Returning hobbyist

[Angel_V_the_reefer]

Hey R2R. Last time I had a reef was about 2 years ago and I left due to becoming overwhelmed.

2 years fast forward, I want to come back with a new approach and stick to a method.

I already have :
- 14 gal Innovative Marine peninsula (w/ DIY stand)
- Tunze ATO 3155

I plan on keeping filtration simple. Filter floss for nutrient export and Granulated Active Carbon for crystal clear water, that’s it.

I do plan on going for weekly water changes of 20%, using RODI water for water element replacement and nutrient export. I already have a 6 stage unit from Bulk Reef Supply.

Previously I used dry rock for my rock scape, however I plan on starting with live rock, from Tampa Bay Saltwater. My goal is to avoid any hurdles that come from dead rock ie. phosphate leaching, weak bacterial population, algal issues, etc.

I plan on keeping mainly LPS, especially hammer coral. No SPS

Now here is where I will take an approach different than my previous ideas

I honestly fret algae’s such as bubble algae and bryopsis. I also do not like pest in my tank, however algae’s take my #1 spot on the gates nuisance algae list.

My new approach :

- scrub any coral skeleton and dip in hydrogen peroxide and coral dip prior to entering the tank
- if any issues occur, keep my mind off of the issue if possible, and let the tank take its course for a couple of weeks, if not months

I plan on letting this tanks issues take its own course and try not to intervene (of course, stay on top of husbandry and testing/ WC). My goal - keep it stupid simple
- accept failure as long as I kept all of what could be kept stable, stable. Therefore, I learn whether keeping my hands off is better than messing around with ‘methods’

 

[Angel_V_the_reefer]

I will update this thread as I progress on the build and get the tank wet. Let me know what you guys think of my KISS approach

 

[Mike1970]

 

[Angel_V_the_reefer]

how do you keep reefing simple with a busy lifestyle ?

as a reefer, my biggest worries are pest out breaks and algae’s such as bryopsis and other nuisances such as aptasia that may spread.

I am not up to QT my coral as I do not have the space, nor do I truly believe they’re essential. I only plan on having a pair of clowns in my nano

I plan on testing before and after a WC, testing salinity, temp (these two I don’t really consider testing), Alkalinty, nitrate, and phosphate. Cal and Mag i plan on only testing when needed.

I plan on relying on my testing and weekly WC for my tanks success, I really don’t want to be too hands on and getting my hands in the tank when problems occur.

Has anyone approached feeding in this way with success ?