Enigma's 12 Gallon Reef (AIO)

[b16a2]

Enigma,

Great progress! Very ecouraging to see another AIO setup as I am a big fan of them aswell.
Curious though, how do you plan on having your filter chambers set up. I believe you have 3 in the back correct? Will you be running carbon? Skimmer?

Please continue to post pictures!

[Enigma]

Ammonia: 0
Nitrites: 5+
Natrates: 25 +

(I am adding a brine shrimp cube a day and dosing with bacteria)

I'm thinking a water change is in order, here. The last thing I want to do is crash the cycle again, and I'm really worried about the nitrites. My test only goes up to 5.

Originally Posted by b16a2

Enigma,

Great progress! Very ecouraging to see another AIO setup as I am a big fan of them aswell.
Curious though, how do you plan on having your filter chambers set up. I believe you have 3 in the back correct? Will you be running carbon? Skimmer?

Please continue to post pictures!

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the back yet. There are three chambers, but it is presently stock with a bag of Purigen stuffed in there (as of yesterday). My new pump arrived yesterday (Maxi-Jet 900) but I haven't installed it yet. I plan to get that done tonight.

It still looks pretty much the same and is cycling away. There are two live rocks in there for the time being (transfers from my 10 gallon). When something changes I'll add photos.

[b16a2]

Thumbs up for Maxi Jet upgrade! Probably the single best modification on these tanks.
If you get restless one day, another amazing mod is to remove the back plastic on the back of the center chamber and place a light on it. Then stuff your favorite macro back there. The center chamber has enough room and great flow to completely blow up your cheato or other macro. I had great results and it nulled my need for carbon.

[Enigma]

*doing happy dance*

Ammonia: 0
Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: 10

I've done the pump upgrade and tossed in some Purigen.

[misty s]

silly question.... AIO means all in one?

[Enigma]

Originally Posted by misty s

silly question.... AIO means all in one?

Correct

(no, it isn't a silly question)

[Enigma]

Well . . . this tank has now completed its initial cycle. It has presented me with an extraordinary diatom bloom.

I moved one of my Mexican Turbo snails and four Nass snails out of my 10 gallon into this one last last night (acclimated for two hours, but that probably overkill as the parameters between the two tanks are very close).

Mexican Turbos are amazing snails . . . a huge dent had been put in the diatoms when I woke up this morning. My little "kissy snail" (what my little guy calls the Turbos) is in for a nice little nori treat when I get home.

The Nass hadn't cleaned up much (if any) of the brine shrimp floating around in the tank. I am just not sold on the usefulness of these guys.