72x30x18 DIY build thread

[Nate Chalk]

8.6 alk
0.16 phos
0.00 nitrate

so my phos isnt being consumed but nitrate is. I've purchased neonitrate brightwell product, but.... eek

no wonder the sensitive corals arent doing well. Any other tips ideas?

 

[Nate Chalk]

Now that parameters are relatively stable and im testing more on a schedule. I got some starter “frags” from a local store. They are massive frags. Super excited .

gsp
Green and red monti cap
Spogidides
Candy cane

my green mushroom melted
Gold torch receded as well sadly i think too far gone but maybe theres a connection

 

[Nate Chalk]

Now that parameters are relatively stable and im testing more on a schedule. I got some starter “frags” from a local store. They are massive frags. Super excited .

gsp
Green and red monti cap
Spogidides
Candy cane

my green mushroom melted
Gold torch receded as well sadly i think too far gone but maybe theres a connection

Will grab pics tonight for anyone looking to see some heaaaalthy frags

 

[Nate Chalk]

Hi all,
Updating with some pics. Have some ideas planned soon to pick up some frags in the new year.

After raising nitrates from bottomed out and introducing Gfo to keep phos below .1 but not zero.

torches are recovering and the NY torch is gaining some yellow stripes back very faint.

Mangroves are finally sprouting leaves!!!

We did secure another blue tang and will not be using any lanthanum chloride this time around.

 

[Nate Chalk]

Wanting to re scape and add more rock since moving from 90 to 180 gallons.

anyone have tips, thinking marco shelf rock

 

[Nate Chalk]

Couple picture updates , everything is recovering from my lazy mistakes. Torches are regaining color and getting confidence to stretch out again.

 

[Nate Chalk]

Got some great frags and colonies today courtesy of a local hobbyist. Will get some pictures soon when things start to open up. Right now they are on the rack.

Planning some pretty big moves as far as re scaping the tank and adding the new frags.

I know I dont get alot of traction on here, but im happy with the log for myself.

Adding my log of parameters updated!

 

[Nate Chalk]

Just re worked the tank with the new rock work and placed the new corals in their spots!

New dry rock youd almost need glasses to look at. Coralline please make your way over to the new rockwork please.

will get macro shots of the new frags , some are still shy. But planning to post some progress pics.

 

[Nate Chalk]

Just re worked the tank with the new rock work and placed the new corals in their spots!

New dry rock youd almost need glasses to look at. Coralline please make your way over to the new rockwork please.

will get macro shots of the new frags , some are still shy. But planning to post some progress pics.

14 new frags/ colonies

 

[Nate Chalk]

Morning pic of the torches getting legs out after the move, will be a few more days id guess before they are fully extended

 

[Nate Chalk]

Today is sock swap day, and im going to suck some "dust" off the bottom.

New frags/colonies are starting to open up a bit more.

Got new 300 series Gyre Installed Yesterday. I have them in Gyre mode but i think i like pulse better.

Does anyone else have a Gyre setting they like?

 

[Nate Chalk]

Have them set in opposite ends since the tank is 6ft.

i only have them 20% max power. Seems like plenty of flow, gets the torches whipping.

 

[Nate Chalk]

After almost losing this NY knicks torch, its looking to be ready to split! Very exciting.

has the bubble starting to form.

 

[Nate Chalk]

Working on better photography, my trouble is uploading from the camera. I think im going to get a card reader for my pc so I can dump easily

 

[Nate Chalk]

Torch garden is opening up nicely!


Really expected this acro thing to be more challenging 2 weeks in its alive still!

 

[Nate Chalk]

Yellow filter with daylights on , orange with blues it seems to be.

 

[Nate Chalk]

Tested Parameters tonight

Phos: 0.00
Nitrate: 9.7
Calcium: 483
Alk: 9.7

I dont think phos bottoming out is a good thing. I would prefer the 0.01- 0.05 barely measurable. Testing all on Hannah Checkers.

I removed GFO + 1 sock and turned the skimmer off for the night will return skimmer in morning and continue regular feeding.

Anyone have any thoughts? I know the testing kit has some error involved. Corals all look fine and are growing. I recently added a lot more coral mass to the tank and I think it might be balanced as far as nutrient up take. Minus the Nitrate. Need some water changes I think.

 

[Nate Chalk]

Updated testing since removing gfo and reducing to 1 filter sock.

phos still zero, nitrate 5.6

others consistent. only frag showing issues is the pink digi. Acro and other sps lps fine.

feeding reef roids Red Sea ab and upping feeding to fish. I think i need more fish for the bio load .
Essentially doubled the rock and coral last week.

 

[Nate Chalk]

Very pleased to post phos again after removing gfo, upping feeding, as well as reduced skimming. Some algae is showing up on the back of the tank but i think if i let it run the course we should be fine. going to scrape it before leaving for vacation.

 

[Nate Chalk]

Left the tank at home under care of a non reefer with instructions to top off water if low and pellet feed the fish. Fingers crossed.

left it in really good shape. Took some pics before i left