Big E Rimless 80g Sps

[Big E]

Aside from having zero of either Po4 and N03 it comes down the visual observation.
If the corals shutdown---small polyp extension and dry look over most corals you need more fish. You're looking for this over most of the corals.

The other part is drab coloration and no growth.....growth= color. You can have corals with good polyp extension just no growth and color.

Usually your glass panes are also a good indicator......you should be having to clean the glass of film every few days.

Just having enough fish isn't the whole equation. You have to feed them well so they look filled out with good colors. So in this respect ,the fish themselves can help provide more visual ques.

The whole idea is the have high throughput but not so much left over to get such high test numbers that the excess nutrients let algae get out of control or to stump coral growth.

 

[AcroFan144]

So, the goal is to keep as many fish as possible and feed them as much as possible, WHILE maintaining good NO3 and PO4 levels?

Which levels would you consider as best? Any particular range we should strive for?

Thank you very much for your help.

 

[Big E]

You don't have to have a high fish load, you just have to have a balance of input and output that satisfies your corals for good growth and color. Although more fish is always better and easier if you can also keep nutrients in check.

A lot of people struggle because they have complicated export systems that are complete overkill or that compete with the corals for nutrients.
That's why I always start with just a large skimmer..........all the other stuff are add ons when you can't control nutrient levels.

My target numbers are based on by personal experience with acros and also on other reefers I respect with successful dominant acro systems.

These are ballpark numbers, not written in stone so a few points above isn't really something to chase---

Po4- .03-.10ppm-- If you're using a Hannah ULR to measure

No3- 1.0-10ppm--- Once you get to measurements below 5.0ppm I like to use the Red Sea pro kit. Above that Salifert is ok as it has wider ranges.

The most common ratios are from be 50-200 to 1.

This is feeding your fish well and keeping them happy.

 

[Lykan968]

Will a good combination of 2 blue+ /4 Coral+?

 

[Big E]

Will a good combination of 2 blue+ /4 Coral+?

It's fine and will give off a more blueish look. You won't have the same consistent spectrum across the whole tank and it also may not excite some pigments as easily as a more balanced combo like I use.

 

[TexasTodd]

Wouldn't that actually be more towards daylight? I'd think 4 blue+ and only 2 Coral+ would be more blue.

 

[Big E]

Wouldn't that actually be more towards daylight? I'd think 4 blue+ and only 2 Coral+ would be more blue.

Yes, correction ..........thanks for catching that. I'm so used to people wanting a slightly more blue look I read the question wrong.

 

[Abhishek]

Hi Ed ,

How’s the new build coming up ? Any sneak peek ?

 

[juannnn]

Hola
Some update?

 

[Big E]

Hi,

I haven't even bought the new tank yet..........still deciding. In the mean time I'll be setting up a 40 breeder(connected to my display) with an LED only fixture to test for a while. I bought a fixture that I thought was finally worth trying after waiting for 8 years for something that fit my wants list.

Once I get some feedback I'll post something.

 

[juannnn]

I wanted to ask you something about lighting. My aquarium is 50cm wide and I use an 8 tube screen reinforced with two blue orphek bars. What do you recommend 4 blue and 4 coral plus Use only 6 tubes, 3 blue and 3 coral plus or 3 blue 3 coral plus and 2 actinic Thank you

 

[Big E]

6 bulbs is plenty for that width especially if combined with two blue orphek bars.

Yes, 3x3 B+ and Coral+ would be what I would do.

 

[dwref]

Really awesome man

 

[Big E]

Here's a few recent growth shots ---------------what do you all think?

Pengs Princess Peach

Feb 6th

6 weeks later to today March 22-- I counted 16 new 1/4" plus sprouts at the base. Colors upped a notch.

CR Eternal flame

Feb 6 & below March 22-- colors aren't there yet

 

[dwref]

Looks Good E

 

[Vette67]

It was a pleasure meeting you yesterday. Thanks for the frags. They seem to be doing well.

And well, I have to follow along now!

 

[Big E]

One more same dates Feb6 to March 22. This is Cherry Corals OG Ultraviolet 1.0
It spun around but you can match per the long branch

 

[Quiverfull]

Ed:

Looks great. I sent you an update on my frags and tank status. Things are looking very good!.

Greg

 

[Big E]

Thanks all for the comments and Likes

It was a pleasure meeting you yesterday. Thanks for the frags. They seem to be doing well.

And well, I have to follow along now!

Thanks! I enjoyed our talk. We covered it all from reefs to 60-70 muscle cars!

Ed:

Looks great. I sent you an update on my frags and tank status. Things are looking very good!.

Greg

Hi Greg,

Thanks, hope my comments helped.

 

[justy]

Hi Ed absolutely love what you do with corals with little in the way of extras, carbon dosing, potions, snake oil etc.
I take a lot of confidence from you in keeping it simple, really seems to work.
How much of your success do you attribute to your oversized skimmer?
Many thanks justin