ReeferMadness80G’s Shallow SPS Reef

[ReeferMadness80G]

What did you end up using to cut the travertine? I am using these in my current build but don't have a tile saw. Was wondering if there was something easier/cheaper I could trim them with

I bought them that size from lowes. Or you can get lowes to cut pieces for you. If you have an angle grinder you can use a tile cutting wheel. Or they have little cheap tile cutters you can score it with and break em.

 

[Centerline]

That would be sick! And then you can replace the tile with a new (cycled) one and let it get covered again, all while you cut the tile into little tiles covered in zoas and sell them and start letting that tank work for you! I said that in one breath. Whewf

Honestly I'm thinking about doing the same myself after seeing your build. Have you by chance ran a ICP test on your tank? The travertine ties I have seen have some sort of a sealer on one side. These are the 3"x3" at Home Depot. I scored a pack and found that an overnight vinegar bath removed the finish. I'm not sure its even important to do so but I would have to accidently add some sort of chemical that I would have to deal with down the road.

 

[ReeferMadness80G]

Honestly I'm thinking about doing the same myself after seeing your build. Have you by chance ran a ICP test on your tank? The travertine ties I have seen have some sort of a sealer on one side. These are the 3"x3" at Home Depot. I scored a pack and found that an overnight vinegar bath removed the finish. I'm not sure its even important to do so but I would have to accidently add some sort of chemical that I would have to deal with down the road.

The stuff I bought at lowes was all raw, had no finish on either side, very chalky. I soaked for 2-3 weeks in RO water before putting it in the tank. My coral guy has been using this method for years with no negative results. So I felt confident in doing this.

 

[bubbaque]

I use the same tiles in my frag tank and have no issues either with them.

 

[ReeferMadness80G]

So sick of the cyano in this tank. Ugh cycling a tank is the worst. I'm ready to buy coral! This stuff is terrible

 

[ReeferMadness80G]

 

[Ryan@ShelteredReef Verified Sponsor]

So sick of the cyano in this tank. Ugh cycling a tank is the worst. I'm ready to buy coral! This stuff is terrible

You know you've done it right when your tank is beautiful even when covered in cyano

 

[ReeferMadness80G]

You know you've done it right when your tank is beautiful even when covered in cyano

Thanks? lol I'll try and take some better pics tomorrow when it's not so blue. It's really ugly haha I'm trying to stay positive but you know how this stuff is.

 

[Ryan@ShelteredReef Verified Sponsor]

Thanks? lol I'll try and take some better pics tomorrow when it's not so blue. It's really ugly haha I'm trying to stay positive but you know how this stuff is.

Sorry, I meant that as a compliment haha. Your tank is gorgeous.

 

[ReeferMadness80G]

Sorry, I meant that as a compliment haha. Your tank is gorgeous.

I figured it was! Thanks! I'm glad you think so!

 

[ReeferMadness80G]

 

[Antics]

I think you need to get a toothbrush in there and go wild.

 

[ReeferMadness80G]

Guys...is this normal? It's really starting to become a pain. Help me! @reeferfoxx@saltyfilmfolks

 

[tsav87]

What are your PO4 and NO3 levels?

 

[tsav87]

Is it green or brown?

 

[ReeferMadness80G]

What are your PO4 and NO3 levels?

Coming right up. It's brownish red it some spots and a tinge of green in others

 

[ReeferMadness80G]

No3- .05 Salifert
PO4- 0 API

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Guys...is this normal? It's really starting to become a pain. Help me! @reeferfoxx@saltyfilmfolks

Dig the new color scheme.

Yea get out the big brush.

I forget. Did you muriatic acid the rocks?

What are a feeding ?

how many snails do you have in there?

With so Little Rock and it starting dry it's probably a weak bio filter.
But how much are you feeding?

Do you have rock in the sump?

it didn't tag right. @reeferfoxx

 

[ReeferMadness80G]

Dig the new color scheme.

Yea get out the big brush.

I forget. Did you muriatic acid the rocks?

What are a feeding ?

how many snails do you have in there?

With so Little Rock and it starting dry it's probably a weak bio filter.
But how much are you feeding?

Do you have rock in the sump?

it didn't tag right. @reeferfoxx

The rocks are BRS Tonga (I just bought 16 lbs of live rock from coral corral in Tampa). But this problem was way before I added the new rock.
I feed frozen mysis like every 2-3 days. 9 fish.
I have probably 20-25 snails

reefbrites are on 14 hours, T5s about 7 hours.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I can't see enough detail in the algae. Does it appear to be just a gha ?