understanding of the microorganisms within our hobby. Many of which cause our fish/inverts problems, however are not always easy to diagnose. So as I've got the chance, knowing a retired science teacher I'm able to get my hands on a half decent starter binocular microscope

Amazing of what can be seen under the lens. For a starters here is some freshwater rotifer



Today I had a quick squeeze of my floss from my HOB filter from the reef tank, and was please to see plenty of marine critters. No images as of yet, as it was just a quick go, however following some research I'm sure I can find my way around learning. Ultimately I may even use it if I perform a biopsy, which will be interesting.

Anyway enough of that, back to reefing [emoji6]

Ash.

 

[hotashes]

Looking at the tank today, it's only been set up just over 2 weeks. Things looking pretty settled, pods visible, corals seems to open up as well as offer good colouration.

As I've been set up from day 1 using live rock, I'm considering adding some basic fish such as fire fish, pyjama Cardinal, sixline wrasse. How does this stick with those who've abundance more knowledge than little 'ole me @Humblefish @Randy Holmes-Farley ?

If I source healthy/hardy fish, would it be possible to add them to my tank whilst skipping QT?

Thanks, Ash.

 

[hotashes]

@Humblefish @Randy Holmes-Farley ^^^^^^^

------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, back at the raunch I've been enjoying my time in front of the tank. Currently in fallow mode having no CUC or fish to look at, I've been able to practice my husbandry whilst it's best. I totally agree it's best to keep on top of the maintenance from the start and prevent more effort down the road.. As a newb, I just never knew what to expect and the order things to unfold. Following the research I'd searched as mentioned early on in this thread it was time to get handy, putting words into action. Step in @brandon429 and give me some hydrogen peroxide, 3% food grade specifically.
Let's battle hair algae, it's been showing signs of growth and whilst hearing various options of how to tackle it I knew h2o2 was my route.

The tank has only been running on water changes thus far, and the previous 30% large WC was done only a couple days ago. (In back of my mind I was hoping this battle would subside and the algae would retreat). Nope just kept coming.

Upon receiving my chemical (h2o2) today I was ready for another big WC. 30% drained from display tank into a bucket, whilst disturbing the relatively new sandbed (already had detritus and algae within). Powerhead being only source of flow, was left on to keep flow and suspension of detritus. Corals liked the mist/marine snow floating in the water column [emoji6]

Rocks now out of tank and in bucket (with old tank water) ready for the operation. Cue serrated stake knife, gloves, h2o2 (was done near back door for caution of fumes). After all this was my first attempt [emoji6]

I decided to spray the green areas of the rock (the rocks have coralline algae, green hair algae, copepods and fanworms in toe). Once left bubbling for upto 3 minutes I was able to VERY easily scrape the green algae away, as well as thinking my fanworms were game over. They wasn't happy....... But the gha (green hair algae) had to go. I'd immediately replace the reworked rock back into the old tank water (removed for the water change) for a swoosh, and plenty of greenish residue leached out. Leaving the rock looking healthier (white/pink) having just the coralline upon the white looking rock.

Once all was done with rocks, it was time to refill tank with fresh saltwater and replace the scape. Yes a new scape was done, as I couldn't get the previous look again . It looks good to me though, change is good [emoji6]

I'd remembered I needed to attack my Euphillia Torch coral at the base as it had green algae well and truly embedded from when I purchased it.. Carefully applying the h2o2 on the hard skeleton (base) only I used the stake knife to pry some/most of the algae off. Quick rinse, and back into tank.

Here we go, FTS. Re scape, corals re positioned and open torch coral [emoji4]

So far, the tank looks healthy. What was green hair algae, the remains have shrivelled and gone white. Until the next water change [emoji4]

P.S. The fanworms survived heh


Yipee.

Ash.

 

[FredsNJReef]

Welcome @hotashes and what a beautiful tank already!
Keep up the good work and water changes!

Looking good so far and I like your scientific approach to the living creatures

 

[hotashes]

One day after h2o2 attack on the rocks..

Corals are happy

Ash.

 

[SPR1968]

Great looking tank already @hotashes !

I’m following along now.

When you do your next testing let us know the parameters and particular your phosphate level and Nitrate. If you can keep these, in particular phosphate locked down very low (0.03ppm) you should avoid many of the unwanted algae issues.

And as you know already we all like lots of pictures!

 

[Reefer Deez]

Looks awesome! Keep up the good work! This is one of the more interesting approaches I've seen to a build thread

 

[hotashes]

Well since my round with h2o2, and tank back in one piece I guess it was time for the road. Having spent a little time glancing at the tank today I noticed plenty of pod life and look at that as confirmation the recent overhaul with hydrogen peroxide wasn't too bad

Referencing @brandon429 efforts *grin*

Today I added a special little something,

From my gatherings I suggest it's a tridacna maxima, having a black/blue mantle is my only reckoning

(tank it came from image)

So now let's see how things pan out. I know now I need to be looking to feed phytoplankton and copepods, however making sure it's not too much to pollute my 54L of water

Ash.

P.S. Many thanks to everyone taking time to comment and follow this journey.

 

[hotashes]

Clam already adjusting from initial position, good sign. Being just an inch long it's slowly opening up already, having been in the tank just 48 hours.

Initially I'm thinking of getting something like

as I've only got LPS and the clam in residence.

Currently I have these and fed the frozen Rotifers just prior to WC yesterday.

.

Ash.

 

[hotashes]

Today's view of the tank, clam been slightly moving around to its own accord for 48 hours now, all LPS corals opening up well, birdsnest coral was white at its base from when I purchased it so I decided it may be better if I frag it and re set it. (I'm no expert but I did my best)

As I was over excited upon my calm purchase, I forgot to mention on the same day from same tank I got an alveopora sp. and it's yet to fully extend so keeping a close eye on it. Maybe it didn't like the dip I gave it prior to adding to my tank. (All corals so far have been dipped prior)

Hey @brandon429 since using the h2o2 on my rocks I've noticed plenty more fan worms active from within the rock work *ThumbsUp*

Ash.

 

[hotashes]

Well well, well..... Anybody having questions ongoing inside their mind regarding algae on a tank new or old I would certainly put @brandon429 phenomenal commitment/experiences to the test and start reading up he's literature. Also check his pico reef tank been running over 12+ years. (Ask him for details, he won't bite)

Not only reading it, put it to the test as I did!!!
For anybody not aware, I've only been involved with keeping saltwater in a tank just one month. Yes totally fresh to this side of things, and happy I put my trust in @brandon429.

Well today here we are, chilling looking at the nano having been up and running a month.

Algae bloom - banished in a day using h2o2 thanks to advice from @brandon429
Nitrates satisfactory - .10-.25
Phosphates reduced - .45

All 7 corals seem happy as opening up, clam slowly showing itself more and more each day.

Pod life and fan worms still in force [emoji4]

I did the phosphate test twice as only just getting used to it (not vouching the vile once cleaned with lint cloth) to make sure readings were consistent

Test 1

Next addition, thinking cleaner/fire shrimp x2

Hereon, watch this space for the pico tank in my mind becoming a reality [emoji4]

Ash.

 

[NY_Caveman]

Well well, well..... Anybody having questions ongoing inside their mind regarding algae on a tank new or old I would certainly put @brandon429 phenomenal commitment/experiences to the test and start reading up he's literature. Also check his pico reef tank been running over 12+ years. (Ask him for details, he won't bite)

Not only reading it, put it to the test as I did!!!
For anybody not aware, I've only been involved with keeping saltwater in a tank just one month. Yes totally fresh to this side of things, and happy I put my trust in @brandon429.

Well here today here we are, chilling looking at the nano having been up and running a month.

Algae bloom - banished in a day using h2o2 thanks to advice from @brandon429
Nitrates satisfactory - .10-.25
Phosphates reduced - .45

All 7 corals seem happy as opening up, clam slowly showing itself more and more each day.

Pod life and fan worms still in force

I did the phosphate test twice as only just getting used to it (not vouching the vile once cleaned with lint cloth) to make sure readings were consistent

Test 1

Next addition, thinking cleaner/fire shrimp x2

Hereon, watch this space for the pico tank in my mind becoming a reality

Ash.

Nice! I have cycled over a dozen tanks in my time and was still able to benefit from @brandon429 ‘s advice. I agree he is very helpful.

 

[brandon429]

Ash is moving at a really good pace of quality and contemplation that's a fact

for the first time in message Ive been able to see a pre bed cleaning phosphate reading, and then a post bed cleaning one just after which framed detritus storage in a really neat way. we've got another dental scraper plaque free here ha! (that's an insiders joke, for those who will do strange things to prevent an algae takeover in the beginning)

Ash also has one of the first sustained .25 readings ive seen off salifert too, it got me into checking around in chemistry places about test kit sensitivity and possible sub .25 readings the cards can't actually display...that's still being looked into I never could tell why this tank showed a .25 for a good while, as things were normal.

 

[hotashes]

Ash is moving at a really good pace of quality and contemplation that's a fact

for the first time in message Ive been able to see a pre bed cleaning phosphate reading, and then a post bed cleaning one just after which framed detritus storage in a really neat way. we've got another dental scraper plaque free here ha! (that's an insiders joke, for those who will do strange things to prevent an algae takeover in the beginning)

Ash also has one of the first sustained .25 readings ive seen off salifert too, it got me into checking around in chemistry places about test kit sensitivity and possible sub .25 readings the cards can't actually display...that's still being looked into I never could tell why this tank showed a .25 for a good while, as things were normal.

Yes, I've been getting 0.25 on my Ammonia readings constantly. Having used group 'b' live cycled rock to set up, I can only consider maybe slight die off whilst transferring from previous tank. However, as you know, the rock was transferred in 'tankwater' from which the rock was taken and then kept circulated no longer than two days until excisting water making up half my nano volume and other half was new saltwater made from o TDS RO/DI. Having said that, all the hitchikers have survived and still alive now including tiny tube worms, fanworms, and pods. Surely if the Ammonia was anything above 0, then this would have had an impact?