WMAS Discussion Forum : Asking the experienced http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/ Copyright (c) 2006-2013 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 25 Jul 2026 09:16:06 +0000 Sat, 11 Mar 2017 23:12:10 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.03 360 www.utahreefs.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=82137 <![CDATA[WMAS Discussion Forum]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/1by1.gif http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/ <![CDATA[Asking the experienced : Success is not achieved by following...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623062&title=asking-the-experienced#623062 Author: MadReefer
Subject: 82137
Posted: March 11 2017 at 11:12pm

Success is not achieved by following a simple roadmap, unless you consider constant care and observation with patience in action and knowledge of the possibilities to be sufficient enough to be called a roadmap.
I'm always amazed by the diversity of successful methods, while at the same time someone can fail following in footsteps.
I read over and over that you have to find your own way, the way that works for you, and that nothing good happens fast.]]> Sat, 11 Mar 2017 23:12:10 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623062&title=asking-the-experienced#623062 <![CDATA[Asking the experienced : I second the advice to have backup...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623051&title=asking-the-experienced#623051 Author: shaggydoo
Subject: 82137
Posted: March 11 2017 at 4:26pm

I second the advice to have backup pumps in the event of equipment failure. Fish will suffocate quicker than you can imagine without aeration. Also quarantine all new fish added to an established system. I learned both these lessons the hard way.

Patience is key and research is essential. Impulse buys rarely go well.

I'm not a believer in testing. I think the best way to tell is constant observation of your tank. Coloration and polyp extension are nearly always the best indicator of health and potential problems.

Finally, I love to feed and filter with only carbon and wc. This isn't the norm and I point out just to show success can be found in all sorts of setups. Don't be afraid to ask questions, apply your own judgement, and prepare for mistakes to be made. Never stop learning as this hobby changes constantly.]]> Sat, 11 Mar 2017 16:26:05 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623051&title=asking-the-experienced#623051 <![CDATA[Asking the experienced : Everyone has given great advise....]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623049&title=asking-the-experienced#623049 Author: tileman
Subject: 82137
Posted: March 11 2017 at 4:01pm

Everyone has given great advise.  Consistency, Stability, Mechanical and biological filters for good export of excess nutrients.  
Passion for the hobby, love the hobby. The more care you put into it, the more you get out of it.
Form good maintenance routines and stick to them and don't try to overthink nature.

My door is always open to anyone who needs help or just wants to come chat.   I wont bite.Big smile.


]]> Sat, 11 Mar 2017 16:01:17 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623049&title=asking-the-experienced#623049 <![CDATA[Asking the experienced : Great advice so far everyone!Bur,...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623033&title=asking-the-experienced#623033 Author: evan127
Subject: 82137
Posted: March 11 2017 at 10:26am

Great advice so far everyone!

Bur, great comparison pictures. Can you elaborate more on each photo?]]> Sat, 11 Mar 2017 10:26:18 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623033&title=asking-the-experienced#623033 <![CDATA[Asking the experienced : One more - never give up on a...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623025&title=asking-the-experienced#623025 Author: bur01014
Subject: 82137
Posted: March 10 2017 at 11:28pm

One more - never give up on a coral!  You never know what they will transform into.









Edited by bur01014 - March 10 2017 at 11:40pm]]> Fri, 10 Mar 2017 23:28:05 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623025&title=asking-the-experienced#623025 <![CDATA[Asking the experienced : The goal is really to keep clean...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623021&title=asking-the-experienced#623021 Author: bur01014
Subject: 82137
Posted: March 10 2017 at 11:12pm

The goal is really to keep clean water, not fish or corals. So #1 for me would be RODI water with a TDS of 0 ppm.  Water changes, ATO, etc. will do nothing for you if the source water isn't near perfect.

Growth and Color (the following information is based on my opinion)

1. PAR - 350-400 Top of Tank, Sandbed >150 Par
2. Fish Poo is your friend
3. Flow, polyps should be moving in random directions
4. There are no magic potions/supplements
5. Test Alk Daily
6. If using LEDS, make sure you have enough units for complete coverage (very common issue people have is not using enough units) or supplement with T5s
7. Know how to spot AEFW and Red bugs - I see these all the time at LFS and sellers on the forum
8. Develop an experienced eye so that your better than a test kit: know how to spot tip burn, base recession, fading, browning, etc.
9. Take pics with your phone and monitor growth and changes weekly - so your not throwing changes at your tank because you seem to think you have no growth, but in reality if you look back in time, things may actually be growing quite well
10. Spend 5 minutes a day looking at tank closely for signs of trouble, ensure you have good polyp extension after lights out

]]> Fri, 10 Mar 2017 23:12:26 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623021&title=asking-the-experienced#623021 <![CDATA[Asking the experienced : I&#039;ve most always had near...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623019&title=asking-the-experienced#623019 Author: MadReefer
Subject: 82137
Posted: March 10 2017 at 10:47pm

I've most always had near zero nitrates and phosphate using algae filters. Some tanks I have been able to feed more, and those tend to have better growth and color. So I feed as much as I can without overloading the filter.]]> Fri, 10 Mar 2017 22:47:42 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623019&title=asking-the-experienced#623019 <![CDATA[Asking the experienced : I understand the nutrient question,...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623013&title=asking-the-experienced#623013 Author: Adam Blundell
Subject: 82137
Posted: March 10 2017 at 8:52pm

I understand the nutrient question, I think badfinger summed it up well. I was basically saying you can't get the water too clean.
Try to take out more than you put in.

Adam]]> Fri, 10 Mar 2017 20:52:52 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623013&title=asking-the-experienced#623013 <![CDATA[Asking the experienced : Adam really, remove all nutrients...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623009&title=asking-the-experienced#623009 Author: badfinger
Subject: 82137
Posted: March 10 2017 at 7:20pm

Adam really, remove all nutrients or remove all impurities(not doubting, just want to know how you came to that conclusion). If my phosphate hits 0, I know tests lie, I have no color or growth

I believe there are 2 types of tanks:
1)nutrients in and pull them out-let's say this is Brad Syphus way. Tons of fish tons of food, but in that same note tons of filtration and water changes. His color and growth could be put globally against anyone.

2) control nutrients going in, but still pulling some out. Let's say people like Nick Tenney does it this way. Less fish, less to no water changes. Feeds less. Still has great color and growth. And slim to no water changes once your biological system sets up.


Both of these way work. You have to pick one and do it.don't try and change half way through (I did, takes twice as long).

I would say also make sure numbers are stable, auto dosing never worked for me. Switched to a reactor, love every day.

Skimmer- Do not, I repeat DO NOT get an over sized skimmer (at least the neck diameter). Get one that works constantly not sporadically. Every skimmer manufacturer should switch to inches of fish, and feeding habits. If I have a 300 with 4 fish, I have almost the same DOC as a 150 with 4 fish.

Also I love my sulfur biodinitrator, would never run another tank without one.]]> Fri, 10 Mar 2017 19:20:13 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623009&title=asking-the-experienced#623009 <![CDATA[Asking the experienced : MH gave me the best growth and...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623008&title=asking-the-experienced#623008 Author: MadReefer
Subject: 82137
Posted: March 10 2017 at 7:15pm

MH gave me the best growth and color, but I also had a very large tank with a large fuge and I added tons of food and phytoplankton and stuff. So I'm not sure how much difference the MH made.]]> Fri, 10 Mar 2017 19:15:22 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=82137&PID=623008&title=asking-the-experienced#623008