Wade Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 I've been working on getting my tank parameters down to levels they need to be to add my first coral, Here's what I've got this morning before a 20% water change: phosphate: .08 pH: 7.8 salinity: 1.024 nitrate: 0 ppm calcium: 325 ppm alkalinity: 11.2 I would like to start with a zoa or a softie like a frogspawn or an anemone of some sort. Maybe a bta. What do you all think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(Bio)³ Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 Anemone needs a week established tank. I'd start with a cheap zoa or some Gsp on the sand so I could remove it later if i wanted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faron Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 Phosphates are a little high, I try to keep mine less than .03. Calcium is low as well, shoot for 380-450ppm and keep it stable. You may want to check your fresh made saltwater parameters. Some salts are known for having random parameters. Beware! I would start of with a cheap frag of zoas or softy, once you get the parameters adjusted. Plenty of freebies on here. Good luck and happy reefing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Posted March 2, 2013 Author Share Posted March 2, 2013 Thanks for the info. I just added a GFO reactor from BRS about 6 weeks ago which has helped to bring the phosphate level down to where it is. I may be overfeeding my fish i guess. I switched to New Life Spectrum Thera + A sinking pellets about a month ago. I've got 4 fish and I usually only feed once a day since I leave early for work. I throw in about 20 pellets I guess and they all get eaten. Not sure if that's too much or ok. Is there anything else that can be done for phosphate other than a GFO filter? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(Bio)³ Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 above my post should say well established not week established. sorry, iphone autocorrect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faron Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 Check the ingredients of the food youre using...it may contain phosphates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+etannert Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 You're fine. Phosphates are food for coral. I would start with euphyllias (frogspawn, torch, etc.) or zoas though. GSP is a good idea as well. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Monnat Jr Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 Here are two great articles for you: Reef Aquarium Water Parameters by Randy Holmes-Farley Aquarium Chemistry: Phosphate And Math: Yes You Need To .. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+brian.srock Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 If your tank has algae growing everywhere then I would hold off on adding anything until it starts receding. I'd also add more CUCs to your tank to eat any uneaten food/algae. I'd also check out this coming club meeting where you can get several freebie corals and well as raffle prizes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarmerTy Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 I ran my tank for 7 years with phosphates around 0.08. I wouldn't worry about it too much. I would recommend waiting on the anemone however, until your tank is more established. You only really need your phosphates around 0.032 (natural seawater) or lower if you plan to keep SPS, IMO. If you aren't keeping them, why bother spending all that extra money keeping the water so clean for corals (most softies and LPS) that don't really need it. They may even enjoy the higher phosphates and nitrates anyways. -Ty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Posted March 2, 2013 Author Share Posted March 2, 2013 I live in TN so unfortunately I will not be able to make it to the club meeting. You have no idea how badly I wish I could. Just got back from a disappointing trip to my LFS. Nothing good to buy coral wise so i ended up with a fire shrimp and a six-line wrasse. Many of the frags in the display tanks had algae on them and the display tank just didn't look that clean. Guess I'm just going to have to order what I want from LiveAquaria or Cultivated Reef since they both come highly recommended. I think a couple of zoas to start will be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(Bio)³ Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 Go shop Callahan's tank if your in TN. Surely he has some goddies hidden away by now. I think he moved to memphis? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+etannert Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 Callahan is in Nashville. And, it's a very long state... Wade is in East TN (I think?) which is 3-4 hrs from Callahan. TN is very long and skinny, 10 hrs from one side to the other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(Bio)³ Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 Callahan is in Nashville. And, it's a very long state... Wade is in East TN (I think?) which is 3-4 hrs from Callahan. TN is very long and skinny, 10 hrs from one side to the other. I've heard of people driving from sa to Dallas for frags. 3-4 hours is doable! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+etannert Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 I wonder what costs more... gas for a 6-8 hr round trip or shipping from an online coral vendor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
victoly Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 Depends on the vehicle 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Posted March 3, 2013 Author Share Posted March 3, 2013 I would drive to Nashville just to see Callahan's tank! Nashville is about 3.5 hours from me so it's doable. You all have no idea how much I appreciate your advice. My tank has been up and running since 2002. Unfortunately, I did not discover ARC until a year or so ago and struggled with my tank until then. Ignorance and bad advice led me through stages on frustration, anger, and neglect when I more or less just gave up on it. Through all that, one of my original fish has somehow lived (my clown). My wife challenged me to more or less **** or get off the pot. I started doing a lot of research on the web and I've found a renewed sense of hope through the education and advice I've received from you folks. No other forum I found has the sense of community and level of expertise that you all have. It's now in the best condition its ever has been and I no longer worry about how long something will live after I introduce it to the tank (ok, maybe a little. Old habits die hard). Many hours and dollars over the past year and now I actually show off my tank instead of trying to hide it. You guys are the best! Truly. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Posted March 4, 2013 Author Share Posted March 4, 2013 So when I get my frags in the mail on Wednesday, do you usually just put the whole plug in the tank or do you bust it off and glue it where you want it? I guess you can do it either way but I'm curious as to what most folks do. Also, where in the tank is optimal to start them? Low and out of the flow and light, medium flow with moderate light, high on the rock with medium flow and bright light, etc.? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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