texasbug
New Member
Hi guys! Been interested in a saltwater/reef aquarium for several years and finally took the plunge. So far I'm using all factory installed equipment. I have added a bag of Purigen under the bioballs in chamber 2 and I've added the UV filter & powerhead designed for this tank. We started the tank out with natural saltwater but will use RO from now on.
I have 27 lbs of LR. 17 lbs from LFS and 10 lbs from gulfliverock.com. 20 lbs of LS, 10 lbs of "dead" sand. My husband couldn't help himself and had to use the dip net to have critters to "keep it interesting" while it's cycling. There are about 20 grass shrimp and 1 tiny Piggy Perch. The Piggy will have to go back to his home before we add any reef fish or coral. I'm fortunate in that I live on the coast, near a very highly regarded marine biology university so my LFS owner is well educated and amazing.
At day 8, here are my parameters: pH 7.8; NH3/NH4 2.0; NO2 .5; NO3 0; Ca 400; KH 10/179; Phos 0; temp 79.5. I don't think my mini hydrometer is working properly but per the LFS water test yesterday it's within the proper range.
I have treated some aiptasia today on my LR with KelpWasser in an eye dropper directly in the mouth. I'm also going to be working on the pH today with SeaChem Reef Builder (carbonate alkalinity) and Reef Buffer. Using the RO water from my LFS will keep this problem in check in the future. The NSW in our area is always at a pH of 7.8 so it's an expected issue.
I'll update with pics as soon as figure it out!
I have 27 lbs of LR. 17 lbs from LFS and 10 lbs from gulfliverock.com. 20 lbs of LS, 10 lbs of "dead" sand. My husband couldn't help himself and had to use the dip net to have critters to "keep it interesting" while it's cycling. There are about 20 grass shrimp and 1 tiny Piggy Perch. The Piggy will have to go back to his home before we add any reef fish or coral. I'm fortunate in that I live on the coast, near a very highly regarded marine biology university so my LFS owner is well educated and amazing.
At day 8, here are my parameters: pH 7.8; NH3/NH4 2.0; NO2 .5; NO3 0; Ca 400; KH 10/179; Phos 0; temp 79.5. I don't think my mini hydrometer is working properly but per the LFS water test yesterday it's within the proper range.
I have treated some aiptasia today on my LR with KelpWasser in an eye dropper directly in the mouth. I'm also going to be working on the pH today with SeaChem Reef Builder (carbonate alkalinity) and Reef Buffer. Using the RO water from my LFS will keep this problem in check in the future. The NSW in our area is always at a pH of 7.8 so it's an expected issue.
I'll update with pics as soon as figure it out!
