When and what to upgrade?

oldfishman · Dec 20, 2018

I have a JBJ 28 that has been up and running now for about 9 months. I have two clowns, 12 Zoa, and 5 other soft corals. To date everything is alive, some items are growing better than others and I have not killed anything. I have been thinking about a couple items that might improve my little reef. I would like your help in deciding what I should add next like additional circulation for better water flow, better lighting , skimmer or whatever I might have have over looked. I can't do everything at once so what would give me the most for my money and any product you might recommend, Thanking you in advance.

TheEngineer · Dec 20, 2018

If you're using the stock lighting, that's probably a good place to start.

ReeferReefer · Dec 20, 2018

Lighting is the obvious choice.

The other thing we can look at is your filtration. If you don't have a skimmer, one might help. I have also seen success with setting up a small fuge in the back. What filtration are you currently running?

reacclimating 2 the hobby · Dec 20, 2018

Agree with above, but would be nice if you listed what you are using currently and maybe post a few pictures.

cwalton00 · Dec 20, 2018

I would need a list of your current setup for a recommendation. In my experience though flow is usually underrated.

oldfishman · Dec 22, 2018

For filtration I am using Filter Fiber, which I change once per week, Chem Blue, and Purigen are changed every 6 months.. I have 2 MJ1200 for return pumps which I run 24 X 7. I have the intermediate,not pro, led lighting. The white leds run from 12:30PM to 8:00 PM. The moon lights run 90 minutes before the lights come on and the 90 minutes after the lights go out. I have a JBJ ATO system and a LiquaGen RO/DI system for Zero TDS water. I change 5 gallons of salt water for fresh ever 10 days. My PH is 8.0, Ammonia 0, Nitirite NO2 0, Nitrate NO3 0. I keep the temperature at 79. I hope this helps.