Newbie on the site

[bsn_rn_cen]

Hard to pass up a good deal on lighting. What settings did you go with? A little late seeing this but welcome to reef2reef.

 

[Harte]

Hard to pass up a good deal on lighting. What settings did you go with? A little late seeing this but welcome to reef2reef.

Thanks, he is delivering the lights tonight and will set them up at that time.

 

[bsn_rn_cen]

Nice.

 

[Raege]

Welome to the salt life and R2R

 

[Bullnose]

Bullnose, thanks for your reply.
The tank is great. Decided on the direction of my tank/hobby and I am beginning to create more of a reef tank... more corals, minimum fish.
I now have 7 fish and I will keep the number steady for the foreseeable future.
I just bought some new lighting. I found a local gentleman who sells coral frags as his hobby/side business and purchased from him two mint condition (used for 4 months 1200 hours + -) Ecotech Radion 30w G3 pro’s with the tank stands and the reeflink wifi as he upgraded to the G4 pro. I didn’t plan on it but I couldn’t pass up the deal since everything was less than the cost of a new single Radion 30w G4 pro before taxes.

My only issue to date is I am getting a nitrate spike (0 to 12.0 +++ within 24 hours) every 4-5 days. I think I may be feeding the tank too much but I am learning slowlyyyyy....
I have made enquires however no one else has suggested any other alternatives as to why the spike. I have been doing a 10 - 12 gallon water change the moment I notice the spike which seems to be maintaining everything in a healthy and happy environment. That’s 15 + % of the tanks volume.
Any thought as to why I am getting the Nitrate spikes every 4-5 days?
Thanks again for your reply, hope you and yours had a great thanksgiving,

Cheers,

Harte

Beautiful new additions, and the lighting looks awesome. Looks like you caught the bug lol. Have you tried turkey basting the rocks? It's surprising how much detritus can settle on there without even noticing it. Look for any pockets around the bottom of the rocks where detritus tends to form. Vacuum the substrate out as best as you can. The most important thing you're already doing. Keep up those weekly 15% water changes and you won't go wrong. I wouldn't worry too much about nitrates if the tank is happy and it's not being taken over by cyano and nuisance algae. I couldn't even tell you what nitrates are in my tank. If you find they are getting out of control double up on water changes and beef up the clean up crew.