Going back to basics

tcarter1936 · Dec 5, 2016

I am tired of trying newer methods and have decided to go back to skimmer/fuge/carbon/and simple dosing.
I tried the aqua forest method albeit I probably didnt proper institute all aspects of it. But I had no blooms and fewer headaches with my previous methods. Just going back to my comfort zone.

Diesel · Dec 5, 2016

Back to basics is always a good thing.

tcarter1936 · Dec 5, 2016

Diesel said:
Back to basics is always a good thing.

I just can't get over how much simpler everything was with way better results and fewer problems not to mention the hobby was more enjoyable when I was not trying to add 50 components a day I will however still be using the aquaforest reef salt as it dissolves very well and has a lower alkalinity which I desire

Diesel · Dec 5, 2016

Hey Bro, I have tried it all except Triton and basics never disappoint.

Sm51498 · Dec 5, 2016

I'm a fan of long proven methods and ideas. old fashioned is another way of saying well understood .

Diesel · Dec 5, 2016

That is well said.
Can we see a pic of that great old school tank?

Lowstorm · Dec 5, 2016

Welcome back

I'm a firm believer in the kiss method. I might start dosing kalk someday.

tcarter1936 · Dec 5, 2016

I'm going to employ a calcium reactor when the demand increases but other than that basic.

Sm51498 · Dec 5, 2016

I'll take one when the light comes on tonight

.

I have a build thread but I haven't updated in a bit. still just frags so there hasn't been much reason to. happy to show it though.

tcarter1936 · Dec 5, 2016

This was before we moved and I had to start over but I had explosive growth and my colors were great still no tank of the month but all my corals were not white LOL

ksc · Dec 5, 2016

I run my tank almost the same as I did in the 90's. Too much light, too much flow, too much sand, too much rock, too many nutrients, too many water changes, too many sps coral and too many fish. Never needed a skimmer, secret bottles, or anything else. The only difference is my dosing pumps instead of my old Kalk dripper, and a couple blue led strips instead of my vho's..

Sm51498 · Dec 5, 2016

This was one of my old tanks. older school than I am now. I packed it full of rock, just dosed baking soda, no skimmer, just a sponge and frequent water changes.

Diesel · Dec 5, 2016

Sm51498 said:
This was one of my old tanks. older school than I am now. I packed it full of rock, just dosed baking soda, no skimmer, just a sponge and frequent water changes.

Beautiful!!

Sm51498 · Dec 5, 2016

Diesel said:
Beautiful!!

Thank you! I miss that tank a lot. it crashed when the ac died I'm afraid but it was a test bed for many of the methods I'm using now.

Diesel · Dec 5, 2016

Sm51498 said:
Thank you! I miss that tank a lot. it crashed when the ac died I'm afraid but it was a test bed for many of the methods I'm using now.

Sorry to hear that.
Yes Nano's are prone to swings and temps are one of them due to the small volume the water temp can raise easily and before you can take any actions in many cases it's already to late.
Having a controller is a must as you turn of lights and pumps and have less heat transferred to the tank till you get home from work.

Sm51498 · Dec 5, 2016

Diesel said:
Sorry to hear that.
Yes Nano's are prone to swings and temps are one of them due to the small volume the water temp can raise easily and before you can take any actions in many cases it's already to late.
Having a controller is a must as you turn of lights and pumps and have less heat transferred to the tank till you get home from work.

Lesson learned I have a controller now. other failsafes as well. they would not have saved this past nano but still I'm a lot more careful of risk analysis now.

Diesel · Dec 5, 2016

Sm51498 said:
Lesson learned I have a controller now. other failsafes as well. they would not have saved this past nano but still I'm a lot more careful of risk analysis now.

That's great news!

revhtree · Dec 5, 2016

There are so many ways to reef and just about all of them can be successful. Of course the basics are just fine too!

Will madden · Dec 6, 2016

My tank is as basic as it can be skimmer power heads bi

weekly water changes

jeffrey holloway · Dec 6, 2016

Yeah, sometimes its better to just keep it simple. New products come on the market every day promising the perfect reef. Sad that this hobby is turning into one big money grab for the snake oil salesmen.