New 50G SCA build - back to the future

[scoopsthedog]

I say that because it's been up for close to 5 months now and I'm just getting into posting the build. Long story short - i've reefing since 1996 and frankly never did it right once. A year ago I got the bug again and got a 25 gallon tank from an LFS and started a new system. As I went down the path of impending doom I finally stopped and forced myself to learn about how to do it right. In comes R2R. It was like taking the red pill in the matrix and It opened my eyes and started me on the path to success.

So I kept the 25 running (which beside lots of maintenance and very little bio load was doing well) and splurged on a new 50 gallon SCA Starfire tank with a 16G sump.

t247 lights
SCA 301 Skimmer
filter sock
Chemipure carbon
GFO Reactor
Refugium
D.C. Return
Two Hydor PH with Hydor wave maker
Heater

I went with dry rock and dry sand (black sand) to try and avoid algae issues. Dumped in some Dr. Tim's and waited for weeks. I watched as various algae blooms came and went and once the cycle ended dumped in my CUC.

After about five weeks and no deaths and stable zeros for cycle I dropped in my leather from my 25 as the canary in the coal mine. Seemed to do well. Also dropped in around 10-12 pounds of live rock from my 25G. This seemed to be the jolt / kick start. Massive pod and life explosion with no die off or cycle reboot.

Week six I added my bonded Clown and a few weeks later my Midas. Then started to add corals mostly LPS, Zoas and softies. Also added in Bacto Balls. So far close to five months in everything is growing great and I have great color, extension and luckily no algae or pest issues. Here is the list of my livestock:

Midas Blenny
Bonded Wyoming Whites
Blue/Green Frammer
Blue Sympodium
Duncan
Green Clove
Green Formosa SPS
Green Galaxea Coral
GSP
Green Toadstool Leather
Mushroom rock
Zoas
Neptune Chalice
Ricordea
Rainbow Acan
Open Brain
Torch
2x Mini Maxi Carpets
Rock Nem
Rose BTA
3x sexy shrimp
2x Skunk
Blood Red Fire Shrimp
Peppermint Shrimp

I change 5G every other week. I dose CA and Multi Vitamin 1x / week. I was dosing Vitamin C every day but my KH is high (12). My parameters are:

My only issue has been Phosphate but the coral don't seem to mind it.

 

[scoopsthedog]

Here are some Tank and livestock shots.

 

[Chrisfish]

Tank looks really good and your coral pictures look awesome.

 

[prsnlty]

Welcome back and welcome to R2R! Your tank is gorgeous, well done

 

[scoopsthedog]

Thank you. I cannot stress enough how amazing his forum and its members and moderators are. The patience and knowledge is amazing and yet there are always new and interesting ways to do things. But without this forum I would have def giving up again.

 

[ludnix]

Following along! The old tank is beautiful and the SCA looks like it's off to a great start, I love mine!

 

[JoshH]

Loving the new tank! Great to see everything up and running and looking so healthy, Awesome job!!

 

[scoopsthedog]

Thanks! One more thought - as far as coral acclamation and success I would have to say having the same light setup as my LFS and using their pre mixed water has been a huge difference maker. I drive home, stick the coral in wherever I want and the next day they are doing great (I've synced my on/off and % to their settings).