Tom's 100 gal (Re)build tread

I am thinking Live aquaria and picking up random frags here. There is a shop with knowledgeable guys but no inventory and there is a shop with alot of inventory but jerks. They are also pretty pricey. I am not sure if I trust their sand to see my new tank either. It is what it is i guess! I did add an Orchid Dottyback to the tank today about a zero/zero reading. Going to hang on for another couple weeks then get a starting order from someplace online I think.

 

I found a deal too good to pass up! $4.29a lb for this live rock with VERY established Coraline algae and cabbage/colt/mushroom Corals! I picked up 34 lbs of it. It also came with some sponges and CUC additions. Here are a couple of picks of a couple pieces. They rocks as absolutely loaded with Coral!

I can't for the life of my get the right amount of detail or color into these photos...

 

I seem to have an algae bloom hitting. CUC is on the way but until then I am just thinking reduce the hours of light? The algae kind of looks "hairy"

 

Im pretty sure its Diatom. They are really common in newer tanks, I had them and I hated them. They need silicate to live and as soon as they consume all the silicate in the system, they just die off. Be patient. There is really nothing you can do.. part of the cycle.

 

Update: the Diatom continues. I have a CUC with Ceriths, blue and red leg hermits and margarita snails. Thank you Reefcleaners! I also have some Chaeto and Red Algae in my Refuge.

Next steps seem to be;

1. Vortech Mp-40. Seems to be the standard in premium quality powerheads. I am thinking about using this instead of getting my closed loops system back up and running. Not in any real hurry here since my return pump pushes my tank over 10-12 times a hour.

2. Reef controller. Kind of playing around with the Apex versus the profilux units. I would very much enjoy any input anyone could offer on either of these.

3. ATO. I Don't have an RO unit so I need it to be able to either feed from a storage "bucket" or be able to engage via a pump. Thoughts? Any links to good builds here?

4. More livestock =-)

Thanks for watching my tank grow guys!

 

So, I found out the best way to get rid of Diatoms..... Get a Mp40! This unit pushes some serious water in a very quite manner. Absolutely love it! I have my lights on timers and this may be the best thing I have done for my tank so far. The Colt coral loves it. I have some new plumbing pieces coming early next week for the next stage of my process. Although, I want another Mp40 now =-)

 

Congrats on the MP40!!!!!!! I love mine as well and I want another one too.. maybe an MP10w on the other side.... I can dream right?

 

no kidding! My current thought is to take my Koralia 1400 from my 55 gallon to put opposite my Mp40 and get a Mp20 for the 55. That way I upgrade on both

 

I forgot that you had a 55g! Any pics? Gonna keep it along with the 100g?

No Im working hard on the boss to get it approved. I really would like an Apex Jr. but I think I gotta upgrade the DIY LED first.

 

I am definitely keep both =-)

I will post some pics of my 55 on another thread. Here is an updated shot of my 100gallon