250G DD SPS Reef

Dowtish · Nov 26, 2013

Looks good man! Subscribed!

I only have one suggestion. Jon Warner who manufacters ecoBAK saw the way those CAD lights reactors tumble and commented that is NOT what you want for bio pellets. I would look into another reactor.

Vmacisback · Nov 26, 2013

Dowtish said:
Looks good man! Subscribed!

I only have one suggestion. Jon Warner who manufacters ecoBAK saw the way those CAD lights reactors tumble and commented that is NOT what you want for bio pellets. I would look into another reactor.

really? what are you using? I know whatever you're using its working!

Vmacisback · Nov 27, 2013

Update 11/26/13

Just a small update. Since i dosed the Dr. Tim's a few days ago and used live sand in the setup I am seeing some exciting news in my test results. I really wasn't thinking I was going to see the cycle moving so fast but I guess it is. Here are the results from today's water tests. FYI I am going to Kauai on a scuba vaca and wont be adding any livestock until I get home (3 weeks). I also will be borrowing a skimmer from a buddy to use on the tank until I can make the transfer from my 150DD and drop the RLSS in the sump.

Ca: 500+
Alk: 8.4
Phos: .33 :sad:
ppt: 1.026
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: .25
Nitrate 25ppm

Dowtish · Nov 27, 2013

Vmacisback said:
really? what are you using? I know whatever you're using its working!

I am using an Avast MR-5 with the bio pellet nozzle. I am happy with it but would switch to a reef octopus in a second.

Vmacisback · Dec 6, 2013

Updates 12/5/13

Just a small update. Made some progress on the canopy and installed the t5's. Tonight I was also able to install the Radion Pro's. Still need to mess with the settings on Ecosmart Live. I am pretty happy with the coverage of the Radions, I am only using 2 and they cover the entire tank. Going to Kauai on Saturday and will hopefully be done with the cycle and start transferring things over when I return home. Here are some pics of the recent progress. The last picture is with just the 2 Radions on.

revhtree · Dec 6, 2013

Looking good! How's the cycle going?

Vmacisback · Dec 6, 2013

revhtree said:
Looking good! How's the cycle going?

Cycling is going... Still showing Nitrite at a little less than .25. Going on vaca tomorrow and hopefully when I get back it'll be ready to drop some fish in there.

YHSublime · Dec 6, 2013

Dowtish said:
I am using an Avast MR-5 with the bio pellet nozzle. I am happy with it but would switch to a reef octopus in a second.

Why the quick switch if given the option? I like to advocate for Avast, but also buying local and American, so 3 birds with one stone for me being right outside DC. Also, ironic, as I run Chinese LED's and pumps alongside my American made, but what'cha gonna' do?

Bucknutz · Dec 6, 2013

Following along. I believe this is the exact tank I want to do next.

Vmacisback · Dec 6, 2013

YHSublime said:
Why the quick switch if given the option? I like to advocate for Avast, but also buying local and American, so 3 birds with one stone for me being right outside DC. Also, ironic, as I run Chinese LED's and pumps alongside my American made, but what'cha gonna' do?

Gonna stick with the Cadlights reactor for now, if i dont see they are working within 6 weeks I may think of a change but the tumble looks fine to me. Im running it pretty slow and there is no clumping of pellets. I am also dosing MB7. So i guess its sort of a waiting game right now, im pm'd Jon Warner the maker of Ecobak but I haven't gotten a response. So far so good in my opinion.

Vmacisback · Dec 6, 2013

Bucknutz said:
Following along. I believe this is the exact tank I want to do next.

Its a well built tank. Its tough to beat the price with the standard starphire front on the DD's. I cant really imagine going bigger, the depth and width of this tank make your options endless.

FMF0331 · Dec 6, 2013

Very nice, i'll be tagging along

Vmacisback · Jan 5, 2014

Quick updates 1/5/14

Just decided to pull the camera out after I added my Achilles Tang and Regal Yellow Belly. They are fresh out of QT hope they do well, fingers crossed.