65G Reef Tank Build

[samba_dad]

I modified the previous full tank shot with PAR values for my tank measured with my Seneye Reef Monitor. I tuned the intensity to ensure I had 400 PAR above my Acro area. I also realized that when I replaced an XR15W Pro that I had the TIR lens instead of the wide angle lens. I have mounted the LED lights in a canopy and they are not as far up as they should be. Regardless, I can now measure the PAR and ensure I have corals in appropriate places.

 

[milfymartin86]

Good looking tank! Are you using the 80 degree or 120 degree lenses? What kelvin are you using for the readings along with intensity above?

 

[samba_dad]

I am switching over from Red Sea Reef Care Program to Aquaforest because my tank was doing very poorly at the really high Alk levels suggested by Red Sea. My first step was to lower my Alk, Ca and Mg levels to close to new saltwater values. A remarkable thing happened during this process while lowering the Alk & Ca values - my corals improved very rapidly. Acropora that I thought was dead came back to life all of a sudden and new meat has been growing at about 1/8" per day. All of this occurred while still using Red Sea products - but just let the values drop by stopping the dosing. Moral of that story - don't run Red Sea at the high values for Alk & Ca. The Coral Pro Salt did much better for me with Alk < 11 dKH.

Regardless, I transitioned to Aquaforest on Saturday. I did a 20% water change with AF Reef Salt, transitioned over to Component 1+, 2+, 3+ for dosing using Balling method and started the Pro Bio S, -NP Pro, Pro Bio F as well as Coral A, B, E and V. I have not started the AF Carbon, Phosphate Minus or Zeomix. If my nitrate or phosphate do not lower enough, I will add these products.

I also took a video below to capture my corals appearance when I started AF.

 

[samba_dad]