Been a while: Update on my 40Br Sumpless Reef
by
, 02-02-2013 at 08:03 AM (1714 Views)
Watch it in HD!
So to add to the video update, some verbal updates:
- The hood is pretty and all (To me) but it is a pain to remove and put back on. I don't plan on getting a new one anytime soon, especially since everything fits so nicely in there: The pendant, feeder, filtration is well hidden, etc.
- I've started testing more often just to know where my params are at, out of curiosity. Cal seems to hover high at 480+ (Shocker to me), while Alk is stabilized at about 10.
- I am now using the Aerofuge to it's full capacity... all rock rubble and skimmer. It works like a champ, I love it. I have no lighting on it anymore, instead just using the extra Apex outlet for the moonlight LEDs.
- I am using a HOB filter with surface skimmer. I am mainly using it for the mechanical filtration and carbon function. I don't need much, and this filter does both well for my small tank. I have noticed improved health and slightly better water quality and clarity. I am using 1/4th cup of Black Diamond carbon.
- I am feeding once a day (A generous portion) and once a week I 2nd feed using freeze-dried Cyclop-Eez and Mysis shrimp.
- I now do a five gallon water-change once every two weeks.
- I don't plan on adding any coral, to stick with the idea of fewer but larger colonies.
- I do plan on taking a chance with a new fish, though I am not sure which one. I have an eight gallon Biocube for Quarantine, just to be extra careful. I am thinking a dwarf angel of some kind, but am worried about my overly aggressive Sixeline Wrasse. I'll do all that I can to placate that mean ol' fish into not hurting the new-comer.
- The machinery (Vortechs, filters, ATO, etc) have all been running smoothly minus one: The halide bulb that I stupidly broke (More next)
- The Halide: So I went from a Phoenix to Ushio's 20K bulb. While I liked the new bulb, I am kinda glad I accidently broke it, and used my back up bulb, the phoenix 14K. I didn't realized how much I love this bulb! So I bought a new one, for when this current one (Only used for three months) needs to be replaced.
- Scraping the walls is becoming more of a pain, the coral growth, while being a positive thing, is making it harder to keep the "clean" look. Oh well, not like my OCD is going to let me off the hook!