My 150g Cube Journey

[ScottD]

Hey Bakbay, finally got a build thread going. It’s going to be a slow burner for now but here’s a link if you’d like to follow along.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diving-back-into-the-deep-end-with-a-135-gallon-cube.958334/

 

[backbayreef]

Got myself an AutoAqua to prevent skimmer from overflowing. So far so good - very low tech but works like a charm! Wish I’ve done this way sooner!

Now that it’s installed, I can safely do CO2 recirculating to improve media longevity. Hope this will last 4-6weeks; otherwise it’s getting way too expensive.

 

[backbayreef]

Day 2 Update: CO2 media is still good so far and pH peaked at 8.3. I would have seen some color changes by now. There is moisture in the tubings and bottom of the reactor so it should prolong the media’s life.

I will update in a few weeks…(shooting for 6-8wks)

 

[backbayreef]

The frag “rack” is doing well. The fastest growing acro is by far the PC Rainbow! It grew from an 1” frag — now a mini “colony” in 6mos.

Also — I’m a sucker for chalices!

 

[Jstew75]

The frag “rack” is doing well. The fastest growing acro is by far the PC Rainbow! It grew from an 1” frag — now a mini “colony” in 6mos.

Also — I’m a sucker for chalices!

Awesome update! I just started my first tank back in december, super slippery slope but its a fun one!

 

[backbayreef]

Awesome update! I just started my first tank back in december, super slippery slope but its a fun one!

Thanks — very exciting! I just glanced at your build thread and it’s looking awesome! You got quite a collection of frags already. Congrats

Curious how old is the tank? Some of the acros don’t do well unless you have stable params.

 

[Jstew75]

Thanks — very exciting! I just glanced at your build thread and it’s looking awesome! You got quite a collection of frags already. Congrats

Curious how old is the tank? Some of the acros don’t do well unless you have stable params.

set it up December 1st live rock and live sand, I take my water weekly to topshelf and have it tested so far its been very stable! I've noticed my LPS corals have been looking very happy lately.

 

[backbayreef]

set it up December 1st live rock and live sand, I take my water weekly to topshelf and have it tested so far its been very stable! I've noticed my LPS corals have been looking very happy lately.

Apologies - obviously my reading comprehension is like a 5yo, you mentioned last Dec here and in your build thread. That’s what happened after 3 shots of liquor - ha

 

[Jstew75]

Apologies - obviously my reading comprehension is like a 5yo, you mentioned last Dec here and in your build thread. That’s what happened after 3 shots of liquor - ha

All good. I'm about to go have a finger of buffalo trace myself!

 

[backbayreef]

Alk is super stable at 8.5 with the CaRx between 24hrs’ reading.

pH: still not happy yet. I’m contemplating to dose Kalk at night to flatten out the curve and peg it at 8.3. So far, the CO2 media hasn’t turned purple yet so looks like recirculating helped!

 

[backbayreef]

I have an old 57w Aqua Ultraviolet UV light (with new bulb) that’s just sitting in the garage. I’ve attempted to install in the sump over the weekend but gave up on the idea - it’s somewhat bulky and I didn’t have the mounting bracket anyway.

I’ve been fine without one — should I install it?

 

[backbayreef]

Just fumbled on an old pic of the Green Slimer — 5mos of growth to this day.

 

[ScottD]

Just fumbled on an old pic of the Green Slimer — 5mos of growth to this day.

Wow that’s some nice growth on that.

 

[backbayreef]

Wow that’s some nice growth on that.

Thanks — the “secret” to faster coral growth?
…
….
Stop looking at them everyday!!!

 

[ScottD]

Thanks — the “secret” to faster coral growth?
…
….
Stop looking at them everyday!!!

Haha just like watching the pot boiling?

 

[backbayreef]

Indeed. I was looking for an old pic for our son’s school project and found this one from 2015 vs today. Classic OG Mummy Eye that I think everyone loves. Mine developed some patches of purple recently. I’ve also fragged it several times into smaller colonies.

 

[backbayreef]

finally got some top down pics — I need to get a real camera though.

 

[backbayreef]

The Pink Floyd finally encrusted so hope he will shoot up. It’s been 3mos but still no show

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Just fumbled on an old pic of the Green Slimer — 5mos of growth to this day.

Nice looking growth!!

 

[backbayreef]

Nice looking growth!!

Thanks — some frags just took off once settled but you know the feeling. It feels like an eternity sometimes! Ha