I thought big tanks are supposed to be easier?!?

[PaulM]

I'm seriously considering going back to my 24 gallon aquapod. That was the best looking tank I have had to date. Either that or switch to all zoo's. The SPS just don't like me. Most are looking like crap. I just did a water chainge to try to help. My all has been pretty steady at 9dkh with the Ca reactor. Phosphates were .02 last time checked. Nitrates not detected nitrites not detected. I'm loosing hope.

 

[bairdimusprime]

Hey paul, I had a very difficult time with my 65 gallon aquarium... once i downgraded to a 30 long i got amazing results... i realized my equipment was the culprit. now i'm saving for my big upgrade in the spring.. good luck.
what kind of lighting are you using? my brother in law has great growth from his SPS's using metal halides where are me with my t-5s cant get squat in a 16" deep tank in terms of SPS..

good luck i'm sure there's people on the forums who would love to help solve your issues.. I wish i could

 

[Brando457]

I'm seriously considering going back to my 24 gallon aquapod. That was the best looking tank I have had to date. Either that or switch to all zoo's. The SPS just don't like me. Most are looking like crap. I just did a water chainge to try to help. My all has been pretty steady at 9dkh with the Ca reactor. Phosphates were .02 last time checked. Nitrates not detected nitrites not detected. I'm loosing hope.

Amen,

I sold my 180 off and went down to a 34g red sea max, loving this little tank more and more everyday. While I may not have all the possibilities of fish as I did with the 180, it is nice to only do a 5g water change and not 30 gallons or lose 1/4 of a room to the giant monster.

 

[The_Codfather]

Paul.. if you still have a Diatom prob I say you still have silicates and silicate can have a impact on SPS growth.. Did you ever pick up a silicate test kit?..

 

[PaulM]

No test kit but I do have my maxcap Rodi setup.

 

[Hawkeye]

SPS are tough to keep. If the goal is to have an all stick tank - I would urge starting with easier sps (caps, millies and such) and progressing on that way. If possible purchase frags from tanks with similar lighting. I hate buying sps that looks one color in a tank and looks completely another/dull in mine.

 

[Baxreefs]

Paul

When light is good/great ... Flow is good/great ... as you have in that sweet open aquascape, you got to look to water chemistry.

Your water is crystal clear and you have a pretty light fish load. Having some neutrient in your water for the corals is not a bad thing. While you are running IMO a small skimmer you may not be producing enough for your corals to eat. In other words you may be too low neutrient. My office systems have never been so preisteen as your system is and since dialing in Alk & Ca managment, I've allways been able to grow SPS. I depend upon my MTC ProCal to manage the Alk and Ca and I know you just got yours on line. It may take a few weeks to really see the full benefit of that change over.

My best advice .... Get some fish in that beauty!

 

[PaulM]

Hmm. Never really thought about that. In the mean time do you think I should cut back on my skimming? Or take out the filter socks?

 

[dnov99]

Very good points Bax, I have been in touch with Paul about his issues and this didnt occur to me but you have valid points. Not sure how you have the skimmer setup, but maybe skim more on the dry side Paul and see how that works out.

 

[PaulM]

I am over driving my ev-180 off my reeflo dart return pump. The air valve and water supply valve is open all the way. Gets a good amount of nasty gunk out. I will cut the flow back. Also, anyone have good fish recomendations? May e I will take the little one up to trop tonight.

 

[PaulM]

Talked to Austin at trip and he seems Agrees it is probably no my water parameters as the maxima clam an carpet anem would be the first to show. He suggested feeding the corals so I picked up some live plankton to put in and see if there is any improvement. Their fish selection was a bit low. They are getting a shipment in today.

 

[Baxreefs]

I know it's counter intuative to add neutrient, and you don't want to go overboard, but corals got to eat too!

 

[PaulM]

Thanks Bax. Really hope this is my problem. Makes sense. Now that I think of it even my GSP which grows like a weed normally is slow growing in this tank.

 

[reeferwanabe]

depends on what you like. you have alot of options with a 180. I always liked a school of bartlets
I always got good results with reef roids mixed with aquavitro's fuel to feed my corals

 

[Baxreefs]

A few varieties of anthias in that tank would be fantastic!

Especially under your LEDs! My fish colors are increadable under the LEDs!!!

 

[JRWOHLER]

ESV makes a freeze dried phyto that is pretty darn good and easy to use/keep. And little waste...fish even eat some of the clumps.