I've done a ton of removing and resorting / adding new frags, over the last 6 months. The Fox flame, in previous photos, was shading stuff underneath, so that is now cut up and in the Rack and Rubble frag system down stairs. I've added some high end chalice, WWC Supafly and a Rainbow/jellybean , both were on my list for years, so finally just ponied up the cash to get them. The only coral of note, that I am still actively seeking, is a UC amazeballs goniapora. Anyone reading this update, let me know if you have one to trade / sell. Also added a bunch of LE SPS frags, some of which I have mentioned already. Most are taking off, while some of the older colonies struggle a bit, such as the Red Dragon and Green Slimer. Doing my best to maintain them, upstairs and downstairs, though it may take awhile until they are back to their full splendor.
Recently started dosing korallen-zucht flatworm stop / 3 x per week, for supplemental along with the Acro Power and Microbacter 7. I do not have flatworms, just dosing for increased tissue density. As far as I can tell, I am seeing positive results. Running carbon in a block for 24 hours 2 x a month, in my overflow. I really like this method and the interval seems perfect for maintaing water clarity, without totally stripping the water of all of the good stuff. Replacing 12 TBSPS GFO, 1 x / month, since that seems to be the key for keeping my PO4 at .03.
The system is still running on 1.3 gallons / day, Auto Water Change, though I have fully switched over from Red Sea blue bucket, to Red Sea Pro. My theory is I'll save a little bit of $$ on bi weekly trace addition, though this is still a relatively new change. Time will tell. Far as the auto water changes in general... total game changer. I find myself wondering what I need to do with the tank every other Saturday now, when I would normally be doing a water change. Just awesome, though I do plan on performing larger 30-40 gallon Water changes a few times / year, with the Red Sea blue bucket, since I still maintain my ALK around 8.2 Dkh.
The Lifereef skimmer, is doing an excellent job. I do notice that my NO3 is falling a bit, which is something that Jeff over at Lifereef said would happen. I'll report back on this change. Hopefully it becomes a trend, as I have always struggled with NO3 in the 25-30 range. Aiming for 5-10, which I am getting very close to now.
The new lighting install was a smooth transition. No loss of coral, under the upgraded AI fixtures and LED strips. Increased tissue in the previously shaded areas. Overall nice color and spread. I feel satisfied with the new implementation.
Only new upcoming change will be two inkbird wifi enabled heater controllers, upstairs and down. For me, between that and a wifi camera, I am totally comfortable being away from the tank for an extended period. Other than that, I like to keep it real and do old school ALK testing via salifert with a magnetic stirrer, 3 x / week, though I do see an alk specific controller in my future.
Looking forward to seeing some of my choice SPS babies, grown into new colonies, especially the Bill Murray, Pinky Bear and Vivid's Confetti. Also added a wild tenuis, I am curious to see where the colors go on that. Just when I think the homewrecker colony has reached peak color, it gets even better. Love that. All of the LPS towards the bottom are fat / colorful and healthy. I've made space for the Red and Pink Goniapora to stretch their legs a bit.
That's it for now.
