Mike's Red Sea Reefer 525 XL build

[mta_morrow]

A short evening video after adding a pair of coral beauties, long nose hawkfish, royal gramma, brittle star, 2 anemone crabs, a tan finger leather, and a green hairy finger leather today. All from fishy business.

 

[Fudsey]

Looking good Mike ! ! !

Living dangerously without QT

 

[mta_morrow]

Looking good Mike ! ! !

Living dangerously without QT

I stay out of those QT conversations [emoji57]

Live oysters, mussels, and clams along with selcon , mysis and pellets. Lots of live bacteria.

I don’t recommend either way, nor do I comment on it.

Maybe I will get bit one day, maybe not.

I run UV 24/7 at a low flow to kill anything that may or may not be there.

Helps a lot with algae control too, I think?

Anyway, thanks for following along, I appreciate it as well as any advice you have for me.

I’m only 4 years into this!

Still a noob compared to most.

 

[Fudsey]

Not criticizing in any way shape or form. I do the same thing. The last time it bit me... lost everything. Now fishless and fallow until mid July.

I have done QT in the past but I hate it. When I get a new guy, I want him in the tank. Not in my basement where I can't see him. I need a UV and better food. I want LRS but the only place that sells it is 45 minutes away and not guaranteed to even have it in stock. My LFS doesn't carry it. I have talked to Larry and he contacted him but still not in store. I keep pestering him too The guy 45 minutes away does QT his fish so I think in the future I might get some from him instead.

 

[Hulley]

Tank looks great Mike! I like your coral placement, should look awesome when grown out!

 

[mta_morrow]

Not criticizing in any way shape or form. I do the same thing. The last time it bit me... lost everything. Now fishless and fallow until mid July.

I have done QT in the past but I hate it. When I get a new guy, I want him in the tank. Not in my basement where I can't see him. I need a UV and better food. I want LRS but the only place that sells it is 45 minutes away and not guaranteed to even have it in stock. My LFS doesn't carry it. I have talked to Larry and he contacted him but still not in store. I keep pestering him too The guy 45 minutes away does QT his fish so I think in the future I might get some from him instead.

Didn’t take it as criticism buddy[emoji41]

 

[MAREEF]

Didn’t take it as criticism buddy[emoji41]

Get a room guys.....

 

[Fudsey]

;Hilarious;Hilarious;Hilarious

 

[mta_morrow]

Ahhhhh. [emoji41]

 

[mta_morrow]

Love these guys!

 

[mta_morrow]

A full update is long overdue. In the meantime, here is a video. Very happy with the fish choices as I wanted a peaceful tank where they all get along.

 

[Fudsey]

Looking good Mike

 

[mta_morrow]

Looking good Mike

Thanks!

Just picked this up this evening and I’m drip acclimating now.

 

[mta_morrow]

My favorite product from Octo Aquatics is the Octo Lid. It would definitely be the icing on the cake (lid on the tank)!

I have the Octo adjustable skimmer stand and heater holder. Super high quality, fair price, and great customer service and communication.

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[BoBoBREWSKI]

I love your tank. I hope (dream) to have something similar someday.

 

[mta_morrow]

I love your tank. I hope (dream) to have something similar someday.

Thank you. It’s well worth saving up for!

 

[mta_morrow]

Long overdue update!

I’ve replaced the 4 gallon Red Sea ATO with a 12 galling dog food container that I got on sale for $30!

Lasts about 18 days which is great!

2 days ago I did a much needed sump and equipment cleaning. I also installed a new sump light I got from BBB for $10. 4 separate LED lights that swivel.

My current tank parameters are:
Salinity 1.026
Alk 8.4 Hanna
Nitrate 10 Red Sea pro
Phosphate .04 Hanna ULR
Calcium 450 salifert
Mag 1360 salifert
Temp 79F

Dosing 5ml homemade nopox and Skimz macro algae reactor along with a skimmer for nutrient control

I am feeling good about stability and I hope to start adding SPS in a month or so.

Stocking list has been updated in one of the fort posts

A few random shots. Lights have not come on yet.

I have been feeding home made food since day 1. A blend of live clams, oysters, and mussels as well as NLS pellets from an auto feeder.

The fish are super healthy and several are spawning that I know of. The wheelers gobies, red lined cardinals, azure damsels, and I think the clowns.

 

[Fudsey]

Looking GREAT Mike

 

[mta_morrow]

Looking GREAT Mike

Thanks! I can’t wait to add some new corals! But I am following my timeline based on what I learned in the past.

But I do like the way it’s taking shape

 

[mta_morrow]

A couple more shots