Rev's 120g Build...

turbois300 · Dec 7, 2007

Yeah yeah!!! PIX!!!!! We need to SEE this progress!!

ecotoxlady · Dec 8, 2007

Can't wait to see pics!

turbois300 · Dec 18, 2007

Any update there Rev?? How are things going? Any new shots of he tank?

revhtree · Dec 18, 2007

Well the tank is doing good. I have hesitated because I got a new tank diatom bloom and it covered the rock and sand. It's just about to burn all off now so I can mount frags and get some pics soon I hope.

143gadgets · Dec 18, 2007

We Need Pics!!!

MarvinsReef · Dec 18, 2007

new pics yo!

revhtree · Dec 18, 2007

Ok question...

As the brow is fading away today I noticed little green type hair algae on all the rock. Not like patches but like little strands everywhere all over all the rock. Like it was under the brown. This is new rock and the tank is new and I have never had algae problems.

Do you think this is something that will burn away?

surfn · Dec 18, 2007

revhtree said:
Ok question...

As the brow is fading away today I noticed little green type hair algae on all the rock. Not like patches but like little strands everywhere all over all the rock. Like it was under the brown. This is new rock and the tank is new and I have never had algae problems.

Do you think this is something that will burn away?

new tank and new rock syndrome. it will take time to go away, along with a hefty clean up crew. a couple grazing tangs may also help.

also, i think that type of rock which comes from turbulent rubble zone areas contains more phosphates to fuel algaes. i've had algae issues with similar looking rock to the kind you got.

revhtree · Dec 18, 2007

Ok thats what I was hoping to hear. I plan to get a tang and more critters to clean. What do you suggest in the way of critters?

Also I am going to add a reactor for phosphate removal..

surfn · Dec 18, 2007

revhtree said:
Ok thats what I was hoping to hear. I plan to get a tang and more critters to clean. What do you suggest in the way of critters?

Also I am going to add a reactor for phosphate removal..

as far as tang(s)......a naso would be best obviously....but other than that some of the smaller bristle tooth tangs work wonders over time. (i.e. purple tang, tomini tang etc.)

as far as clean up crews go, get as diverse selection of snails and hermits you can get your hands on.

just keep in mind it may get worse before it gets better........

as far as phosphate media......i doubt it will help any. as the problem lies inside the rocks. if you take a thick piece of rock out, and chop it in half....if the inside of the rock looks blackish.....that means there are sulfates present due to anaerobic bacteria production (if i remember correctly from reading Randy Holmes' articles).

ironman · Dec 19, 2007

patience is the key! I like you dave dont even remember the last time I had a tank with diatom algae. Since my first reef tank I have upgraded tanks every time and never started all the way over again. I would agree with everyone else though. A good clean up crew would be the best bet. Tangs are great for long term control. But my experience with them is that they will only eat new growth. they usually wont touch it once it gets long enough for you to even know its there. But they will definatly stop it from getting much worse. I would just remove as much algae as you can with some small water changes till the tank stabilizes more. I wouldnt do any major water changes for awhile either. I here people all the time tell people to do big water changes to correct these kinda problems. but all that does in a new system is cause more mini cycles and keeps the stuff growing. Also try adding some blennies. A few things I have learned about blennies: Dont buy a black blenny, they will destroy acros quickly. (hard lesson for me!) I have had a sailfin blenny for along time and he is a great algae eater, the one down side to him is he tends to bite my tangs when they are sleeping! HEHE. Ya every now and then you will see a powder blue or regal swimming around with a couple circles scuffed into the side of the tang. it doesnt seem to bother the tangs, but it bothers me! I also have a tailspot and he seems to be great. anyway. good luck man!

revhtree · Jan 12, 2008

Well most of the algae is gone now and I got the rock right finally. I just took allot of rock out to make more swimming room for new fish I got coming. I love the open look way more now. Also I hate posting such an immature tank with all these frags but you must remember I upgraded from a 38g so I had no room.

I have a number of new sps to add next weekend and then I am going to watch it grow.