• Extreme Juwel Rio 300 without the

Stephen5857

A good and interesting start. It's described with soul. We need to think about something for auto-refilling - it will reduce headaches and the foam will work more stably. It would also be good to put a couple of coolers on the right end to blow hot air out of the frame. I did that on my Jewel.

Danielle8118

Well, definitely "Extreme." Good luck.

Kellie

In the dry stone of Aiptazia? Unlikely.

Theresa5149

A controller is not needed here. A regulated power supply, 2-3 9-centimeter fans, mounting hardware, and a timer are sufficient. The timer turns the fans on and off simultaneously with the lights. Regarding the air conditioner, I can provide an example from my experience. The room temperature is +25. Before installing the ventilation, the aquarium temperature would rise to +29.5 by the evening. I installed 2 fans and adjusted them to half power so they wouldn't be audible. By evening, the water temperature does not exceed +27. It will be the same in summer. The air conditioner will be set to +24-25 degrees. Therefore, overheating of the water is not expected. Additionally, your pumps also heat the water along with the lights.

Stephanie3084

Is there only fluorescent lamps in the fixture?

Yolanda

So I called the timer a controller. By the way, I saw a similar scheme with Oleg and Vadim. I'm sure it works, and I will definitely make one for myself. I just can't keep up with everything. I also have a problem - I live in a private house, and power outages are a normal occurrence for us. I'm thinking about what method of backup power supply to come up with. The options are to bring in two more phases from the street, a diesel generator, or a UPS. For now, I'm leaning towards the domestic UPS "Fort 900." Yes. The fixture has six T5 lamps, each 54W. The lamps are from different manufacturers and have different spectra. They were selected by A.

Spencer7805

Have a good trip... the main thing is not to be afraid of making a mistake, but to fix it in time...))

Brent5588

What will experienced marine aquarium enthusiasts say about starting with S.R.K. (dry reef rocks)? Will everything be fine for the topic starter and will S.R.K. (dry reef rocks) gradually turn into L.K. (live rocks), or could there be problems because there are no L.K. (live rocks) at all?

William1830

What do you think, can S.R.K. (dry reef rocks) turn into L.K. (live rocks) if there are no L.K. (live rocks) in the system as such? Some bacteria will eventually settle in the porous substance called S.R.K. (dry reef rocks), but a dry rock will not become a full-fledged L.K. (live rock)... P.S. If I were the author of the topic, I would place at least a few kilograms of L.K. (live rocks) in the aquarium.

Alexandra

The topic starter deserves respect!!!! And a huge thank you for sharing their experience. It seems I will go down that path too...

Chelsea567

And no one argues with that.

Stephanie9175

Max, if a good household (not aquarium) reverse osmosis system is used, the necessity of using ion-exchange resins is very questionable. As is the overall need for their use. This is not just my amateur opinion; I consulted with experts. And what didn't you like about Seichm's salt? Do you have negative experiences with it? Share. And also, why keep carbon in the aquarium all the time? Explain.

Mike

I don't consider the second option, but as for cysts in aiptasia... You'll see me in space in a diving suit before you see cysts in aiptasia.

Chad

Well, why is it controversial? If we aim for TDS to be 0, then we can't do without resins... Of course, I might be wrong, but it seems to me that the cleaner the source water, the better!

Ronald

I have dry reef rocks (S.R.K.) in my tank that have been sitting there (kind of coming to life), and after six months, a couple of aiptasia appeared on them. Meanwhile, there are no aiptasia in the aquarium at all (and there never have been). Off-topic: S.R.K. (dry reef rocks) from the Central Asia, live rocks (J.K.) - ireef. Regarding live rocks (J.K.), LENNY is right: you need at least a few kilograms (the tube with shrimp and worms is missing).

Kathleen

What do cysts have to do with this???

Tammy2040

I personally witnessed when a very respected seller here sold a goniopora as a weed that doesn't need light or good water at all )))) They found out how "difficult" the coral was a couple of hours later when they put it in the aquarium and started looking it up online ))) Nevertheless, Oleg's coral is blooming and growing )))

Heather2018

This won't last long while he has strength, but it will soon start to run out. God willing, he will live, and for that, good water quality, a stable aquarium, and appropriate feeding for the corals are needed. In this case, I will take my hat off if he makes it to the end of this year.

Eric5208

The goniopora in his aquarium has been there for 2 months... and so far (knock on wood) it's only getting better))) You also need to know Olegasi))) with his persistence and his approach to everything he does - I have no doubt that everything will be fine))))

Adam4310

I have no doubt about it.

Stephanie3084

In what other form can iptazia be preserved in C.R.K. (dry reef stones)?

James4757

In none! The aiptasia were recorded.

William

Some wild reverse osmosis system. My 5-year-old membrane had 3ppm at the output yesterday, while the tap water was 320ppm. I've never changed it yet. I replace the cartridges every 10 months. In May, it was zero. I bought a new membrane; when it reaches 10ppm, I'll change it.

Mario

The water in Donbas is terrible, I'm glad yours is better. When was the last time you calibrated the electrode? I change the resin at 3 ppm, even though the tolerance is up to 5 ppm; the price of the resin is cheap, so I don't wait for it to spike.

Matthew7977

I have a neighbor who works at a company that sells and services purification systems. He measured it with his tester. Regarding the calibration, he assured me that everything is fine.

Katherine

A handheld TDS meter is not the most accurate device. I also got a handheld TDS meter, not cheap, from guys who service purification systems, and it showed me after osmosis either 35 ppm or 20 ppm. This margin of error is not significant for drinking water, but it is important for seawater.

Jessica5016

You are incredibly lucky with your water - for example, I only have a five-stage reverse osmosis system that produces 37-38 ppm. The incoming water is 1250 ppm. After the spent cartridge and MB-50 resin, it became 0.00 ppm. So don't compare everyone to your "water."

Jennifer7159

I don't compare - I use what comes out of the tap, and the water varies greatly in different areas of Kyiv. I spent the first 17 years of my life on water from the Donbas region. And I drank Odessa water for two consecutive years. I want to understand. Ideally, it shouldn't matter how many ppm there are at the input; the output should be close to "0" in any case. If the membrane is producing 37-38, then it probably makes sense to change the membrane manufacturer. There are now many manufacturers that seem to not care much about the quality of their products.

Kimberly3727

Here I am thinking, but the manufacturer I got it from is verified by this forum, which is why I chose him. However, from an engineering perspective, I started to understand that what is "not filterable" through the membrane depends on the "micron" size of the particles that the membrane can retain - anything it cannot distinguish from water molecules will pass through. I have artesian water - a terrible thing, guys - for everything, both for the aquarium and for the garden - the mineralization level is off the charts, salt is coming out on the lawn...

Debra6575

What you wrote concerns more about this resin. The one needed for the sea further purifies what the membrane (which has a purification degree of 95-99%) did not clean, so at the output of the cartridge with resin, it results in zero. P.S. Seems like that. Seachem seems to be a good brand; I personally use PhosGuard, Purigen, and the Reef+ supplement. I currently have Tetra salt, but if I were looking for something better, I would probably choose Tropic Marin (there are many good reviews about it), and the price is the same as Seachem salt. Seachem salt might just not be very popular yet, which is why many people are skeptical about it.

Joseph8592

I don't think your specialist is smarter than the manufacturer Seachem, which recommends purifying water using resins. They really know much more than all of us combined. Water is purified so that after dissolving the salt, there is the right amount of all the elements calculated by them, no more and no less. The resin removes almost everything, including silicates and phosphates, and you are indeed correct about the accumulation of all this stuff in the aquarium. And as your colleague rightly pointed out, he wasn't looking at the resin for aquariums; he was talking about the resin that softens water for household use.

Cassandra7840

Not quite. The ideal purification degree of the system is 99.5-99.9%, but in reality, it's 95-99%. That's the results we have.

Laura4892

You probably joked like that? Take a closer look at the photo of your aquarium. I assure you - an aquarium set up with live rocks doesn't look like that after 3 months.

Curtis9143

Max))) this is a photo after the lights were installed.... Oleg captured the entire process step by step in the photos))) now it's clean and tidy))))

Justin9867

I'm all for it. Let's have some photos.

Travis572

Did J.K. not put any stones? In the photo, I only see dry reef stones.

John3165

The launch was conducted only on S.R.K. (dry reef stones), and this is the topic.

Matthew1280

In the photo, everything seems to look quite good.

Jeffrey2277

Here, I'm posting a few more photos in acceptable quality. If anyone is knowledgeable about Acropolises, please assess the condition; it's already a couple of weeks old.

David4968

On the caulerpa in the 6th photo - I am first in line for the "frag." Does the hidnophora cost more under the actinic or..?

Amanda

No problem. It grows very quickly for me, I have to thin it out. The first batch was taken by Nikitos. The next one will be for you! My actinics are arranged symmetrically, it's impossible to stand under them )) What's wrong with it?

Emily3506

Everything is fine with her. (She's puffing a bit more than necessary, I think) The question was that I have a similar specimen. I brought a yellow one, put it under the actinics - it turned green. But I don't have other lighting options yet - only PLs. So I'm comparing and pondering.

Jonathon8514

The color didn't change for me; that's how I got it. But it has indeed become very fluffy. Moreover, this is a night photo – during the day, it's even fluffier! All my corals generally become fluffy; I don't even know why. The umbrellas I got from Oleg and Nikitos have grown such hairy little tentacles that Nikitos didn't even recognize his umbrellas. I assume it's due to the large amount of phytoplankton in the water.

Joseph6461

I don't know how the acropora is, but the caulerpa is stunning.

Andrea

Yeah, the caulerpa looks cool. I haven't seen such little trees before))) You could put a surgeon there)))))

Robin

Are there no filters at all?

Stacey4437

There are no filters in the literal sense, of course. Why would there be? There is a foam piece, powerful enough for my volume, and inside it is a bag of charcoal. That's all.

Whitney

I have a similar situation; it seems the tank will be without a sump and a canister filter. I don't even know where to place the protein skimmer. Actually, I saw that large canister filters are used for biological filtration in tanks, which is why I asked. Sorry for going off-topic, but are there any protein skimmers that can be installed not in a sump/not in the aquarium, and are not hang-on models? Something like a canister filter that could be hidden in a cabinet nearby? (Considering how they work, it's unlikely, but just in case.)

Darrell7542

Off-topic And then one fine day they curse the day and hour when they got involved with him...

Melanie

I wouldn't even go that far... I recommend you study the topic of marine aquariums a bit more, as what you've written here may not take off.

Destiny

Of course!

Laurie3842

Most of the penniaks are created just for Samp or Samp is created for them. Read more in detail... Oleg, sorry for the off-topic.

Katie3017

Nice system. It will look great once the top is settled with the SPS! I'm in line for a gorgonian fragment.

Michael826

How does studeriotis behave? Or is it too early to characterize it? Are there still supplies from tubastreia or something special?

Alexandra

You have an interesting selection of corals! Everything all at once in one aquarium.

Kimberly3727

I saw an aquarium in person today. Everything looks very good and better than in the photos. There are a lot of various bugs and worms both on the rocks and in the sand. They all look healthy and happy. Have a good swim, Oleg.

Robert800

It's not worth putting her in bright light. It's not necessarily your fault. Anemones have a hard time with transportation and changes in conditions. Try to take one that has been acclimated and transfer it VERY carefully. P.S. I managed to keep the third one. After that, even streaming wasn't a problem for her.

Bryan1851

Friends! I want to share the joy of what I saw )) I came home a little earlier today and caught my Studeriotes sp truly open. I liked its appearance so much that I couldn't resist - I took some photos! I've never seen it this tall before )) Interestingly, after 15 minutes it closed almost completely. Maybe it caught something to eat and went to digest... or maybe it just got shy.

Nancy

In one of the topics, you wrote: Has your opinion changed now? Please advise on the best way to start - S.R.K. (dry reef rocks), L.K. (live rocks), or S.R.K. (dry reef rocks) + L.K. (live rocks) Thank you.

Gabriel

Off-topic. Let a year or two pass for conclusions. It's too early.

Kevin262

Probably not, my opinion hasn't changed yet... Moreover, keep in mind that I have no experience with chemistry - you might do the same thing, but with chemistry, and everything could go completely differently than what I've written in the topic! My personal opinion for today: start with live rocks (L.R.) and dry reef rocks (D.R.R.) 50/50, and I think everything will be fine. Isn't it a bit too long, a year or two?!... The most pessimistic forecasts I've heard say one year, but on average, people say that in about six months everything will be more or less clear.

George5104

Oleg, that's right - when the system reaches its peak load, when the aquarium is fully stocked, when the corals are reaching for the light, that's when it will be clear how the system handles the load. And that takes about a year or two, depending on the person. In the sea, only the lower organisms, cyanobacteria, and the bleached acropora are quick to appear in the morning.

James

Here you are faced with a choice of whether to start a marine aquarium. You know that it is not a small financial expense, a lot of worries and "headaches," but seeing interesting ways to solve the "problems" in such a heartfelt topic, you can't shake off the desire to dive into this "whirlpool." Huge respect to the author! An excellent topic that also serves to popularize this sector of aquaristics among the masses. I can feel it myself. Sorry for the off-topic, but could anyone here from the marine enthusiasts tell me if this species is kept in marine aquariums (it is close to my main hobby):

Jesse3979

Think, make up your mind... Especially with your nickname, you shouldn't take risks! ))))) Just keep in mind that the sea is quite an addiction!!! And like any good drug, it's not a cheap pleasure... Personally, I've already doubled my budget for the sea, but it's definitely worth it!!!

Susan9583

Offtopic I couldn't formulate this definition correctly in my head - it's pure truth and you can't put it more accurately - I didn't even notice how it dragged me in.

Kevin262

As far as I remember, they are cold-water organisms and do not live in a classic reef.

Joshua

I am fully aware of everything mentioned; all hobbies are structured that way. That's why I read as much as possible to avoid making serious mistakes in case of a venture. By the way, thanks to your topic, I've started to look at some things a bit differently. Thank you once again.

Michael5242

How is the aquarium doing? If it's not too much trouble, could you describe your impressions of the equipment you are using? How well does it work, is it noisy? I am interested in the following items: # Water pumps: Hydor Koralia 4 – 1 piece, SunSun JVP-102 – 2 pieces; # Skimmer: external Deltec MCE 600.

Christopher7213

Thank you, I think I will refuse the samp and will make something for myself based on a similar principle. By the way, I wish you a speedy recovery from the infection!

John3142

Did you recently get the Paraguard crypto from Yanovsky? If he described your case, then Seichem won't help anymore. You need stronger medications.

Zoe7451

Not the best idea!

Stuart

No, that's the wrong approach! To make the sea bring joy, you need to start it correctly and wisely! Of course, you can start without sand, without live rocks, without a skimmer, etc. But in doing so, a person creates additional and unnecessary problems for themselves. I started without sand. And what do you think? After 2 years, I decided to add sand. And what does it mean to add sand to an already established system? In general, it's better to learn from others' mistakes than from your own! Everything I've written is just my IMHO.

Rebecca

I still don't consider a sump to be the most essential thing in a marine aquarium. If there is a good hang-on skimmer, you can manage without a sump. However, I prefer to have a sump.

Andrew9246

Any system has the right to exist! But why these experiments, these mistakes have been repeated by many and ultimately done "the human way"? Making a 500-liter aquarium and having no space for a sump? I don't understand something, guys.

Joseph9057

Max, why so categorical?))) At Oleg's place, where the aquarium is, there has always been a cichlid tank - everything was designed and tailored for it... and there was a choice - either to rebuild the entire kitchen floor or to try to fit into what is already there )) they chose the path of least resistance))) and persistence and desire are powerful tools - and he will succeed in everything)))

Jeremy3637

I really liked this expression! I have no doubt that he will succeed, and I will be happy for him. But he has started to doubt a little. You just need to strive for the best and understand that a marine aquarium is not a toy; you can ruin the system in 3 seconds, even a five-year-old one, just by pouring in bad water or chemicals. That's why I always support trusted manufacturers. I also make mistakes and will always listen to advice! So no hard feelings.

Thomas1044

Strangely enough, there is almost no space for the sump, and even what is available has to be allocated due to the length of the aquarium. In the coming days, I will create a topic with the project to discuss it with respected forum members. If it's not too much trouble, please explain what the mistakes are and where you see the weak points of the system?

Christopher4108

Well, if there is space for the length of the aquarium, one option is to make a sump on the side (some have already done this).

Meghan

I am currently considering this option, but I still have questions. The most important thing is to understand what I will gain with the sample, and what I won't be able to provide without it...

Karen2578

The Deltec MCE600 system won't handle 500-600 liters! Unless there are just a few small fish swimming around and very undemanding corals. And if you also plan to start with 50% dry rock, then even more so! This raises questions: Where will you install a more powerful skimmer? How will you control the water level in the aquarium (auto top-off)? And let's not forget about the film on the water's surface. How do you plan to deal with it? Surface turbulence doesn't always help...

Catherine6534

Is there a mounted sprayer that can handle 500-600 liters?

Katherine

I don't think there is a hanging one, but there is one standing next to the aquarium. For example, the Deltec series AR.

Craig7302

Offtopic Oleg, I disagree. "Experience is much more than 10M.A. (marine aquarium) launched according to the canons." It's like when you drive a Zhiguli and are happy with life, thinking "what's the difference, 4 wheels, a powerful engine, etc.," and then you get into a foreign car and realize how it should be. But if you get into a Zhiguli after a decent foreign car, you start to understand how it shouldn't be. There is a big difference even in 4 wheels and an engine, etc. The point is clear.

Lori4746

Off-topic, that's not the point. When you drive a Zhiguli, whether you like it or not, you will learn to understand the wheels, the engine, and everything else. In a foreign car, you might not have such an "opportunity."

Anthony4281

Off-topic. Those who want will figure it out even in a foreign car. And those who don't want will drive a Lada as a blonde.

Lindsey3628

Offtopic Max, you can turn a Zhiguli into a gem - it just requires more effort and knowledge, and you can also tune a Mercedes in a couple of months... everyone has their own path))) the DAO path))))

Russell8484

Off-topic, BRAVO! You got the point! Max, that's a bad example )) I drove a Tavria for 2 years, then immediately switched to a Subaru. I don't know how you started driving... But believe me, when you know how to start a car at -20 with flooded spark plugs, how to drive with a broken throttle, how to make it to the service station with a stuck thermostat or a leaking master brake cylinder - YOU ARE A DRIVER. A Subaru will never teach you that! There’s comfort, luxury, and expensive regular maintenance... And friends, a respectful request to everyone - let's not go off-topic ))

Sharon

Offtopic "make a candy" We've already done it. We still go for Twix and strive for Raffaello.

Michael826

Off-topic. The point, Oleg, is that it's better to do everything as it should be done first. After that, everyone decides for themselves what is good and what is bad.

Wendy8540

Yes, and Max, understand that what I wrote does not apply to the "higher league" of this forum, to which, by the way, you also belong ;-) I don't really consider myself part of any leagues at all. And please don't classify me. "Dude, you didn't grasp what I said..." "Dude," I perfectly understood what you said.

Justin9867

As Mowgli said, "we are of one blood - you and I." 90% of my sea is driven by 90% of my curiosity. Oleg, I respect you, and I think many like me do too - not just for your extreme feats, but for the fact that you honestly share them with others. More often, a person messes up and disappears from the forum - then six months later, poof, they pop up, "look what kind of mussels I bought." Or more often, a starter topic - they salted something six months ago, made a lot of live rocks, and here’s what happened... Your experience is simply a treasure!!! Thank you, and please continue.

Kyle

Wouldn't it be wiser to learn from others' mistakes? Especially since we are talking about LIVING BEINGS, not machines!

Melissa

Unfortunately, people are rarely capable of this. And then everyone thinks, "His hands are crooked, but everything will be fine for me."

William

Gentlemen, where is your tolerance? A couple of centuries ago, people were burned at the stake just for thinking that the Earth was round.

Heather

I remember your inquisition. With Oleg, everything can be said to be smooth. If Oleg manages to pull it off, it will be just awesome! Because many want to launch the system on dry rock. Of course, it's more profitable - 100 kg of live rock = 2000 USD or dry reef rock = 500 USD. Believe me, I'm all for it! "Sorry... but I really consider you a very experienced sailor." Oleg, unfortunately, that's not the case. I still have a lot to learn. Fortunately, Vadim and others have been guiding me.

Amanda5586

160 per kilo isn't expensive? A couple of tons of Baku stones for the aquarium (live rocks) isn't expensive. Miracles don't happen, and the biology in the aquarium stabilizes after a year to a year and a half. But why wait for it to settle down? Then nothing can be planted. I had vibrations transmitted to the wire and the rib of rigidity. I put a piece of silicone underneath - it became quieter. I wouldn't be so categorical. Perhaps you overlooked something? Or didn't pay attention? No one ever learns from OTHER people's mistakes. Until a person steps on a rake themselves, they won't learn anything.

Tracy4603

+100000

Aaron6112

I have already gone through this setup with S.R.K. (dry reef rocks) and without a sump a long time ago. (this is regarding Zhiguli) From 1999 to 2005, I didn't even see any books on aquaristics, let alone the Aquaristics forum. There was no one to ask for advice; everyone learned through experiments. I can say that everything lived, not without losses, but it lived. There was Chinese salt, there were no skimmers, and there were no T5 lamps either. With such a wealth of information available now, why complicate life?

Christina9947

It is necessary to ask the relevant moderator to clean up the topic, its title has been lost, off-topic, philosophy, aphorisms of life wisdom. I personally am not interested in this, but it was very interesting to follow the incoming messages about a specific aquarium. Sorry if I offended anyone.

Anne

I highly doubt that such an aquarium will last long. It may work for a while, but after that. Either frequent water changes of up to 30% per month will save it, or alternative filtration systems; this topic is described in more detail here:

Raven7170

I haven't saved for a long time. (Actually, the algae scrubber was removed six months ago due to lack of need.) I only do 10% water changes a month. The skimmer has been absent for about four years, if not more. There has never been a sump, but there is a full cassette of debris.

Rachel9060

Off-topic, after so many years "at sea," you already know what can and cannot be done. I am more than sure that launching a system like yours without experience is very, very difficult. Moreover, the pension was there from the very beginning. And it is precisely needed when launching the system.

Matthew7977

I constantly remind you that these are my personal methods of working with marine aquariums. I have never imposed them on anyone and do not intend to do so. But sitting quietly without sharing my experience with forum members is, as you agree, a pointless endeavor. Moreover, as far as I understand, the topic "about extreme" projects in marine aquariums is being discussed, or am I misunderstanding something?

Tami

Well done! A tough start, but interesting and informative... Personally, I took the path of least resistance... so to speak, I bought almost everything ready-made.

Jason9385

Yes, maybe it's something I don't understand... Did I say to someone in this thread that I'm against it? I'm reasoning together with Olegasi and you on the topic of extreme launches, which I have nothing against. I'm all for it! There are doubts, there are reflections, and there is also my personal experience with launching alternative systems. I had one aquarium without a skimmer, another one practically without it. The third aquarium is 50/50 S.R.K. (dry reef rocks)/J.K. And although this experience is small, I can already draw some conclusions and share them with everyone.

Elizabeth6302

In the process of working with marine aquariums, I have long come to the conclusion that everything we currently know about the sea, no matter how powerful our attributes and knowledge may be, is just a tiny piece of the vast unknown that we still have yet to discover. And if someone feels the desire to experiment at a certain stage, go ahead and enjoy it. Moving forward is always more interesting than being stuck at the dock.

Randall7906

I once demonstrated on the forum how to do a COMPLETE restart of 200 liters with a redesign in 4 hours. It can be done, but I wouldn't recommend it to others. I showed and explained it.

George5104

It's interesting to consider how the risks are comparable, both financially and in terms of live organisms, when launching on dry food and live rocks. In my opinion, in terms of dry food, it may ultimately turn out to be more expensive and more problematic... and what is important to me: it takes longer and involves the use of chemicals.

Michelle

The aquarium's ecosystem, at 80%, will always be the guarantee of the further successful existence of your aquarium, and that is worth a lot...

Jeremy

It depends on how far you let the aquarium go. If it starts to smell of ammonia, you will have to throw EVERYTHING away (including the substrate and live rocks) and do a complete restart.

David2398

I'm afraid I will indeed take the "wrong" path, although I will try to do it wisely. The process is more interesting than the result.

Matthew1280

Off-topic. I don't think anyone among sailors has ever gone this far... even one who was strictly forbidden by his wife (our Zaporizhzhia man) to engage in the sea, managed to sell everything profitably during the process of burying it, and then looked down on us naive ones with the thought, "Heh, how silly you are to come up with the idea of starting a marine aquarium..."

Tara2761

Time will turn the white corals sold as souvenirs into J.K. (living stones).

Zachary

But as the minus of Carolina-stones stop breathing and performing the function of a natural filter...

Jason9385

Incrusting algae are 95% composed of limestone, with the rest being plant tissue. The presence of such algae in an aquarium has always indicated its good condition, and all the inhabitants look excellent. I haven't heard of any harm associated with these algae.

Megan

Off-topic The walls of the aquarium spoil the view.

Susan

Offtopic: And we hit them in the face with a teapot! And everything is clean...

Cassandra1840

I think the same.

Jose

In the pores of J.K. (live stones) live many different organisms, which is why it is valued... well, I came across such an opinion on one of the German forums and on one American one... Personally, I like Carolina))) and it still only grows in the light)

Theresa5149

I don't know what Carolina is, but if it's a filamentous algae, then there is plenty of it in the Azov Sea on the rocks that are in the surf zone.

Diana8604

I have Carolina growing everywhere, in the flow pumps and in the drain shaft, and believe me, there is minimal lighting there.

Elizabeth1221

In my aquarium, I noticed that Carolina grows best in areas with stronger currents. The pumps accumulate algae much faster than the decorations. Lighting also affects its growth, but less than the current. And also - calcium levels. If it's above 420, it grows like crazy; at 380, it hardly grows; below 370, it gradually disappears from the rocks.

Angela6489

What is the difference between S.R.K. (dry reef stones) and J.R.K.? And what are the distinguishing features? Probably, in order to understand how one transitions into the other, it is necessary to understand what each one is.

Aaron580

Live rocks do not degenerate; there is nothing to degenerate, as they are just stone. However, the cultures of bacteria living on and in their pores can degenerate over time (not because the bacteria are bad, but because the conditions in the aquarium are harsh for them). In this case, introducing "fresh" bacteria helps, either in the form of a ready-made concentrate or as new live rocks with NEW bacteria in them.

Lauren

Yes, periodic "reloading" with fresh live rock or replacement definitely improves the life of the microcosm in a reef aquarium. Nevertheless, even without such "movements," the reef is capable of "self-maintenance."

Jenny

Well done - you came up with a great definition.

Brian7092

Even better - not "sometimes," but regularly!

David2398

Replacing water in the reef is a crucial element in maintaining its viability. Therefore, postponing, taking long breaks, or even not changing the water at all means consciously putting its existence at risk.

Heather2018

How to determine the volume and frequency of substitutions? What should one focus on? Or should it simply be a rule to take 10% monthly?

Crystal4879

May Oleg forgive me - one last question - it's been almost a month since I started the first live rocks (J.K.) and I'm itching to make a change - is it too early and how much should I change (300 liters + 100 liters of sump)?

Justin

You have had the aquarium for less than a month. Don't rush, as there are very few animals in it. It's better to check the water for nitrates, phosphates, and trace elements, and let the aquarium establish a normal biological regime. Moreover, as far as I remember, you didn't take any water from the functioning reef of your colleagues for the setup. Everything you have there is fresh and not yet "established." So, you can wait another month. After that, you can see... maybe you'll change 5%.

Jennifer5784

It will most likely attack again later, as the Helmon will be encroaching on the zebra's territory, and she is not used to that. Maybe it's about the size of the mirror? So that the zebra can see its reflection from more angles. I stuck a 25x35 cm mirror right next to the side glass with tape (I specifically ordered that size at the glass cutter). The aggression disappeared instantly. After a week, I had to remove it because the aggressive zebra cichlid had lost a lot of weight and looked weakened. Peace reigned in the aquarium.

Julia

Option #2 Hepatus needs to be planted, and the zebra will switch to him. They get along well as a pair. Otherwise, the zebra has no one to bother.

Erin

I had a similar situation when I introduced Helmon to Z. flavescens. At first, it was quite stressful, but then it gradually calmed down, and after a week, I completely forgot about it and stopped paying attention, and even more so, I became friends with it. But here's the thing: the aquarium was 3000x600x600, with plenty of hiding spots and so on.

Robert1845

It seems that this aiptasia has a sense of danger. As soon as I started hunting for it, it hid everywhere. Behind rocks, behind the pump, even on the thermometer, it pretended to be a little lump. But no one has ever hidden from the kettle.

Colin1418

And yet the idea with the grid was brilliant! Helmon's behavior changed immediately. He started to feel natural and at ease - it's obvious, and it's benefiting him. The little white spots on his tail disappeared, and his belly is now so full! And most importantly - it's immediately clear which half of the aquarium Helmon lives in and which half Zebrasoma occupies. The Zebrasoma territory is full of Aiptasia, while where Helmon is, there is NOT A SINGLE ONE!!! There used to be about 20 of those pesky anemones! And this is all in just 4 days of peaceful living. *YAHOO*

Brandi

Now time should put everything in its place... I sincerely wish that after the dismantling of the grid, the fish will live in peace...

Chelsea567

The pike was indeed lucky that it started to experience learned helplessness! Once, an experiment was conducted where small fish were released into an aquarium with a pike, and a glass divider was placed in the middle. The pike naturally kept hitting the glass because it saw the food, while the small fish hid in the corner, far away. Over time, the pike realized it couldn't get to the other side, and the fish understood that the pike was frustrated, so the glass was removed. After that, the pike didn't even try to swim to the other side of the aquarium, while the small fish swam to its side...

Nicholas

Can you describe in your own words how you envision the working principle of activated charcoal? Just don't retell the user manual; instead, use your imagination to picture how it actually works. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion.

Martin3206

I will ask leading questions. Do you have an osmotic water purification system? Do you remember the principle of membrane operation? What is needed for water to pass through the membrane? Well, do you guess where I'm going with this? P.S. Don't think that I know the answer to the question about the benefits of coal; I'm just speculating and trying to think logically.

Tracy4603

When I laid this carbon, I started getting "dino" or "diatoms," I'm not sure, I don't have a microscope - they are brown. That's why the system only has "Seachem PhosGuard" and "Purigen."

Wendy8540

Probably not completely (((( But it's very interesting to figure it out! First of all, the system is not osmotic, but reverse osmosis. The principle of osmosis is based on the difference in salt concentration - the liquid flows by itself. In reverse osmosis, everything is based on artificial pressure and a very impermeable membrane... How is this related to coal? Is there not enough pressure for it?... Thank you! But it seems that it's already known that antifos is ruining Ksenia... Unfortunately, I'm not ready yet.

Brent7831

This is roughly how I think. I assume that coal has a one-time action and its main essence is not that water circulates through it, but that it has absorbed water ONCE through its capillary system and will not release what it has absorbed! Roughly speaking, like a sponge. You throw it into a puddle, it draws water into its pores and holds the water inside. The thinner the capillaries, the harder it is to establish water circulation, and pressure needs to be increased for that. This is how I see it.

William1830

Okay! I agree.

John3335

I removed the post because I misunderstood the question. Water in the capillaries will circulate due to the surface tension of water only if it is constantly drawn from the exit edge (water circulation in the trunk of a tree).

Tracy4603

Yes, a clear example is a candle. Common sense suggests that there is logic to it. But let's consider that the carbon in the aquarium (according to the sellers) works not for 5-10 minutes, but for several months. The capillary effect cannot last that long. Perhaps there is a mixed effect - yours and mine? Oh! Now this is the most interesting topic! If a sponge in the aquarium is called a "nitrate factory," what distinguishes carbon from the sponge? Here, I don't know, but I want to understand.

Jennifer7159

Any theory needs evidence. For this, you need to have tests. Take measurements, add coal, and repeat the tests after an hour. Then do it again the next day. You will gather statistics. Before removing the coal, test once more. And after removal. Then you will have not only the assurances of the sellers but also your own experience to support my theory! By the way, the instructions say it differently - "it works not for 5-10 minutes, but for several months." On the contrary, they strongly recommend conducting tests.

Leonard

It will stick in just one layer and that's it. After that, the first layer blocks the attraction of organic molecules to the carbon. The capillary effect is based on the surface tension of water, while in organics, this property often has the opposite sign - repulsion from the capillaries. Let's say oil does not rise through the capillaries.

Theresa5149

You are all right. If I had enough time, energy, and patience, I might have done it. But alas... Actually, that's why I'm consulting with everyone here ))))))))) So, what do you think? In essence: is water flow through the substance necessary or not? How long will the coal work in the aquarium before it needs to be replaced?

Bethany

Because in industrial aquaculture there are textbooks and established technologies! And in amateur aquaculture, everything is different. Even a housewife can keep an anemone and clownfish in 20 liters.

Alyssa1438

There will be no water flow through the capillaries in any case. The coal will continue to work until its entire surface (both outside and inside) is covered with a film of organic matter one molecule thick. This is about 40% of the mass of the coal itself. Quite sufficient.

Angela

If there is no flow of water through the capillaries, how will organic molecules get in there? In my opinion, they will get in only once, when coal is thrown into the water, stick, and that's it. Organic molecules are present in the water. No water flow means no new organic molecules will enter.

Ronald5720

my 12 bushes of Ksenia categorically disagree with this. They don't share well (I have to cut them) and their growth has slightly slowed down - but for them to wilt and wither away...

Rachel9060

Offtopic: Add a thread about unread school textbooks. Guys, don't spam, the topic is great. Please.

Dana4701

Loss Two weeks ago, I introduced a Tridacna mollusk into my system. It was very beautiful - bright blue. It adapted well, always opened up, and reacted to shadows. It even crawled a bit, moving around, looking for a place to settle. But yesterday, my Helmon devoured it! Right before my eyes, it ate the entire mollusk out of its shell, leaving only the blue mantle around the edges. The shrimp finished that off... The Helmon turned out to be a fierce and cunning beast! Be careful. I hope my post saves at least one Tridacna for someone.

Joseph1346

I'm having doubts about the clam. The tridacna's shells are such that any clam would get its beak bitten off. Most likely, this was already the consumption of a corpse. Moreover, if the tridacna was moving and crawling, these are signs of dissatisfaction with life.

Joseph8592

Did you see the iReef tridacna? It was a maximum of 3 cm long... really small. If it had been about 10 cm like the one from Tkach, it could have put up a fight?! But as it was... it couldn't. It was spinning when it was near the Goniopora. I moved it further away and it stopped spinning.

Brian7092

I have read more than once about the tridacna and the clownfish, two things that are incompatible in one aquarium. The mollusk may be strong, but if the clownfish constantly pecks at it, it negatively affects the health of the tridacna, it weakens, and the clownfish is right there, ready to take advantage.

Sarah7284

It's also a question... I haven't seen Helmon touch a tridacna even once in six months! I think I'm right.

Lori4746

What is the size of your Tridacna, please?

Angel2396

In fact, a tridacna is less likely to be touched if it lives in the aquarium before the halmon, as the halmon then shows no interest in the long-term residents. However, if a "fresh" tridacna is introduced to an existing halmon, the likelihood of it being eaten is high. I have 2 tridacnas before the halmon, and they receive 0 attention. Oleg OlegShv initially had a tridacna, then a halmon, but the second tridacna was almost eaten right before his eyes. I believe Lena also had a tridacna before the halmon, which is why they are not eating it.

Gene1948

Just whoever you run into from Helman.

Earl

Maybe! Off-topic: At one time, Hepatus nibbled on a beautiful colony of Parazoanthus... Oleg, I probably have Tridacna sm10-11. But I got it six months before Helmon. In general, the sea is unpredictable! Many assured me that Centrogype Loriculus doesn't touch corals. But mine occasionally nibbles on some SPS...

Sandra7004

Yes, you're right. Helmon varies from one to another. Even S. Yanovsky told me that I was lucky with my Helmon - it eats all kinds of aiptasia, both big and small. It's like I got the "right" Helmon. Well, it seems that it not only eats aiptasia but also snacks on mollusks. P.S. I'm actually planning to get a Centropyge Loriculus in a couple of months; I really like it! Is it a very temperamental/difficult fish? Is it worth the trouble, considering its price is quite high?

Cheryl9296

Yes, that's true... Regarding the death of tridacnas, besides what was mentioned above, there is an opinion that the worms that live in the sand can penetrate inside the shell, gnawing through the mantle. The mollusk is then doomed. This is where the helminths complete the process. I had 2 large tridacnas for about 3 years without any problems, but when they started to die, which doesn't happen immediately, I noticed small polychaetes near them at night, and later, when it was already clear that the animal wouldn't survive, I took it out of the aquarium and found them inside. So there are plenty of reasons for their death.

Nicole7268

Let's be on a first-name basis! The fish is amazing! Absolutely not picky and not difficult to care for at all! It eats everything you throw into the aquarium. And its little antics, like nibbling on some of the SPS corals (which I haven't seen any harm from so far), are forgiven because of its beauty!

Joshua448

How could I not imprint this post in my mind... Thanks to Oleg for the warning - I wasn't planning on Helmon - but still, thanks for the heads-up.

Kevin262

I had both Helmon and Tridacna, Helmon paid no attention to Tridacna, it all depends on luck... everything depends on the specific Helmon... one eats Aiptasia, another... doesn't even look in the direction of Aiptasia, and the same happened with Tridacna.

Jennifer5371

There is an opinion that if the helmon is planted later than the tridactyls, it does not affect them. But this is not a fact.

Jeremy3637

I have also encountered such an opinion, but I think it depends more on Comrade Helmon.

John3335

Hello everyone! As I promised, I'm posting photos of my purchase. You can also find my reviews of the product there. If anyone is interested in the topic, feel free to ask questions. Photos of the installed device:

James4342

Hello. I also started with S.R.K. (dry reef rocks) and would like to know if you continue to dose stability or if there is no need after a certain period? How is your aquarium doing? (if possible, some recent photos)

Zoe7451

Thank you very much! Luck is indeed very necessary for any aquarist, but regardless of how it turns out for me personally, I won't be able to give up the sea.

John828

Oleg, how is the aquarium?

David4089

send about 5 hermits

Kimberly2102

What kind of chemistry is this? What was the mistake?

Aaron6112

A good non-trivial piece of advice Oleg, take some photos. If it's bryopsis, that's very bad.

Anthony4281

May I be curious, how is your jar doing?

Debra6575

Oleg, in the photo, the general view of the aquarium in the center is a coral - it's a Tubinaria. Thank you for the response.

Jonathan6173

turbinary, that would be more accurate

Gabriel

thank you Anatoly..

Denise

Bryopsis is bad, yes. But not VERY BAD. The system has reached a real load and there is nothing terrible about it. In the latest photos, the grape caulerpa is not visible... Could this be the reason? It suppresses this issue quite strongly, and if, for some reason, this algae disappears, other, sometimes extremely undesirable ones, take its place. (This type of caulerpa also raises a number of complaints, I'm not promoting it, just trying to understand the reasons).

Curtis

It's been a while since we visited our harbor...

Rodney

It's been a long time.. But I haven't betrayed the SEA! I haven't gone ashore or ventured into rivers! I'm glad to meet and discuss new interesting topics!

Michelle1505

This is pleasing.....Right now we have an interesting situation here......

Heather9815

I applaud!!!! Especially an aquarium without a sump. Just great.... However, how do you manage to achieve such results with phosphates at 2? Or am I misunderstanding something?....

Michael

Thank you! Hearing such words from you is priceless! It's nice. Phosphates 2 is already history. I now use SeaGel (a mixture of coal and anti-phosphate) instead of coal. Because of this, my PO4 level is no more than 0.5. But I have never brought it down to absolute zero.

Dana6523

Well, I also have it sometimes, either 0.5 or 0.3.

Andrew9246

Oleg, the aquarium looks really great. Well done.

Lindsay

The condition of the corals is good. But it looks a bit empty, maybe add some stones for volume. The back wall looks nice, just maybe clean off the growths in the shape of circles, it will be fine overall.

Lisa

Hello everyone!!! I'm also planning to switch from freshwater to saltwater!!!! This morning I came across your topic! I read it all the way through! It's very interesting! I would love to see the current state of your system!!!! After all, your aquarium will soon be 3 years old!!!

Allison

I am also interested in the fate of your sea!

Jeffrey2277

Good afternoon everyone The aquarium is in excellent condition. It has matured, everything is growing and thriving. As for changes, I have completely switched to balling. At first, the parameters fluctuated quite a bit. Once, I lost track of the salinity and lost a montipora and an acropora. Over time, everything stabilized. At the moment, I am not using any adsorbents like carbon, purigen, etc. The water is crystal clear, and there are no lower life forms. I do water changes once every 2-3 months. If anyone has questions, I will be happy to answer.

Linda

The third photo is an amazing flower bed! I really liked the composition)) The acropora will grow a bit and it will be absolutely stunning!!

Deborah2682

very beautiful!

Lori4746

Do you balling in equal doses or something more, and something less?

Breanna9982

By the way, I also have a 500-liter aquarium without a sump, everything has matured and feels fine.

Robert5335

I also launched the sea without a samp in Juwel Rio120, and your story inspires me a lot.

Deborah2682

Without Samp or without lower Samp?