My Tank Pics

[rams_1_again]

Thought I'd share some pics. :)

It took me three weeks to aquascape my tank and I'm still not sure about it. Oh well, I just need to just move on. There are two inhabitants that I'm hosting...a "huge" hermit crab (sump bound) and a large bristle worm. I am doing my best to get phosphates under control before adding livestock.

My Tank
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/1/96017New_Tank.jpg

"Huge" Hermit in Tank
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/565/96017Hermit_Work_Out.jpg

Bristle Worm in Sump
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/572/96017Bristle_Worm_3.jpg

Still trying to figure out why my hermit crab does push ups? He kinda scares me ;)

[Markk96]

Nice setup. Looks good, what kind of corals do you plan to keep?

[chadfarmer]

where is the phosphates coming from

[rams_1_again]

Still haven't decided on what corals to add yet. Probably start with something hardy like Xenia. I need to keep doing more research!

[rams_1_again]

My Phosphates are either comming from my LR or the miracle mud. I bought the setup used and kept the rock and mud along with 20G of cycled water. Just finished with a small cycle and started seeing hair algae. Checked PO4 and sure enough had .2 on the test kit. I've been a good reefer and used RO water just like I'm supposed to. The previous owner of the tank said that he always had a phosphate issue so I'm assuming it came with the system. He threw it in for no extra charge! ;)

[Markk96]

Are you using RO/DI water or just RO water?

FWIW any algae for a new tank is normal for the first couple of months, it is a stage a tank goes through. I would do weekly water changes, and you should be fine.

Xenia is good to start out with, but it can over take your tank, so depending on what corals you want it may or may not be a good choice.

[rams_1_again]

I'm using RO water from a LFS. Haven't tested the LFS water for PO4 yet as I just bought the phosphate test kit a couple of days ago.

I'm currently doing some research on the best RO/DI filter to use and am willing to spend a little extra money. One thing that I've learned on reef central is that water quality makes or breaks your reef.

[ramtheory]

finally some pics Mark lookin good :thumbsup: are you going to stick with the current lighting PC/NO? What about a back ground your current basement theme seems cold and dark. :) don't worry about the phosphates stay on top of the water changes and the algae will knock down your PO4 and eventually you will be left with coraline. let the tank run it's coarse be patient.

[Markk96]

This (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=SP-2090&Category_Code=SP5stage) is the RO/DI system I am currently using and I cannot complain about it or Spectrapure, they answer all my questions and help me out. I also like the fact that they are a sponsor here on RC.


When I first started and I was on a bigger budget I bought this (http://www.airwaterice.com/product/1TYPHOONIII) from Air Water and Ice. Walter knows his stuff and always has helped me.

HTH
Mark

[rams_1_again]

Originally posted by ramtheory
finally some pics Mark lookin good :thumbsup: are you going to stick with the current lighting PC/NO? What about a back ground your current basement theme seems cold and dark. :) don't worry about the phosphates stay on top of the water changes and the algae will knock down your PO4 and eventually you will be left with coraline. let the tank run it's coarse be patient.

Hey Dennis you know me...Mr. Patience. I'll probably use the lighting that I currently have for a while 4X65W PC and 3X35W NO. Need to spend some money on a RO/DI unit first. Really appreciate the help and advise from everyone.

[ramtheory]

you might look at how old your bulbs are and think about replacement. If you are looking to grow algae old bulbs will help if your not ???:D

[rams_1_again]

Originally posted by Markk96

When I first started and I was on a bigger budget I bought this (http://www.airwaterice.com/product/1TYPHOONIII) from Air Water and Ice. Walter knows his stuff and always has helped me.

Typhoon III...that's the exact unit that I was thinking about purchasing. I must be doing something right. Just need to withdraw some money from the family slush fund.

[rams_1_again]

Need to dip back into the slush fund for bulbs too. I guess there's not a "Dirt Cheap" OFS? :)

[Reefer Wannabe]

Like the aquascaping--looks good.

[rams_1_again]

Appreciate the feedback everybody! I've moved the heater down to the sump and plan on painting the back of the tank black...of course my wife wants a blue background. I wish I would have thought about painting the back before I set the tank up. Oh well, there's always next time (new slogan for Rams football).

[Reefer Wannabe]

Give it a few months and it will be covered with coralline algae anyway...Mine's almost there!! Plus I just glued some anthelia and Green Star Polyps on the back as per Anthony Calfo's suggestion. I'll add some encrusting gorgonian to the back as soon as that grows out a bit more.

[Im Lon 2]

Originally posted by Reefer Wannabe
Give it a few months and it will be covered with coralline algae anyway...Mine's almost there!! Plus I just glued some anthelia and Green Star Polyps on the back as per Anthony Calfo's suggestion. I'll add some encrusting gorgonian to the back as soon as that grows out a bit more.

I have Green mushrooms growing up the back of my nano!!