Trailermann
Active Member
While following the guidance of the BRS/WWC hybrid 4 month system, I slowly am advancing the cycling of my 120 gallon tank. I ran afoul of the recommended system right from the get go as described below. Here is where I have been and where I hope to go.
First thing I welded up and powder coated my stand. Next I got 40 pounds of Reef Saver "live rock" and began cycling it. At about the same time, I selected and ordered a 120 gallon Custom Aquarium tank. This was about a year ago. Four months later, the tank arrived. Action stopped for a good while as I dealt with health issues at home.
In May after reading about the importance of biodiversity, I jumped at the opportunity to buy 30 pounds of truly live rock, full of moving living things. I almost immediately killed nearly everything by failing to watch ammonia and salinity. Salinity got over 1.035. I did a 100% w.c. and built back the bacteria in the next few weeks.
Then spent many weeks designing the aquascape, keeping the rocks wet during the process. After marking (with photos) each rock's placement, they were returned to the tub.
July 21, When I finally was satisfied with the aquascape arrangement, I did a final placement and quickly filled the tank with RODI water and added a jumbo shrimp. A week later, added a second shrimp.
August 4, started using Microbacter7, FastStart-M. A week later, discovered that ammonia and nitrite were zero but nitrates over 40! Yikes, too much shrimp. I totally failed to test parameters from the start.
August 15, With the guidance of Brightwell Aquatics staff, I began a regiment of Microbacter7 and Reef BioFuel, and added a block of well seeded Xport-NO3 to lower the nitrates, but was told it would take a full month for the brick to start working. I like the idea of lowering the nutrients naturally and did not want to do a big water change.
So I wait. In the meantime, I am quarantining fish, coral and inverts separately.
Now what is ahead once the nitrates get below 20-30? Here is the plan. Very open to suggestions and sympathy.
Add scrapings of coralline algae
Add few snails
Begin AWC and watch all parameters
Add first fish and wait for coralline algae to establish
Turn on lights
Start dosing Microbacter Clean
Add more CUC including Foxface
Let the "uglies" run their course (hopefully will not be needed)
Add LPS and softies
Add "starter/test" SPS, and more fish following my stocking plan
Add more SPS gradually emphasizing regular inspection for proper placement.
Invite spectators to view the gorgeous display tank.
Automate everything and take a vacation from the crazy world we are in.
First thing I welded up and powder coated my stand. Next I got 40 pounds of Reef Saver "live rock" and began cycling it. At about the same time, I selected and ordered a 120 gallon Custom Aquarium tank. This was about a year ago. Four months later, the tank arrived. Action stopped for a good while as I dealt with health issues at home.
In May after reading about the importance of biodiversity, I jumped at the opportunity to buy 30 pounds of truly live rock, full of moving living things. I almost immediately killed nearly everything by failing to watch ammonia and salinity. Salinity got over 1.035. I did a 100% w.c. and built back the bacteria in the next few weeks.
Then spent many weeks designing the aquascape, keeping the rocks wet during the process. After marking (with photos) each rock's placement, they were returned to the tub.
July 21, When I finally was satisfied with the aquascape arrangement, I did a final placement and quickly filled the tank with RODI water and added a jumbo shrimp. A week later, added a second shrimp.
August 4, started using Microbacter7, FastStart-M. A week later, discovered that ammonia and nitrite were zero but nitrates over 40! Yikes, too much shrimp. I totally failed to test parameters from the start.
August 15, With the guidance of Brightwell Aquatics staff, I began a regiment of Microbacter7 and Reef BioFuel, and added a block of well seeded Xport-NO3 to lower the nitrates, but was told it would take a full month for the brick to start working. I like the idea of lowering the nutrients naturally and did not want to do a big water change.
So I wait. In the meantime, I am quarantining fish, coral and inverts separately.
Now what is ahead once the nitrates get below 20-30? Here is the plan. Very open to suggestions and sympathy.
Add scrapings of coralline algae
Add few snails
Begin AWC and watch all parameters
Add first fish and wait for coralline algae to establish
Turn on lights
Start dosing Microbacter Clean
Add more CUC including Foxface
Let the "uglies" run their course (hopefully will not be needed)
Add LPS and softies
Add "starter/test" SPS, and more fish following my stocking plan
Add more SPS gradually emphasizing regular inspection for proper placement.
Invite spectators to view the gorgeous display tank.
Automate everything and take a vacation from the crazy world we are in.
