Maintenance Day

Did some much needed maintenance today.  I did a fair-sized water change of 40 gallons.  Rather than just swapping out water, however, I decided to siphon out the detritus from sand bed, using that water as my exchange water.  I removed so much detritus, I'm surprised my tank hadn't crashed before.  I didn't take a Nitrate reading beforehand, however, I'm sure it's much lower now.

As well, the salinity in the tank was at 1.016, which is really low considering the optimal salinity is 1.024.  Doing the big water change helped increase the salinity.  Afterwards, it rose to 1.018.  This is a good start, as it needs to climb gradually to 1.024.  This can be achieved by topping off my water with saltwater, rather than purified water.

New Fish - Potter's Angelfish and Bicolor Blenny

A Potter's Angelfish was added to the community.  It's about 2.5" in size and seems to be fairly healthy, as its quite active.  Initially, it was being harassed by the Purple Tang and the Goldbar Maroon Clownfish, however, they've seemed to get over it quickly as they don't seem to bother with him anymore.

Potter's Angelfish

Potter's Angelfish and Gold Bar Maroon Clownfish

Potter's Angelfish with Yellow and Purple Tangs

As well, a Bicolor Blenny was added to the community.  He's not as busy as the Potter's Angelfish, however, he has lot's of personality and spends his time perching on the rock.  He's still a bit shy, but here he is:

Bicolor Blenny - Playing Peek-A-Boo

Ecotech Radion LED Lights

The existing Metal Halide / VHO lighting will be replaced with Ecotech Radion LED lighting.  There are countless benefits to switching to these lights:

• The lighting will be aesthetically better.
• Power consumption will decrease dramatically.
• No more purchasing new metal halide and VHO bulbs every year.  
• No need for moonlights.
• Lighting is completely programable.
• Remote access to the light configuration.
• Works in tandem with Ecotech MP40w ES pumps.
• Easier integration with Profilux system controller.
• Ecotech provides optional power backup system.

I purchased three Ecotech Radion lights about a year ago.

However, I hadn't gotten around into deciding how to implement them into the system, until now.  My plan is to create another aluminum rack and hang the lights from the rack.  The lights will hang from the rack using support beams, which can slide horizontally across the rack.  This allows me the option to place the lights wherever I want across the tank.  Regarding the distance of the lights to the surface of the water, there is no longer a need for manually changing it.  If you want more light, rather than bringing the lights closer to the surface, all that is needed is to increase the intensity of the lights.  The Ecotech Radion lights are so powerful that running them at full power is too much for corals to handle anyways.  Hanging them ten inches from the surface is optimal, which is where I have them placed.

The aluminum rack is smaller, at five feet, than the previous one built for my metal halide / VHO setup, at a little over six feet.  It will have a smaller foot print and give more space within the canopy.  Here are the lights implemented into the system.  Much cleaner than the previous MH / VHO setup.

Revitalization of Regala's Reef

It's been a little over nine months since my last post, as well as any substantial changes to the system.  During that time, I've just been maintaining the tank.  It's unfortunate when life get's in the way of our hobbies.  Changing careers tends to shift one's priorities.  Nonetheless, recent changes have allowed me to switch my focus back to reefkeeping.  I must admit, it's quite refreshing to come back to the hobby after a hiatus.

Perhaps the only recent change is with the bio pellets.  In my previous post, I had reintroduced bio pellets into the system, however, the Maxijet 1200 pump just wasn't sufficient enough to keep the pellets tumbling, at least not the amount of bio pellets that I need to use, and would periodically clog up. Therefore, I removed it from the system until I find a better implementation.

For some time now, I've had some plans for the system and I plan to pick away at the list until I've implemented them:

• Replace the metal halide lighting with LEDs, specifically, with Ecotech Radion lights.
• Replace the Tunze pumps, specically, with Ecotech MP40w ES pumps.
• Reintroduce bio pellets with a better implementation into the system.
• Create new structures with Marco rock and introduce new aquascape into the system.
• Once the system's parameters are optimal, begin reestablishing an SPS dominant reef.
• Complete the system's enclosure.
• Implement an auto top-off unit with a better water reserve.
• Install a UV filter.

      (I will link each item in the list to a separate post, during its progress.)

I look forward to working on the system and getting it to a state that I can be proud of.