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RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Drewlonius — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:07:41 GMT

Thanx for reply instead of pacific coast i might go with the 1/8 Teco Seachill TR10 they have integrated UV and heater they are spendy but all have excellant reviews just not sure if i will need the UV on all the time still doing some research on this. will keep ya posted on what i find thanx again Nano brother.

Drew

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 06:43:12 GMT

Drewlonius (11/28/2008)

Hey there Jason man you set up is off the hook blows me away, anyways i want to ask you how well you like the Pacific coast chiller ya got i currently have a 34g red sea max and live in Southern AZ so temperture is hot all the time and i also noticed ya got a Wee one now what are your plans with the chiller being exposed i have a 3yr old and i know shes gonna mess with mine haha. And last question i also have the tunze 9002 skimmer but my skim has never been as dark as yours and i have twice the amount of fish and inverts in y tank am i doing something wrong? Sorry so many questions but so far your the only person ive seen who has documented a detailed diary of your nano, and again beatifull set up.

Thanx bro

Drew

Drew, thank you for the compliments on my reef aquarium. As far as the Pacfic Coast Imports Chiller goes you can always construct something out of Acrylic to Guard the front panel from having little hands reset your temperature configuration. My little boy is 1 year old but is fascinating with the fish so he pays no attention to it. But is requires at least exposure of the rear vent to do it's job so you should at least have a fan to vent out the hot air if you are going to have it in an enclosure. The Tunze Nano DOC 9002 Protein Skimmer is designed to be plug and play. I placed it it the center rear baffle were the water indicator mark shows and adjusted the skimmer so that the bubbles break just below the bottom of the collection cup. Your feeding schedule also has a part to play. I overfeed so I may be getting darker skimmate for that reason. I also remove the entire skimmer on a monthly basis and give it a deep cleaning on a monthly basis which I found helps. Let me know if this works for you.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Drewlonius — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:54:10 GMT

Thanx bro

Drew

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:14:56 GMT

Livestock: Aarrowhead Crab "Stenorhynchus Seticornis"

Care Level: Easy
Reef Compatible: Yes
Diet: Carnivore
Range: Carribean
Family: Majidae
Water Conditions: 74-80° F; sg 1.023-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4; dKH 8-12

The Arrow Crab uses its very long legs to walk over the reef and to climb over almost any obstacle. It will not bother corals, however the occasional large specimen may pick at small passive fishes. Some Arrow Crabs will eat troublesome bristle worms. Overall, a great reef inhabitant that can live for several years in the home aquarium.

Photograph - Sunday, October 19, 2008 - My new Aarowhead Crab "Stenorhynchus Seticornis"

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:07:38 GMT

proangel2 (10/19/2008)

Very nice i love tangs

Proangel2, I definitely agree I had been wanting another one every since my Powder Blue Tang and this is the only one that I believed would accomodate to my aquarium better. He was shy for the first 3 days but now is exploring the open water of the aquarium.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

proangel2 — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:05:37 GMT

Very nice i love tangs

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:58:28 GMT

Livestock: Kole Tang "Ctenochaetus Strigosus"

Maximum Length: 7.1 Inches
Care Level: Moderate
Family: Acanthuridae
Reef Compatibility: Excellent
Minimum Aquarium Size: 70 gallon
Range: Indo-Pacific, Hawaii
Diet: Herbivore- herbivore preparations, macro algae
Water Conditions: 74-80° F; sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4

The body of the Hawaiian Kole Tang is brown in color and is marked with about 35 fine, light, longitudinal lines which continue onto the rear of the soft dorsal and anal fins at the back of the body. Indian Ocean specimens bear spots, rather then the distinctive stripes. The Hawaiian Kole's eye is encircled by a bright yellow ring, small blue spots cover much of the head, and the chin appears to be a purplish color. Some juvenile specimens have a greenish yellow color with blue markings and faint dark stripes. The Kole Tang has a very interesting history from Ancient Hawaiian times. It was considered as "Royal" food and was kapu (forbidden) to be caught or eaten by anyone accept Royalty. The penalty, if found with the Kole, was death. Remember, if you have one of these fish, it has a very sacred history with the Hawaiian people, and in Hawai'i today is prized as a delicacy. Even though the Kole Tang is one of the less aggressive Surgeonfishes, it will battle with its own kind, and possibly with close relatives. Because it is less aggressive it may also be picked on by other, more aggressive Surgeonfishes. For this reason it is best kept singly, one per tank, but it does make a good choice when it comes to compatibility with other more docile, non-related species. To reduce compatibility problems, if you decide to put this fish together it generally helps to introduced them into the aquarium at the same time. Like all Surgeonfishes, the Kole has a very sharp spur or razor by the tail. It may seem small, but it can inflict a pretty nasty cut. Therefore, use caution when handling this fish. This fish is a workhorse when it comes to eating various types of algae in an aquarium, particularly brown diatom microalgae. From our experiences of keeping this fish we could put a few in a tank that had a brown diatom algae accumulation on the glass, and within days it would be gone. All that was left were the little lip marks on the glass where the algae used to be. The Kole Tang spends it day constantly grazing and eating, so providing it with an environment with plenty of algae growth is best. However, beware not to put one in a small reef tank, as it can do a lot of damage if you have delicate plants and algae growth that you want to keep. In a very large reef tank the plant growth can recover, as the Kole has so much to pick from. The Kole Tang adapts to eating tank fed foods extremely well. It will accept blue-green alga Spirulina, fresh romaine lettuce and other vegetable matter such as broccoli and zucchini. It likes nori (dried seaweed), flake foods made from dried marine algaes, and will even nibble on some meaty foods like dried shrimp and blood worms. When feeding with fresh romaine lettuce, broccoli or other fresh vegetables, place these foods in the freezer long enough to partially freeze them, then let them thaw out. This helps to break down the tough fibrous matter in the plants and allows the fish to digest them more easily. You can also blanch them to get the same results.

Photograph - Sunday, October 19, 2008 - My new Kole Tang "Ctenochaetus strigosus".

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:58:11 GMT

proangel2 (10/13/2008)

Hi Jason been using that salt the last month and iam impressed with it i couldnt get my mg level above 1300ppm and since using this new salt its now reading 1450ppm

Proangel2, That's awesome. I'm definitely looking to see the improvements on my reef.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

proangel2 — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:44:13 GMT

Hi Jason been using that salt the last month and iam impressed with it i couldnt get my mg level above 1300ppm and since using this new salt its now reading 1450ppm

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:13:13 GMT

Chemical: D&D The Aquarium Solution H2Ocean Salt

As you all know I'm always itching to purchase quality products for use in my reef aquarium so I purchased a bucket of D&D The Aquarium solutions H2Ocean Salt. This salt is derived from the process of solar evaporation of water from the Red Sea and I have heard good things about it so why not give it a try. I'll let everyone know if their are any added benefits from using this salt. However, their definitely is something to be said when a company invest time and money into extra wrapping for this salt.

Photograph - Saturday, October 11, 2008 - D&D The Aquarium Solution H2Ocean Salt.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:44:16 GMT

Equipment: American Marine PinPoint pH Probe

I finally decided to place an order for my American Marine PinPoint pH Probe that connects to my Digital Aquatics ReefKeeper 2. I also purchased plenty of calibration fluid so that every 2 weeks I can remove the probe to calibrate it to make sure everything is within working condition. This little device has actually led me to see a gradual decline in the pH of my reef aquarium which I'm currently working toward rectifying.

Photograph - Saturday, October 04, 2008 - American Marine Pin Point pH Probe.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:01:24 GMT

Chemistry: Two Part Calcium Additive Issue "When It Rains... It Pours!"

I wanted to apologize for my dissapearance for that last few weeks. My new job has been extremely demanding and I have had a few issues that I am in the process of dealing with when it comes to my reef aquarium. So here are the laundry list of problems.

During my weekly water changes I would conduct my normal testing using Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Liquid Test Kits and it would show a rather large level of Calcium depletion. So I would calculate the amount of Kent Tech CB Two Part Calcium Additive that would be required to make up for the loss of Calcium and then add the necessary amount. Soon after I would see the results of my dosing as a calcareous substance form on the glass which would take me hours to remove.

Photograph - Friday, October 26, 2008 - Calcareous substance formed on aquarium glass.

Amphibious as well as others explained that it could be from a bad batch of additive or too much additive being dosed in a short period of time. He generously sent me a complimentary set of Ocean's Blend Two Part and Magnesium to resolve my problem which I have been dosing by the instructions for 1 week and so far no signs of the Calcareous substance.

Photograph - Saturday, October 11, 2008 - Ocean's Blend additives.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:45:41 GMT

Equipment: EcoTech Marine Vortech MP40W Generation 2 Pump

I finally managed to get some free time to actually read the entire manual from the EcoTech Marine Vortech MP40W Generation 2 Pump. And as you all probably figured out by now I'm always one to push the envelope, so I got this crazy idea to make some waves in my 28 gallon JBJ Nano Cube. So I thought I would share this video after I tinkered with the waves settings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaBhJzp9C8c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcWZz_Ee15k

Video - Friday, September 18, 2008 - Video of the wave making capabilites of my EcoTech Marine Vortech MP40W Generation 2 Pump.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:03:17 GMT

Livestock: Picasso Percula Clownfish "Amphiprion Percula"

Size: 1 - 2 Inches

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Docile

Origin: Aquacultered

Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 gallons

Reef Compatible: Yes

I managed to get my hands on one of Oceans, Reefs and Aquariums "ORA's" most sought after aquacultured specimens, the Picasso Percula Clownfish. This little guy was purchased from House of Fins in Stamford, CT. According to the store sales people he was a Grade: B Picasso and because of that many people had passed on purchasing him, but not me. This little guy deserved a home in my aquarium and was purchased for a super sale of $80.00 (normally priced at $120.00). Hopefully in the near future I can locate a second Picasso Percula Clownfish to introduce.

Photograph - September 18, 2008 - My new Picasso Percula Clownfish purchased from House of Fins in Stamford, CT.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:52:59 GMT

hsnmef (9/16/2008)

OK, after reading this entire thread, I have a question... I have set up a 28 gal HQI nano cube in mid June and arrived at the conclusion I would need a chiller, among other things. This is an expensive hobby, but once I get my tank ready to house corals I know it will be well worth every penny.

Chiller is here, along with pump I bought to go with it... Now I question whether the pump will work for what I need. Chiller is a 1/10 Current to be placed in bottom of nano stand like yours in the pictures in this thread.

This is the pump: http://www.f3images.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~AS1313~idCategory~FIWPSBUF~category~0___500_GPH-Submersible-Water_Pumps-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html

Do I need something more powerful, will this do the job, and where does it go? I had hoped when I bought it it would fit in the back somewhere, but it seems just a tiny bit large for that now that it's here (shocking but true...) Next question... The chiller box included no parts to connect the chiller to the aquarium, I see JBJ makes a "connect your chiller kit", should I just just get one of those or are the parts to connect it with readily available without going the JBJ route since I did not buy the JBJ chiller anyway?

I figure you are the Macgyver of the nano cubes and you would know... Thanks for sharing all of your nano experience to give those of us who lacked confidence the will to give it a try!

Merridyth

Houston, TX

Merridyth, I love the new nickname that you referred to me as. I'm going to have to change my login name now. LOL I haven't personally seen the new Maxi-Jet 500 in person but I am assuming that they can't be much larger then the older models. The instructions below should help you get it instaled no problem.

1. Remove one of the return pumps that came with your Nano Cube. The selection is completely up to your preference since both side are identical in construction.

2. Measure the amount of tubing required to reach the bottom of the selected baffle were you removed the return pump.

3. Connect the measured and cut tubing to the output opening of the powerhead and with a little wiggling you should be able to slide it into the selected baffle.

Note: the JBJ Chiller Installation kits are more comsetic then performance based if I remember correctly. The allow you a more flushed look by providing some rigid tubing that has a premade curve so that you can make the installation of your tubing much more appealing to the eye. It also prevents the tubing from pinching but if your using thick tubing pinching should not be an issue.

4. Run the tubing from the output of the powerhead into the input valve of your chiller.

Run tubing from the output valve of your chiller back into the opposite baffle of were you installed the powerhead. Then your all set.

The key to maximizing your chiller's performance is allowing contact time. Chillers have a minimum recommended gph rating which if you can purchase one exactly rated for your chiller you will be golden.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

hsnmef — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:33:11 GMT

This is the pump: http://www.f3images.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~AS1313~idCategory~FIWPSBUF~category~0___500_GPH-Submersible-Water_Pumps-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html

I figure you are the Macgyver of the nano cubes and you would know... Thanks for sharing all of your nano experience to give those of us who lacked confidence the will to give it a try!

Merridyth

Houston, TX

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:28:45 GMT

MarkL (9/13/2008)

My girlfriend can never understand why I get so excited over, what she calls, "Fish Poop." It's like black gold I tell ya.

MarkL, that is honestly the funniest quote I have heard in a long time. LMAO

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

MarkL — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:22:23 GMT

My girlfriend can never understand why I get so excited over, what she calls, "Fish Poop." It's like black gold I tell ya.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 11:30:20 GMT

Equipment: Tunze Nano DOC 9002 Protein Skimmer "Performance"

It is time for my monthly cleaning of the my Tunze Nano DOC 9002 Protein Skimmer, so I thought I would take this opportunity to give everyone some insight on its overall performance. Especially since most people are very interested in moving away from the stock protein skimmers that are usually provided with their nano aquariums. The photographs below span from Monday, September 08, 2008 through Saturday, September 13, 2008. In just less then a full weeks time, the Tunze Nano DOC 9002 Protein Skimmer managed to produce 125 ml of skimmate which is roughly 1/5 of the entire collection cups capacity.

Photograph - Monday, September 08, 2008 through Saturday, September 09, 2008 - Photographic timeline of the Tunze Nano DOC 9002 Protein Skimmer's performance.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:48:49 GMT

argi (8/28/2008)

The Blue Tort's are very nice and that looks like a very nice frag you have. Can't wait to see it grow.

Argi, I definitely cannot wait as well.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

argi — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:04:28 GMT

The Blue Tort's are very nice and that looks like a very nice frag you have. Can't wait to see it grow.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:26:29 GMT

Corals: Oregon Blue Tortusa (Acropora Tortusa) "SPS Coral Addition"

Care Level: Easy in SPS tank!

Lighting Requirements: High- Metal Halides

Water Flow: Moderate

Aggressiveness: Peaceful

Range: Indo-Pacific

Family: Acroporidae

Water Conditions: 74-80° F; sg 1.023-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4; dKH 8-12

I am so happy to have found a local Reef Keeper who had a frag of this Coral available (MattT5 of Reef Central). The Oregon Blue Tortusa (Acropora Tortusa) is a beautiful specimen and has already shown full polyp extension within a few minutes of being introduced into my aquarium. I can't wait to see this grow into a colony.

Photograph - Oregon Blue Tortusa (Acropora Tortusa) purchased from MattT5 of Reef Central.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:06:37 GMT

Livestock: Amphipods "Gone Wild"

It has been quite a while since I actually stood in front of my aquarium for some night viewing. During my exploration I was astonished to see hundres of little creatures zipping in and our of the live rocks. At first thought I worried about the life of my Starry Blenny and immediately started to conduct a Google search in order to find out what these little creatures were and if they posed a threat to any of my inhabitants. After some reading I found that these were Amphipods and that their existance is usually a sign of a very healthy aquarium. I decided that I wanted to get these little guys on video so I used my Hard Drive based Sony Handycam with Nightshot to get the footage. I hope everyone enjoys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP-jUpu9j8w

Video - Amphipods living in the live rock at night.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:43:05 GMT

Equipment: Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter "Isolated Seeding"

In light of the numerous issues that have come about from utilizing the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter I have decided that another route of maturing the Nitrifying Bacteria must be taken in order to ensure continued operation of the device in the future within my setup while keeping the best interest of my livestock and corals in mind. I have come up with a little method that I called "Isolated Seeding" to accomplish the overall goal.

In this method the device is connected to an isolated aquarium, such as a quarantine aquarium that you would normally place newly purchased livestock or corals. Then you can begin the normal seeding process as described in the owners manual. This should allow the Nitrifying Bacteria to fully mature so that the Carbon Food source (RO/DI & Vodka mixture) that is dosed is fully utilized which will result in no leaching back into the display aquarium. After the maturing period which can be followed through normal testing of Nitrate from the effluent the device can then be transferred back to the intended aquarium hopefully without any negative results.

Photograph - Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter setup for Isolated Seeding.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 06:25:36 GMT

argi (8/16/2008)

I was actually going to ask how the nitrate filter was working...guess I got my answer.

Is it just one coral that has been affected? Have you checked for other possible problems on the coral (AEFW, redbug, etc...)? Coral warfare?

Did you frag the affected coral to try to save it?

Argi, actually I only have two colonies of SPS Corals and both have been effected in the very same way. Their are no other indications of that would lead my away from believing that the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Reactor is not the cause of the issue. A fellow Reef Keeper advised me that an article on Reefkeeping Magazine Online was just released focusing on the Dosing of Vodka to reduce Nutrients within the aquarium. The information provided within this article actually further concludes my belief of the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Reactor being the cause of my Rapid Tissue Necrosis and death of all my prior inhabitants. However, the blame is not placed to the equipment itself... rather my own lack of detailed research and understanding of the process behind the technology.

Here is a link to the article.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/index.php

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

argi — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 04:30:51 GMT

I was actually going to ask how the nitrate filter was working...guess I got my answer.

Is it just one coral that has been affected? Have you checked for other possible problems on the coral (AEFW, redbug, etc...)? Coral warfare?

Did you frag the affected coral to try to save it?

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:55:24 GMT

Equipment: Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter "Adjusting"

I initially added the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter to the arsenal of devices on my aquarium for two main reasons. I wanted to be able to provide the highest quality water conditions by biologically converting Nitrate to Nitrogen (This would address the Nitrate levels of water that was not removed from the aquarium during scheduled water changes) by the use of Nitrifying Bacteria as well as receiving natural trace elements provided by the use of the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter. Deltec advises that the recommendation size aquarium for this product should be within the range of 50 gallons to 250 gallons. Now I know what most of you may be thinking... great larger then necessary which means more efficient or overkill but still great to have. Well, I personally went with the notion of "Go Big or Go Home" resulting in me overlooking something that unfortunately has come with a heavy price.

The Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter provides an area that is somewhat isolated from the rest of the aquarium were salwater rich in oxygen and other chemicals (Nitrate and Oxygen being our primary focus) enter the chamber of the reactor, being regulated manually by a flow valve in my setup. The Colony of Nitrifying Bacteria within the reactor chamber which are responsible for converting the Nitrate in Nitrogen are provided conditions which stimulate their growth and reproduction (Low Oxygen Levels and a Carbon Based Food Source "RO/DI & Vodka Mixture" which is injected twice a day). Efluent from the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter is then returned to the aquarium at a rate currently of 1 drop per every 2 seconds. This does not seem like much but when converted to a more understandable format this device can process nearly 2 gallons of saltwater each week.

Photograph - Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter Flow Valve & Reactor Chamber.

However, it is my hypothesis that since my Nitrifying Bacteria Colony within the Reactor Chamber is young their utilizationg of the the Carbon Based Food "RO/DI & Vodka" is not as efficient as a fully matured Nitrifying Bacter Colony resulting in Carbon Based Food "RO/DI & Vodka" being returned back to the aquarium prematurely. Thus resulting in various adverse effects such as my aquarium inhabitants dieing and my Coral Colonies displaying signs of Rapid Tissue Necrosis and Recessed Polyps. So I have drastically reduced the dosage amount of the Carbon Based Food from 8 milliliters per day to 1 milliliter which equates to a mixture ratio of 0.375 milliliters of RO/DI water and 0.125 milliliters of Vokda.

Photograph - SPS Corals within my aquarium displaying signs of Rapid Tissue Necrosis.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:32:40 GMT

Livestock: Electric Blue Hermit Crab Molting

Well this is definitely a sign of good things happening within my aquarium. This is the second evidence of molting that I have found in last couple of weeks.

Photograph - The Electric Blue Hermit Crab Molting.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 19:57:11 GMT

Livestock: Possible Cause to Livestock Wipeout Marine Velvet

Well after testing water paramters which have been lsited below. I have come to the conclusion of a possible disease that would be responsible for claiming the lives of my livestock. Base on reading multiple documents on the Marine Velvet Disease and comparing their symptoms detailed within the document listed below, with the symptons being displayed by my livestock I would definitely lean toward this being the casue.

Water Parameter Testing

Salinity: 1.026 SG "Tested with Refractometer"

Ammonia: 0.0 PPM "Tested with Elos Test Kit"

Nitrite: 0.0 PPM "Tested with Elos Test Kit"

Nitrate: 0.0 PPM "Tested with Elos Test Kit"

pH: 8.3 "Tested with Elos Test Kit"

Magnesium: 1350 PPM "Tested with Salifert Test Kit"

Calcium: 460 PPM "Tested with LaMotte Test Kit"

Alkalinity: 12.7 dKH Test with LaMotte Test Kit"

Symptoms

The symptoms of marine velvet usually involve the skin and lungs. Mild infections will usually only infect the gills and the fish may show minimal symptoms. As the infestation becomes more severe, the gills will become inflamed, bleed, and the lung tissue will begin to die. The fish will show signs of irritation and distress, with rapid breathing and lethargy. As the inflammation increases, the fish will lose its ability to transport oxygen across the gill membranes resulting in a fish that shows symptoms of suffocation, and if treatment is not initiated, death will often result.

The skin is the site of attachment for the organism and in severe infections, small gold-colored spots will cover the skin, which can progress to create a "velvet" appearance which gives the disease its name. By the time the gold-colored velvet appears, however, the gills may be so infected that treatment is usually too late. Many fish die from this disease without ever showing any visible skin changes. It may be possible to visualize early forms of the infection on the skin by using indirect illumination. This works best on dark fish and can be done by shining a flashlight on the dorsal surface of a fish in a darkened room. Viewing infected fish against a dark background may also be helpful.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

argi — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:28:43 GMT

Sorry to hear about the losses...hopefully you can figure out what caused this.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:16:28 GMT

Livestock: Disaster Strikes and I'm Not Sure Why!

Well I just came back from a walk with the family and went to start my weekly water change only to find out that all of my fish are dead! I have lost my Starry Blenny, Dragonface Pipefish and Dwarf Flame Angel all to to what is currently unknown to me at this time. The thing that is a little puzzling to me is that my Tiger Tail Cucumber, Sea Hare, 10x Zebra Hermet Crabs, 2 Electric Blue Hermit Crabs, 1 Halloween Hermit Crab and 2 Trochus Snails are all alive. My two colonies of SPS Coral are showing signs of stress and I'm not perfectly sure as to what is causing the problem. So I'm in the middle of the water change and will let everyone know what I find.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:04:16 GMT

Equipment: Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter: Setup & Seeding for Manual Mode

Today is Day 4 Part 2 of the seeding process for the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter. Currently I have a Nitrate level of 5 PPM coming from the reactor which shows the Anaerobic Bacteria present within the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter are growing at what I can consider a substantial rate but still have not reached a level able to fully remove the Nitrate from the water. I will test in 1 day to determine the Nitrate level coming from the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter. The Nitrate levels coming from the outflow of saltwater of the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter must reach 0 PPM before I can move on to the next step in the seeding process, which is to increase the overall turnover rate of the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter from 1 drop of water every 3 seconds to 1 drop of water every two seconds. Here is where the learning curve and fine tuning of the device start to come into play. As the water level is increased, which must be done in very slow increments the food source must also increase, let the trial and error begin!

This is honestly an amazing device. Considering that the seeding period is almost creating the process of maturing an aquarium on a much smaller level. But having a device that can drop Nitrate levels from 10 PPM to 5 PPM in a 24 hour period with no water changes is just astonishing. So far the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter is proving that it is worth every penny!

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:15:18 GMT

Noctiluca (7/24/2008)

IMO both are too good to waste on fish. But then again I really enjoy my vodka.

Noctiluca,

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Noctiluca — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:55:59 GMT

IMO both are too good to waste on fish. But then again I really enjoy my vodka.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:32:43 GMT

Noctiluca (7/24/2008)

Everything look great and all your procedures are sound. But personally I could'n leave a bottle of Absolute sitting there for very long. LOL

Noctiluca, that is why I purchased the Absolut, I'm more of a fan of Grey Goose. :-)

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Noctiluca — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:20:04 GMT

Everything look great and all your procedures are sound. But personally I could'n leave a bottle of Absolute sitting there for very long. LOL

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:09:46 GMT

Equipment: Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter: Setup & Seeding for Manual Mode

The Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter seeding process has a learning curve that starts out the same for everyone but is definitely a learning process once the beginning stage has been completed. The water placed in the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter has come directly from the aquarium to speed up the initial seeding process. The Tom's Aqualifter Pump that I have pulling water from the aquarium into the Delte NFP509 Nitrate Filter has been turned off after the initial flow testing was completed. The reason for this is that Anaerobic Bacteria that are responsible for converting the Nitrate into Nitrogen Gas exist in area of low oxygen. Preventing any saltwater from entering the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter causes the level of oxygen in the water to drop to levels allowing the Anaerobic Bacteria to colonize inside. It is also required that you feed the Anaerobic Bacteria a carbon based food. Deltec sells a Nitrate Fluid that is used for this purpose however it is not imported into the United States due to it having Alchohol. So in order to get around this minor problem I am creating my own Nitrate Food using a mixture of Vokda 1 ml and RO/DI Water 3ml which is feed in the morning (7:00am) and evening (7:00pm). This is how the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter remained for 3 days.

Yesterday evening was day 4 of the seeding process. This is when the Tom's Aqualifter Pump was turned on and allowed water from the aquarium to enter the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter and flow back into the aquarium at a very slow drip rate. Currently I have the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter to cycle through water at the rate of 1 drop of saltwater every 3 seconds. The saltwater coming from the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter was tested for the level of Nitrate leaving coming from it. Currently of have a Nitrate level of 10 PPM coming from the reactor which shows the Anaerobic Bacteria present within the have not reached a level able to fully remove the Nitrate from the water. I will test in 3 days to determine the Nitrate level coming from the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter.

The Deltec NFP509 flow rate and Nitrate Food is completely dependant on each aquarium setup. This is where the guesswork comes in. Also please remember that I am operating the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter in Manual Mode for the time being.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:01:13 GMT

Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter: Setup & Seeding

After a long day of server issues at work it great to be able to come home to my brand new toy, the Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter. This was ordered from D&D The Aquarium Solution USA in Pennsylvania and delivered via FedEx the next business day. Much better then waiting 3 to 5 business days from Marine Depot on the West Coast. The function behind this device is to allow an area where Nitrate "NO4" can be converted to Nitrogren Gas "N2". Normally the average Aquarium Hobbyist will remove Nitrate "N2" from their aquarium through large scheduled water changes or maintaining aquatic planting. The Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter provides a large surface area where millions of bacteria can colonize and through a reductive process whereby oxygen from the nitrate molecules are utilized by anaerobic bacteria along with a carbon based food "Alchohol" can convert Nitrate "N04" into Nitrogen Gas "N2".

The Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter can be run in three different modes: Manual, Semi-Automatic and Fully Automatic. But since I currently own only the equipment for the Manual Mode for the time being. Since this is a natural bioligical process their is a period of seeding that must occur the Anaerobic Bacteria Colony must be grown. Water is taken from the aquarium and placed within the filter with just the recirculation pump turned on. Their is no additional water flow to or from the aquarium for this seeding period for the next 3 days. Also the Carbon based food (A mixture of 3 parts RO/DI Water and 1 part Vodka) must be provided 4mL twice a day through an injector port and syringe that is provided with the unit. Deltec does manufactur their own food but because their is alchohol contained within it it is not currently imported into the United States due to the extreme amount of paperwork and licensing that is required to import it legally. Unfortunately As the seeding process progresses I will keep everyone updated.

Photograph - Deltec PF509 Nitrate Filter.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:36:44 GMT

Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter Purchase

It's payday once again and I have decided to pull the trigger on an awesome piece of equipment from Deltec. The Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter is a device that was developed between Deltec and David Saxby that would create an efficiant method of filtering Nitrate from your aquarium water other then the measn of water changes. I just purchased mine from D&D The Aquarium Solution located in Pennsylvania and I'm hoping to have it delivered this weekend. That means I'm off to the liquor store now.

RE: Jasonanatal's JBJ 28 gallon Nano Cube HQI Nano Reef Aquarium.

Jasonanatal — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:34:58 GMT

argi (7/15/2008)

Have you inquired about it yet? I wonder if it is just a matter of getting a new cap with the wiper or if there are more internal stuff for it. Certainly would be nice if they can just send the parts to you instead of having to send the whole unit in.

Argi, I have definitely inquire about it and unfortunately that is a conversion that requires the unit to be sent to them since their is some alterations requiring drilling that must be done to the unit to succesfully install the wiper. I'm considering it since the unit is not functioing and they can install everything all at once.