how do i colour up my sps

[Zakk]

Not bashing on you, hey we're just trying to help... but I've yet to see any RO system without a DI stage that outputs 0TDS.  I mean, it's -definitely- better than using tapwater, BY FAR, but there's probably a little bit of stuff still getting in. 

For me the feedings are a catch 22.  When I feed the fish, the filter feeders, and the mysis eating beasties, I can end up with an outbreak of algae.  Not big, but dustings on the glass and sand.  When I don't feed, I don't get the growth spurts (the new bods of coral, etc).  So I end up doing a ton of water changes to keep the sand clean.  For me, I need a bulk supply of salt!

Just for info, here's a good article on sea salt, and one of the reasons I no longer use reef crystals or IO.
http://northcoastpets.com/salt_comparison.htm

 

[copperkills]

I dont feel bashed dont worry...lol...I do have a TDS meter on the input and output of the RO unit...its a Spectrapure 90GPD unit...Cartridges are still fairly new, but I have yet to see anything other than a 0 TDS on the output side...all I can do is trust the readings...UGH!

 

[Zakk]

Ah well, if it's all spectrapure, then maybe it's getting 0TDs.  A lot of the discount filters can't do 0TDS, not by a long shot.  I've got spectrapure filters in my GE system, and always get ~5TDS on the output side, even with new filters...

You and add a DI stage to that system pretty cheap, and you'd have pretty much the best RO system that any hobby reefer uses.  If you see a used or cheap handheld TDS meter, grab it, it's a nice way to test the water going into the tank one last time. 

 

[copperkills]

It must be the lack of sleep, but I just checked the model number on my unit and I looked it up on the Spectrapure site....its an RO/DI unit...and to think this whole time I thought it was just RO water...sheesh..

I added some pics of my tank....enjoy....feel free to provide any constructive criticism.

 

[Zakk]

Ahhh, that makes more sense.  Okay then, yeah you have a good system there for your water supply, no doubt. 

pics: attachments and other options, right below the text box  ;D

 

[Blob-79]

ya i was thinkin your tds meter was off   Even high end comercial units will have a hard time doing 0 tds

 

[copperkills]

should i change my carbon to rowaphos?

 

[Zakk]

Looks sweet.  If you're not running GFO, I would switch for sure.  Carbon removes impurities, but not phosphate.

To me, it looks nice and clean in there, in fact it looks almost brand new, rock is too clean, but that's not a bad thing, at least it's not covered in hair algae, so maybe your water is pretty good in there.

You might want to think about swapping out your PC's for an actinic strip.  it really might bring out the colours in your corals.  PC's really don't do jack squat, and I say that as someone who had them for years "for the colour".
http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-152/18-LED-Actinic-Supplement/Detail

Something like this will give you colour like you wouldn't believe.  Just look at some of the recent postings on here of people's corals glowing like they are soaked in phosphorus.  Just a suggestion, as your tank actually doesn't look bad at all.

 

[copperkills]

Im torn...I have always wanted to run a Tek light 36" 6 bulb T5 system...would it be better than the single 250MH I have now??  if not the T5 system, I can probably convince the wife to take some cash from the diaper fund to buy a single AI Sol lol.. Im probably going to need two for my tank tho...Im not sure if a single SOL would be better than what I have now??? if you had 500 bucks which would you recommend T5 or LED??

 

[Zakk]

T5 technology is what, 70 years old? 

However, I'm BIG on the DIY route.  The prices they are asking for premade units are INSANE.  Even the ones you see that are reasonably priced, are basically a big box with two of these inside

and they tell you that you need 5 of them for a biocube.  Before you know it, you're $3K into it. 

A 24LED AI SOL is probably $650 once you get taxes, duty and whatever else into it.  A DIY dimmable kit is ~$250 all in.  That's one heck of a difference. 

But I'm a broken record on LED.  I would never go back to ancient technology at this point.  Even metal halide was invented in the 1960's I think...back when electricity was almost free.  ;D  Now that we know we can get good results in our tanks at a fraction of the electricity used, why wouldn't we. 

 

[Zakk]

Besides, you're in london, come by and see the LEDs on my tank anytime.  It's frankenLEDs.

 

[copperkills]

Can you PM me your number...I work shifts, whens the best time to swing by for a look.

 

[TORX]

I am sure you will fall in love there copperkills

 

[pulpfiction1]

yes,less heat,hydro and bulb replacement,high output lights,i don't think you can lose

 

[copperkills]

Ok...aside from the lights....I have increased my feeding two fold...and am going to add some GFO in a separate reactor.... I am noticing some GHA growth from a previous attack, still short, but I see it and I dont like it!!!  hopefully the GFO addresses the GHA and some colouration...

 

[Darryl_V]

with some of the softies in there make sure you run some carbon as well.

Just make sure you have the basics in order for SPS ie. Lights, flow, chemistry (NO3,PO4, Alk, Ca, Mg), stability, and the proper bioload (fish/food).

Also make sure you are getting good quality frags or colonies to start....starting with a brown coral and hoping it will colour up is a crap shoot even for guys with lots of experience.  With that said though sometimes it takes a little while in one spot for SPS to get comfortable and start growing.