Alright, when I got back into the hobby last June I didn't set up a build journal. Kinda kicking myself for the laziness but there is no better time than now! I have begun dosing vodka so I figure why not start a log.
Getting up to speed:
This system started back in June of 2017.
June-November 2017
It began with a biocube 14 that I had from the hobby as my first tank back around 2012. It had some mods like the media basket, MJ 900 return pump, and a retrofit ecoxotic LEDs (I think now defunct?). Tank was set up via the help and guidance of Dong, who got me on page with what has changed in the hobby since my exit. Taking his advice I ditched the hood entirely and did not use those early gen LEDs which were "hot sh**" back in 2012. I opted to go hood-less with an AI nano LED. Tank was cycled and started with zoas and some LPS while I waited for the system to stabilize enough for SPS. Only fish then was an exquisite firefish who sadly passed last week (RIP). This tank matured and was stable soon becoming a mixed reef. I had had major problems with one rock, a reefsaver rock that must have been leeching phosphates and sillicates for months, SO MUCH ALGAE on this one rock, never to be controlled! So in my opinion, stay far away from reefsaver rocks! Another lesson learned: koralia nano powerheads SUCK. started with one, but changed to the Jebao PP-4, was quite happy with the Jebao.
Biocube 14 final stats:
AI Nano LED with controller
JBJ nano glo fuge light
MJ900 return pump
Jebao PP-4 set to 50% wave I
50w Ehiem Jager heater
media basket with floss and chemi-pure elite chaeto
1x week 50% water change (5gal)
How I dosed: Super sloppy and prob detrimental. by hand once a week. NaH2CO3 only (sorry calcium) weighed on balance and dumped all at once (I know this is stupid and prob did more harm than good!)
This little setup was great but like every other reefer I needed more room for my coral addiction! around September I began to plan my upgrade Pics of the old 14G setup :
Getting up to speed:
This system started back in June of 2017.
June-November 2017
It began with a biocube 14 that I had from the hobby as my first tank back around 2012. It had some mods like the media basket, MJ 900 return pump, and a retrofit ecoxotic LEDs (I think now defunct?). Tank was set up via the help and guidance of Dong, who got me on page with what has changed in the hobby since my exit. Taking his advice I ditched the hood entirely and did not use those early gen LEDs which were "hot sh**" back in 2012. I opted to go hood-less with an AI nano LED. Tank was cycled and started with zoas and some LPS while I waited for the system to stabilize enough for SPS. Only fish then was an exquisite firefish who sadly passed last week (RIP). This tank matured and was stable soon becoming a mixed reef. I had had major problems with one rock, a reefsaver rock that must have been leeching phosphates and sillicates for months, SO MUCH ALGAE on this one rock, never to be controlled! So in my opinion, stay far away from reefsaver rocks! Another lesson learned: koralia nano powerheads SUCK. started with one, but changed to the Jebao PP-4, was quite happy with the Jebao.
Biocube 14 final stats:
AI Nano LED with controller
JBJ nano glo fuge light
MJ900 return pump
Jebao PP-4 set to 50% wave I
50w Ehiem Jager heater
media basket with floss and chemi-pure elite chaeto
1x week 50% water change (5gal)
How I dosed: Super sloppy and prob detrimental. by hand once a week. NaH2CO3 only (sorry calcium) weighed on balance and dumped all at once (I know this is stupid and prob did more harm than good!)
This little setup was great but like every other reefer I needed more room for my coral addiction! around September I began to plan my upgrade Pics of the old 14G setup :
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