Gabbone
Active Member
Hi guys, I am texting today because I am seeking for advice on three crucial topic: light, flow, algae.
Before starting, a quick introduction to my 30g AIO tank. It's a 9month mixed reef (most lps/soft) and everything seems thriving.
I am very strict with maintenance and cleaning. Weekly water changes, dosing according ICP tests, lots of care.
Ph 8.2
No3: 8ppm
Po4: 0.04ppm
Alk 8.2-8.4
Ca: 450
Mg: 1470
Temp: 78,8f or 26c
I am sure the most of you will say: "let the tank be and do not touch the ecosystem".
Light:
I am using one radion xr15 g6 blue on lps/soft mobius preset at 30% intensity. My light has 1hr ramp up and 1hr ramp down + 6 hr steady photoperiod for a total of 8hr photoperiod. Now my question: every time I try to increase light intensity even of 1-2% weekly or extend the photoperiod even of 1 hour more, I start getting green algae on my sand bed and the tank just looks dirtier. This happens literally the same day I do the change. Then I gott scared and I always go back to my initial settings. How can I handle this without messing up? Corals can handle about 12hr photoperiod so I think I am not maximising their full potential. I hope you get my point.
Flow: Filtration turnover vs circulation turnover
Right now, I decreased my filtration turnover from 6x to 4,5x because I read the skimmer will work better and it has the chance to slowly clean more water. What's your thought here? Again, issue is when I slow down the return pump, I have much less surface agitation and I just don't like it.
Regarding the circulation turnover, despite my two nero 3 are at 15% both in pulse mode, they give me a crazy 54x circulation turnover on mobius app which is quite high since I don't have sps (Just a stylopora). What's the best approach?
Algae: As mentioned before, I am getting so much coralline algae on pump, back tank and rocks which is very nice. I clean my glass daily or every 2 days because it gets a lot of brown/green stains. And the sand in general is getting greener. I also vacuum my sand bed once every 2 weeks. Any tips?
Thank you guys, have a lovely day!
Before starting, a quick introduction to my 30g AIO tank. It's a 9month mixed reef (most lps/soft) and everything seems thriving.
I am very strict with maintenance and cleaning. Weekly water changes, dosing according ICP tests, lots of care.
Ph 8.2
No3: 8ppm
Po4: 0.04ppm
Alk 8.2-8.4
Ca: 450
Mg: 1470
Temp: 78,8f or 26c
I am sure the most of you will say: "let the tank be and do not touch the ecosystem".
Light:
I am using one radion xr15 g6 blue on lps/soft mobius preset at 30% intensity. My light has 1hr ramp up and 1hr ramp down + 6 hr steady photoperiod for a total of 8hr photoperiod. Now my question: every time I try to increase light intensity even of 1-2% weekly or extend the photoperiod even of 1 hour more, I start getting green algae on my sand bed and the tank just looks dirtier. This happens literally the same day I do the change. Then I gott scared and I always go back to my initial settings. How can I handle this without messing up? Corals can handle about 12hr photoperiod so I think I am not maximising their full potential. I hope you get my point.
Flow: Filtration turnover vs circulation turnover
Right now, I decreased my filtration turnover from 6x to 4,5x because I read the skimmer will work better and it has the chance to slowly clean more water. What's your thought here? Again, issue is when I slow down the return pump, I have much less surface agitation and I just don't like it.
Regarding the circulation turnover, despite my two nero 3 are at 15% both in pulse mode, they give me a crazy 54x circulation turnover on mobius app which is quite high since I don't have sps (Just a stylopora). What's the best approach?
Algae: As mentioned before, I am getting so much coralline algae on pump, back tank and rocks which is very nice. I clean my glass daily or every 2 days because it gets a lot of brown/green stains. And the sand in general is getting greener. I also vacuum my sand bed once every 2 weeks. Any tips?
Thank you guys, have a lovely day!
