Perry's 50Gallon AIO Waterbox Cube

[Perry]

Update Time :)
All new hardware in place, and seeing some really nice reactions to the tank. Kessil A360WE replaced the Block2 Led panel, and immediately, I saw some corals that were looking poopy perk up. The way the light is dispersed, I no longer have these hot spots like I was struggling with, some corals looking strong, while others looked just ok, specifically SPS. At the moment, I am running the Kessil only Blue, 100%. I have also automated ESV 3 part, and have dialed in the dosing at 15ml each per day 1 & 2. 2ml each day MG, the tank will be full balling, this is temporary due to stock issues of the AF Comp123. Using an old reliable Bubble Magus 3 channel doser, and having a dosing reservoir just helps keep the setup nice and clean, a must in our main living space :)
As far as livestock, I have not added anything new except a Red Coris Wrasse, and Interstellar bounce. I do have a few pieces of SPS looking drab, one may not make it, and some looking insane, so in time, with stable parameters, should see things color up. I have had to however, take corals and mount them on the reef with glue, as the Red Coris Wrasse, while effective, is capable of moving rocks that are much bigger than it. This will be a challenge, it also likes to swan dive into the sand, kicking it up all day. At first, I was not a fan, but now I have been able to position corals so that they are not dusted with sand all day, specifically at the bottom of the reef. I do love how clean the sand is though, and I believe that the SPS are enjoying the constant detritus in the water column.
Well, that is enough for now, I will get some pics up later, or maybe a short video :) Thanks for following along!

 

[SKYHIGGh]

Hey guys, for those interested in more info in video format, I have decided to do a series of videos regarding this aquarium running on Aquaforest products, the Probiotic Method. I want to create a platform for more video learning regarding AF, let me know if you have any questions or requests to discuss specific products. Cheers :)

I actually purchased this salt today and watched the video today.

How has aquaforest probiotic salt levels mixed for you I would like to get my alk to 8.5 using components 123 and a doser.

So far the idea of balling seems simple adding equal parts but if testing and one is super high for what ever reason how can you adjust if it’s equal parts?

I understand if one is low you can add the particular additive to bring it up.

How do you like the products over all do you use there test kits?

 

[Perry]

I actually purchased this salt today and watched the video today.

How has aquaforest probiotic salt levels mixed for you I would like to get my alk to 8.5 using components 123 and a doser.

So far the idea of balling seems simple adding equal parts but if testing and one is super high for what ever reason how can you adjust if it’s equal parts?

I understand if one is low you can add the particular additive to bring it up.

How do you like the products over all do you use there test kits?

Hello, and thank you for following along. If you have been to the Y-tube channel, check out the video of my 120 gallon stony reef, that was full AF products. As far as Probiotic Salt, I think this is by far the best salt I have ever used, in nearly 14 years at sps, I think this is 100% the most premium salt out there, I have tried nearly all ;) Reef Salt is also amazing, this is currently my salt. The salt mixes exactly where I prefer parameters, I prefer the lower alk, I aim for 6.8dkh. I usually see 7.0-7.5. Balling is fairly easy, but must be used in linear parts. The best way to dial in is to side buffer KH Plus, along side, as most complain that in the beginning, CA and MG are elevated. Otherwise, you can also make your own balling, there you can simply use less CA and MG powders. So, my advice to all using Probiotic program is to shoot for where salt mixes for parameters, not to worry over a lower alk, this mimics natural conditions, 8.5 in my tank, and tips began to recede from alk burn. Going to make a new video today, explaining a change with the cube. Thanks again for checking out the journal and Y-tube page :) Cheers

 

[jsker]

Hello, and thank you for following along. If you have been to the Y-tube channel, check out the video of my 120 gallon stony reef, that was full AF products. As far as Probiotic Salt, I think this is by far the best salt I have ever used, in nearly 14 years at sps, I think this is 100% the most premium salt out there, I have tried nearly all ;) Reef Salt is also amazing, this is currently my salt. The salt mixes exactly where I prefer parameters, I prefer the lower alk, I aim for 6.8dkh. I usually see 7.0-7.5. Balling is fairly easy, but must be used in linear parts. The best way to dial in is to side buffer KH Plus, along side, as most complain that in the beginning, CA and MG are elevated. Otherwise, you can also make your own balling, there you can simply use less CA and MG powders. So, my advice to all using Probiotic program is to shoot for where salt mixes for parameters, not to worry over a lower alk, this mimics natural conditions, 8.5 in my tank, and tips began to recede from alk burn. Going to make a new video today, explaining a change with the cube. Thanks again for checking out the journal and Y-tube page :) Cheers

Thank you @Perry , looking forward to the video:)

 

[Perry]

I have not updated, but I have decided to make this cube a high flow, high energy, bare bottom SPS dominated tank. I have also created a 10 gallon tank with a 10 gallon fuge to house my zoas, palys, and mushrooms. This tank is the opposite, low flow, low energy, sand bed, no fish at the moment. I will be doing a couple videos today, if interested you can check out the Y-tube channel for updates, as I have no journal on the new softy tank. This is my collector tank, here I will have all my high dollar shrooms.

Update 1. Coris wrasse re-homed, just too much of a picker for me, moved rocks, swan dive into the sand, just a head ache, lol...

Update 2. Bartered a nice OG bounce for a few high dollar acros. I will be acquiring Homewrecker, Walt Disney, and RR Pink Cadillac in trade, along side of a couple others undetermined, will update those when I bring home, likely the trade is on Sunday upcoming :)

Update 3. Started using Nitra Phos Minus, and am now dosing all AF corals supplements again

Update 4. AF sent me there new NO3 and PO4 test kits, they are not available yet, so I will make sure and post my results and compare to Hanna handheld for PO4 and Salifert for NO3.

Update 5. Lighting schedule changed, I am now using an old technique that I used successfully in past, ramping actinics using t5's starting at 9am to 8pm. 3 KZ Superblues, 1 ATI Actinic Plus. At 11am to 5pm, I am using Kessil as a supplement to halide, it is at a 20k setting, using it 100% intensity, and 30% color. I am super impressed with this lamp, it is so close to what I ran back in the day on my old 70 gallon Zeovit tank, that one was 4t5 same bulb type, and 20k radium 250 watt SE. Colors are starting to get that AF sheen, really excited to be seeing success!

 

[jsker]

Hanna handheld for PO4 and Salifert for NO3.

I would like to see this. When I tested the Aquaforest Ca,Mg, and alk against other tests. Aquaforest and Hanna were pretty close or right on with each other.

 

[bubbaque]

I am excited you arer going to have a SPS dominated tank again! You had some nice sticks in the last tank.

 

[SKYHIGGh]

Hello, and thank you for following along. If you have been to the Y-tube channel, check out the video of my 120 gallon stony reef, that was full AF products. As far as Probiotic Salt, I think this is by far the best salt I have ever used, in nearly 14 years at sps, I think this is 100% the most premium salt out there, I have tried nearly all [emoji6] Reef Salt is also amazing, this is currently my salt. The salt mixes exactly where I prefer parameters, I prefer the lower alk, I aim for 6.8dkh. I usually see 7.0-7.5. Balling is fairly easy, but must be used in linear parts. The best way to dial in is to side buffer KH Plus, along side, as most complain that in the beginning, CA and MG are elevated. Otherwise, you can also make your own balling, there you can simply use less CA and MG powders. So, my advice to all using Probiotic program is to shoot for where salt mixes for parameters, not to worry over a lower alk, this mimics natural conditions, 8.5 in my tank, and tips began to recede from alk burn. Going to make a new video today, explaining a change with the cube. Thanks again for checking out the journal and Y-tube page [emoji4] Cheers

Awsome thanks for the response. I’m going to go all aquaforest I believe on my personal cube starting with the probiotic salt I got the 10kg bucket for 18 bucks!

For me I hope to stabilize around 8 or 8.5 so I can keep other stuff with out being super ULNS.

Thanks for the advice on the products feel better about it now. Going to you your tube page now and checking out the updates and subscribe!!

Btw the longer videos are better lol not many videos on aquaforest with people talking lol as opposed to music playing in background.

 

[Perry]

Description of the cube changes to bare bottom and AF full Probiotic

 

[Perry]

Video of the 10 gallon collector shroom and paly/zoa

 

[Perry]

Awsome thanks for the response. I’m going to go all aquaforest I believe on my personal cube starting with the probiotic salt I got the 10kg bucket for 18 bucks!

For me I hope to stabilize around 8 or 8.5 so I can keep other stuff with out being super ULNS.

Thanks for the advice on the products feel better about it now. Going to you your tube page now and checking out the updates and subscribe!!

Btw the longer videos are better lol not many videos on aquaforest with people talking lol as opposed to music playing in background.

Just put 2 videos together today, I will likely be moving in the direction of 5-8 minute videos, breaking down product by product used on this cube tank. That was a great deal on the salt, do not use more than 10% water changes, BTW. Also, make sure the skimmer is set to dry, as you will be laying down a foundation for the Probiotic based program by using that salt. Cheers

 

[Mattres]

Very keen to see the new direction with the tank, loved following your last build on RC

Do you still have any of the “real reef rock” in your tank that you started with?

 

[Perry]

Very keen to see the new direction with the tank, loved following your last build on RC

Do you still have any of the “real reef rock” in your tank that you started with?

Hello, good to see you again! Thanks for the kind words as well :) As far as rock, a few months ago, I took my "Real Reef Rock" had about 10lbs, and one larger rock from Fiji, and gave them a muriatic acid bath, then soaked in bleach, then tap water, then RODI, then sun dry, then another RODI bath before coming into the tank. I used AF Stone Fix to make the main part of the rock structure, there is one other connecting piece to make this little bommie. So essentially this will be a single bommie type setup. I am going to mimic the right side of my 120 gallon display from my previous reef, at least that is the idea. Cheers

 

[Mattres]

I like the one Bommie structure in a smaller tank, should allow for plenty of retail space for acros to branch out from.

What are your thoughts on the density of the real reef rock? I used 100% of it in my tank and have had concerns about its denitrifying abilities as I have had struggles with high nitrates. I’m cutting out other variables though before being too critical of it.

 

[Perry]

I like the one Bommie structure in a smaller tank, should allow for plenty of retail space for acros to branch out from.

What are your thoughts on the density of the real reef rock? I used 100% of it in my tank and have had concerns about its denitrifying abilities as I have had struggles with high nitrates. I’m cutting out other variables though before being too critical of it.

Hey mate,
You are on to something for sure, as I used muriatic acid to cleanse rocks, the real reef rock was stripped down to white, so it lost the purple paint, but did not lose any density. My largest piece of rock went from around 15-20lbs to around 8 or so after, it was stripped really well. I have noticed that I cannot keep nitrates, in fact I mentioned here a few pages back how I believe it to be much more efficient at nutrient break down, and that use of bio media unnecessary due to the porosity of the rock post cleanse. Real Reef Rock appears to be a type of concrete, hardly any pores, not very much surface area to harbor bacteria. This is my thoughts though :)

 

[Mattres]

Thanks for that, the density is a concern for sure but if you're not having nitrate dramas then perhaps its not a problem.
Anyway looking forward to seeing your tank take off!

 

[SKYHIGGh]

So far very happy with the probiotic salt! I did turn skimmer down for first three days glass was very dirty in comparison to before. I assume that’s the bio mass created from the salt. So I’ve turned skimmer back on now. I’ll do my second water change with salt Tomorrow.

Since changing salt and purchasing RODi unit my alk has already started to drop as I hoped last night I was at 11.5 imo using salfrit alk test. That’s down 3dkh already so I’m super happy I’m hoping water change Tomorrow drops me another dkh. Closer to my month end goal of under 10!

Doser is back on as all dosing very small amounts of the big three using red seas mixed reef recipe 10ml of alk 3ml of cal 1ml of mag and 5ml of reef fuel per day. I’ll be switching to components 123 this weekend and goin full balling method starting at 25 ml of each per day.

Any suggestions or things to watch for when switching level wise.

Probiotic method question since I don’t want to go full ulns is it safe to just do weekly water changes with salt and not add the probios and np4 since small amount are already in salt?

Is it smart to start with pre packaged 123 or attempt to mix my own from the start I have not orders the stuff yet wondering before I purchase this weekend

What would be aquaforest equivalent to aquavitro fuel so I can add that on too doser as well?

New videos are cool I’ve subscribed and liked[emoji323][emoji322][emoji120]

 

[Perry]

So far very happy with the probiotic salt! I did turn skimmer down for first three days glass was very dirty in comparison to before. I assume that’s the bio mass created from the salt. So I’ve turned skimmer back on now. I’ll do my second water change with salt Tomorrow.

Since changing salt and purchasing RODi unit my alk has already started to drop as I hoped last night I was at 11.5 imo using salfrit alk test. That’s down 3dkh already so I’m super happy I’m hoping water change Tomorrow drops me another dkh. Closer to my month end goal of under 10!

Doser is back on as all dosing very small amounts of the big three using red seas mixed reef recipe 10ml of alk 3ml of cal 1ml of mag and 5ml of reef fuel per day. I’ll be switching to components 123 this weekend and goin full balling method starting at 25 ml of each per day.

Any suggestions or things to watch for when switching level wise.

Probiotic method question since I don’t want to go full ulns is it safe to just do weekly water changes with salt and not add the probios and np4 since small amount are already in salt?

Is it smart to start with pre packaged 123 or attempt to mix my own from the start I have not orders the stuff yet wondering before I purchase this weekend

What would be aquaforest equivalent to aquavitro fuel so I can add that on too doser as well?

New videos are cool I’ve subscribed and liked[emoji323][emoji322][emoji120]

Hello and many thanks!
Firstly, if you are using Probiotic Salt, make sure the skimmer is running 24/7, set to dry skimm, and keep those changes at or around 10%. The idea is that the Probiotics create a bio mass that consumes N&P, skimmer removes. Without skimmer, no removal, and oxygen levels can drop, thus ph reduction. As far as using Pro Bio S and NP Pro, I would in fact use these, but this is where control comes into play. You can dose every other day, 1/2 dose, what ever suits your test results and desired levels. I always believe in less, when most use 1/2, I use 1/4. For example, I recently removed Zeomix, as I only have 3 fish right now, I find unnecessary, and perhaps dangerous in over stripping the water. As my reef expands, and I cannot really expand equipment due to space constraints, I may opt to add bio media, and perhaps zeo mix, but for now, my bio load is low. Remember, the heart of the Probiotic Method is using bacteria and a carbon source to feed it, this is how you control your levels, as long as a good skimmer is in play, dialed to dry, you should be able to keep nutrients low and stable depending on import and export of feedings.
As far as Comp 123, your dosing is to be set depending on alk absorption, I believe it is Comp2 that contains the alk, this determines set points for the other 2 bottles dosed. Balling needs this linear dosing in order to dial in the proper levels for calcification, it takes time, and my best advice is make sure you have the big 3 exactly where you want them to begin. I would begin by testing daily at the same time, figuring out absorption rate. If you see a climb in CA and MG, which is normal, then I would dial doser down on all 3 components, and side dose alk. This seems to be the #1 problem most encounter when trying to dial in the program. That all being said, this leads me to making your own. This is best, as you can use less CA and MG powders until this perfect linear uptake is met. It does happen, but more often than not, most quit because it is unlike typical A&B dosing, and making the commitment to dosing linear is not something willing to do.
As far as Aquavitro Fuel, this may be something similar to Nitra Phos Minus by AF, I have been using very sparingly, but again, Pro Bio S and NP Pro, based on my bio load, are doing the job, based on my feedings, skimmer production, and nutrient levels desired. I do not use daily dosing of either, I have recently been using every other day at 1/2 dose.
My main advice is keep it as simple as you can, use only products that you have been carefully observing and testing.
Cheers :)

 

[najer]

Hello and many thanks!
Firstly, if you are using Probiotic Salt, make sure the skimmer is running 24/7, set to dry skimm, and keep those changes at or around 10%. The idea is that the Probiotics create a bio mass that consumes N&P, skimmer removes. Without skimmer, no removal, and oxygen levels can drop, thus ph reduction. As far as using Pro Bio S and NP Pro, I would in fact use these, but this is where control comes into play. You can dose every other day, 1/2 dose, what ever suits your test results and desired levels. I always believe in less, when most use 1/2, I use 1/4. For example, I recently removed Zeomix, as I only have 3 fish right now, I find unnecessary, and perhaps dangerous in over stripping the water. As my reef expands, and I cannot really expand equipment due to space constraints, I may opt to add bio media, and perhaps zeo mix, but for now, my bio load is low. Remember, the heart of the Probiotic Method is using bacteria and a carbon source to feed it, this is how you control your levels, as long as a good skimmer is in play, dialed to dry, you should be able to keep nutrients low and stable depending on import and export of feedings.
As far as Comp 123, your dosing is to be set depending on alk absorption, I believe it is Comp2 that contains the alk, this determines set points for the other 2 bottles dosed. Balling needs this linear dosing in order to dial in the proper levels for calcification, it takes time, and my best advice is make sure you have the big 3 exactly where you want them to begin. I would begin by testing daily at the same time, figuring out absorption rate. If you see a climb in CA and MG, which is normal, then I would dial doser down on all 3 components, and side dose alk. This seems to be the #1 problem most encounter when trying to dial in the program. That all being said, this leads me to making your own. This is best, as you can use less CA and MG powders until this perfect linear uptake is met. It does happen, but more often than not, most quit because it is unlike typical A&B dosing, and making the commitment to dosing linear is not something willing to do.
As far as Aquavitro Fuel, this may be something similar to Nitra Phos Minus by AF, I have been using very sparingly, but again, Pro Bio S and NP Pro, based on my bio load, are doing the job, based on my feedings, skimmer production, and nutrient levels desired. I do not use daily dosing of either, I have recently been using every other day at 1/2 dose.
My main advice is keep it as simple as you can, use only products that you have been carefully observing and testing.
Cheers :)

I stalk the forums a lot, what a great reply! :)

 

[Perry]

I stalk the forums a lot, what a great reply! :)

Thank you for the kind words! Hoping to help as best as I can and share personal experiences :) Cheers