Almost 3 months and everything is alive!

Mark75 · Dec 5, 2015

I really need to work on photography skill!

I am very satisfied with my growth this early on but my colors are lighter than I would like. My plan has been to be happy with the growth and not get crazy working on colors until my tank matures. What do you guys think about this plan? I am worried what added nutrients could do to my young system.

CastAway · Dec 5, 2015

I think you're right on the money. Colors should come. Beautiful!

Chriscrna · Dec 5, 2015

I prefer color to growth. But obviously it's a personal preference… There is no wrong or right.

I am digging on that rockscape though. That looks tight.

Chriscrna · Dec 5, 2015

Give it a few more months and you can add a nice RBTA for them clowns.

Mark75 · Dec 5, 2015

Thanks Chris!

My wife really wants a BTA but I have had them turned to mush by a power head in the past.

Jmcdaniel0 · Dec 6, 2015

Love it man. Looks nice. I agree with chris. That's sweet. When I get my big tank in after Christmas you gotta come fix my rock. I stink athe rock.

Rob.D · Dec 7, 2015

Mark75 said:
My plan has been to be happy with the growth and not get crazy working on colors until my tank matures. What do you guys think about this plan? I am worried what added nutrients could do to my young system.

That plan is very sound, but what do you mean by added nutrients? Great looking set up btw.

Mark75 · Dec 7, 2015

I have 0 nitrates and my sps are lighter than I would like, I am waiting to dose nitrates until my tank is more mature. I am worried what potassium nitrate will do to my young tank.

Reefrookie220 · Dec 7, 2015

Feed a little heavier, wait an extra day or 2 on the water change that way your not adding anything "foreign" and you'll bump those nitrates ever so slightly.

CastAway · Dec 8, 2015

I would be very cautious feeding heavier, myself.
I suspect SPS color is more a factor of maturity in your system; more a matter of time.
Rather than an increase in feeding perhaps you could skim less, perhaps use a timer. If you're using filter bags, stop or use them more intermittently. In other words, you might consider lessening your nutrient export rather than increasing the amount of phosphorus rich food.

I am a newbie though, so.....