Kschweers rebuild. 57g rimless

[kschweer]

Over the last week or so I have been getting some annoying algae on the sand bed. Pretty sure it's diatoms and will go away soon enough. Think it may have something to do with the new sand from the move. Been stiring it a bit before water changes and that seems to be helping. My bulbs are also up for changing. Have changed out 4 of the 6 so far.

 

[downbeach]

Looks great, Kevin.

 

[kschweer]

Looks great, Kevin.

Thanks jim!

 

[kschweer]

Last night I went to change the last 2 bulbs in my fixture (2 blue+) but unfortunately one wouldn't fire. I put the old bulb back in and it works just fine. I figure I just got a bad bulb. I have been through quite a few t5 tubes and have never had this happen. Has anyone else ever experienced this?

 

[kschweer]

And a few mid water change pictures

 

[kschweer]

The sand bed is finally starting to clear up from a bad diatom breakout. Not 100% sure what caused it.

 

[jgraz]

Kev
What is that monti up top in that last pic? Looks like Nauti Spiral.

 

[kschweer]

Kev
What is that monti up top in that last pic? Looks like Nauti Spiral.

Yup it's the nauti spiral. When it's happy it's gorgeous, but it seems very tempremental. I try not to even look at it wrong. Haha

 

[jgraz]

Yup it's the nauti spiral. When it's happy it's gorgeous, but it seems very tempremental. I try not to even look at it wrong. Haha

It is simply the most touchy coral in my tank.
The reason I asked is because you have it in such high light. I have found that for me it likes the shade best. Very low light. For me is almost completely shaded and when its not disturbed its looks amazing. If I put mine in the light it bleaches in hours, not kidding. If you ever happen to break a piece off give it a try in the shade and see how it responds.

 

[kschweer]

It is simply the most touchy coral in my tank.
The reason I asked is because you have it in such high light. I have found that for me it likes the shade best. Very low light. For me is almost completely shaded and when its not disturbed its looks amazing. If I put mine in the light it bleaches in hours, not kidding. If you ever happen to break a piece off give it a try in the shade and see how it responds.

Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely give it a try. Want to get it off the Frag station anyway it's starting to take up too much room. Now I just need to find a spot for it. Space is getting limited, I hate to even think about it but I may have to consider an upgrade.

 

[jgraz]

One quick question.
I'm looking for a way to add some moonlights to my fixture for a little nighttime viewing. Unfortunately options are few and far between. You are using the regular reefbrite right? I really don't need any extra par added so I was think of giving it a try for late night viewing after t5's are out. Can they be dimmed?

 

[kschweer]

One quick question.
I'm looking for a way to add some moonlights to my fixture for a little nighttime viewing. Unfortunately options are few and far between. You are using the regular reefbrite right? I really don't need any extra par added so I was think of giving it a try for late night viewing after t5's are out. Can they be dimmed?

I believe that reefbrite sells a dimmer for the strips. If you look back a bit in the thread I have some pictures with just the reefbrite on so you get an idea what it looks like. If you're just looking for a nice moon light effect I think a regular one would be fine. With 8 bulbs it would be pretty washed out and not very noticeable, if you want the led "pop" when all lights are on you may want to look at the XHO.

 

[jgraz]

Will do. I'll check them out. They are some dang expensive strips for my 60" though.

 

[kschweer]

Will do. I'll check them out. They are some dang expensive strips for my 60" though.

They're definitely not cheap. It took me a little while to pull the trigger but I'm happy I did. It's well built and puts out a good amount of light for its size.

 

[kschweer]

Today the 57 rimless is officially 2 years old. It's had its ups and downs and a move in the 2 years, with right now being a little down. I'm experiencing a bad diatom issue and some corals are not happy with it. It's starting to get better so hopefully I will kick it soon. Here's some progression pics.
12/14/13

12/28/14

12/13/15


Thanks to everyone following and giving advice!

 

[kschweer]

 

[914joe]

Cool progression shots... I've enjoyed watching things fill in.

 

[kschweer]

Cool progression shots... I've enjoyed watching things fill in.

Thanks joe!

 

[kschweer]

Corals from today's meeting

 

[kschweer]

And some other pictures from tonight.