Professional Water Testing

I had samples sent out to a lab to create a full view of what is going on in the aquarium.  Many things are right where they should be, but there are a few key elements that are out of whack.  The Calcium, Potassium, Copper, and Silica levels will need to be corrected or the tank will most definitely deteriorate.

120 Days

107 Days

75 Days

40 Days

30 Days

Just as an FYI...I rushed a lot of things in this build. Normally I would not introduce a coral into a new tank until at least one month had passed. I was able to keep a balance in the aquarium with a couple things. First, over 90 lbs of fully cured Live Rock jump starting the Nitrogen Cycle and eating up Nitrates produced by the fish and other organisms. Second, I changed over 75 gallons of water during this time or about 5 gallons every other day of fresh salt water. Thirdly, a new trick I began using was a 300 micron pre-filter and a 50 micron filter pad before the return to polish the water. (50 microns = approx 1 human hair). This is great for removing detritus, but a pain in the butt since they clog and need to be changed about every 3 days ($$$). Last but not least is the ridiculous filtration system and a very powerful protein skimmer!! :-)

Coral Listing 12.29.11

First current water parameters:

Salinity: 1.0235 ppm
Temp: 77.5 morning - 80.5 Evening
PH: 7.78 morning - 7.96 Evening
PO4: Untraceable
NH3: 0.00
NO2: 0.00
NO3: <5.00
Ca: 480 ppm
dhk: 9.00

The Three Amigos

Yellow Neon Acropora

Purple Nana

Purple Montipora

Red Acropora Millepora

Pipe Organ Coral (Background)

Pink Birdsnest

Green Birds Nest

Video - 3 Weeks

Photo Update

ATO System

Just in time for the holidays I set up my Auto Top Off (ATO) system to compensate for water evaporation, especially during periods of travel. Unlike the last tank where I was using a 5 gallon reservoir, I am now utilizing my 20 gallon reservoir! This bad boy can keep the tank level for a little over two weeks, if I really needed it to. I am also dosing it will Calcium Hydroxide (1/2 teaspoon per gallon) to keep the PH and Calcium levels in the tank up to par. This will aid in healthy coral growth later, as well as reducing any toxic levels of Phosphates that may arise.

Below is the 20 gallon reservoir, electronic float switch in the sump, and my new PH monitor...