trustmeimalawyer
Active Member
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2017
- Messages
- 105
- Reaction score
- 67
Hi everyone! I have a build thread on my local forum but thought I’d create one here, especially to tap into the wide body of knowledge. The tank is a Seapora 80 shallow (48” x 24” x 16”) with a DIY stand. The quality on the tank isn’t the greatest but it fit my size criteria and price point so I went with it - crossing fingers that the tank holds up but so far so good. We are planning a large remodel on our home so there is a very good chance I’ll be upgrading in about 2 years. I began my cycle
Here is my equipment list:
- Sump - Trigger Systems 36 gallon sump with herbie overflow
- Heater - Finnex heater with Inkbird ITC-308 controller
- Return Pump - Current eFlux DC
- Skimmer - Skimz S-120
-Dosing - BRS 1.1 ML dosers that does calc and alk.
- Main Lighting - Aquatic Life hybrid with 2 x Radion XR30 (Gen3)
-Flow - MP40 and MP 10 in the front and a couple small powerbeads in random places to keep the detritus suspended.
Since the tank has been set up, its gone through a couple big changes, most notably I removed the sand bed about 6 months ago. I was having a hard time turning up the Vortechs and getting them tuned just right without sand blowing everywhere. I was on the fence about going bare bottom but wanted to have some flexibility with the power heads and I was having issues with high nitrates and phosphates.
The tank is in decent shape today but I cant help but feel like there is something missing/off. I have had fairly decent success with most SPS and LPS but cant seem to grow zoos or chaeto. Some corals seem to do really well, and some will live but wont grow at all. I have some zoas that are 1+ year plus and still 1-2 polyps only. Some LPS grow fast, others super slow. All this is very odd since my nitrates (40-60) and phosphates (.08) are very high. You would think that the zoos and chaeto would be doing well but the exact opposite has been happening. I am trying not to chase the numbers and just be happy/enjoy the tank but this mystery keeps me tinkering. Hoping you all have some ideas about what might be happening. Anyways, here are some pics, hopefully in order from when the tank was set up. Feel free to ask questions!
Here is my equipment list:
- Sump - Trigger Systems 36 gallon sump with herbie overflow
- Heater - Finnex heater with Inkbird ITC-308 controller
- Return Pump - Current eFlux DC
- Skimmer - Skimz S-120
-Dosing - BRS 1.1 ML dosers that does calc and alk.
- Main Lighting - Aquatic Life hybrid with 2 x Radion XR30 (Gen3)
-Flow - MP40 and MP 10 in the front and a couple small powerbeads in random places to keep the detritus suspended.
Since the tank has been set up, its gone through a couple big changes, most notably I removed the sand bed about 6 months ago. I was having a hard time turning up the Vortechs and getting them tuned just right without sand blowing everywhere. I was on the fence about going bare bottom but wanted to have some flexibility with the power heads and I was having issues with high nitrates and phosphates.
The tank is in decent shape today but I cant help but feel like there is something missing/off. I have had fairly decent success with most SPS and LPS but cant seem to grow zoos or chaeto. Some corals seem to do really well, and some will live but wont grow at all. I have some zoas that are 1+ year plus and still 1-2 polyps only. Some LPS grow fast, others super slow. All this is very odd since my nitrates (40-60) and phosphates (.08) are very high. You would think that the zoos and chaeto would be doing well but the exact opposite has been happening. I am trying not to chase the numbers and just be happy/enjoy the tank but this mystery keeps me tinkering. Hoping you all have some ideas about what might be happening. Anyways, here are some pics, hopefully in order from when the tank was set up. Feel free to ask questions!
