Cleaner Shrimp and Emerald Crab
Haven’t updated In a while. I’m really happy with the way the tank is coming along. Here’s a quick pic of my cleaner shrimp and emerald crab.
Algae bloom and the first members of the CUC
My tank has been running smoothly. All of the parameters are good, except that the magnesiums was low at 1120. The set up with the timers and the auto top off system are all working well. Here is a FTS showing the algae bloom.
Macroalgae and Diatoms
The live rock is starting to show signs of life and I’m starting the diatom bloom.
Second Chamber Media Basket
Here is a graphic of the inTank Media Basket by Stevie T in the second chamber. The little refugium is very cool!
Installing RO/DI
Tonight I installed my new RO/DI system from Melev’s Reef. I replaced my old RO drinking water system, and I’m attempting to hook into the line that goes to the kitchen sink and refrigerator upstairs.
The problem is the outlet on the new system is 1/4″ and the old system is 3/8″. I was able to get an adapter at Lowe’s.
Also, I’ve tried to hook up the reservoir tank from the old system. This adds pressure, but it dissipates when the tank is emptied.
I’m continuing to tinker with it. I’m sure I can get it to work.
Here’s the old system, with the filter media removed
And here’s the new system, in place and about to be hooked up.
The Rebirth of a BioCube!
Dead BioCube 14
I’m starting a blog to chronicle the re-birth of my BioCube 14. I’ve had this tank for about 3 years, and at one point it was doing relatively well.
Over time, I started missing a few water changes, and began to lose the battle with hair algae. As the tank became uglier, I started to lose interest, and eventually everything died. I just let it run with the lights off for a few weeks, in denial about its demise.
I thought to myself, “I can do better than that!” So I decided to make a new start. I removed everything and gave the cube a thorough cleaning. I’ve also spent some time trolling sites like nano-reef.com, Reef Central and Talking Reef to get some ideas and inspiration.
I’ve developed a new found excitement for this hobby. Over the next few months I hope to show the step by step process of creating a little piece of the ocean in my living room.
Stay tuned!
Psychojam's Reef 