JDA Build-Off Competition Entry - 60g MBP&S Cube

J

jda123

Dolphin
M.A.S.C Club Member
#41
#41
6.6 alk, 425 calcium, 1.026.

0 ppb on Phosoporous Hannah Ultra Low - obviously, I have phosphate... but tested out at zero. This is likely due to the sand and rock continuing to collect P to act as a buffer.

Digi Growth closeup. Red arrows are the branch in both photos:
View attachment 15262
 
J

jda123

Dolphin
M.A.S.C Club Member
#43
#43
Got lots of algae, some more cyano and lots of new growth. P is still 0 ppb on Hannah Ultra Low. N is still undetectable. CaRx is tuned well and keeping alk at about 6.8-7 and calcium at 425.

Probably am going to feed more and maybe get another fish. I would feel better and probably have better color with the P at 1 or 2 ppb - I don't like them much higher than this, but the sand and rock are still binding phosphate. Obviously, I am not growth-limited.
 
J

jda123

Dolphin
M.A.S.C Club Member
#44
#44
The PetCo in Longmont is redoing their aquatic section and the fish were 75% off. Got a few new fish that I probably would not have otherwise - lubbocks fairies, tiny scopas and a unidentified Anthias that was only $10 to start with and was $2.50 after discount.. I will get a list and prices when I find the receipt.

This will be good since I need to feed more to get my P up... still at 0 ppb.
 
SynDen

SynDen

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#45
#45
Nice. that's a score
 
J

jda123

Dolphin
M.A.S.C Club Member
#47
#47
7.2 alk, o ppb of Phosphate and "clear" on Salifert no3 today.

Updated growth shot of the digitata. Obviously, plenty of coral growth, snail shell growth and algae in the tank to indicate that having NSW level phosphate is fine still.



New fish at 75% off were 1" tiny Scopas ($10), pair of Lubbocks Wrasses ($5 each), and maybe carberryi anthias ($2.50). Got a few Mexican turbos for $.50 each.
 
J

jda123

Dolphin
M.A.S.C Club Member
#48
#48
Calcium and carbonate holding steady... this little Calcium Reactor seems to be doing it's job. Still lots of growth. Still some algae despite 0 ppb phosphorous and "clear" no3.

Will get some new photos soon.
 
J

jda123

Dolphin
M.A.S.C Club Member
#49
#49
I wish that I had 1 to 3 ppb of phosphorous, but I am not going to chase this. There is no doubt that the color would be a bit better on the tricker ones (purple and ORA German Blue Digi), but I am not going to add any or chase it since the sand and rock will just soak it up anyway. I will just continue to feed well until nature does it's thing. I am prepared to add some chaeto if the phosphorous ever hits 10 ppb.
 
J

jda123

Dolphin
M.A.S.C Club Member
#51
#51
Day 170... growth progress of the three that I posted above. This is about 40 days between the two photographs.
View attachment 15617

I might break out the camera this weekend and take some photos that show the colors well... phone only gets so far...
 
J

jda123

Dolphin
M.A.S.C Club Member
#54
#54
Ugly phase is almost over... just a bit of brown film left. Once it is, I will take the urchins out and let the coralline grow. I can clean the glass now with a magnet cleaner with just film.

6 Month Update:
  • Lost a few fish. Cheap PetCo fish all died (big surprise). Creole Wrasses long disappeared.
  • Lost a few snails. Urchins are still hardy and hard workers. Emerald crab is hanging out eating leftover food and algae.
  • Coral are all growing well. No deaths and only one accidental frag when scraping glass.
  • Nitrate still "clear" on Salifert.
  • Phosphate about 1 on Hannah Ultra Low - should start to get more color now that the rocks and sand have some P bound and not soaking it all up.
  • Growth has always been good.
  • No equipment issues. The huge Tunze 6100 still in there and will remain since I have no more budget to get a smaller powerhead.
  • Never any temp issues with the MH and the hot months are behind us.
Going forward:
  • I expect all of these "weeds" to be nearly touching in a year. They are growing fast
  • Want to get a green coral - probably poci or stylo (hope not since I don't want it to spawn) - and might check out AA soon and see what they have
  • Still adding water by hand, but no budget for ATO
  • Still going to keep N and P at NSW levels, alk around 7 and calcium at 425... test for nothing else.
  • This little Knop CaRx is doing well still with room to grow. If I need to, I will get a bottle of Mrs. Wages and drop Kalk, but only if TOTALLY necessary.
  • MH will need a new bulb in May after year is over.
General thoughts:
  • Patience to get through the ugly phases without chemicals was the right call and what I will recommend
  • Kinda enjoyed how fast these things grow, but also glad that I do not have them in my display.
  • Still prefer NSW level parameters over higher N and P
 
J

jda123

Dolphin
M.A.S.C Club Member
#57
#57
Water change today. Params are "clear" N on Salifert, 4-6 ppb P on Hannah, 7.1 dkh, 430 calcium, 1.026 and 78.1 degrees. If P gets to 10, then fuge and chaeto time.
 
J

jda123

Dolphin
M.A.S.C Club Member
#60
#60
Both my CaRx ball valve and the venturi inlet in my skimmer clogged up in the last few days. I guess that I should do more with them than every 6 months :( ... just a reminder to keep your stuff clean. All back to running fine now.
 
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