Getting started with AF

[kevin.st]

I recently set up a red sea max s400 with dimmable ATI 6 bulb and 2 reefbrite strips. I have some experience with reefkeeping and SPS and I even worked at a small fish store for a short time.

I thought it would be interesting to run a "coral system" such as AF or zeovit and decided on AF because of the price and it being less complex than zeovit.

To start, I am using build, pro bio s, vitality, energy and zeomix. I am running the zeomix with BRS carbon and GFO in a reactor. I am using fritz salt, but I plan to switch to an AF product here. I was hoping to go mixed reef, but I keep selling off LPS to make room for more SPS! I am using b-ionic on a doser. I also run a 50 watt pentair UV.

Just recently picked up a bunch of SPS locally: elegans, orange passion, crazy T monti, dc loom, joe the coral, red robin, cali tort, red planet, keepers spaghetti, dc purple machine and pc rainbow. All are looking good so far!

I hope to update this thread with how AF is working for me.

My tank params:

Nitrate: barely detectable
Phos: 0.03
Alk: 8.5

 

[kevin.st]

I didn't realize the photo would be so compressed!

 

[Perry]

a couple of things"
1. Discontinue use of UV, it kills bacteria, and counterproductive to what the Probiotic program is based on
2. Allow DKH to fall about 1 point in value, especially with low nutrients
3. NP Pro will need to be used with Pro Bio S, it is the food source(carbon source) for the Probiotic Method

 

[kevin.st]

^^I appreciate the reply. I will for sure make some changes/additions. It's been a pain to buy the products since BRS doesn't have everything I need in stock.

I have been letting my dkh fall slowly in preparation for this AF start-I will keep letting it fall by not increasing the dosing as corals grow. Once things looking OK, I will get AF salt. I am really trying to take it easy.

 

[mta_morrow]

I would leave the UV run. The bacteria your tank needs and uses is not free floating.

Yes, some will go thru the UV and die, but it is such a small number that it doesn’t matter.

 

[Perry]

Please refer to AF user guide, page 8, this is not opinion based, this is based on AF Probiotic Method and their recommendations. This way you can draw your own conclusions

 

[kevin.st]

At this time, I am still running UV and "wow" is my water looking amazing! I have used the turbo twist 12x before, but this pentair is on a different level. My water has never looked this good.

I am seeing daily growth on a few SPS frags, which is really cool to see. Colors have pretty much been maintained from where I bought them.

 

[Perry]

There are plenty of ways to run different systems, and with AF, it can easily be run hybrid, so not saying running UV will harm anything, just pay close attention to corals/ observe daily. The clarity you are seeing is definitely why many run AF, so chances are strong that these products are kicking in and working, my tank looks like there is no glass, it is that clear, LOL. My only concern is that the UV is killing the good bacteria you are dosing. Anyway, glad your corals are responding so well

 

[kevin.st]

Thanks, Perry. Once I transition over to the probiotic salt, I will have to re-think UV usage. Also, my alk is down to around 7.5.

I appreciate the advice, as always.

 

[Perry]

Thanks, Perry. Once I transition over to the probiotic salt, I will have to re-think UV usage. Also, my alk is down to around 7.5.

I appreciate the advice, as always.

No worries, I like that alk level much more, great job!!! Look forward to hearing about your results!