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Nano Reef
Algae Eater
 

Nano Reef
Neon Toadstool
 

Nano Reef
Full tank 12-28-10

Thoughts

PAR Readings

PAR...Just how much are you getting?

I have a series of PAR reading tests that I am planning. These are real measurements of usable light intensity in various size aquariums with certain light setups. Check my gallery for the first round of pictures of tanks with the PAR ratings.

 

Tune up your reef tank!
Written by Sam   
Saturday, 28 January 2012

I have noticed my reef tank is not looking as good as it has in the past so I am making an action list of things to do for a reef tune up.

Nutrient Control  
Starting to use Prodibio again after a long hiatus. My NO3 (nitrate) is about 0.20ppm which is not bad but PO4 (phosphate) is 0.08ppm! When I used Prodibio before PO4 always stayed below the magic 0.03ppm threshold. 

Water Testing Image
I got new test kits. Some of my test kits have expired so I was not certain if the results were accurate. I just got some of the newer Red Sea Pro test kits. The Red Sea Reef Foundations test kit for CA, Mg and Alk is fantastic! Accurate tests and easy to use. I also got the Red Sea Algae Control test kit for NO3 and PO4. The PO4 test seems to be very accurate and tests in the low range that is meaningful for us reef hobbyists.

Refugium
I am working on tuning up my refugium. I had a frag rack in my refugium that was essentially blocking water flow to the sandbed. The function of de-nitrification seems to have been reduced? I took the frag rack out about a week ago and the nitrate has already dropped below 1ppm!

Lighting 
My T5 bulbs are old. I am ordering new bulbs and will change them out. I am using the following T5 lamps and a row of TrueLumen Pro LED's from front to back:

UVL Super Actinic
Wavepoint Tropical Wave 6500K Daylight LED
TrueLumen Pro 12K Diamond White
Geisemann Actinic  Plus
UVL Super Actinic

I am also considering adding some more robust LEDs such as the Ecotech Marine Radion or maybe the Maxspect Mazarra. I like the TrueLumen Pro and I get about the same PPFD from one 36" strip @ 23 watts as I do from one 36" T5 @ 39 watts. A good amount less power consumption with about the same light output. The color on the 12K Diamond White strip is very crisp white.

New Cleanup Crew
I just added a bunch of reef critters. I got about 30 snails and 15 or so crabs. Astrea, Cerrith, Nassarius, Mexican Turbos for snails and Red Leg Cortez hermits along with a couple Emerald Mitrhax crabs.  These guys have done a great job on cleaning out some of the algae that has been growing in the tank.

I will post an update with some before and after shots in the coming weeks.

Last Updated ( Saturday, 28 January 2012 )
 
New 12g Nano Reef Project
Written by Sam   
Tuesday, 02 November 2010

It is inevitable to get bored with any hobby. My large 125g reef while being a great pleasure has been about as tweaked out as I can get it in terms of equipment. It needs some work on the biological side of the equation and has become more of a chore. 

Time to set a up a new tank and get inspired!

12 Aquapod
12g AquaPod ready for nano reefin'!

Of all the aquariums I have had over the years it seems the nano reef tanks have been the most fun. I have been hoarding a 12g aquapod for quite some time. Never set it up as it was just the tank - no lighting. I recently realized this was going to be an advantage.

My 7g nano was fishless which gave me a great advantage in terms of keeping the tank clean. My 28g nano only had one fish with the Tail-spot Blenny. I am considering keeping this tank fishless as well with only soft corals. This new 12g nano will give me a place to move all my softies to making my 125g pretty much SPS only.

Last Updated ( Friday, 05 November 2010 )
 
More HD video
Written by Sam   
Monday, 09 February 2009

This is the second HD video I have done. This one features the 125g reef tank again. I like the music in this one as well as the better control I had over the visuals with exposure.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 03 March 2009 )
 
SamsReef in HDV
Written by Sam   
Monday, 02 February 2009
After wrestling with the entirely new HDV video workflow I managed to get this quickie video done and working in HD on YouTube! It will not play in HD here in embedded form but you can watch it full size and crystal clear on YouTube. Click the "watch in HD" link. Note that this video was shot in October 2008.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 03 March 2009 )
 
125g Equipment & Livestock List
Written by Sam   
Friday, 19 December 2008

SkimmerMy original equipment list is a bit different than this one. I had much different ideas for my tank and have taken a turn towards focusing on SPS corals. The fish have become a secondary but still loved part of the reef.

Here is the complete list of equipment now on my tank.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 03 March 2009 )
 
Aquarium Coral Growth
Written by Sam   
Thursday, 28 August 2008

 June 2008

Here are all of the full tank shots from the beginning to now. This covers from May 2007 when I first added fish and corals to August 2008 over a year later. This are starting with oldest shot from over a year ago and getting newer as you go down the page...

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 03 March 2009 )
 
Coral Closeup Video
Written by Sam   
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Pushing the limits of my Powershot A-620's video capabilities. This video thing is starting to become more fun! I shot some macro video of some of my favorite corals in my 125g reef tank. This also shows more of the fish in the reef. Hope you enjoy the new video. Smile

Last Updated ( Sunday, 08 March 2009 )
 

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