YHSublime

Got it. While I think I have the knowledge, and the testing capability, the idea of a juggling act sounds like a complete nightmare to me! I'll continue with my KISS method

I agree it will go away. Got a CUC today, some turbos are already doing some work on the floor. I'm just interested in the bacteria dosing, lots of different things in this hobby, what's funny is I just added more water, everything else is the same! LoL, the old Zeo craze, some folks are still doing it.

Adding to an established (saltwater) tank is what I'm wondering will be beneficial or not. The algae doesn't bother me, and I know with my water changes and manual removal I will get back to where I need to be, but I never considered bacteria dosing! I don't like to add anything I can't test for, and I'm also a huge believer of the KISS method. Other than dosing for alkalinity & calcium balance, skimming, and water changes, there is nothing I do special or complicated. I am seeing an algae bloom in my 3 months transfer from an established 22 gallon to an 80 gallon. I did have a fish that was way too large for the aquarium for a month, was feeding heavy, and had an undersized skimmer. I believe this lead to all the algae after the transfer. I also got a ton of Coraline algae right off the bat. In the 22, I rarely had to clean my glass. In my frag tank, I also rarely have to clean my glass. Now in the 80, every 3 days if I have not touched the glass, I can not see through it.

You can definitely see the color starting to pop through in your photo progression. This layman (if I was documenting this for others and remarking on color) would consider that color popping at 100 days, but not full color, obviously. And I know I continue to say this, but amazing job, I grumble about having to clean the glass and you're over here just breeding mandarins.

So @ReefdUpmentioned bacteria dosing in a recent post here and I'm wondering how many of our locals are doing this? When I started my tank 5 years ago, I got sand and rocks from local members and tried to get as much diversity into my tank as I could. I've added rock and corals from 15+ year old tanks along the way, and continued to add pods and occasionally phyto. I have never had an ICP water test, but I am curious to see the results when I do. What brands are you using, how much are you adding per water volume?

I'd also ask what the results of the water test happened to be, and suggest that they get some good test kits as well so they don't have to take their water to the LFS to figure out what is going on. I'd also find out where their saltwater is coming from. And then I'd ask for a little bit more information about the setup. Cutting back nutrients and water changes is a great one two punch, one that I'm currently using to battle a recent round of algae that's popped up in my newly transferred tank. I'm a huge advocate of continuing to stock up your CUC (clean up crew,) about every six months I do a refresh, I find this is working smart, not hard, as long as nothing is too out of control.

Agreed with everybody else. I do know a few home brewers that will use RO from Wholefoods or MOMS

Looks like a nice healthy tank. Imo, consistency is a big part of success, so adding a doser instead of by hand was one of the best changes you could have made. Also, personally, I never notice growth bc I’m so involved with my tank every day (in my office) but when I go away on trips, or look back at photos, I’m always shocked at how things are growing. looking forward to watching the tracking and continued success.

Hey man, welcome back! I'm closer to you now, Hyattsville. Was in Ellicott City last night, still a bit of a drive, but not as far as Arlington!

Hello stranger!

As always, just fire!

Just get an auto feeder, they will be fine.

Eh, or revamp this one!

The tank has trim in the bottom, you don’t need a mat.

Wow! Looking really great, and balanced!

If you’d like, drop it off, and come pick up when ready. I have an established 12 gallon for emergency. Same safe setting as my dt. Too easy. Just text me.

Welcome! We've got a great reefing community here, your prior setups look nice!

Wow, it’s a whole new world!

3 months

yes, my tank is also 4’, but shallower. My lights hang pretty high. touche! 20 minutes of programming a light once is not back breaking, imo! Last set of lights I had (still have) we’re built by @AlanM, they are still better than 75% of the lighting options out there like 6 years later. Heard, I’m looking to ixnay the T5’s, I’ll look into these when I’m ready!

Only have to program once, but it’s a pain. I don’t mess with wifi. One uno runs $$ more than two K7V3. I will break my back to save even a small amount of money.

Yes, that’s how I’m running mine.

Yeah, 3 of them with t5 on my 80 gallon. @telegraham did a review on HF build, for the price point they are good, pain to program, but once that’s over with it’s been good.

All the mantis I have had have been very sociable and out and about if I am. What are you feeding? How do you know it hasn't eaten? Did you test the water in your new setup? Seems like it will be a wait and see situation.

Tank's looking nice! What I admire most about it though is your patience. I can't remember if it was 1 or 2 years ago for black Friday, Dr Mac did some really nice clam deals. My Maxima came from there, looks gold from the side and silver from the top, I thought it was very unique. Anyways, keep your eyes peeled in a few weeks!