Uncertain about everything (1 Viewer)

[momof7]

Calling any experienced hobbyist. I have had my tank set up for 4 months. 120 gallon tank with live rock and sand. I have some fish but no coral yet. I am looking for someone that might live near the Spring/Woodlands area that would be willing to come look at my tank setup. I am willing to pay someone. I am a visual learner and really would benefit from someone looking over how I have everything set up to make sure I am doing things right. Because I am so new to this hobby I do not want to go forward to adding more fish or coral until I know that I am doing some of the things correctly. If there is someone would be willing to do this please email me.

Thanks,

Momof7

 

[Clownfish Chris]

How are things going? If all of your fish seem happy and healthy then you are surly doing well. Do you have any pictures of the set up? I would be interested in seeing the sump, pluming, any other filtration, and circulation pumps.

The next thing to know is what are your goals? that will really dictate weather or not you are on the right track.

 

[Diesel]

Got to know some # too?
Alk, Cal, Mag, Po4, No4, temp, PH and NSW level.

 

[momof7]

Here are some pictures of my tank and sump. I do not have a skimmer yet but it is on my Christmas list, do not have great lights yet either that is why I do not have any corals yet. As far as numbers here are today's:
PH: 8.2
ALK: 9
NO3: 2
Calcium: 380
Temp: 78
Salinity: 1.024

I want to eventually add corals and more fish but I am taking things really, really slow. I want to know what I am doing before I do it.

 

[Jason]

I would say you're off to a great start. Why don't you just try a couple cheap frags and see how it goes? Your setup looks pretty good.[emoji106]

 

[Diesel]

I think you doing great.
Your tank is running 4 months and with no skimmer your tank looks nice clean.
I don't spot any algae as you must do regular water changes (WC).
Your # are looking great too but in the near future when adding corals you might want to raise your CAL over the 400 but not higher than 440.
Recommended game plan I can give you is get your skimmer and if you don't want to break the bank there are a few for sale in the Marsh Market or FJW one of our sponsors has a great selection in used skimmers, of course most of the Marsh sponsors have a great selection too.
I might have one for sale in two weeks but I'm afraid it will be to big for your sump.
Lights is a completely different topic, what kind of lights you looking into, LED's, T5, MH or a combo of them?
For now keep doing what you have been doing till you have your Skimmer running and your light setup.

 

[Clownfish Chris]

It looks like you are doing great. I have a few thoughts though:

• Your parameters look good. Calcium is a bit low for corals as I shoot for 420ppm.
• Another point is the window behind the display. These locations are usually less desirable because of the uncontrollable light that can cause Algae growth. These areas tend to be hard to keep ambient temperature stable as well.
• Because you have detectable nitrates, you should see more algae growth than what I am seeing for such a young tank. I am curious what your phosphate levels are and how much algae growth you have in your sump.
• As you pointed out, for coral you will need decent lights and want a skimmer.
• Your sump- I like your DIY ATO. I have one that is very similar. If the valve sticks open it wont cause a disaster. You probably have to fill it daily though. The baffles are single baffles that the water simply flows over into the nest chamber. This can cause micro bubbles. If you google reef sump design images you will see some great designs.

 

[Clownfish Chris]

Looks like Diesel submitted his post as I hit the reply.

 

[Diesel]

Looks like Diesel submitted his post as I hit the reply.

What's a few seconds?

 

[momof7]

Thanks everyone. I have some of the macro algae that I am trying hard to grow for better filtering but it is not going so well. I do have green slimy algae growing on the sides of the sump that I clean off daily. When you look at the tank from the front the water looks great but when you look at it from the side it is cloudy. Not sure why or what I am doing wrong. I am doing weekly water changes and cleaning out the sump every other day by washing out the blue foam in the sump as it collects a lot of junk. I know that when I get my skimmer that will help. My water is just crystal clear like in the aquarium stores so I would like to know what I am doing wrong.

 

[reeftopia]

You should have a location on your post

 

[Diesel]

Thanks everyone. I have some of the macro algae that I am trying hard to grow for better filtering but it is not going so well. I do have green slimy algae growing on the sides of the sump that I clean off daily. When you look at the tank from the front the water looks great but when you look at it from the side it is cloudy. Not sure why or what I am doing wrong. I am doing weekly water changes and cleaning out the sump every other day by washing out the blue foam in the sump as it collects a lot of junk. I know that when I get my skimmer that will help. My water is just crystal clear like in the aquarium stores so I would like to know what I am doing wrong.

It will get clear over time, skimmer will help but also a filtersock under your drain.
You can use carbon but I'm not a advocate of carbon.

 

[ReefMaster32787]

+1 Chemi-pure Elite/Carbon(not the cheap stuff) or GFO, skimmer, and a filter sock. And just something I noticed I would try to cut a 3" wide strip of the blue filter pad and clamp it over the baffle on the far right forcing all drained water through pad. Just toss it in the trash regularly less likely to release junk back into system

 

[Mark L.]

Hi momof7. I live in The Woodlands also. shoot me a pm if you like and we can exchange info. I'm on vacation until Jan. 4th so I'm sure I could swing by one day and talk reefs for a bit. Also we are having our MARSH Christmas party at my house this saturday night. I'm sure we could work something out so you can attend and see my setup. That may give you ideas about yours as well.

 

[Cody]

Mark, that's a great idea! The best way to learn in this hobby is face to face, talking shop. I live in the woodlands as well and would absolutely help you. Either way, welcome to the hobby, and don't be afraid to ask for help. You will find that our community does a good job helping each other.

 

[momof7]

Mark,

Thank you, thank you. I would love that. Also, this morning woke up to see one of my tangs has tiny white spots on him. Starting reading about different diseases, parisates and got scared. Might be ick. Not sure what type of treatment but I am going to be moving him to another tank that I have to quickly set up. Any advice?

 

[Mark L.]

momof7,

It was great meeting you last night at the party. Sorry I missed your last post here. You may have already moved him but if you haven't I would advise not moving him. Stressing the fish could make him sicker. If he isn't too bad then you may just let him stay in the tank and start feeding him some Nori sheets infused with garlic. He will most likely get better on his own if he is happy and eating well. What other fish do you have in with him? Do they show signs of ick also?