Rice Reef's 120 SPS Reef Tank

[Rice Reef]

Originally Posted by Tyler Werbowski

Have you tested the tap water for PO4 or just used the TDS?

I'd do a Hanna PO4 test on the tap water.

Have you ever flushed the RO membrane? I'd try flushing the RO membrane before replacing it.

Yes, I did... First test was a triple zero, second test was .028 and third test was .017... That was what prompt me to question the Hanna po4 tester.
The old membrane was due for a change. I had forgotten to do so in the summer.

Originally Posted by Delphinus

I thought I read somewhere that the Hanna checkers for phosphate don't give correct readings on freshwater. Having said that I can't seem to find the link where I read that, so I'm not 100% sure. I guess it can't hurt to have a new RO membrane regardless..

I don't know much about that but after testing it with the Hanna you may be right about that. Have a new one, in fact, I upgraded to the deluxe puratek... No more guessing and forgetting... Guess I'll be keeping the old one ( which is like new) for drinking only.
Making new water right now. TDS: 000.

[Snappy]

Originally Posted by Rice Reef

Greg, thanks! I'm advertising for you... Do you recognise most of them? Many of them are colouring up now... slow but surely... hope they will start to grow a bit faster... but I am not complaining... well worth the wait!

Thanks Wayne. There are quite a few familiar looking pieces in that last round of pictures.

[Rice Reef]

Phosphate issue update: Did a 40 gallon water change yesterday and the po4 level dropped from .25 to .19. Just completed another water change today... 30 gallons... Making another batch of water tonight and will do another test tomorrow. Traded with kevink today for gfo and a salifert po4 test kit for frags . May try some GFO if the water changes are not working.

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by Rice Reef

May try some GFO if the water changes are not working.

Wayne, if you do go the GFO route, keep in mind that a rapid removal of PO4 can upset your SPS, so do it gradually over a couple/few months
Ie; first month 10ml/10g, second month 15-20ml/10g, then you can move onto 25ml/10g from there
FWIW - I use 250ml each 4 weeks on my 110g system

[Rice Reef]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Wayne, if you do go the GFO route, keep in mind that a rapid removal of PO4 can upset your SPS, so do it gradually over a couple/few months
Ie; first month 10ml/10g, second month 15-20ml/10g, then you can move onto 25ml/10g from there
FWIW - I use 250ml each 4 weeks on my 110g system

Greg, thanks for the advice. I heard that too and hop that I won't have to use it but if so will surely be adding ever so gradually.

Tested the water this morning... PO4 is .09.

Will do another water change over the weekend...

[Rice Reef]

Minor update...
PO4 has dropped to .06 prior to another water change. One more water change should bring the PO4 down to undetectable or at least close to that...

Purchased a rabbit fish to work on the red turf (hope it likes red turf) and any other undesired algae. This rabbit fish has been at Blue World for a few months and eating well. I did not quarantine this fish as I would normally would as I would and based on its reputation being a very hardy fish ( and that I wanted it to work on the algae) I have taken the chance on it.
The rabbit fish seems to be doing very well and has already been picking on the algae off the rocks. It seems that the sailfin tang does not like the rabbit fish and finds it intrusive to its feeding grounds... And I have noticed that the other tangs are also more attentive to feeding on the algae as well. From my observation this morning, he is not taken any interest on any corals but I will continue observing it for the time being.

Have also picked up five more sps frags... Trying to find or make room... (LOL)
I have also picked up two photosynthetic ( purplish) gorgonians ... I have really taken a liking on gorgonians so I hope they will be happy in the tank.

Hope to add some picks of the rabbit fish and gorgonians later tonight.

[Rice Reef]

Just an update on the PO4... I've now completed 170 gallons of water change over the last two weeks and the PO4 is now down to .03. The colours on the corals are coming back and overall all, lost only two frags ( thank goodness). I have also started using GFO this weeek to help bringing it down to 0, however this is only going to be temporary.

Moving forward, I will be doing even more water changes on a regular basis (30 gallons every 10 days) as I am seeing a very positive affect on the corals (sps).

As for the red turf algae it looks like I am winning the battle with improved water conditions, the extra mexican turbo snails and my new two bar rabbit fish.

I have also finally set up the Neptune Apex Controller yesterday! Should have done this six months ago...

Lastly, just waiting for the new ... Hope they will be here soon...

[Bblinks]

Sweet buddy! Finally got the apex done eh. It's about time. I can't wait till your new lights get here...

[Rice Reef]

Recieved the two Mitras last night and had a chance to peak at one of them... iphone pics...

[Rice Reef]

Couldnt wait so I hooked one up to see how the Mitras compared to the Radion G1 with TIR lens...



Placed one between two other Radions (turned off). Please note that the Mitras is above the Radions and the light spread is somewhat limited. I have it set close to the max...



The first thing I had noticed are the colours. IMHO, the lights from the Mitras are the closest resembling T5s. The colours are better spread then the Radions and even the pics turn out sharper and colours being more vibrant (even with a iphone).