Pat's 120

[pterfloth]

Test Results
Phosphate: 0.00 ppm
Nitrate: ~2 ppm
Calcium: 410 ppm
Magnesium: 1520 ppm
Salinity: 1.025
pH: 8.3

Additives
UltraLith: 1 liter
UltraBio: 4 drops/day
UltraBak: 2ml/day
UlraMin: 2 ml/day
Cost/day: $0.98

The nitrate and phosphate levels have both dropped in the past week to near ULN levels. Both are now lower than ever acheived using vodka dosing in combination with RowaPhos.

Observations
Cyano has completely disappeared from the sand bed and live rock. Cyano was always present in the past.

Hair algae is significantly reduced, but then I also added a hungry sea hare. Areas between coral inaccessable to the sea hare also show a gradual reduction in hair algae.

Colors have become more muted since discontinuing Ultra Amin SPS. Pinks and purples do not have the same neon glow.

Polyp extension has also reduced over the past week.

Overall, pleased with the program but would like to get the colors back to where they were. Let's face it, I am fussy.

Tank Update
Aquacontroller Jr was added three weeks ago. It controls lights, heater and cooling fan. Was pleased that the DC8 was capable of starting my 2x400w MH without any problems. Temperature control is now within 0.5F of setpoint at all times.

Replaced 2 lunar light modules with a 4' string of 120 blue LED's. For $25 (plus 12v transformer) these are a steal, completely sealed and waterproof. Really like the effect they give to the tank and the green and orange colors really pop.

Ten days ago added two Tunze 6100's and a 7094 Multicontroller, replacing two Koralia 3's. Huge difference in flow! Tunzes are mounted on opposite ends of the tank and alternate flow from side to side.

Tank shot today (Tunzes off to get reflection)

[Aqua-Digital]

Arh you should of purchased a GHL profiLux controller your life would be so much easier with dosing

I will evaluate everything tomorrow and let you know what next to do, but glad the regime i gave you is working as it should.

Yes you will have loss of colour for now but this is temporary and all part of the slow steps required to achieve a natural sparkling tank.

Old saying "Rome was not built in a day" and much to contrary belelief it was not built in a week either

[pterfloth]

IF money was no object, I would love to have a Profilux, however, I bought all this stuff used at rock bottom prices. Maybe someday.... (unless of course you make me an offer I can't refuse!

Darn'd Romans. I need these corals to quickly fill this tank so that I will be forced to upgrade! LOL

[Fauna Marin]

HI Peter

To increase the neon glow add some of the Powertrace elements

50 % of Dosing Nr 1
100 % Nr 2
100 % Nr 3
40 % Nr. 4
Greets claude

[pterfloth]

Alright, I'm into UltraLith for another $120 for 4 x 500 ml of PowerTrace 1,2,3,4.

Based on the information you gave me and a system volume of 400 liters, 1 ml/100 liter volume of the PowerTrace additives, am I correct in these dosages?

50 % of Dosing Nr 1 = 2ml/day
100 % Nr 2 = 4 ml/day
100 % Nr 3 = 4 ml/day
40 % Nr. 4 = 1.6 ml/day

What about my other additives? Should I stay with 4 drops/day Bio, 2 ml/day of Bak and Min-S each?

Your feedback is appreciated.

[Aqua-Digital]

Hi

Here is the dosing instructions for Power traces

1 – 2 ml per 100 L per day

Dosing for SPS dominated tanks and more extreme coloration. Slowly increase the dosing of solutions # 2 and #3, the exact amount has to be determined
individually as it depends on several factors like lighting, filtration, growth rates etc. Generally start with 25 % of the recommended dose and increase by max. 10% per week. Clear indications for deficient dosing are fading or pale colors, or dull brownish colors. In extreme cases the tissue at the basal disc may turn white and start to decay.

Clear indications for overdosing are very dark colors, turning into brown eventually. Also algae growth is enhanced. Yellow corals turn greenish and green corals (e.g. the Enzmann Acropora aka. “Green Slimer”) turns brown. You will eventually identify certain indicators or “Monitor Corals”, which will allow you to detect changes in your aquarium. In case of an overdose, decrease the dose by 50% immediately and exchange about half of the activated carbon until the corals turn brighter again and show better coloration.

In regards to dosing, if you are seeing results then please continue, please follow up in one week.

[pterfloth]

Yes, I read all that in the guide, but Claude came back with percentages. Sounded to me that is where he wanted me to start. Would like to get some feedback from him on what I calculated.

You didn't respond to my question re: Bak/Min/Bio. ???

When shall I replace 50% of the Lith? How important is presoaking it?

Thanks