Fluval 13.5 Build

[Virtua]

It's been around six years since I last dabbled in this hobby, and I recently acquired a Fluval 13.5 from Facebook Marketplace. After spending a couple of weeks cycling, I've noticed significant changes in the hobby during my absence. I'm genuinely excited to explore what it has in store for me after all these years.

Here's my current setup:

Equipment:

• Fluval 13.5
  • Default return pump
  • Lid included in the setup (unsure of the manufacturer)
• Prime 16HD (Running Pennywise Deadlights schedule)
• 3dOcean 3D Printed Media Basket Set
  • One basket filled with MarinePure Gems & Filter Floss
  • One basket filled with cultured ceramic media obtained from my local fish store and an established tank
• Generic Heater
• Generic Powerhead

My aim is to create a tank dominated by LPS corals with no substrate – aiming for a clean and vibrant aesthetic.

I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or advice. I've been grappling with issues related to flow, recent occurrences of some aptasia, and the challenge of maintaining stable water parameters.

Apologies in advance for the poor picture quality. Any help or guidance is welcome!

 

[BairCorals]

Barebottom tank off the bat! Nice, that's gonna be a sweet tank when it grows in. Only thing I'll say is make sure to keep an eye on ammonia. Not having a substrate, there's very limited surface for bacteria to take hold of, not impossible by any means, but keep an eye on it. Also some encrusters across the bottom of the tank always looks pretty sweet!

 

[Virtua]

Updated Progress :

Lost a couple pieces of coral due to parameter swings but I am hoping that I am out of the woods now. Still partially in the ugly stage I believe but it's slowly getting cleaner. Excuse the junk on the bottom of the tank. I have yet to do this weeks water change.

Rip 2x Montis (Monti eating Nudi I think), 1 Hammer (Parameter Swings)

I have one torch that is struggling pictured bottom right in the tank (first picture). I have a feeling its because of parameter swings as well. I will be spot feeding it and if that doesn't help I will be dipping it. If anyone has any suggestions let me know.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Sorry about the loss of your coral!

 

[Virtua]

Here are some pictures to update this thread. Will provide some more information on my journey tonight!

Lost a torch due to what I think was BJD and re-arranged some of the coral to address space issues.

 

[Virtua]

Some updated tank pictures. Relocated some things and picked up a grafted Goni. Having a little struggle with green hair algae but past that point things are running pretty well. Parameters have been more stable than ever and I am seeing growth as well as more polyp extension.

Just bought a 100G IM Tank as well that I will be working to set up and transition into in the long run.

 

[Virtua]

Update : Tank is absolutely packed and I have started to get fairly good growth. Time to get a larger tank!