Pooky's 300

[JohnL]

This thread was automatically split due to performance issues. You can find the rest of the thread here: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=15564808#post15564808

[pookstreet]

LOL......Stacie has the opposite problem. How refreshing :)

[Plankt0s]

Wow, this thread and ChingChai's thread both split today. Congrats on your 2nd split!

[pookstreet]

Thanks. Althought I think that's the only similarity we share. I am not even in the same league as ChingChai's. I can only look in from the periphery.

[pookstreet]

OMG!!! I've been so busy that I totally forgot that the tank is 2 years old this month. It was actually two years ago last week that the first drop of saltwater went into the tank. Happy belated B-day to my tank!!! :celeb1:

[Ian]

This calls for some Vodka!

:beer: :bounce3: :bounce1: :bounce2: :celeb2: :celeb1: :celeb3:

In the tank, of course ;)

[mpoletti]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15565446#post15565446 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
OMG!!! I've been so busy that I totally forgot that the tank is 2 years old this month. :celeb1:

:thumbsup:

[aquariumclown]

Congrats...damn, maybe I should start counting how many years mines been up....more than the fingers I have in one hand

[aquariumclown]

Hey Kenny, you say you have trouble with your sps, but you also have a lot of nippers. Don't they nip the sps and maybe that's the problem?

[aquariumclown]

I'm very annoyed right now, my Lemark is nipping my very hairy new Millies. :mad2:

[pookstreet]

Thanks y'all :D


Leo, I don't really have any nippers, at least not in the 300, yet ;) I've never seen my Genicanthus nip at anything, probably b/c I feed them so much. Plus, the way the Acros are dying is nothing like they are being chewed on. It's either RTN, STN, or just slimes off.

Well, so much for a short lived happy birthday. I just pulled out another 6" colony tonight. Half of it started sliming up so it's better safe than sorry :(


<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15565994#post15565994 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aquariumclown
I'm very annoyed right now, my Lemark is nipping my very hairy new Millies. :mad2:

You need to feed it more. Don't be so skimpy :)

[aquariumclown]

I don't want to feed him more, he's huge already, fat *** belly. I feel like the more i feed the more he will eat, you know where i can find a fish treadmill? I'm gonna watch him for awhile, might borrow your fish trap sooner than I thought.

[aquariumclown]

BTW, your Genicanthus are still small right? mine is 6"+ now

[DanW]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15565446#post15565446 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
OMG!!! I've been so busy that I totally forgot that the tank is 2 years old this month. It was actually two years ago last week that the first drop of saltwater went into the tank. Happy belated B-day to my tank!!! :celeb1: Happy birthday! :beer:

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15566989#post15566989 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aquariumclown
BTW, your Genicanthus are still small right? mine is 6"+ now

The watanabei male/female duo are both around 6", without the streamers. The melanospilos pair are around 4" and the bellus pair are 2.5-3". You are welcome to try the trap anytime. They are both currently available.

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15567024#post15567024 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DanW
Happy birthday! :beer:

Thanks Dan!

[scaryperson27]

I was thinking about getting a Lamarck* Angelfish. I read that they were pretty much the lease dangerous Angelfish that you could get.

[aquariumclown]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15567702#post15567702 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scaryperson27
I was thinking about getting a Lamarck* Angelfish. I read that they were pretty much the lease dangerous Angelfish that you could get.

Yea, mine is, has been for 6 years. Just seems the bigger he gets the more he eyed the corals, then nipped. He's nipped my Acans but I don't think he likes the taste so he stopped, didn't do any damage. But if he consistently nipps at my millies, we might have a problem.

[pookstreet]

The Genicanthus are about as reef safe as angels come. But with that said, there is always a small chance that they'll nip at some corals. There are no guarantees, unfortunately.

[pookstreet]

After over 2 years, I finally got off my lazy butt and added some more lighting :rolleye1: Had to fudge around a bit b/c the light rack was just a hair too short to acommodate the VHO's. In the end, it came out ok. Not what I had hoped for but workable and acceptable.

The additional lighting actually consists of 2 6' VHO super actinics flanking 2 5' T5HO Aquablue+. Of course, not having the sense to check the T5 bulbs when I first got them 2 years ago, one of them is broken. They were still sitting inside the shipping tube with the original seals on :o

Anyways, b/c they are driven by separate IC 660 ballasts, I can actually use the VHO's for now and have to wait until I can order another T5 bulb. I hope it won't be another 2 years before I put up the 4th LumenMax Elite pendant :lol:

Boy, do the VHO's look good. They really give the tank that intangible pop using halides alone. I already love them.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/300G/IMG_6431.jpg

Just the VHO's on
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/300G/IMG_6434.jpg

Halides and VHO's. Please excuse the coraline on the front pane. Did I mention I am lazy???

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/300G/IMG_6440.jpg

[aquariumclown]

Damn, i love them vhos....I might want to move out my 4xT5s for 2 vhos.

[pookstreet]

Leo, seeing really is believing. I had intended to do 4 x T5's but after seeing numerous tanks running VHO super actinics for supplement, there's simply no other option. I've decided to keep the other 2 T5's for the added light output.

[SaraB]

I agree, I love my super actinic VHO's too for supplemental lighting. I switched to T-5's and then returned back to VHO's on the latest tank.

[mpoletti]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15569421#post15569421 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
seeing really is believing

;)

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15569446#post15569446 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SaraB
I agree, I love my super actinic VHO's too for supplemental lighting. I switched to T-5's and then returned back to VHO's on the latest tank.

Good to hear from you, Sara. You've been MIA :)

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15569523#post15569523 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mpoletti
;)

:)

[SaraB]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15573998#post15573998 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
Good to hear from you, Sara. You've been MIA :)

I know, I've been busy with my day job and then trying to get my Koi pond back in order. ... and then throw in some weekend wakeboarding ;)

[pookstreet]

Ahh.......life outside of our reefs. Good to hear.

[aquariumclown]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15569421#post15569421 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
Leo, seeing really is believing. I had intended to do 4 x T5's but after seeing numerous tanks running VHO super actinics for supplement, there's simply no other option. I've decided to keep the other 2 T5's for the added light output.

I wonder what the par is for the vhos. I saw the par tests Sanjay did on the T5's they were really good (2-300's). I only run my MH 4 hours, so I'd like to get something out of my supplementals.

[pookstreet]

I am not sure what the par levels are like for the VHO super actinics, but the major benefit of using them is for color enhancement, not light output. Although the wavelength supplied by the actinics are probably in some way also important for coral health. If you need light output, then the super actinics won't do much for you. However, if you have enough room, you can always do 2 VHO's and 2 T5's to supplement your halides. The T5's can be used to add more par while the VHO can fulfill the color enhancement role.

For 2 years, I've only used 3 x 250W halides over a tank with a 6' x 3' footprint. The photoperiod is 5 hours in the summer and 6 hours in the winter. Perhaps that's one of the major reasons I've never got great colors from my SPS. It's simply not enough light output or spread. Growth has been decent. After IE-CFM, I will also add the 4th 250. The configuration is basically the 4 halides in a row across the middle, flanked by 2 x 5' T5 Aquablue+, then 2 x 6' VHO super actinics on the outside.

[aquariumclown]

2 vhos and 2 t5s is gonna be tough to do. My tank is only 2 feet wide. Though 2 vho super actinics and 2 aquablue specials (12k) might be pretty sweet.

[pookstreet]

I thought you currently have the halides and 4 x T5's? The VHO's are about the same width. On another note, have you tried the T5 version of the super actinics? Make sure you get the ones from UVL, the same company that makes the VHO version. They are pretty darn close to the VHO but still not quite close to the same zing that the VHO's put out.

[aquariumclown]

Yes I have 4 x T5's retrofit, I'm only using 1 reflector for 2 bulbs for each side. The vho bulbs and endcaps look much bigger., so I don't know how it will fit

Initially for my t5's I used ...

Aquablue plus
UVL super actinics
Aquablue plus
ATI blue plus

But it was too white for me with the 2 aquablue plus'. So I took out the UVL and Aquablue and replaced them with 2 blue plus. If I remember correctly, I couldn't see much difference with 1 UVL super actinics. Whenever I see people with 2 vhos in their tank, it always stands our so much. Not sure how much difference between the UVL super actinics and vho super actinics.

[mpoletti]

I run my halides for only 4 hours and I run VHO's; PAR shmar :p

I still wonder how people were so successful all these years before we had all these numbers and toys to play with.

[aquariumclown]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15574523#post15574523 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mpoletti
I run my halides for only 4 hours and I run VHO's; PAR shmar :p

I still wonder how people were so successful all these years before we had all these numbers and toys to play with.

I wonder that too. I think they have reef superpowers that common mortals don't have.

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15574508#post15574508 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aquariumclown
Yes I have 4 x T5's retrofit, I'm only using 1 reflector for 2 bulbs for each side. The vho bulbs and endcaps look much bigger., so I don't know how it will fit

Initially for my t5's I used ...

Aquablue plus
UVL super actinics
Aquablue plus
ATI blue plus

But it was too white for me with the 2 aquablue plus'. So I took out the UVL and Aquablue and replaced them with 2 blue plus. If I remember correctly, I couldn't see much difference with 1 UVL super actinics. Whenever I see people with 2 vhos in their tank, it always stands our so much. Not sure how much difference between the UVL super actinics and vho super actinics.

You can always go to individual reflectors for the T5's. The VHO super actinics have internal reflectors built into the bulb. The endcaps are bigger but they are essentially the same with as the T5 individual reflectors. You really need 2 super actinics to make a difference.

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15574523#post15574523 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mpoletti
I run my halides for only 4 hours and I run VHO's; PAR shmar :p

I still wonder how people were so successful all these years before we had all these numbers and toys to play with.

I used to run NO bulbs in the prehistoric days :o Then I jerry rigged some HO later on.

[bullitr]

very nice tank
i run only 4 metal halide for 7 hour a day each one on a 30 minutes interval

[DFason]

Hey Pook,
Think you can snap a photo of the Setosa? Like to see hows yours is doing.

-Dave

[DanW]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15574293#post15574293 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
...After IE-CFM, I will also add the 4th 250. The configuration is basically the 4 halides in a row across the middle, flanked by 2 x 5' T5 Aquablue+, then 2 x 6' VHO super actinics on the outside... :eek2: Whoa that's a lot of light! I gotta check out the VHO's, I don't think I've ever seen VHO's in person. Everyone says they provide good color so I gotta see.

[Ian]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15577275#post15577275 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DanW
:eek2: Whoa that's a lot of light! I gotta check out the VHO's, I don't think I've ever seen VHO's in person. Everyone says they provide good color so I gotta see.

They give corals a POP like none other :eek1:

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15574817#post15574817 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bullitr
very nice tank
i run only 4 metal halide for 7 hour a day each one on a 30 minutes interval

Thanks bullitr! What are the dims on your tank? I have a 6' x 3' footprint so I need quite a bit of coverage in the front and back.

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15575389#post15575389 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DFason
Hey Pook,
Think you can snap a photo of the Setosa? Like to see hows yours is doing.

-Dave

Dave, it's doing just fine. I'll see if I can snap a shot soon.

[mpoletti]

Where are these new fishies you have teased us about :p

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15577275#post15577275 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DanW
:eek2: Whoa that's a lot of light! I gotta check out the VHO's, I don't think I've ever seen VHO's in person. Everyone says they provide good color so I gotta see.

I am shooting for better coverage overall and at the same time try to lower my photoperiod for the halides and just run the VHO's and the T5's a little longer.

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15577347#post15577347 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ian
They give corals a POP like none other :eek1:

So very true :D

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15578866#post15578866 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mpoletti
Where are these new fishies you have teased us about :p

Still working on them :) I wished I could just pop into my LFS and buy a few :o

[mpoletti]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15578881#post15578881 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
Still working on them :) I wished I could just pop into my LFS and buy a few :o

Me too :sad1: Me too....

[pookstreet]

So how's life in Sac-town these days? I haven't been up in quite a few weeks. Now that you are at a new job, I guess there won't be any more spur of the moment visits :(

[mpoletti]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15578899#post15578899 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
So how's life in Sac-town these days? I haven't been up in quite a few weeks. Now that you are at a new job, I guess there won't be any more spur of the moment visits :(

Unless its on Fridays :(

My office is at 5th and P so we could always meet up for lunch since we are both not really into reefing as much these days.

[pookstreet]

Dang, you are just down the street. I am at 5th and N. I take it you are working for the state then due to the furlough Fridays? I can switch my trip to Fridays :)

[bullitr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15578837#post15578837 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
Thanks bullitr! What are the dims on your tank? I have a 6' x 3' footprint so I need quite a bit of coverage in the front and back.
its 96x 24 x 30 high not the best for a reef set up but i make it work for now.
i am planning to have a 96 x 36 x 27 made out of regular glass when all my corals mature a little bit.

[mpoletti]

Yep, Its been a long process, but I got on with a really good agency in a really good position. I even get to carpool with my wife and daughter to work :)

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15578950#post15578950 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bullitr
its 96x 24 x 30 high not the best for a reef set up but i make it work for now.
i am planning to have a 96 x 36 x 27 made out of regular glass when all my corals mature a little bit.

As long as it holds water, it'll work :)

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15578953#post15578953 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mpoletti
Yep, Its been a long process, but I got on with a really good agency in a really good position. I even get to carpool with my wife and daughter to work :)

You know there are laws against child labor, right? :lol:

[bullitr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15579009#post15579009 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
As long as it holds water, it'll work :)
i just feel bad because of all the wasted light from acrylic braced .
if the new tank is come i might even run only 3 metal halide if i can get away with it. electricity kills me plus i run a really mixed reef some corals do not really need a lot of light (mushroom) just a staghorn on top

[mpoletti]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15579012#post15579012 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
You know there are laws against child labor, right? :lol:

I needed an assisitant and we could always use the extra income so I hired Emma as My shredder :p

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15579060#post15579060 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bullitr
i just feel bad because of all the wasted light from acrylic braced .
if the new tank is come i might even run only 3 metal halide if i can get away with it. electricity kills me plus i run a really mixed reef some corals do not really need a lot of light (mushroom) just a staghorn on top

Well, most of us have to deal with certain financial constraints. We do what we can to make it all work. I wished I had several hundred thousand and more room in my house to play with. Ahh......we can all dream a little dream, can't we? :D

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15579080#post15579080 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mpoletti
I needed an assisitant and we could always use the extra income so I hired Emma as My shredder :p

LOL........just be careful with those precious little digits :)

[bullitr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15580625#post15580625 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
Well, most of us have to deal with certain financial constraints. We do what we can to make it all work. I wished I had several hundred thousand and more room in my house to play with. Ahh......we can all dream a little dream, can't we? :D
what i had now is gone but i will try to make it work my " dream to come true"

[bullitr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15580836#post15580836 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bullitr
what i had now is gone but i will try to make it work my " dream to come true"
what i had before is gone, but i will still try to make the " dream come true"
beside my current skimmer is rated @ 1200 gallon all i need is bigger calcium reactor and a new tank from charlie from fishtankfactory

[pookstreet]

Sounds like your lil' dream is already partly coming true :)

[pookstreet]

Started ozone today, but only at a measly 20 mg. Didn't want to overdo it up front. Let's see what happens with the Acros in the next few weeks as I slowly ramp up the ozone level.

[aquariumclown]

You're gonna see some mad crazy water clarity, and your skimmer is going to suck out some serious junk.

[pookstreet]

That's why I am starting so low. Don't want to clear up the water in a heartbeat and burn the corals in the process. That would be counterproductive :D

[aquariumclown]

Good call! It shouldn't be that sensitive but a little bit of ozone goes a long way. I turned mine off to dose vodka, i kinda want to turn it back on.

[pookstreet]

I've never used it before but at this stage, I am willing to try almost anything to see if it will stop the Acros deaths. I was lucky enough to have a buddy who loaned this unit to me. I guess time will tell, although I don't know how much time I really have.

[aquariumclown]

After seeing crystal clear water, I never want to see another green/yellow tank as long as I live. That's the side effect, just so you know.

[DanW]

Keep the updates flowing. I'm interested on how your ozone experiment works out.

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15598995#post15598995 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aquariumclown
After seeing crystal clear water, I never want to see another green/yellow tank as long as I live. That's the side effect, just so you know.

I run carbon religiously so I've usually had pretty clear water. It's only when I get lazy and forget to change out the carbon that I noticed the decline in water clarity. I guess I'll find out when the lights come on tonight :)

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15599005#post15599005 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DanW
Keep the updates flowing. I'm interested on how your ozone experiment works out.

Keeping my fingers crossed. Hopefully it'll show some positive results.

[Lightsluvr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15599058#post15599058 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
I run carbon religiously so I've usually had pretty clear water. It's only when I get lazy and forget to change out the carbon that I noticed the decline in water clarity. I guess I'll find out when the lights come on tonight :)

I may have missed it, but can you tell me how you run carbon in your tank? What kind of reactor?

LL

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15601534#post15601534 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lightsluvr
I may have missed it, but can you tell me how you run carbon in your tank? What kind of reactor?

LL

I used to do them two different ways - AquaC XP reactors and bags in the sump. I have since removed the AquaC. Now I only have 2 large bag sitting in the compartment just before the sump return. They are elevated using eggcrate and water basically flows through them. I also have a little bit of carbon in the Warner Marine GFO reactor but that's mostly to clean up anything that may leach out of the GFO.

[aquariumclown]

Kenny, how many cups of carbon you suppose you are running in your system?

[pookstreet]

Leo, rough guesstimate would be around 7-8 cups. And I take it you mean the standard measuring cup volume.

[aquariumclown]

Yes standard measuring cups.

That seems like a lot. Right now I run about a cup to a cup and half in my 150gal, and that seems to be perfect. I have had incident where I put an additional cup or 2 of carbon in the sump in a bag like your doing, and it stripped the water clean, but it burnt my acros within a day or 2. I'm not sure it's cause of water clarity or stripping water of some kind of buffer, I tend to think the ladder. Long shot, but have you tried running less carbon, and could that be part of the cause of your sps probs?

[pookstreet]

Hmm........good point. I'll cut the usage in half and see if there is a difference. I've always used a lot of carbon tho, even back when I had only the 30. I think I used more than you on the 30 gallon tank :D Never had this problem until this year but it sure is worth a try nevertheless.

[aquariumclown]

You do need carbon when running ozone, maybe try cutting 1/3 the amount of carbon your using, then cut a little more depending on results. Are you monitoring your orp?

[pookstreet]

Yeah, I had to jerryrig a filter sock with carbon in it to hang on the effluent for the skimmer. I don't have a separate ORP monitor but the ozone unit comes with a probe. I just hope it's not too far outta whack. Right now, it's showing ~310 and I have the unit to shut off at 350 just to be safe.

[aquariumclown]

Right on, 310 is good.

[pookstreet]

Hopefully, all these things will stop the ongoing carnage. The dinner plate sized tabling Acro is basically a very expensive piece of shelf rock right now. It's staying in the tank b/c it has encrusted onto the neighboring rocks and can't come out without disturbing the rockwork. This is less than half of the skeletons that I've pulled out so far. Some of the larger ones I've already thrown in the garbage b/c I couldn't bear to see them anymore :(

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/IMG_6444.jpg

[DanW]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15603570#post15603570 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
Hopefully, all these things will stop the ongoing carnage. The dinner plate sized tabling Acro is basically a very expensive piece of shelf rock right now. It's staying in the tank b/c it has encrusted onto the neighboring rocks and can't come out without disturbing the rockwork. This is less than half of the skeletons that I've pulled out so far. Some of the larger ones I've already thrown in the garbage b/c I couldn't bear to see them anymore :( :sad1: It pains me to look at that picture and hope it stops. I feel for you especially given my recent issues.

[pookstreet]

Dan, I hope your issues will resolve quickly.

[pookstreet]

On a happier note, look what I made :D It's not bad for an amateur. This is the best seam joints I've ever done.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/IMG_6449.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/IMG_6451.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/IMG_6454.jpg

[mpoletti]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15603570#post15603570 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/IMG_6444.jpg

:sad1:

[mpoletti]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15603794#post15603794 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
On a happier note, look what I made :D It's not bad for an amateur. This is the best seam joints I've ever done.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/IMG_6449.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/IMG_6451.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/IMG_6454.jpg

Very Nice Mr. Kenny. Where is my fish trap :p

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15603820#post15603820 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mpoletti
Very Nice Mr. Kenny. Where is my fish trap :p

It's on the top of my list of things to make ;) I actually cheated on this one. I asked a buddy who has way more equipment than I do to cut and prep the pieces. Alas, I can't really claim all the credits for the quality seams :o

[aquariumclown]

What a piece of crap. I can do way better than that!

LOL, just kidding, looks nice and shinny , I should take up that hobby, it looks like fun. I need a good custom photobox.

[pookstreet]

Yeah, I know it's crap. But I am still proud of it, dammit! :D

[spleen93]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15603570#post15603570 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
Hopefully, all these things will stop the ongoing carnage. The dinner plate sized tabling Acro is basically a very expensive piece of shelf rock right now. It's staying in the tank b/c it has encrusted onto the neighboring rocks and can't come out without disturbing the rockwork. This is less than half of the skeletons that I've pulled out so far. Some of the larger ones I've already thrown in the garbage b/c I couldn't bear to see them anymore :(

Ouch. :(

[pookstreet]

I already have a few smiley face bandaids on but one falls off here and there.

[pookstreet]

:sad1: Found my big male lineatus somehow slipped through the netting and was lying on top of it this morning. He was tip to tip at 5". RIP, big fella!

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/300G/IMG_1954.jpg

[aquariumclown]

Dang, sorry to hear that Kenny

[SaraB]

That stinks Kenny! :(

[aquariumclown]

Diff subject...what you bringing to CFM?

[pookstreet]

Yeah, it sucks. But I've been lucky all these years. This is my first, and hopefully last, casualty to jumping.

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15648662#post15648662 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aquariumclown
Diff subject...what you bringing to CFM?

Just a bunch of misc stuff that I want to clear out of my tank, mostly chalices and a few Favias. No big names except for the BGM. I didn't frag much at all. Just clearing corals off the sand and rocks. Going for the minimalist look :D

[Lightsluvr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15603570#post15603570 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
Hopefully, all these things will stop the ongoing carnage. Some of the larger ones I've already thrown in the garbage b/c I couldn't bear to see them anymore :(
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/IMG_6444.jpg

This picture brought tears to my eyes... I can only imagine how you were feeling...

Did you reduce amount of carbon you were using? Do you see any improvement in your coral?

LL

[spleen93]

Ouch, the lineatus?? that sucks ... (wincing)

[DanW]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15648642#post15648642 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
[B]:sad1: Found my big male lineatus somehow slipped through the netting and was lying on top of it this morning. He was tip to tip at 5". RIP, big fella! Damn Kenny that sucks, sorry to hear about your loss. Are you using the 1/4" netting?

[aquariumclown]

Kenny,

Had fun hanging out with you today, did you sell your fishies, hehe?

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15653052#post15653052 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lightsluvr
This picture brought tears to my eyes... I can only imagine how you were feeling...

Did you reduce amount of carbon you were using? Do you see any improvement in your coral?

LL

Yeah, I am kinda numb at this point but still trying hard to figure out a cure. I haven't taken any carbon out b/c the stuff currently in the bags are somewhat old. I just won't replace as much or any at all once I take them out. I'll still need the stuff at the skimmer output to clean up the ozone though.

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15656209#post15656209 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by spleen93
Ouch, the lineatus?? that sucks ... (wincing)

Yep, it'll be tough trying to replace him. Hopefully I can find another as beautiful.

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15656230#post15656230 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DanW
Damn Kenny that sucks, sorry to hear about your loss. Are you using the 1/4" netting?

Yeah, I still have the netting but it somehow slipped through between the netting and one of the center bracing. BTW, thanks for the cool chalice. I like it :)

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15660773#post15660773 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aquariumclown
Kenny,

Had fun hanging out with you today, did you sell your fishies, hehe?

It was totally fun. Thanks for helping to promote the AFC - Angler Fight Club!!! :lol:

They are happily back in their home. Looks like I'll keep them around. Just too much fun to give up. I think I am going to make them a part of swaps from now on. I'll make a custom acrylic fight ring so they'll have more room to roam around and chase their prey in. We'll have schedule bouts throughout the day and maybe take some bets :eek2:

[bullitr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15666663#post15666663 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
Yep, it'll be tough trying to replace him. Hopefully I can find another as beautiful.
a local reefer name discotu have a very very nice one for sell.he is breaking down his tank

[aquariumclown]

I think i set up a small tank with cephalopod (like a sepia officinalis)and maybe a mantis. We'll have ourselves quite a show.

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15666916#post15666916 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bullitr
a local reefer name discotu have a very very nice one for sell.he is breaking down his tank

Thanks for the heads up. I'll hold off for a bit on finding another, unless I just happen to come across a nice specimen that I couldn't pass up. Currently in the process of looking to add a few other different fish that are a bit higher on the priority list :)

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15666917#post15666917 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aquariumclown
I think i set up a small tank with cephalopod (like a sepia officinalis)and maybe a mantis. We'll have ourselves quite a show.

LOL........that would be awesome. We can have "showings" every hour on the hour alternating between our freak shows :lol2:

[pookstreet]

Well, the bad news bears are back. Another large colony is almost half gone and I had to pull it out. Another one has a dead branch so I'll keep a close eye on it. If it gets bigger, it'll go also, which is almost a certainty :(

[mpoletti]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15669805#post15669805 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
Well, the bad news bears are back. Another large colony is almost half gone and I had to pull it out. Another one has a dead branch so I'll keep a close eye on it. If it gets bigger, it'll go also, which is almost a certainty :(

:(

Kenny, I know its not really a crap shoot and there in no real evidence, but have you done any research into pathogens. I know kip had similar problems awhile back and his tank never recovered. I have also always wondered about pathogens from newer collection areas.

[pookstreet]

Mark, I've long ago suspected it's a pathogen of some sort, just no real way to prove it. Not holding out much hope that any of my Acros will survive this ordeal when this "thing" runs it's course. Right now, I am just trying to enjoy what's left and snap pix of the ones that still look good and healthy. That memory will live on.

[pookstreet]

Shots of the colony that was taken out yesterday.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/300G/IMG_6460.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/300G/IMG_6462.jpg

[pookstreet]

Here is the other one with a dead branch. It has spread a bit onto another branch that was touching it this morning.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/300G/IMG_6466.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/300G/IMG_6470.jpg

[pookstreet]

This one still looks healthy and has good colors. It might be the last hold out based on it's current condition.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/300G/IMG_6495.jpg

[aquariumclown]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15673974#post15673974 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
Mark, I've long ago suspected it's a pathogen of some sort, just no real way to prove it. Not holding out much hope that any of my Acros will survive this ordeal when this "thing" runs it's course. Right now, I am just trying to enjoy what's left and snap pix of the ones that still look good and healthy. That memory will live on.

Kenny, if it's pathogen of sort, logically I would think you could cut out healthy parts of the corals off and house them in a totally different system to see if they survives. If non of them survive then perhaps they infected within the corals. But without trying that we would never know if it's your system or something within the corals themselves.

Just thinking out loud, perhaps you've tried this already.

[pookstreet]

I did set up that other small tank and it has a 250 halide........but it's currently at 67 though......

[DanW]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15674628#post15674628 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
Shots of the colony that was taken out yesterday...
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15674637#post15674637 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
Here is the other one with a dead branch. It has spread a bit onto another branch that was touching it this morning... :sad1: I wish there was something I could do to help.

[pookstreet]

Thanks Dan. Me too. I am just waiting for the inevitable.

[Dejavu]

Sorry about your losses Kenny. Before I moved I was dealing with a similar issue. I think tranfer a few frag to another tank might help.

[pookstreet]

Brian, I am seriously considering moving a couple of pieces over to another tank that was just set up. Unfortunately, it's just a 16 gallon nano so it won't hold much. I set it up mainly for new fish acclimation.

[aquariumclown]

Kenny, that's a good idea, you should do it. Even though it's just a 16, you can keep smaller frags to see what happens.

[pookstreet]

I think I'll move a small colony over to see how it does. I do have a 250 on it so it has plenty of light :D I guess I'll just have to change the water more often to keep the water quality up. I wonder what the fish in there currently will think. Someone is moving into it's crib.

[Dejavu]

You really hhave nothing to lose by moving them. If it works it might buy you some time to find the problem. When I was dealing with a similar situation it seem to help, but I waited to long and most where lost.

[pookstreet]

Yeah, I'll do it as soon as it's ready. It's at 66/67 right now and will take a couple of days to bring it up to the same temp as the 300, which is at 74/75.

[aquariumclown]

Kenny, why does it take a couple of days to bring temp up from 67 to 75 on a 16gal tank?

Or are you acclimating slowly w/ whatever you got in there...

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15681257#post15681257 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aquariumclown
Or are you acclimating slowly w/ whatever you got in there...

:D

[DanW]

Spill the beans or I'm getting in my car and driving up!:mad: (I'll bring cold Bass though:) )

[Dejavu]

I wonder if it's a nipper?

[pookstreet]

Now y'all need to be patient. When the time is right, I'll be sure to post some pix. Although a handful of ice cold Bass could do the trick sooner :D

The only thing I can say is that it's potentially a nipper, although I hope it would be at a minimum. Even if it is, oh well.

[aquariumclown]

I don't even know how to keep a tank at 67F. you put it in a fridge or something?

[pookstreet]

I have a 1/4 horse chiller on the 16G :D The garage is sometimes cooler than the house :rolleye1:

[Ian]

Can I guess? :D

[pookstreet]

Everyone is welcomed to take a guess but my lips are sealed until the time is right :)

[pookstreet]

Took these two shots a few days ago before the last large colony came out. You can gauge it's overall size somewhat based on everything else. It's the one towards the front and left of center of tank, right above the red Favites on the sand that looks like a big boob :D

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/300G/IMG_6482.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/300G/IMG_6478.jpg

[mpoletti]

Its very unfortuante what you are going through Kenny. The PBT looks fat and healthy. Good luck in your new addition(s).

[pookstreet]

Yeah, it does suck. I feel so helpless. Just glad the fish are doing well, except the one that jumped.

[Rickyrooz1]

Looking good

[aquariumclown]

Kenny, sorry about your acro troubles, hope it starts to turn for the better soon. But on the positive side everything else there do look really great. I'm envious of your fish collection.

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15684916#post15684916 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rickyrooz1
Looking good

Thanks :)

[pookstreet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15684986#post15684986 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aquariumclown
Kenny, sorry about your acro troubles, hope it starts to turn for the better soon. But on the positive side everything else there do look really great. I'm envious of your fish collection.

Thanks Leo! It took a lot of patience to add all the fish I wanted. Of course, I had to learn it the hard way. Still changing stuff around but some fish are harder to catch than others.

[DanW]

Despite your acro issues your tank is still one of the most colorful I’ve seen. Here's a cold Bass for you...

http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww95/dbwong29/Bass.jpg

OK now WHAT FISH?!:lol:

[pookstreet]

Thanks Dan. I can almost taste that :beer:

[aquariumclown]

"Oh nooooo, they killed Kenny!"

[pookstreet]

You CAN'T kill Kenny!!! Back better than ever with every episode :lol:

[mpoletti]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15747826#post15747826 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pookstreet
You CAN'T kill Kenny!!! Back better than ever with every episode :lol:

Especially when he comes back with Angels :p

[szatquo]

very nice tank!

[szatquo]

I really like all the tangs

[pookstreet]

Especially when he comes back with Angels :p

Had a little set back with that one. Still trying to acquire couple of other angels. We'll see how that goes :spin1:

[pookstreet]

very nice tank!

Thanks :)

[pookstreet]

Big thanks to Leo (aquariumclown) for stopping by today and taking several of my colonies to hold for now :thumbsup: Couple of them were in pretty bad shape. Hope it makes a difference to be in a completely different system. Keeping my fingers crossed.

[Znut Reefer]

Kenny, we'll keep our fingers crossed too.

[Dave's Reef]

Dang Kenny,

I've been looking through the last few pages and I couldn't take anymore... :confused:

I really feel bad for you bro, just hope it all works out soon for ya!~ :thumbsup:

[aquariumclown]

Big thanks to Leo (aquariumclown) for stopping by today and taking several of my colonies to hold for now :thumbsup: Couple of them were in pretty bad shape. Hope it makes a difference to be in a completely different system. Keeping my fingers crossed.

No sweat Kenny. At least now I don't feel as helpless, but still want to revive these guys.

Quick question...When it was in your tank, what kind of polyp extensions were you getting day time and night time?

[mpoletti]

Good Luck Kenny and Leo. When Alicia tried the same thing with moving her corals to a friends tank, it quickly spread to his corals as well :(

[pookstreet]

Kenny, we'll keep our fingers crossed too.

Thanks Fonda! I need all the luck I can get.

[pookstreet]

Dang Kenny,

I've been looking through the last few pages and I couldn't take anymore... :confused:

I really feel bad for you bro, just hope it all works out soon for ya!~ :thumbsup:

Thanks Dave. It's tough seeing the tank every day and still keep going. Life is full of setbacks but it will all work out in the end.

[pookstreet]

No sweat Kenny. At least now I don't feel as helpless, but still want to revive these guys.

Quick question...When it was in your tank, what kind of polyp extensions were you getting day time and night time?

Leo, PE on the corals were always good, even when the RTN/STN stripped the branches down to the last polyp :eek:

[pookstreet]

Good Luck Kenny and Leo. When Alicia tried the same thing with moving her corals to a friends tank, it quickly spread to his corals as well :(

Thanks Mark. I realized the potential problem early on, that's why I've never moved the corals elsewhere until now. Luckily, Leo has an empty frag system up and he was brave enough to help me out. Even then, I was still a bit hesitant. Hopefully whatever it was can be purged from his system when it's all said and done.

[aquariumclown]

Good Luck Kenny and Leo. When Alicia tried the same thing with moving her corals to a friends tank, it quickly spread to his corals as well :(

Noooooo....I will not be denied. hehe

[mpoletti]

Thanks Mark. I realized the potential problem early on, that's why I've never moved the corals elsewhere until now. Luckily, Leo has an empty frag system up and he was brave enough to help me out. Even then, I was still a bit hesitant. Hopefully whatever it was can be purged from his system when it's all said and done.

I sure hope so. Alicia came by and picked up a list of corals to start restocking her new cube. Once things clear up, just let me know ;) I would wait two-three weeks and then go out and get some new corals and see if they have the problems. The problem with pathogens are since they are "Any disease-producing agent", we really never know what caused the initial disease or impairment to begin with.

I am definitely keeping my fingers crossed for you :thumbsup:

[pookstreet]

Noooooo....I will not be denied. hehe

I sure hope so. If that tri-color recovers, then we can have some realistic hope.

[pookstreet]

I sure hope so. Alicia came by and picked up a list of corals to start restocking her new cube. Once things clear up, just let me know ;) I would wait two-three weeks and then go out and get some new corals and see if they have the problems. The problem with pathogens are since they are "Any disease-producing agent", we really never know what caused the initial disease or impairment to begin with.

I am definitely keeping my fingers crossed for you :thumbsup:

I really appreciate the offer, Mark. It won't be so fast with my tank, unfortunately. There are still a few colonies that have grown onto large rocks that will be hard to take out. I am supposed to be receiving a shipment today that includes BioDigest and BiOptim. Let's see if dosing bacteria will help.

[aquariumclown]

Kenny, if anymore corals go south, try and save the frags, so I can see if I can bring them back to life.

[aquariumclown]

I sure hope so. Alicia came by and picked up a list of corals to start restocking her new cube. Once things clear up, just let me know ;) I would wait two-three weeks and then go out and get some new corals and see if they have the problems. The problem with pathogens are since they are "Any disease-producing agent", we really never know what caused the initial disease or impairment to begin with.

I am definitely keeping my fingers crossed for you :thumbsup:

Hey Mark, do you happen to have any online articles or references to informations about these kinds of pathogens?

[pookstreet]

Kenny, if anymore corals go south, try and save the frags, so I can see if I can bring them back to life.

Well, like I showed you in the other tank, those 3 Acros are doing fine, so I have high hopes of them surviving in a different system. Now I just hope this attempt at dosing bacteria will have some positive effect on the 300 for those colonies that are hard to get out.

[mpoletti]

Hey Mark, do you happen to have any online articles or references to informations about these kinds of pathogens?

That is the problem with pathogens, they are so broad and since we do not have the means to test everything, we are shooting in the wind for diagnosis. There are supposed to be a couple new books out speaking on them, but I've heard they were pricey and I have not had the chance to read them. I have read some online articles, but unfortunate I do not have them saved as I lost them when I was tranferring over to my current laptop :(

[pookstreet]

Leo, here is the article that someone posted on another thread that I had started.

http://www.reefs.org/library/talklog/c_bingman_040697.html

[aquariumclown]

Thanks Kenny, reading now.

BTW, just wondering, have you ever tried to dip these corals when it started receding or even prior?

[pookstreet]

I've dipped in Revive, Melafix, and treated the tank with interceptor. None of those seemed to have mattered.

[DanW]

Way to step up Leo...mad props. Hope this works out and still holding out hope that this will turn around.

[pookstreet]

Thanks for the link, Brian! Looks like I'll have to bug Ali too :D

[pookstreet]

Way to step up Leo...mad props. Hope this works out and still holding out hope that this will turn around.

Me too.........me too........


Now I have to figure out how to dose BioDigest/Bioptim :spin2:

The labels say 1 vial of BioDigest for 1000 liters and 1 vial of Bioptim for 200 liters. So does that mean I have to dose 5 vials of Bioptim to 1 vial of BioDigest? I should have looked at it more closely b/c I would have bought more of the Bioptim :mad2:

[mpoletti]

I "think" you should up the biodigest for the first week (3-4 vials) Then the second week, you dose the bioptim. I alternate weeks in my dosing schedule.

[aquariumclown]

Me too.........me too........


Now I have to figure out how to dose BioDigest/Bioptim :spin2:

The labels say 1 vial of BioDigest for 1000 liters and 1 vial of Bioptim for 200 liters. So does that mean I have to dose 5 vials of Bioptim to 1 vial of BioDigest? I should have looked at it more closely b/c I would have bought more of the Bioptim :mad2:

Unfortunately yes, you need more Bioptim. The first month of dosing is the most important, you need a lot of it to kick start the system, after that you can usually reduce the dosage in 1/2

[aquariumclown]

I've dipped in Revive, Melafix, and treated the tank with interceptor. None of those seemed to have mattered.

Ok, I figured you did but it's good to know!

[aquariumclown]

Leo, here is the article that someone posted on another thread that I had started.

http://www.reefs.org/library/talklog/c_bingman_040697.html

Good article, that's some crazy stuff!

[aquariumclown]

Way to step up Leo...mad props. Hope this works out and still holding out hope that this will turn around.

With all the support here, we hope the turn around is near.

[pookstreet]

I was going to to do 2 vials of the BioDigest since each treats ~250 gallons. So I should do 4 the first week? Do I need to do 20 vials of Bioptim the second week??? :eek2: And I thought I got plenty when I bought 30 vials each :crazy1:

[mpoletti]

Kenny. I only do 3 vials of bioptim when I dose (approx 200 water gallons; 240 gallons of water minus the rock volume).

[mpoletti]

Good article, that's some crazy stuff!


If you really want some crazy over the head stuff, you should try to read the scientific journal articles :fun5:

[pookstreet]

Kenny. I only do 3 vials of bioptim when I dose (approx 200 water gallons; 240 gallons of water minus the rock volume).

Now I am all confused :spin2:

Let's just say I have approx. 350 gallon water volume, not including the rocks, what should my dosage be? Or at least what you would do :)

week 1 - ???
week 2 - ???
week 3 - ???
week 4 - ???

And I assume weeks 5/6 will be similar to 3/4, so on and so forth......

[aquariumclown]

I was going to to do 2 vials of the BioDigest since each treats ~250 gallons. So I should do 4 the first week? Do I need to do 20 vials of Bioptim the second week??? :eek2: And I thought I got plenty when I bought 30 vials each :crazy1:

No I think you misunderstood me. Dose what the instructions say for the first month at least, then after that you can reduce once the bacteria has established in your tank.

[mpoletti]

You alternate weeks

Week 1- Biodigest
Week 2- Bioptim
Week 3- Biodigest
Week 4- Bioptim

I would do start with 4-5 vials or biodigest the first week, 4-5 vials of bioptim the 2nd week. 4-5 vials of biodigest the 3rd week, 4-5 vials of bioptim the 4th week and then lower the biodigest to 1-2 vials from here on out.

[pookstreet]

So the dosing schedule would look like this:

Week 1 - Biodigest 4-5 vials
Week 2 - Bioptim 4-5 vials
Week 3 - Biodigest 4-5 vials
Week 4 - Bioptim 4-5 vials
Week 5 - Biodigest 1-2 vials
Week 6 - Bioptim 1-2 vials
Week 7 - Same as week 5
Week 8 - Same as week 6
Repeat weeks 5/6

[mpoletti]

So the dosing schedule would look like this:

Week 1 - Biodigest 4-5 vials
Week 2 - Bioptim 4-5 vials
Week 3 - Biodigest 4-5 vials
Week 4 - Bioptim 4-5 vials
Week 5 - Biodigest 1-2 vials
Week 6 - Bioptim 1-2 vials
Week 7 - Same as week 5
Week 8 - Same as week 6
Repeat weeks 5/6

I have never half dosed the bioptim; I only lessened the biodigest :strange:

[pookstreet]

Alright, let's try this again. Mark's proposed dosing schedule :)

Week 1 - Biodigest 4-5 vials
Week 2 - Bioptim 4-5 vials
Week 3 - Biodigest 4-5 vials
Week 4 - Bioptim 4-5 vials
Week 5 - Biodigest 1-2 vials
Week 6 - Bioptim 4-5 vials
Week 7 - Same as week 5
Week 8 - Same as week 6
Repeat weeks 5/6 until I am broke...........

[mpoletti]

That looks about right. Depending on your rock, I would say 4 vials would be fine week 6 and on. You should contact Greg as many of the dosing schedules out there revolve around Greg's initial experiences and a few of the emails from the guys at prodibio in France.

[pookstreet]

I forgot that Greg doses Prodibio. I'll call him before starting anything. Thanks!

[pookstreet]

I just noticed that the reading on the pH monitor for the Ca reactor is 6.66 :hmm4:

[Dejavu]

Kenny,

Here's a great thread on dosing prodibio. Project Reef laid out a nice dosing schedule. I used it when I was starting up and still refer back to it every once in a while.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1352650&perpage=25&pagenumber=11

[pookstreet]

Thanks for the link, Brian! Looks like I'll have to give Ali a ring too :)

[pookstreet]

Look what Mr. UPS brought me yesterday, a new toy :lol:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/300G/IMG_6676.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/300G/IMG_6677.jpg

[mpoletti]

Very nice Kenny. I really like mine :)

[pookstreet]

Now I just need to find the time to replumb everything. It shouldn't be too bad since it's just a Y split into 2 straight returns. I've taken out the WavySea to simplify everything. The real trick is trying to get to that darn Dart hiding behind the sump.

[pookstreet]

Here is the current tank as of last night. It looks so empty without all the colored sticks. What a difference 9 short months can make :(

9/30/09
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/300G/IMG_6675.jpg

9/7/09
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/300G/IMG_6482.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/300G/IMG_6478.jpg

3/4/09
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/300G/IMG_3981.jpg

1/5/09
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/300G/IMG_2609.jpg

9/26/08
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/pookstreet/300G/IMG_1329.jpg

[aquariumclown]

Nice shots Kenny! Tank still looks great w/o acros. But would be nice to restore the sticks to fill the upper part of the tank.

[mpoletti]

What I find so interesting is how we can never het the tank to look the same from month to month.

Nice stuff Kenny. The PBT looks awesome :eek1:

[pookstreet]

Nice shots Kenny! Tank still looks great w/o acros. But would be nice to restore the sticks to fill the upper part of the tank.

Thanks Leo, you are too kind. I personally think it sucks without the sticks.

[pookstreet]

What I find so interesting is how we can never het the tank to look the same from month to month.

Nice stuff Kenny. The PBT looks awesome :eek1:

Well, the hope is that the tank does change with time, but in a good way as in growth and better colors, not the other way around, where the corals are disappearing :crazy1:

[Lightsluvr]

Following along for the comeback, which I know you will have...

LL

[pookstreet]

Following along for the comeback, which I know you will have...

LL

Thanks LL! I appreciate the confidence. I also am hopeful that the problem will resolve one day soon.

[DanW]

Man even with the reduction in sticks your tank still has great color. Think of it as a semi-blank canvas that you now have a chance to re-do.:artist:

[pookstreet]

I appreciate the uplifting words, Dan :) It's just tough looking at the tank now knowing what it looked like before, that's all.

[pookstreet]

Alright, so I found out something interesting today. I was testing phosphate levels with the Hanna meter so I thought I would do a couple of extra tests. Besides the tank water, I also tested my RODI and mixed salt water. The RODI read 0.01 and the mixed salt water read 0.02 :eek: Has anyone else tested their source water for phosphates and what have you found?

[mpoletti]

Thats not bad Kenny, I've tested mine up to .05 sometimes :eek: And that was a week after replacing all my filters :(

[aquariumclown]

I've tested my rodi for po4. It was 0.00

[pookstreet]

Thats not bad Kenny, I've tested mine up to .05 sometimes :eek: And that was a week after replacing all my filters :(

Now how are we supposed to keep the phosphate level down if the source water is high???

[pookstreet]

I've tested my rodi for po4. It was 0.00

Have you tested your mixed water or whatever you use?

[mpoletti]

My mix up water is usually .02-.03 depending on how long it sits in the brute rubbermaid cans. I swear they leach something as the longer I leave my mix up water in there, the high it goes. I only leave it in there for 24-36 hours at most. That reminds me, I have another 70 gallons I need to go change today. This syphoning out the sand is getting old :(

[DanW]

Interesting, I'm doing a WC this weekend and I'll to test for PO4 and let you know my results.

[pookstreet]

My mix up water is usually .02-.03 depending on how long it sits in the brute rubbermaid cans. I swear they leach something as the longer I leave my mix up water in there, the high it goes. I only leave it in there for 24-36 hours at most. That reminds me, I have another 70 gallons I need to go change today. This syphoning out the sand is getting old :(

I use one of those 55 gallon food grade drums and keep the water in there for up to 2 weeks. Hope they are not leaching anything into the water.

[pookstreet]

Interesting, I'm doing a WC this weekend and I'll to test for PO4 and let you know my results.

Dan, check both the RODI and the mixed water to compare.

Also, what do you use for Mg supplement?

[DanW]

Dan, check both the RODI and the mixed water to compare.

Also, what do you use for Mg supplement? Will do. I got some BRS stuff that I mix. When I first started the tank my Mg was real low and as you know it is a PITA to raise so I made a bulk purchase. If you can hold out until Reefapalooza I'll bring you a gallon.

[aquariumclown]

Have you tested your mixed water or whatever you use?

I did, there was a slight detection of po4. My salifert kit showed a very slight tint of blue. So I'm assuming it's below .001.

Just fyi, I also checked my test kit against a Hanna light meter, results were nearly the same.

I think your suppose to use GFO to reduce po4 either before or after you change water.

[pookstreet]

Thanks Dan! I am not actually looking for a Mg supp. Just curious as to what you use to see if we have a common cause for our Acro problems. After thinking about it long and hard, another possible scenario I've come up with is the on and off dosing of Mag Flake that I've been doing for a while now. I've never dosed it regularly. Usually I would use it for a few weeks and lay off for another few. Thinking back, my Acros would die in waves also. There is no record of when the Mag Flake dosing and Acro death occur so I can really connect the two. My last round of casualties coincided with the resumption of Mag Flake dosing so I've stopped it all together about 2 weeks ago. Another couple of months would tell me if that was it or not.

[pookstreet]

I did, there was a slight detection of po4. My salifert kit showed a very slight tint of blue. So I'm assuming it's below .001.

Just fyi, I also checked my test kit against a Hanna light meter, results were nearly the same.

I think your suppose to use GFO to reduce po4 either before or after you change water.

So it sounds like the salts are possibly introducing phosphates into our tanks :mad2:

[aquariumclown]

If you ask all salt manufacturers, they will admit that all salts contains small amounts of po4. I've seen group tests that also show the same. Not only are there po4, there are also silicates that are present in the salts. Which why I figure your suppose to use gfo to filter both out.

[racerw]

Thanks Dan! I am not actually looking for a Mg supp. Just curious as to what you use to see if we have a common cause for our Acro problems. After thinking about it long and hard, another possible scenario I've come up with is the on and off dosing of Mag Flake that I've been doing for a while now. I've never dosed it regularly. Usually I would use it for a few weeks and lay off for another few. Thinking back, my Acros would die in waves also. There is no record of when the Mag Flake dosing and Acro death occur so I can really connect the two. My last round of casualties coincided with the resumption of Mag Flake dosing so I've stopped it all together about 2 weeks ago. Another couple of months would tell me if that was it or not.

Interesting Kenny-
We as well used Mag Flake (for the first time) around the same time we started having acro issues. We also had a sump issue which may have caused an itty bitty cycle.
Since I could not say for sure what caused the acros to STN I never mentioned it. Every time Ed says he wants to dose Mg I make sure he is not using the flake!!!

[DanW]

Ah, that's right I remember seeing the Mag Flake at your house now that you mention it.

[aquariumclown]

I use the BRS magnesium sulfate and magnesium chloride mixed per their instructions. I've figured out that I just dose once a month right after I change my water. But I only change 10 gallon a month on my 150gal tank.

[pookstreet]

If you ask all salt manufacturers, they will admit that all salts contains small amounts of po4. I've seen group tests that also show the same. Not only are there po4, there are also silicates that are present in the salts. Which why I figure your suppose to use gfo to filter both out.

I guess it's logical to expect some level of phosphates in salts since the oceans have been so polluted.

[pookstreet]

Interesting Kenny-
We as well used Mag Flake (for the first time) around the same time we started having acro issues. We also had a sump issue which may have caused an itty bitty cycle.
Since I could not say for sure what caused the acros to STN I never mentioned it. Every time Ed says he wants to dose Mg I make sure he is not using the flake!!!

Stacie, this just a guess on my part at this point. I actually started using Mag Flake for a while before the Acros issues started cropping up. My guess is that whatever impurity/impurities that were present built up to a certain threshold level where it finally adversely affected the Acros. We'll see if my theory is correct in a couple more months.

[aquariumclown]

BTW, when I tested for po4 with the mixed salt water, I was using DD salt, just for reference. Seems the po4 is pretty low on that salt if I'm detecting very little, much less than .02 anyway.

What salt did you use to test Kenny?

[pookstreet]

I use the BRS magnesium sulfate and magnesium chloride mixed per their instructions. I've figured out that I just dose once a month right after I change my water. But I only change 10 gallon a month on my 150gal tank.

I think I might just stay with Warner Marine or try the Blue Life stuff since they are easier to use. Don't want to have to mix more stuff in my garage. One day, I may blow something up :lol:

[pookstreet]

BTW, when I tested for po4 with the mixed salt water, I was using DD salt, just for reference. Seems the po4 is pretty low on that salt if I'm detecting very little, much less than .02 anyway.

What salt did you use to test Kenny?

I've always used a mixture of salts. The staple has always been Tropic Marin and I've added DD a couple months back. They make up 70-80% of the salt used in about equal parts. The remainder could be IO, RC, Reefers Best, SeaChem, or others.

[aquariumclown]

I think I might just stay with Warner Marine or try the Blue Life stuff since they are easier to use. Don't want to have to mix more stuff in my garage. One day, I may blow something up :lol:

That's true. And actually that's the downside of 2 part dosing as opposed to ca reactor, too much mixing. However for mg, 1 gallon lasts a loooooong time.

[aquariumclown]

I've always used a mixture of salts. The staple has always been Tropic Marin and I've added DD a couple months back. They make up 70-80% of the salt used in about equal parts. The remainder could be IO, RC, Reefers Best, SeaChem, or others.

Oh, another thing, I always clean my tub that i use to mix water in after every use. There's always some sort of gunk after mixing, maybe that contributes to some po4 if left uncleaned?

[pookstreet]

That's true. And actually that's the downside of 2 part dosing as opposed to ca reactor, too much mixing. However for mg, 1 gallon lasts a loooooong time.

LOL........1 gallon doesn't last very long for me :(

[aquariumclown]

Well, it's a 6 to 1 ratio to the alk/cal. How much are you using? :lol:

[aquariumclown]

You're not drinking the mg are you?

[DanW]

I think I might just stay with Warner Marine or try the Blue Life stuff since they are easier to use. Don't want to have to mix more stuff in my garage. One day, I may blow something up :lol::blown: Hey they just killed Kenny! I used to use the WM stuff but you have to pour in a whole bottle just to raise it 50 points.

[pookstreet]

You're not drinking the mg are you?

I don't like it personally but my kids seems to prefer that to apple or orange juices :D

[pookstreet]

:blown: Hey they just killed Kenny! I used to use the WM stuff but you have to pour in a whole bottle just to raise it 50 points.

Yeah, that's why I am thinking of switching to Blue Life. I've been told that it's much more concentrated. There is a test bottle coming soon :)

[DanW]

Not to get off subject but have you tired the Blue Life Phosphate control?

[mpoletti]

FWIW, I have been using mag flake from day one in my tank.

[pookstreet]

Not to get off subject but have you tired the Blue Life Phosphate control?

Yes, I've used it before but totally forgot about it until yesterday. Dosed 50 drops and chopped my PO4 level in half :D I'll dose again tomorrow but not as much.

[pookstreet]

FWIW, I have been using mag flake from day one in my tank.

Then I wonder if I got a bad batch. I am sure there are different manufacturers for these things. Or is it only made by one company? Mark, you want to use some of mine to test out my theory??? :hammer:

[mpoletti]

Then I wonder if I got a bad batch. I am sure there are different manufacturers for these things. Or is it only made by one company? Mark, you want to use some of mine to test out my theory??? :hammer:

Sure, I get mine at sierra chemical in bulk. Its Chlori Mag produced by North American Salt company.

[pookstreet]

I have no idea where mine came from. It's been so long since I bought it and it's all in 5 gallon buckets now. Anyways, I'll stop using it for a while so I can eliminate it as the culprit or not.

[DanW]

Dan, check both the RODI and the mixed water to compare.Checked the RODI before mixing and I got 0 TDS with 0.02 PO4. Mixed 20 gallons of TMP last night and tested this morning.

35 PPT (refractometer)
Mg 1450 (ELOS)
Alk 9 dKH (API)
CA 455 (Salifert)
NO3 0 (ELOS)
PO4 0.05 (Hanna) :eek1:

And I always assumed that I was removing PO4 when I did a water change. Gonna buy some Blue Life.

[mpoletti]

I tested mine yesterday and mine was at 0 tds and my mix up water was .04. That was my usual mix of salts.

This was one of the reasons I started to go longer and longer between water changes. I thought that I was just replacing my old po4 with new levels of po4 and the tank would not matter. Unfortuanately, I am still playing catch up as a few of my smooth bodies acros just did not like the fact that I was experimenting. I lost a simplex, elegans and a couple turakis over that time :(

[NexDog]

Just caught up the last few months of this thread. Painful stuff. Still no idea what caused it? I don't think pathogen but definitely something went wrong with the water. Maybe just one small incident back in August stressed the corals and they just didn't recover? Like a temp swing, PH swing, chemical imbalance etc. Would be nice to know for sure.

[Dejavu]

Alright, so I found out something interesting today. I was testing phosphate levels with the Hanna meter so I thought I would do a couple of extra tests. Besides the tank water, I also tested my RODI and mixed salt water. The RODI read 0.01 and the mixed salt water read 0.02 :eek: Has anyone else tested their source water for phosphates and what have you found?

I tested my RO/DI water and it been 0. With that said there is a error range of .04+/- for each hanna. What I have found is that if you test the same water 3 time one of the result is sometimes high. There might also have been some trace left over water in the cuvete. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[29reef]

.04 parts per million? Seems to me thats a very low margin of error. Anyone ever taken their hanna on vacation to the GBR or any other reef and tested it? :D

[Goodwin9]

.04 parts per million? Seems to me thats a very low margin of error. Anyone ever taken their hanna on vacation to the GBR or any other reef and tested it? :D
Specifications from Hanna;

Range 0.00 to 2.50 mg/L
Resolution 0.01 mg/L
Accuracy ±0.04 mg/L ±4% of reading
Light Source LED 890 nm
Light Life Life of the instrument
Light Detection Silicon Photocell
Battery Type / Life 1 x 9V / approx. 40 hours of continuous use;
auto-off after 10 minutes of non use
Environment 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F); RH max 95% non-condensing
Dimensions 180 x 83 x 46 mm (7.1 x 3.3 x 1.8")
Weight 290 g (10 oz.)
Method Adaptation of the ascorbic acid method;
The reaction between phospate
and the reagent causes a blue tint in the sample

[pookstreet]

I tested mine yesterday and mine was at 0 tds and my mix up water was .04. That was my usual mix of salts.

This was one of the reasons I started to go longer and longer between water changes. I thought that I was just replacing my old po4 with new levels of po4 and the tank would not matter. Unfortuanately, I am still playing catch up as a few of my smooth bodies acros just did not like the fact that I was experimenting. I lost a simplex, elegans and a couple turakis over that time :(

Mark, I know that the freshly mixed saltwater can have different PO4 readings with every batch since I've checked it before. It's still worth doing water changes just to dilute whatever bad stuff that have built up since the last water change and also to replenish some of the minor stuff that we don't dose. I used to be a a proponent of waiting a long while between water changes. However, with my current tank situation, I can't afford that. Maybe once my tank stabilizes again, I'll go back to that older regiment but probably not as long as it used to be.

[pookstreet]

Just caught up the last few months of this thread. Painful stuff. Still no idea what caused it? I don't think pathogen but definitely something went wrong with the water. Maybe just one small incident back in August stressed the corals and they just didn't recover? Like a temp swing, PH swing, chemical imbalance etc. Would be nice to know for sure.

Still clueless as ever. I guess the noob factor never goes away :hammer:

I am not so sure it's due to temp or pH swings as the corals don't all die at once or seem to be affected the entire time. There were periods of nothing and then a few would just go. Also, the temp swing is only about a degree or two at most during this entire time. Could be a chemical imbalance but that's a tough one to nail down.

[pookstreet]

I tested my RO/DI water and it been 0. With that said there is a error range of .04+/- for each hanna. What I have found is that if you test the same water 3 time one of the result is sometimes high. There might also have been some trace left over water in the cuvete. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Yeah, I am not so much worried but more like "what the heck?" It's a catch-22 with naturally occurring PO4 in our source water. Oh well, you can't win them all. It just seems that I've losing a LOT this past year :mad2:

[pookstreet]

.04 parts per million? Seems to me thats a very low margin of error. Anyone ever taken their hanna on vacation to the GBR or any other reef and tested it? :D

It's not that low when you consider it's equivalent to a 4% margin of error, which is pretty average. We all pretty much use the same salt mixes so the only difference would be the source water.