400 gallon project

[untamed]

Here's an update on my phytoplankton efforts. I think I'm having more success now. This is an example of what I'm currently brewing. This batch has been going for 2 weeks now and still has a rich, green colour. (not the yellow-green that I was getting before).

Although I've played with the recipe, I think the improvement is because of:
1) Daily shaking to prevent anything from settling on the bottom.
2) 2nd and 3rd time using the same bottles. It's possible that the bottles weren't absolutely clean the first time I used them, but now they are behaving better.

I've manipulated the amount of fertilizer in the mix, but get very similar results no matter what I do.

[Delphinus]

Aw dude you have no idea how jealous I am right now. Blue throat trigger flanked by those cool gorgs; awesome picture.

[untamed]

OK...requests have been made for an updated "full tank view". All these close-ups make it hard to see the big picture.

Here's a room view...


Here's a shot that is a bit closer, but not too close.


Here's a shot of the left side, front view. You can see that I haven't cleaned the left side of the aquarium in a few days.


Here's a shot of the right side, front view.


If you look closely, you'll see that I'm starting to have a bit of a cyano problem. I'm trying not to panic about that. It is a new tank, so it is likely to go through that "phase". I just have to monitor it to ensure that it doesn't get so bad that it smothers the life out of anything. I am running some phosphate media, maybe I'll add some more or refresh the stuff that is in there.

[Skimmerking]

The tank looks really good IMO I think that it looks more natural then anything.



well done

[Delphinus]

Man alive, look at those gorgs ... I hate you .. oops I mean .. wow, awesome. (Just kidding. I really am quite envious though. Awesome awesome awesome. )

[untamed]

Originally Posted by Delphinus

Man alive, look at those gorgs ... I hate you .. oops I mean .. wow, awesome. (Just kidding. I really am quite envious though. Awesome awesome awesome. )

I use photos to monitor the progress of those gorgs. The large ones..and the golden brown ones are laying down additional body and filling in where they were damaged...so they are going to thrive.

I've not been able to be yet certain if the purple/white gorgs are growing or receeding. I'm sure they don't have xooanthellae, so they are dependent on my feeding. I have some finely powdered sea fan food and I target feed when possible. Jury is out on those ones. Their polyps respond to food, but I can't tell if they are ingesting anything I'm giving.

Meanwhile, the blue throat trigger is fast becoming a VERY friendly fish. I would describe it's behaviour as "begging". The moment anyone is around, he/she swims over and gives you the puppy eyes.

[lastlight]

I second what Asmodeus said.

Truly a very natural looking reef so far. That blue-throat is a an amazing fish as well!

How are you cleaning the acrylic?

Brett