Hello from new(ish) NJ reefer!

2_much_junk_in_the_sump · Jul 1, 2020

I am new to this (under a year) although it feels like I have spent enough for me to be a veteran. I started with a RSR 170 in Sep '19 and quickly realized I wanted something bigger so I went to a RSR 250 around Nov. I have been extremely lucky to have no fish issues, but I have been through my fare share of SPS. I didn't listen (no SPS in the beginning). The tank is running well now, but my nutrients went from undetectable for months and months in the beginning and now for the past 4 months they are steady at about 0.14 phosphates and 10-15 nitrates. No matter how many water changes or how much GFO I run I always hover in that range. I am wondering if it is leaching out of the rock (started with dead CarabSea rock)? The high nutrients are great in that I am having some success with SPS, but algae came on in full force. I ran Vibrant for about 6 weeks which cleared it up entirely, but in a few weeks it came back with a vengeance. I am trying an ATS now so hopefully that will help with nutrients. Anyway, that's where I am at with the tank and I included my equipment and stock list as well as a quick video of the tank. Glad to be here!

Equipment:
RSR 250
Aquatic Life T5 hybrid (ATI actinic and b+ bulbs)
(2) XR15 G4 Pro
Apex w/ DOS & Trident
(2) MP40 @ 30% reef crest
MP10 @ 45% reef crest
ATS (been running for about 2 weeks so far)
GFO/GAC reactor
Skimmer
UV

Fishes:
Yellow Eye Kole Tang
(2) Snowflake Clowns
Royal Gramma
Flame Hawk Fish
Yellow and Purple Coris Wrasse
Gold Midas Blenny
Yellow Watchman Goby

vetteguy53081 · Jul 1, 2020

Welcome to the R2R community and we’re glad you joined us !!

BighohoReef · Jul 1, 2020

Welcome to R2R! With all the livestock you're well on your way

Adam Schindler · Jul 1, 2020

Welcome to the reef!!

jay06705 · Jul 1, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!

New&no clue · Jul 1, 2020

Welcome to the reef

sp1187 · Jul 1, 2020

welcome to the show.

Lithoman · Jul 1, 2020

Welcome .. you are about to open your reefing world with tons of knowledge.. Enjoy the ride!

Reefnman2 · Jul 1, 2020

Welcome to R2R!

Billldg · Jul 1, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!!

Peace River · Jul 1, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!!

Dw79 · Jul 1, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!!

KJ · Jul 1, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!!

Fred2482 · Jul 1, 2020

Welcome, tank looks great.

Bryn · Jul 1, 2020

Welcome to R2R Newish Reefer. Thanks for the video..

trio91 · Jul 1, 2020

Welcome aboard

We have a local club forum here and on our website www.njreefers.org. Feel free to chime in and Introduce yourself to fellow club members

trio91 · Jul 1, 2020

Where in nj @2_much_junk_in_the_sump

Jimbhoy13 · Jul 1, 2020

2_much_junk_in_the_sump said:
I am new to this (under a year) although it feels like I have spent enough for me to be a veteran. I started with a RSR 170 in Sep '19 and quickly realized I wanted something bigger so I went to a RSR 250 around Nov. I have been extremely lucky to have no fish issues, but I have been through my fare share of SPS. I didn't listen (no SPS in the beginning). The tank is running well now, but my nutrients went from undetectable for months and months in the beginning and now for the past 4 months they are steady at about 0.14 phosphates and 10-15 nitrates. No matter how many water changes or how much GFO I run I always hover in that range. I am wondering if it is leaching out of the rock (started with dead CarabSea rock)? The high nutrients are great in that I am having some success with SPS, but algae came on in full force. I ran Vibrant for about 6 weeks which cleared it up entirely, but in a few weeks it came back with a vengeance. I am trying an ATS now so hopefully that will help with nutrients. Anyway, that's where I am at with the tank and I included my equipment and stock list as well as a quick video of the tank. Glad to be here!

Equipment:
RSR 250
Aquatic Life T5 hybrid (ATI actinic and b+ bulbs)
(2) XR15 G4 Pro
Apex w/ DOS & Trident
(2) MP40 @ 30% reef crest
MP10 @ 45% reef crest
ATS (been running for about 2 weeks so far)
GFO/GAC reactor
Skimmer
UV

Fishes:
Yellow Eye Kole Tang
(2) Snowflake Clowns
Royal Gramma
Flame Hawk Fish
Yellow and Purple Coris Wrasse
Gold Midas Blenny
Yellow Watchman Goby

Welcome to R2R. Yes maybe a bit quick in adding SPS. Lots of knowledgable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.

Brandon Smith · Jul 1, 2020

Nanorock1970 · Jul 1, 2020

Welcome to R2R and the wonderful folks, information and help.
Patience, it is the big word around here, Reefing is patience to cycle, to watch things grow, to keep your tank balanced.
I recommend to everyone joining to create a tank build thread.
1. You get to see where you have started and how much you have grown in this hobby.
2. We love pictures and to see what your doing with your tank.
3. It’s a great learning tool for all of us to see what works and doesn’t . We learn great stuff from each other.
Lastly the only bad question here is the one not asked...