Looking for a Reef Jedi.......

[czoolander]

The Devils!!! Oh boy...they and the Pens have had some great battles over the years. Ya, both our teams have had some luck hoisting the silver over head.

Great idea on the ICP, and I tend to agree on the Calcium dissipating over time.

You are on your way...up from here!

Hahaha yes they have !

The only concern I had with the calcium or I guess mystery question. Is I have done 2 water changes 15 g and a 20 g plus 8+ weeks and the calcium level has not dropped . Which doesn't make any sense to me .

The only thing I was reading is that Red Sea Ab+ might be adding calcium to the tank? I am not sure if this is true or how that would work but I do remember someone mentioning that before........... another rabbit hole lol

 

[Nigel35]

Why can't he manually dose 50ml by hand? I get he needs test kits, but a dosing pump is certainly not needed. I have no idea how big of a tank he has, but there is no problem BOLUS dosing to raise levels within acceptable ranges(I would not go over 50ppm calcium, or 1DKH alkalinity in a single day). How do you think we used to do it? Heck even BRS recommends hand dosing at first till you get the hang of it.

Totally ok to do it a different way that is just my preferred way to do it. However he needs to understand why he is dosing.

 

[Nigel35]

Ignore zoa what.... hese just one salty hating dude ...hese mean and salty on everyone's post .

May be true but he does have valuable insights. You can't ignore them however "salty' they may be...

 

[Nigel35]

That is a very good question and something for me to look into if the carbon is consuming my phosphate . I am using the Aquaclear activated Carbon .

I am feeding Nori pretty much daily. Pellets 10x15 at a time until they eat it in about 10 seconds I do 3 rounds of that . And then ill feed a cube of frozen Mysis when I come home from work. I don't typically what I consider heavy feeding but I have been trying to increase my phosphate with no luck so far

Thanks Nigel its good to actually receive positive and useful feedback

Your feeding schedule looks excellent. I would stop dosing vibrant immediately and let those phosphates climb. I don't believe the aqua clear activated carbon contains any phosphate absorbing material like the chemi pure plus. I would only change carbon every 2-3 months.

 

[czoolander]

Your feeding schedule looks excellent. I would stop dosing vibrant immediately and let those phosphates climb. I don't believe the aqua clear activated carbon contains any phosphate absorbing material like the chemi pure plus. I would only change carbon every 2-3 months.

Thanks Nigel

I will not dose vibrant tonight as scheduled. The tank looks clean right now rocks free of algea . I have a couple tiny pockets of what looks like turf algea its super thick and dark green and then I get some film algea on the glass I clean off every 1-3 days ( normal for reef tank) and then slight sign of diamtoms on my sand. So I guess I can cut vibrant and see if the situation gets worse and measure my phosphate and nitrates to monitor the situation .

Have you heard anything of Red Sea AB+ adding Calcium to the tank? or is this nonsense ? I am asking because from dosing I got my calcium up to 517 when I was able to test . this was 4 months back and through many water changes and coral uptake it has not dropped at all. Seems odd to me ?

 

[Nigel35]

Thanks Nigel

I will not dose vibrant tonight as scheduled. The tank looks clean right now rocks free of algea . I have a couple tiny pockets of what looks like turf algea its super thick and dark green and then I get some film algea on the glass I clean off every 1-3 days ( normal for reef tank) and then slight sign of diamtoms on my sand. So I guess I can cut vibrant and see if the situation gets worse and measure my phosphate and nitrates to monitor the situation .

Have you heard anything of Red Sea AB+ adding Calcium to the tank? or is this nonsense ? I am asking because from dosing I got my calcium up to 517 when I was able to test . this was 4 months back and through many water changes and coral uptake it has not dropped at all. Seems odd to me ?

Algae is a normal part of any reef aquarium, we just want to keep it under control. The reason your phosphates show up as zero is most likely because it's wrapped up in the turf algae. Get some Mexican turbo snails and they will take care of it right away. Do you have a clean up crew and if so what does that look like?

Diatoms are common in a newer reef tank consider getting a diamond goby or sand sifting starfish if it bothers you.

To my Knowledge I think the AB+ is rich in supplementary nutrition for corals. Shouldn't contain enough calcium to make that much of a difference. Were you still dosing calcium during the last four months? Could just be that your corals aren't consuming a lot of calcium and you should lower the amount your dosing.

 

[UltraKelius]

Hi,
I’m just wondering if you’ve considered or even gotten an ICP test done to check the system for metals/ low levels?

 

[CanuckReefer]

Hi,
I’m just wondering if you’ve considered or even gotten an ICP test done to check the system for metals/ low levels?

I think he's sending one out any day.... but yes good idea.

 

[CanuckReefer]

Algae is a normal part of any reef aquarium, we just want to keep it under control. The reason your phosphates show up as zero is most likely because it's wrapped up in the turf algae. Get some Mexican turbo snails and they will take care of it right away. Do you have a clean up crew and if so what does that look like?

Diatoms are common in a newer reef tank consider getting a diamond goby or sand sifting starfish if it bothers you.

To my Knowledge I think the AB+ is rich in supplementary nutrition for corals. Shouldn't contain enough calcium to make that much of a difference. Were you still dosing calcium during the last four months? Could just be that your corals aren't consuming a lot of calcium and you should lower the amount your dosing.

I'm also wondering what variety of corals we have in play, size of tank, full stock list. I have a good amount of softies that from my observations munch up nitrate and Phos. I don't run a skimmer , or sump, or much mech filtration at all. I have detectable Phos usually in the .05 range and Nitrates around 10-15 consistently. The softies IMO and the seasoned live rock 25 years do the heavy lifting. With the algae binding up the Phos, I'm wondering if this is increasing the amount of excess Calcium in the system? Maybe you addressed this earlier not sure. Either way thanks for helping the OP out. I think with your guidance he'll get a decent handle on things soon.

 

[Nigel35]

I'm also wondering what variety of corals we have in play, size of tank, full stock list. I have a good amount of softies that from my observations munch up nitrate and Phos. I don't run a skimmer , or sump, or much mech filtration at all. I have detectable Phos usually in the .05 range and Nitrates around 10-15 consistently. The softies IMO and the seasoned live rock 25 years do the heavy lifting. With the algae binding up the Phos, I'm wondering if this is increasing the amount of excess Calcium in the system? Maybe you addressed this earlier not sure. Either way thanks for helping the OP out. I think with your guidance he'll get a decent handle on things soon.

Your correct. Phosphates must be detectable. And since you need nitrates and phosphates along with calcium for the growth of a coral, without one of those your stuck. his corals likely aren't consuming a lot of calcium as a result.

 

[Nigel35]

Hi,
I’m just wondering if you’ve considered or even gotten an ICP test done to check the system for metals/ low levels?

Worth a try but I would highly doubt it. ICP is when your parameters are excellent and something is wrong... Lets get the basics down and then go to the ICP test if needed. However it wouldn't hurt to get one. Its always helpful to know whats in you tank.

 

[Jedi1199]

@CanuckReefer @czoolander

Bite me... GO SHARKS!!!!

 

[CanuckReefer]

@CanuckReefer @czoolander

Bite me... GO SHARKS!!!!

Here is the Jedi we were looking for ( but not the Droids of course) it's right there in his handle!!!! How are things with you? Hopefully a few days coming up off the road to relax? Hmmm....Sharks, Pens, Devils.....let's get this fired up again soon or I'm gonna start bouncing off the walls literally!

 

[Jedi1199]

Here is the Jedi we were looking for ( but not the Droids of course) it's right there in his handle!!!! How are things with you? Hopefully a few days coming up off the road to relax? Hmmm....Sharks, Pens, Devils.....let's get this fired up again soon or I'm gonna start bouncing off the walls literally!

I'm doing well my friend.. How is life in the great frozen North?

Tanks are doing well, the 32 is still more headache than pleasure, the 55 is BURSTING now that I added the premium lights. The 180 is still Devastation Inc. lol (gotta love Pred tanks)

For the OP and his original question. It would be nice to have a mentor in this hobby. Someone to has a vast wealth of knowledge and experience to help guide you along.

Wait... there is such a mentor.... It is R2R!!!! This is THE place to get the answers to your questions, right here!! Think about it like this.. the advice you get here is like a plate of cookies... you may get 10 opinions on your specific issue.. just like there are 10 cookies on a plate. You look it over and choose the advice you feel is best, just like you pick the cookie you think looks best.

 

[CanuckReefer]

I'm doing well my friend.. How is life in the great frozen North?

Tanks are doing well, the 32 is still more headache than pleasure, the 55 is BURSTING now that I added the premium lights. The 180 is still Devastation Inc. lol (gotta love Pred tanks)

For the OP and his original question. It would be nice to have a mentor in this hobby. Someone to has a vast wealth of knowledge and experience to help guide you along.

Wait... there is such a mentor.... It is R2R!!!! This is THE place to get the answers to your questions, right here!! Think about it like this.. the advice you get here is like a plate of cookies... you may get 10 opinions on your specific issue.. just like there are 10 cookies on a plate. You look it over and choose the advice you feel is best, just like you pick the cookie you think looks best.

We are all good here. A few plans over Christmas are now canceled or in the works of it, others will go ahead imo. I / we here have our health, and that's a big deal compared to some. We don't forget that fact. You have a few days off???? I will be busy a few late days/ nights then a good 4 or 5 off in a row. Weeeee!!! It's important to have that time imo for at least a few days over the stretch between Christmas and NY's.
Agree with your sentiments here as far as the OP post is concerned. Here are your cookies.

 

[czoolander]

Hi,
I’m just wondering if you’ve considered or even gotten an ICP test done to check the system for metals/ low levels?

Yes an ICP in the new year is my top priority

 

[czoolander]

Algae is a normal part of any reef aquarium, we just want to keep it under control. The reason your phosphates show up as zero is most likely because it's wrapped up in the turf algae. Get some Mexican turbo snails and they will take care of it right away. Do you have a clean up crew and if so what does that look like?

Diatoms are common in a newer reef tank consider getting a diamond goby or sand sifting starfish if it bothers you.

To my Knowledge I think the AB+ is rich in supplementary nutrition for corals. Shouldn't contain enough calcium to make that much of a difference. Were you still dosing calcium during the last four months? Could just be that your corals aren't consuming a lot of calcium and you should lower the amount your dosing.

I have a mix of Cerith ,turbo and trocus snails and some nassarius . maybe 20ish i should probably get more but i dont see much algae for them to eat right now .

I got a goby through 30 days of QT put it in my display and then it vanished never to be seen again after only 2 days. it must have died but no idea why? All other fish in the tank are happy and healthy.

Havent dosed calcium in months. no need for it i am sitting at 517 per my last few tests. I am doing another 20 gallon water change on thursday to see if that will lower the calcium slightly

 

[czoolander]

Algae is a normal part of any reef aquarium, we just want to keep it under control. The reason your phosphates show up as zero is most likely because it's wrapped up in the turf algae. Get some Mexican turbo snails and they will take care of it right away. Do you have a clean up crew and if so what does that look like?

Diatoms are common in a newer reef tank consider getting a diamond goby or sand sifting starfish if it bothers you.

To my Knowledge I think the AB+ is rich in supplementary nutrition for corals. Shouldn't contain enough calcium to make that much of a difference. Were you still dosing calcium during the last four months? Could just be that your corals aren't consuming a lot of calcium and you should lower the amount your dosing.

Hello Nigel

Just putting on 3 pics so you have an idea of my reef and maybe you see something I am missing that does not jump out as obvious to me . Hard to see in the pics but there is some brown copper stuff on the sand im assuming is diatoms but I don't have a microscope to confirm. And also in a few spots in the rock cracks and holes there is a super dark fuzzy algea??

 

[Nigel35]

I have a mix of Cerith ,turbo and trocus snails and some nassarius . maybe 20ish i should probably get more but i dont see much algae for them to eat right now .

I got a goby through 30 days of QT put it in my display and then it vanished never to be seen again after only 2 days. it must have died but no idea why? All other fish in the tank are happy and healthy.

Havent dosed calcium in months. no need for it i am sitting at 517 per my last few tests. I am doing another 20 gallon water change on thursday to see if that will lower the calcium slightly

Algae will start to grow as you have stopped dosing vibrant. I recommend turbo snails for the turf algae. Goby likely jumped out of your tank and has become a potato chip. You haven't seen it in the rock or sanded whatsoever? I doubt anybody preyed upon it. Could have been a disease or something but at this point I don't think we can pinpoint the exact cause.

I would do regular water changes to get it back down. Although how is your ph looking recently? Lower ph would indicate that calcium is being leached out from the rocks. Your calcium isn't to much of an issue in all honesty. 517 is on the higher side but not harmful. When you add more stony corals your calcium consumption will increase dramatically and you will get more standard numbers.

Hello Nigel

Just putting on 3 pics so you have an idea of my reef and maybe you see something I am missing that does not jump out as obvious to me . Hard to see in the pics but there is some brown copper stuff on the sand im assuming is diatoms but I don't have a microscope to confirm. And also in a few spots in the rock cracks and holes there is a super dark fuzzy algea??

Your tank loos very good. Lots of coralline algae it looks like and happy soft corals. That fuzzy stuff is likely detritus. The copper stuff looks to be diatoms.

 

[czoolander]

Algae will start to grow as you have stopped dosing vibrant. I recommend turbo snails for the turf algae. Goby likely jumped out of your tank and has become a potato chip. You haven't seen it in the rock or sanded whatsoever? I doubt anybody preyed upon it. Could have been a disease or something but at this point I don't think we can pinpoint the exact cause.

I would do regular water changes to get it back down. Although how is your ph looking recently? Lower ph would indicate that calcium is being leached out from the rocks. Your calcium isn't to much of an issue in all honesty. 517 is on the higher side but not harmful. When you add more stony corals your calcium consumption will increase dramatically and you will get more standard numbers.



Your tank loos very good. Lots of coralline algae it looks like and happy soft corals. That fuzzy stuff is likely detritus. The copper stuff looks to be diatoms.

Yeah I don't think it jumped I have a red sea lid on it so it really has no way to escape .... that being said its not air tight sealed so there is small cracks if it is Houdini it could maybe jump out ? however I never found a body so seems unlikely . I did have a clownfish vanish on me as well about 8-9 months ago.

Yes planning a 20 gallon WC tonight . like to plan those every 2-3 weeks just to replenish minerals in the water and trace elements and keep things stable .

I think my tank is trending in the right direction I guess its just hard for me being a perfectionist I will always see a flaw or something wrong . There is way more positive in my tank right now then negative so I will just be happy with that haha