Project ARK

[jrob3rts]

After a rather horrific year with the tank. I've gone for a clean up, but time and kind of started again.

For whatever reason, I ended up with Algae everywhere. Just overnight went boom. My sand was constantly filthy and no matter what I did, I just couldn't get it moving forward.

So, out comes the MP10, RW4 (the other one seems dead). In goes a Tunze 6105 and 6095 controlled via a 6096. I lot of movement in a small tank but I feel it's required.

Out comes the rock, and sand, in goes some ceramic rock (ARKA Branded).

Lighting stays as is, as an IT2080 Pro. I might reduce the hours a little.

Return pump stays as an End in Compact.

ATU needs a new float switch so is manual for now.

Stock is a couple of Clowns, couple of Peppermint Shrimp, couple of Turbos and a couple of crabs. Wow, it sounds like the Ark!!

Phosphate remover is running. Though might swap for chaeto in the sump for control and export.

Skimmer isncurrently off, but just because it's needing a clean. BM 3.5

I'm not sure whether to go back to Tunze for the skimmer, shall see.

Doser is online with Ca and Alk.

So, what happened. No idea really, somewhat low flow didn't help, but I reckon the rock wasn't helping the situation. One day, all flourishing, the next, SPS were stripping. Such a shame.

I have a few soft sorals left, though I just throw a load out. They will give some viewing pleasure whilst I see what's going to happen next.

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[jrob3rts]

A quick shot.

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[jrob3rts]

Some results for reference.

Sg 1.026
dKH 7.8
Ca 390
Mg 1200

Water change due tomorrow.

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[chippypah]

That was a shame mate, but new scape looks good.

 

[Eaval]

Im going through a strip down at the moment too.

Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly for you

 

[CEECH]

Like the new scape. I feel your pain i have a complete melt down and attack of bubble algae. If that was not bad enough my fish died for some unknown reason. My levels were all perfect. I ripped it apart changed rock out and started again. Now i am going through a new algae attack. Using vibrant which is slowly helping. Like you new scape. what size is your tank. It looks very simular to mine. Mine is a 275 cube and then 100 litre sump

 

[jrob3rts]

Thanks guys.

The scape is really easy. One single block, bought off the shelf. Means I don't need to go through the (not so) fun bit of smashing rocks, waiting for evil worms, cost of putty and rock alone. https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/product/arka-reef-ceramic-column-wide-two-branches

The algae, a combination of bubble (covering over 60% of the rock, some slime on the sand (which kept covering it and causing rot underneath) and other things. Just too much to recover.

I still have some old miracle mud in the sump, I'll look to remove that but it's so fine that it's not an easy job by any means.

The Tank is a ND Aquatics 2ft. It's about 1.5ft deep and tall so about 120l in the main display and 80l in the sump. I keep eyeing up the TMC or clearseal ones so let's see what happens in time.

Water change currently in progress. This changes approx 30l so about 15% of the volume. I might prep another as a matter of cause as I feel my Mg is quite low and really want that higher to allow stabilisation of the other check items.

Just looking online, here, Facebook and around, it seems that there are a lot of people experiencing algae issues. I'm not sure if there is something in the water (quite literally), lack of thought or understanding of what goes in, lack of habidashery or just bad luck but it seems that on the second hand market (I.e. Rock) there is a lot of stuff that you don't want in your tank. Hence my decision to go artificial. Note: not aimed at shops there.

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[cuprajake]

i think once you get to that stage its really the only option to start again

 

[jrob3rts]

A week later.

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[jrob3rts]

P04 0
Sg 1.025
dKH 8.7
Ca 390
Mg 1440

Salt a little low so will overdo water change a little.

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[CEECH]

Looking good

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[jrob3rts]

A little photographic update. Think we are ready for some corals soon.

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[CEECH]

Coming along nicely. Unfortunately for me i may have to go the same route in time again if things dont improve !

 

[jrob3rts]

Some piccies...

A visit to see Scott on Saturday and walked away with some corals (and a very low nicotine level lol)

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[steve861uk]

Ooooh.....nice corals there :w00t: I'm on a coral freeze at the mo until my tank stabilises (had a small algae issue, but seem on top of it now).

Then it will be holiday time......and bam, once again return to a green mess (is what happened last summer smiley-sex020).

 

[Phil077]

Love those Towers

 

[Phil077]

Some piccies...

A visit to see Scott on Saturday and walked away with some corals (and a very low nicotine level lol)

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Top Man is Scott Big Thumbs Up

 

[Realist]

I have 2 towers very similar but the above is nice and well laid out.

 

[jrob3rts]

Phil, yep. Nice guy

The two towers are actually a single piece. Nice and easy

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