Changes or Next Steps for my Reef

[blukat40]

First, I want to thank everyone for all the advice and help during my first two weeks. I never realized just how many questions one could have and how many options/answers there are to those questions.
My intentions are to have mostly corals and a few fish.

I have included a current photo of my tank w/specs to hopefully assist in getting some opinions.

36 gal Bowfront
AquaClear EX70
Aqueon CA30
Odyssea 96W (4x 24W) T5 HO
Koralia 725 and 425
Heater 200w
Self-designed/built stand
Roughly 40 lbs cured LR
Some base rock maybe 12 lbs
35 lbs live sand

I have 2 Koralia powerheads (725 and a 425) and I have struggled to get the flow how I want it at least how I think I want it. Given the fact there are no corals to work with, except for gsp, I am not certain how direct I should get flow on the rocks. Its seems that no matter how I arrange the PHs, the rock gets bashed or sand flies everywhere. From a looks standpoint, I really dont like the way the 725 takes up an entire corner so I am considering one Vortech MP10 to replace both or at least the 725. Thoughts?

Water Test as yesterday
Salinity - 1.025
ph - 8.1
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 5
Ammonia - 0
I never saw a spike in ammonia at least not yet but nitrates were much higher and is coming down. A friend gave me a LR with some GSP and it seems to be very happy at this point. I got a few hitchhikers with my LR, an Astraea Snail, Blue legged hermit crab and bristleworms. All also seem very happy based on their activity. Also, there is a small bta at least that what I think it is. The verdict is still out on this guy.

As you can see I have started getting some brownish growth in the bottom right. Diatoms maybe? In the middle of the patch, the stuff is thick and has some height or its off the sand a little.

So really unless there something really wrong with this, I am going to keep my hands out of it for a few days unless somebody gives me reason to or a new powerhead accidentally gets ordered.

Thanks everyone!!
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[gnashty]

From the way the rock looks that on the sand bed is likely a dead spot. try pointing that smaller powerhead to get a little more flow in that corner and see what happens for a couple days.....

MP10 would help alot

 

[rbredding]

first of all... sell the whole setup and put a deposit down on a new mountain bike..



It looks like you're off and running.. I probably wouldnt have put anything in the tank for a month or so (and then started with the crabs/snails at that point.).. The fact that you started with cured live rock (as long as it stayed wet/damp.) will make your cycle very short. (because there shouldn't be any die off from the rocks).

I also started with a lot of cured live rock and never really registered an ammonia spike.. but I also didn't put anything at all in my tank for at least 6 weeks..

(probably wouldnt be a bad idea to see if someone can hold your gsp for you until you're well past the cycle) - shouldnt be tough to find someone.. there are a LOT of established tanks in Kennesaw..

good to see you here, brother..

 

[thanh386]

I see water... You don't have enough coral!!!! But I think and mp10 on the back wall would do nicely. As for the dark spot pray to the reefing gods that it's not red slime, so annoying to get rid of. You might want to look into a sand sifter as well if you sand bed is a problem

 

[toeside]

The brown stuff is almost certainly diatoms. If it is holding sand together in a loose mat, it's algae, if not, it's diatoms. It will make you crazy for a while.

Your idea to leave it alone for a while is good. Just watch it and make small adjustments. I'll bet your flow is fine with what you have. And you'll have fun seeing what pops up from the LR.

You might consider bring the s.g. down a smidge, like 1.024 or 1.023. This will give you some "room" on the high side and make it a bit easier for any fish you adopt.

Looks good! Keep us posted.