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Hey "Experts!" Thoughts about getting a "Reef Rx Check-up". (1 Viewer)

jlanger

@thatfishcookieguy
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Over the past few months, I have been mentally (and physically) trying to figure out what is "wrong" with my 120gal reef system.
I'm not saying that my system is declining or beginning to fail, but I feel that the system has somehow plateaued and is in a holding pattern.

The fish are all doing great; healthy and active. My concern is the corals.
There are some corals that are growing very well, yet there are other corals that have seemed to stop growing altogether. Over the past few months, I have noticed that some corals that used to exhibit great polyp extension are now less likely to do so. And a few corals have even lost some tissue and then started growing back over that spot. I'm just not seeing many of the corals flourishing and growing out into nice colonies like they should.
Historically, I have been very successful with montipora sp. corals, but only marginally successful with many acropora sp. corals. This trend still continues and I would like to improve on that.

I have been testing and testing to see if any parameters have been out of line; not really.
My system has been fairly consistent since I set it back up again in November; and not much has changed over the past two and a half years from equipment to maintenance to husbandry. I switched over to dosing pumps (from manual dosing) for alkalinity and started dosing the Red Sea Coral Colors program and NO-POX. Other than that, I am still using Reef Crystals salt mix and perform regular water changes.

So based on my experience and daily activities, I feel like I'm banging my head against the wall.
What I am looking for is a "second opinion".

Being that I have spent so much time and effort into my system, I feel like I may be overlooking and unaware of any potential issues I may be experiencing at this time.
I believe that a second, third, fourth,... set of eyes may see something I do not.
Basically, I would like to have my system receive a personal "check-up" from other experienced members to possibly diagnose what I may be doing wrong or could be doing better. I think that having someone else physically looking at my system, doing possible water tests, par testing and examine my equipment and husbandry techniques would be of a great benefit.
Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying my tank and it still looks good. I would like it to be doing much better.

If any of you reef/water chemistry/SPS experts would be interested in stopping by and "taking a look under the hood", let me know.
I know that hosting a meeting would garner a larger team of experts, but scheduling one of those this year is darn near impossible; for me and for you, I'm sure.
If you need to be bribed, I could arrange a meal and a few beverages for your time and knowledge.

Thanks.
 
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I'll tell you what's wrong with yours if you tell me what's wrong with mine.
 
Your tank has been setup too long. Time to upgrade to a 180! Or u could do that expensive water test. See what's out of line.
 
It's kinda an interesting proposition- at house meetings that last thing I (or most people) want to do is provide 'constructive feedback' on the hosts setup. Ironic as that can be the most beneficial aspect of a house meeting but who wants to knock another members stuff... We all just need to man up! (not Angie , yucky)
 
It's kinda an interesting proposition- at house meetings that last thing I (or most people) want to do is provide 'constructive feedback' on the hosts setup. Ironic as that can be the most beneficial aspect of a house meeting but who wants to knock another members stuff... We all just need to man up! (not Angie , yucky)

Your comment is the impetus behind my idea of having someone come visit for a "diagnosis".

I feel that if there's not a crowd to pass judgment on someone's personal opinion or observation, it should yield honest criticism and suggestions. And a crowd seems to be less focused on specific topics and conversation tends to drift before any real discussion is made. I'm not saying house meetings are not effective, they are. I agree with Marty that the meetings tend to be more praise than criticism.
When I did host my meeting, a lot of attention was focused on the stand/canopy and the montipora colonies. And cookies. I have a good handle on those things.

I have no problem with receiving criticism.
I'm asking for it. (Angie included... ) :brainoverload:
 
I wish I could help you but I am not nearly as advanced as others are in the coral department. But if you would like someone to just look at your tank in amazement I'm your guy ;)

On a side note to add to meeting talk what if we had a slot in the meeting thread that we could ask for members to help with certain things? I know I have not hosted a meeting yet but when I have get togethers I am to busy stressing about making sure everyone is comfortable and completely forget about things I meant to ask. If others were to know before hand such as "I'm looking for ideas to make my quarantine setup better and more functional" they might pull you aside during or after the meeting and bring it up rather than everyone going home and you remember you meant to ask about it.




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On a side note to add to meeting talk what if we had a slot in the meeting thread that we could ask for members to help with certain things? I know I have not hosted a meeting yet but when I have get togethers I am to busy stressing about making sure everyone is comfortable and completely forget about things I meant to ask.

That's a good idea.
I was so concerned with meeting everyone and making sure all went as planned that I forgot to show/talk about a few things I wanted to share.
I should've had an outline with talking points so that I wouldn't have forgotten them.
Next time.
 
I tried the topic approach at the quarterly dinner, it didn't work too well in the thread format. Just asking questions I wanted answers to live worked out well. :)
 
Just a note - if you end up going with the Triton test - Boomer and a few reef buddies sent a sample in that they had lab tested before sending it out and the results back were completely off.

I'm always happy to help with constructive criticism but in your case I wouldn't be much help since I am pretty coral stoopid. Past that - I would love to come hang for BS/Beers and cookies!
 
Just a note - if you end up going with the Triton test - Boomer and a few reef buddies sent a sample in that they had lab tested before sending it out and the results back were completely off.

I believe the Triton tests were discussed on one of the Reef Threads (Plus?) Podcasts and they talked about how the results aren't always accurate.

*** If you haven't heard about the Reef Threads Podcast; click here.
*** This is a weekly podcast that discusses a wide range of topics concerning marine aquariums and sciences with a casual approach.

I'm always happy to help with constructive criticism but in your case I wouldn't be much help since I am pretty coral stoopid. Past that - I would love to come hang for BS/Beers and cookies!

Maybe I'll try and find a day that I can set aside for an "intervention". Not a full meeting, but some time when a handful of people can visit and talk smart.
By the way, I still have those bright blue mushrooms waiting for you.
 
Jlanger-I've been a huge fan of your woodworking. I love that huge planer you have, man that would make life simpler!

I'm no expert and I can't comment on much outside of SPS because that's all I have. I haven't read through your entire build either...but I'll try to weigh in a little in hopes that we can get real experts like DG or James to comment or maybe a miracle will happen and Olson will comment.

Remember that SPS require absolute stability to flourish- absolute- especially acros. They need to be blasted with flow and light. Looks like you have 2 x mp40s which should be enough in 120 as long as they are turned up to max. Make sure your alk is dead on stable- I test mine at least once weekly and try for 9-10. I'm not going to start a war here and comment on lighting too much but I've always been a halide fan for acros. 400 watts. If you are satisfied with your lighting, you are doing weekly water changes of the same amount every week, you have the correct amount of mag going in...I might check carbon, you could run a small amount of carbon if you aren't already. Check in with your RODI- does the carbon block need replacement? If you are growing montis well but not acros something is a bit off. My montis will do well in less than perfect conditions where my acros need perfection. That being said it's not rocket science and you can get to the bottom of this. I would urge you to stay with acros-we need more SPS heads in the club.

Lets see if we can get the real experts to weigh in...
 

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