SCA 100 Gallon Reef tank build

[Xclusive Reef]

Sorry you are having problems! Dr Tims is great stuff if it has been stored correctly. It is an active bacteria product so if it is exposed to extreme heat or cold it will not perform well. It also has a shelf life of 1 year although 6 months or less is recommended.
Stability is bacteria in a cyst form so it tends to start a little slower, but it is also more reliable since it can be frozen and exposed to up to 130F with no issues. Good luck!

FYI, I think you motivated me to go with a new SCA system

Cool man their tanks are pretty nice. I like the fact that the center had the drain and return pipes so no need to drill any other return lines. Steve at SCA is a good dude, if you want to do some other overflow he will drill the holes for you.

 

[Brew12]

Cool man their tanks are pretty nice. I like the fact that the center had the drain and return pipes so no need to drill any other return lines. Steve at SCA is a good dude, if you want to do some other overflow he will drill the holes for you.

I got a quote from him using a Synergy ghost overflow and the return lines drilled separately. His pricing is great for custom builds!

 

[Xclusive Reef]

I got a quote from him using a Synergy ghost overflow and the return lines drilled separately. His pricing is great for custom builds!

yea and he uses 12mm glass.. I got the 100 gallon and i can tell you this thing is heavy as hell. i hope to finish my stand within the next 2-3 weeks, i hope and get things moving.

 

[Brew12]

yea and he uses 12mm glass.. I got the 100 gallon and i can tell you this thing is heavy as hell. i hope to finish my stand within the next 2-3 weeks, i hope and get things moving.

I'm looking at a 187g system. I need to start on a stand soon!

 

[Xclusive Reef]

I'm looking at a 187g system. I need to start on a stand soon!

AHHH nice man. can't wait to see that build. Assuming Aquaforest tank ?lol

 

[Brew12]

AHHH nice man. can't wait to see that build. Assuming Aquaforest tank ?lol

Not really sure yet. Probably just a mix and mash of different methods.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

WEll no change with QT tank. I am on day 7 of stability. Here are a few shots. Worked on tank but came to realize doing "flush" doors is a very difficult task. Checked with to see how much for a aquarium stand and I was quoted $650 bucks.. So with that said, yea i will make these doors fit one way or another...

 

[Brew12]

WEll no change with QT tank. I am on day 7 of stability. Here are a few shots. Worked on tank but came to realize doing "flush" doors is a very difficult task. Checked with to see how much for a aquarium stand and I was quoted $650 bucks.. So with that said, yea i will make these doors fit one way or another...

That is really odd. Its almost like you have a sterilizer in your system, such as bleach.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

That is really odd. Its almost like you have a sterilizer in your system, such as bleach.

I thought about changing water and starting all over again but what if it's the same thing? Then it's a waste of 2 weeks. Next round I will have some live rock or matrix I will add to the qt from my sump so hopefully will not take as long

 

[Brew12]

I thought about changing water and starting all over again but what if it's the same thing? Then it's a waste of 2 weeks. Next round I will have some live rock or matrix I will add to the qt from my sump so hopefully will not take as long

It is very odd. Even without having added bottled bacteria I would have expected you to see something by now.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

It is very odd. Even without having added bottled bacteria I would have expected you to see something by now.

What is a bacteria loom? 4th day I did go a little overboard with sr. tims one and only

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Well day 10 and no change.. ammonia still at 2.0ppm, n02 - 0 and no3-0.. Added some Aquaforest biofil

 

[Brew12]

Any chance you have chlorine in your water? What you are seeing is very far from normal.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Any chance you have chlorine in your water? What you are seeing is very far from normal.

no i have tested the water with the water strip before i started the RODI water. I can test it again. I read on Seachem's forum that a few people their tanks took 2-3 months to cycle.. I also tested ammonia with a different test kit and it came out the same.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Quick update. Its like day 12 on Stability cycle on QT and everything is the same lol.. At this point i say f it... i am just going to let it sit there not worry about it and let it do its thing. One the Stand I worked a few hours on sunday and some Today and I have the front doors up. It was not easy!!! lots of trial and error getting them level and straight. Its acceptable, not 100% for my standards. Adding side doors next as well.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Well after 16 days!!! we finally can see some signs of life..

ammonia 0.5
nitrites 2.0-5.0 ppm can't tell colors look the same
Nitrates 0
PH after looking at i think it is closer to 8.0

Should I add more ammonia for the bacteria to feed from or leave it till nitrites goes back down to 0?

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Day 18 and near 0 ammonia, 0 No3 and about 5.0PPM N02. Working on the stand tomorrow to install side doors.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Day 21 and things are looking good. Stand is almost complete, 1 door to hang left then its wood filler and stain time. QT tank is doing great. I am starting to see some Nitrates now. I did add some ammonia on Saturday and it was gone on monday. Next week first fish will be added to QT tank hopefully..

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Day 23 on QT tank and looks like I have high Nitrites that don't want to come down. I am seeing PH getting slightly lighter. If it falls below 8.0 should I add something to raise it or will a water change take care of it?

 

[Brew12]

Day 23 on QT tank and looks like I have high Nitrites that don't want to come down. I am seeing PH getting slightly lighter. If it falls below 8.0 should I add something to raise it or will a water change take care of it?

As long as your pH is above 7.6 you can ignore it. I don't even test mine in a fish QT. There are plenty of people who run reef tanks in the 7.8 to 8.0 range, especially if they live in newer houses.

Don't get too hung up on nitrites. There are a few reactions that can cause false positive tests in salt water systems and nitrites aren't nearly as harmful to salt water fish as they are to fresh water ones. However, it does still like your tank could use a bit more time.