3 months progress!!!!!

Mark75 · Oct 21, 2015

Prompted by a recent thread I am updating you guys on my almost reef tank. [emoji16]

Started the 2nd week of August;

Details-
50g. Cadlights cube, rimless
18g. Sump
AI Hydra 52
Cadlights PLS 100 skimmer
Mag 5 return
RW-8 wavemaker
Tunze ATO
LED refugium light

Topping off with Kalk and growing Cheato in the sump.

I know I haven't made a lot of progress but I am taking my time getting my husbandry skills down. I am at a point I am comfortable keeping all parameters spot on and also have a game plan for keeping up with alk/cal. when my future sps take off, hopefully.

I have been through the typical new tank issues but it has been mild, still getting a bit of brown dusty algae on the glass and rocks.

I intend to have a sps dominant tank with a couple of choice lips and maybe a small zoa garden. My tanks in the past ended up a dumping ground for the latest cool item at the lfs, I am older and wiser now with. Bit more patience. [emoji16]

I still suck at cleaning glass! Is there a trick? I also can't get the flow I want without blowing my sand into piles!
What do you guys think? I am open to criticism!

Tahoe61 · Oct 21, 2015

Nice, nice nice.

Cadlights are sharp looking imo.

Will the RW be enough flow when it's time for sps?

cee · Oct 21, 2015

In recognition of you stepping up to the plate and the OUTSTANDING look of your tank at the 3 months mark, I am offering you a free SPS frag of your choosing from my tank (must be from a colony except from my Aussie echinata which I hope to grow into a tank-filling acro) whenever you feel you're ready! The lack of major diatoms and/or cyano is a testament to your success for such a new tank -- job well done, especially with dry LR!

Dave

kschweer · Oct 21, 2015

Looks great! As far as the sand piling up try changing the positioning of your power head and also your return nosels until it stops or slows down.

Mark75 · Oct 21, 2015

Thanks cee,....years ago I purchased a very nice sps pack from you and had intentions of reaching out to you soon.
The RW-8 is more than enough flow but as my sps grow out and block some of the flow I plan on adding a second, probably an RW-4

This is my first tank set-up with dry rock, Marcos in this case. I have very specific goals for this tank and wanted total control of what is introduced to the tank. I am not looking to build an ecosystem, I want to display some really beautiful corals.

cee · Oct 21, 2015

Sorry, I'm getting too old to remember all the folks I've sold or given coral frags to in the past. I stand by my offer, however, so just let me know when you're ready and remind an old man (well, 50, maybe not so old) of the context.

Dave

Ryan15236 · Oct 21, 2015

How do you like the jebao rw-8? I have a 125 gallon tank and right now I just have some koralia evos and a mag 18 for the water movement in the tank. I have a few areas of the tank that are suitable for sps but I do not like being limited in the areas in which I can place sps. I am think I may go with something like 2 jebao rw-8 on the sides and two rw-4 on the back.

Tank is looking awesome by the way! Great job. Will look even better when filled in!

Mark75 · Oct 21, 2015

I have been happy with the rw-8, very strong and adjustable. They are silent on all but the highest settings and then just a very light hum.

cee · Oct 21, 2015

Mark75 said:
I have been happy with the rw-8, very strong and adjustable. They are silent on all but the highest settings and then just a very light hum.

I'll second that, I have a pair in the "Else" mode and they are adequate for a 4 foot long tank. When I get my macro lens I'll post a picture of the tank for you.

Jimmyb819 · Oct 21, 2015

I also have a pair of RW-8s on a 4ft tank, also in Else mode and I'm very happy with the amount of flow. I also have a few RW-4s keeping detritus from building up behind the rockwork. For the price it is very hard to beat them!

Nice looking tank @Mark75, very clean!

Ryan15236 · Oct 21, 2015

Alright good deal. Cee I am going to start a thread about either members tanks or maybe see how many locals we have keeping SPS which is something I am highly interested in as I am new to SPS.

Mark I know you said SPS dominant but what are some of the SPS you are wanting? Do you really like acros, milles, stylos, montis, etc. Also where is a good source SPS locally?

cee · Oct 21, 2015

Ryan15236 said:
Alright good deal. Cee I am going to start a thread about either members tanks or maybe see how many locals we have keeping SPS which is something I am highly interested in as I am new to SPS.

Mark I know you said SPS dominant but what are some of the SPS you are wanting? Do you really like acros, milles, stylos, montis, etc. Also where is a good source SPS locally?

Please do start a thread. My SPS passion is deepwater acros and Aussie acros. I really miss my pink stylo, though, and wouldn't mind picking up a colony of that one. Not many SPS people in E. TN that I know of at the moment, though, so I'm anxious to see who's into the sticks locally.