Still having trouble-dont know what to do

[kevgib67]

I based my filtration on this video from YouTube. I hope it helps. I’m an Ohio State University grad, worked in Dublin/Worthington on Riverside Road while going to college.

 

[VintageReefer]

Much to address here, being already addressed. I will add in, IMO that light is weak sauce being that most your coral are probably 12-18” from it (assuming mid tank to sand bed), and

1) the claimed par values are probably exaggerated
2) the claimed par values are probably using all channels at 100% which we would not do.
3) if you run your light at 75% and the chart is correct, you’re getting :
12” from light - 56 par
18” from light - 26 par

 

[Jennduhh]

Instant Ocean is probably the most popular salt and unless you got a bad batch you are good. As for the Biocube light not being strong enough to grow corals my tank disagrees.

Your tank is gorgeous.
I'm about to do today's water change. I may put the lid & stock light back in, since it's clearly strong enough.
What filtration do you use?
I ordered the CoralLife BioCube Mini UV Sterilizer today. Is that good enough for the algae scrubber?
I also have the Fluval Sea Mini protein skimmer that I've seen some people use. I feel in my case the algae scrubber would be better, no?

 

[Jennduhh]

Much to address here, being already addressed. I will add in, IMO that light is weak sauce being that most your coral are probably 12-18” from it (assuming mid tank to sand bed), and

1) the claimed par values are probably exaggerated
2) the claimed par values are probably using all channels at 100% which we would not do.
3) if you run your light at 75% and the chart is correct, you’re getting :
12” from light - 56 par
18” from light - 26 par

Yeah, par estimates are based solely on statement from the guy at the LFS with this type of light/this type of tank.
From the glass bottom to the light is 14 3/4" approx.

 

[Jennduhh]

Instant Ocean is probably the most popular salt and unless you got a bad batch you are good. As for the Biocube light not being strong enough to grow corals my tank disagrees.

Is this a 20gal or the 36?
I've got the 16gal atm, but really think I should've gone bigger lol

 

[kevgib67]

Your tank is gorgeous.
I'm about to do today's water change. I may put the lid & stock light back in, since it's clearly strong enough.
What filtration do you use?
I ordered the CoralLife BioCube Mini UV Sterilizer today. Is that good enough for the algae scrubber?
I also have the Fluval Sea Mini protein skimmer that I've seen some people use. I feel in my case the algae scrubber would be better, no?

For filtration watch the video on YouTube that I posted above. I use the same UV sterilizer. You’ll find you will clean the glass less often.

 

[kevgib67]

Is this a 20gal or the 36?
I've got the 16gal atm, but really think I should've gone bigger lol

32g

 

[grr410]

Only one person mentioned it, but your phosphate numbers seem to be pretty high at 0.30. Which test kits are you using, if you previously mentioned them, my apologies. I had a horrible out break of dinos and it took me 9 months to get it under control. Take your time, test everyday and record your data (thats what I did), and try to get your Phos levels down. My guideline give or take is Nitrates should be 100x that of phosphate and i prefer my phosphates around 0.07.

 

[Jennduhh]

Only one person mentioned it, but your phosphate numbers seem to be pretty high at 0.30. Which test kits are you using, if you previously mentioned them, my apologies. I had a horrible out break of dinos and it took me 9 months to get it under control. Take your time, test everyday and record your data (thats what I did), and try to get your Phos levels down. My guideline give or take is Nitrates should be 100x that of phosphate and i prefer my phosphates around 0.07.

Phosphate was the only other thing I've run across that could be causing my issues, but I've been dosing daily & can't seem to get it to come down. I'm using the Imagitarium test kit for reef tanks. I also have the API Saltwater Master kit that I use to double check stuff when it seems wonky, but only the Imagitarium kit test for Phos & calcium.
I have started keeping record of my params, every time I test.
This tank /is/ on the newer wide. I posted in a previous post explaining most of what actually happened.

For filtration watch the video on YouTube that I posted above. I use the same UV sterilizer. You’ll find you will clean the glass less often.

I saw that post after I asked, apologies.