NUVO EXT 40 Gallon - Trigger Systems Triton20C v2 Cube Sump - 20 inch

REEFer86

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Hi! I’ve started this build about 4 months ago and I’ve been loving every part of the experience.

Current set up:
  • Mini 40 External Overflow Aquarium - NUVO-EXT 40 Gallons - Innovative Marine (30 lbs live sand 19lbs live rock)
  • 24 Gallon Sump (Algae barn Refugium starter set/live rock/5280 pods/mangroves)
  • EcoTech MP10
  • Ecotech Vetra M2
  • AquaMaxx ConeS Q-2 In-Sump Protein Skimmer
  • AquaMaxx FR-SE GFO Carbon and Biopellet Hang-On Filter Media Reactor ( 2 total - one is running carbon - the other will run biopellets )
  • Kessil A360X Controllable LED Aquarium Light - Tuna Blue
  • Kessil H380 Halo II LED Grow Light
  • AquaMaxx cTech T-NANO Hang-On Calcium Reactor
Inhabitants:
  • Red Hermit x2
  • Scarlet hermit x2
  • Emerald Crab
  • Snails x4
  • Nassarius Snail x2
  • Cleaner Shrimp
  • Blue Green Chromis x2
  • Banggai Cardinal x3
  • Blue Eyed Cardinal
  • Jawfish
  • Zoanthid frag
  • Star polyp frag
Current Issues:
  • Hair Algae
  • Alkalinity - Open to advice on how to improve this and why it would drop.
  • Some type of worm. Maybe sea-cucumber Medusa.
Parameters:
  • Ammonia between 0 - .2
  • Nitrite 0
  • Nitrate between 0 - 5
  • PH - 8.05 - Open to advice on ways to improve this without dosing. ( Air hose connected to skimmer from outside )
  • Temp 78
  • Salinity 1.25
******UPDATE******
8/2/19

Ammonia: 0- 0.25
Nitrate: 0 - .5
Phosphate:?
Calcium: 546
Magnesium: 1500
dKh: 6.2 (previously 6.4 two days ago)
PH: 8.01
Redox: 287 ( what number is your Redox at? )
Temp: 77
Salinity: 1.025



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REEFer86

REEFer86

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Welcome maritza, Glad you joined us. Let the questions fly.. very nice setup thank you for posting pictures. How do you like your jawfish?
He’s awesome. I knew exactly what spot in the tank he was going to claim. Was funny to watch. He is still getting use to the tank quickly going in and out of his home guess making sure he is safe.
 
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REEFer86

REEFer86

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They we’re stable 7.8 - 8 suddenly dropped 6.9 gradually down to 6.2 yesterday was at 6.4 testing again tomorrow. As far as water changes go. How often should you do them? I feel ify about them but did one due to alkalinity issue. Could my corals and chaeto be consuming more now? Thanks!
 
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REEFer86

REEFer86

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I try to do water changes weakly. With mostly soft corals, that keeps my alk at around 8.

However, my coraline algae hasn't really started growing very well... that could be an issue.

My current water change schedule is every 2 to 3 weeks depending on the current water quality. My nitrates and ammonia has been consistent thank god. I test those every day and I will continue to until the year too worried not to. Diatoms/hair algae and now starting to see the coralline algae. It’s pretty amazing to see the progress. Thinking of changing out my Chaeto and cleaning up my refugium since I feel it’s worn out. in hopes the fresh Chaeto over powers the hair algae and eventually dies off due to lack of nutrients.

******UPDATE******
8/2/19

Ammonia: 0- 0.25
Nitrate: 0 - .5
Phosphate:?
Calcium: 546
Magnesium: 1500
dKh: 6.2 (previously 6.4 two days ago)
PH: 8.01
Redox: 287 ( what number is your Redox at? )
Temp: 77
Salinity: 1.025
 
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jaxredsoxfan

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Welcome Maritza, very nice setup! I do weekly 15 gal water changes on my Max e260. Just a habit I've gotten into but I think every tank is different. I would say find what works for your tank and stick with it. It seems like your Nitrates and other levels are fine, but I would try and get PH up a bit. If I was dealing with algae issue and Alk I might increase water changes a bit. Nice work!
 

c.poindexter

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I agree that you need to do what works for your reef. I used to do 12 gallon water changes every week and things were alright. I went on vacation and skipped a about 3 water changes and the corals loved it. They had great growth and the colors improved. Started doing less frequent water changes and things started looking and getting better.
As far as getting the algae in control, I have done larger water changes to get my nutrients where they needed to be and went from there.
 

siggy

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Hello and welcome aboard, Beautiful start, you chose solid equipment and did a fine job on the build. It almost looks like you have done this before :cool: Im no expert but the fuge may be causing your algae issues. If those plants aren't fed properly, Iron and other nutrients they degrade releasing organics. I struggled with my fuge for over a year and then removed it. Its a balancing act, but after seeing your build its one you can handle. Maybe try a 5 gallon WC weekly,
Best of luck!
 
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