My JBJ 28gal Nano Build Thread

[ange062]

I decided to ax the xenia today since it has too much ability to crawl around, and IMO grows way too fast for a 28g tank. Got a trade in at my LFS for it, and furthered my move towards SPS with a Cali Tort. It's the first non-ORA SPS piece in my tank, kinda weird...

It looked wicked under the MH at the LFS (FJW in Houston), but under the LED Radion which must be a higher kelvin it didn't pop quite as much. It's white, with blue tips, and neon green polyps. Even both of the different kelvin pics don't do it justice, it's an insane piece!!

[tandldel]

That tort looks really nice!!! I agree with the move on the xenia it can become a lot of work in a hurry...

[patm09]

You tank is awesome!! I have a 34g solana and I am having some algae problems.... I don't want to put chaeto in my InTank media basket so i was wondering how the macro algae in your DT is working out? Does it grow too much or cause you any issues?

[ange062]

Originally Posted by patm09

You tank is awesome!! I have a 34g solana and I am having some algae problems.... I don't want to put chaeto in my InTank media basket so i was wondering how the macro algae in your DT is working out? Does it grow too much or cause you any issues?

I've heard all kinds of stories about how bad it is, but its been in my tank from almost day 1 and its never been an issue. Regular pruning during water changes keeps it under control even during its faster growing periods and it was pretty effective at controlling phosphates. It also has decorative appeal, lots of people comment on it.

Its growth has slowed tremendously since I started using a GFO reactor. Which, by the way, is a much better long term solution to controlling phosphates and algae IME.

Oh, and thanks for the compliment! :-)

[cdrewferd]

ange,

Just got through reading this amazing build. I just bought a 29 gallon Biocube and I will be referencing your build a lot. For a beginer do you think the inTank media basket and possibly the fuge basket are worth the investment, or should I just jump to the reactors that you've installed?

Again, great build.

[iFisch]

Originally Posted by cdrewferd

ange,
For a beginer do you think the inTank media basket and possibly the fuge basket are worth the investment, or should I just jump to the reactors that you've installed?

Again, great build.

I know I'm not "ange", but I will give you my opinion..


Reactor(s) > media basket


Any day of the week.. Media baskets have their place, but a reactor or reactors will be far more efficient. If you could only buy one today, buy a reactor. Be it TLF reactor, Aquamaxx reactor (with optional HOB bracket) etc.



My $.02

[ange062]

Originally Posted by cdrewferd

ange,

Just got through reading this amazing build. I just bought a 29 gallon Biocube and I will be referencing your build a lot. For a beginer do you think the inTank media basket and possibly the fuge basket are worth the investment, or should I just jump to the reactors that you've installed?

Again, great build.

Thanks! As ifisch noted, I think both media baskets and reactors have their place. I have noticed a great difference in my tank since I started running GFO, best part of which is that I only clean my glass once a week instead of once a day. I do still love my intank media basket also, even though its empty besides floss, its much bigger and fits better than the stock one. I have an intank in the AC70 on my pico also and same sentiments.

Given the different setup on the bc29, I'd say just get the media basket, scrap the fuge, and look into a single reactor at least. Reactors are cheap (though media can be expensive).

[ange062]

Had yet another big scare with the tank last week. That would make 3 now in nearly a year its been running, but this was by far the scariest since my livestock is at an all time high.

The first two occurances:
1) overdosing iodide and postassium in search of better color
R) green birdsnest completely bleached, to the point I thought it was dead. All other corals reacted poorly but recovered within a few days. For some reason, I left the green birds for months and it completely came back.

2) Radion light overdose
R) even at 50%, the thing nearly killed my whole tank. All SPS bleached ghost white, softies shriveled, LPS didn't extend. Was an aweful period for the tank but everything except my red planet recovered. This was after only a day at 50%!

3) not sure the cause of this one. It shows both signs of the previous two occurrances, so I quit dosing and bumped Radion intensity back down to 30% and things seem to be coming back.

Now that I am back to weekly water changes and using quality salt I mix myself, I am giving up completely on iodide and potassium dosing, and will ramp light intensity much slower.

[iFisch]

Originally Posted by ange062

Had yet another big scare with the tank last week. That would make 3 now in nearly a year its been running, but this was by far the scariest since my livestock is at an all time high.

The first two occurances:
1) overdosing iodide and postassium in search of better color
R) green birdsnest completely bleached, to the point I thought it was dead. All other corals reacted poorly but recovered within a few days. For some reason, I left the green birds for months and it completely came back.

2) Radion light overdose
R) even at 50%, the thing nearly killed my whole tank. All SPS bleached ghost white, softies shriveled, LPS didn't extend. Was an aweful period for the tank but everything except my red planet recovered. This was after only a day at 50%!

3) not sure the cause of this one. It shows both signs of the previous two occurrances, so I quit dosing and bumped Radion intensity back down to 30% and things seem to be coming back.

Now that I am back to weekly water changes and using quality salt I mix myself, I am giving up completely on iodide and potassium dosing, and will ramp light intensity much slower.

1. Are you testing for Iodine/Potassium? If your new to dosing these chemicals, I would test more frequently for these, until you've dialed it in, for your exact tank. If you are, how often are you testing?

2. Radion? On a 28g? Aren't these lights designed for like 50g tanks? I haven't seen much, since they're new, but the reviews on marindepot have users using 2 units on like a 90g... ?

[ange062]

Originally Posted by iFisch

1. Are you testing for Iodine/Potassium? If your new to dosing these chemicals, I would test more frequently for these, until you've dialed it in, for your exact tank. If you are, how often are you testing?

2. Radion? On a 28g? Aren't these lights designed for like 50g tanks? I haven't seen much, since they're new, but the reviews on marindepot have users using 2 units on like a 90g... ?

I know it's bad, but I have never tested for iodide or potassium. I normally just put a capful in a week halfway between water changes. I have been doing this for a long time, since back when I started adding inverts and softies. The first big incident I had was when I ramped this up to every other day when experimenting with coral colors. Last week I lost track with the holiday madness and accidentally did it twice, which is why I was thinking that may be the issue.

More likely though, it was from bumping the Radion intensity up too quickly. Everything was reacting well to 5% increases each week up to this point, but I guess 35% is the "critical intensity" point for my tank and I will have to move slower from there. My goal is to run it at 50% eventually.

And yes, they are designed for a much larger tank, they are equivalent to a ~250w MH. But it is fully dimmable and allows for a future move into a bigger tank. Plus I was tired of an underpowered reef, so now I get to experience the other side of the spectrum! Not to mention the color-accurate sunrise/sunsets!!

[iFisch]

Originally Posted by ange062

I know it's bad, but I have never tested for iodide or potassium. I normally just put a capful in a week halfway between water changes. I have been doing this for a long time, since back when I started adding inverts and softies. The first big incident I had was when I ramped this up to every other day when experimenting with coral colors. Last week I lost track with the holiday madness and accidentally did it twice, which is why I was thinking that may be the issue.

More likely though, it was from bumping the Radion intensity up too quickly. Everything was reacting well to 5% increases each week up to this point, but I guess 35% is the "critical intensity" point for my tank and I will have to move slower from there. My goal is to run it at 50% eventually.

And yes, they are designed for a much larger tank, they are equivalent to a ~250w MH. But it is fully dimmable and allows for a future move into a bigger tank. Plus I was tired of an underpowered reef, so now I get to experience the other side of the spectrum! Not to mention the color-accurate sunrise/sunsets!!

For all we know, your Iodine/Potassium levels could be normal. So that's why it's a good idea to test for anything you plan on dosing.


That light will most definitely allow for further tank upgrades.

[venom550pm]

I have a Biocube 29 HQI and am looking to get the Radion for it, sometime after Christmas, i will be buying my "christmas present". Because it has the arm for the HQI all i have to do is fabricate a hanging bracket for the Radion. I'm hoping i don't have as much issues with the light intensity as you do being that everything is already under a 150W Halide.

Also i agree with ifisch, you shouldn't dose anything, unless you are testing for it, this can get you into trouble real quick.

Love the tank and all the ORA corals, i have 2 of them myself, a Pink & Green Damicornis and a Purple Stylophora, both are fast growing and are beautiful corals.

[tandldel]

Originally Posted by ange062

I know it's bad, but I have never tested for iodide or potassium. I normally just put a capful in a week halfway between water changes. I have been doing this for a long time, since back when I started adding inverts and softies. The first big incident I had was when I ramped this up to every other day when experimenting with coral colors. Last week I lost track with the holiday madness and accidentally did it twice, which is why I was thinking that may be the issue.

More likely though, it was from bumping the Radion intensity up too quickly. Everything was reacting well to 5% increases each week up to this point, but I guess 35% is the "critical intensity" point for my tank and I will have to move slower from there. My goal is to run it at 50% eventually.

And yes, they are designed for a much larger tank, they are equivalent to a ~250w MH. But it is fully dimmable and allows for a future move into a bigger tank. Plus I was tired of an underpowered reef, so now I get to experience the other side of the spectrum! Not to mention the color-accurate sunrise/sunsets!!

Ange,
I would tend to think its more likely the parameters since you've been moving the Radion up slowly but maybe 5% every other week might be better to be safe. Also we're all the corals affected? I have my Radion up to 50% with everything doing great but I do have the acrylic cover that knocks some intensity off. I am leaving it at 50% until I have a full load but will move it thereafter. Seems a lot of people have them at 100% with good results only 6" off the water so I would not worry as long as the animals have time to ramp up. Sorry to hear the set back but I'm sure things will bounce back soon.

[ange062]

Originally Posted by iFisch

For all we know, your Iodine/Potassium levels could be normal. So that's why it's a good idea to test for anything you plan on dosing.

I know, it's kind of a cardinal sin, and I always recommend that people test before dosing, which I guess makes me a hypocrite in this case. I've just been doing it for so long that I don't see it as an issue.

Originally Posted by venom550pm

I have a Biocube 29 HQI and am looking to get the Radion for it, sometime after Christmas, i will be buying my "christmas present". Because it has the arm for the HQI all i have to do is fabricate a hanging bracket for the Radion. I'm hoping i don't have as much issues with the light intensity as you do being that everything is already under a 150W Halide.

Also i agree with ifisch, you shouldn't dose anything, unless you are testing for it, this can get you into trouble real quick.

Love the tank and all the ORA corals, i have 2 of them myself, a Pink & Green Damicornis and a Purple Stylophora, both are fast growing and are beautiful corals.

You will love the Radion, let me know if you want to see any of my profiles when you get yours. My recommendation though is to start with low intensity and ramp it up, even though your 150w MH is more intense then what I was running the LED is still drastically different. Thanks for the compliment!

Originally Posted by tandldel

Ange,
I would tend to think its more likely the parameters since you've been moving the Radion up slowly but maybe 5% every other week might be better to be safe. Also we're all the corals affected? I have my Radion up to 50% with everything doing great but I do have the acrylic cover that knocks some intensity off. I am leaving it at 50% until I have a full load but will move it thereafter. Seems a lot of people have them at 100% with good results only 6" off the water so I would not worry as long as the animals have time to ramp up. Sorry to hear the set back but I'm sure things will bounce back soon.

Well, when I had the first incident with iodide overdosing, only the SPS was affected, and the green birdsnest was affected drastically worse than the others.

When I put the Radion on, EVERYTHING in the tank reacted. Since this time everything reacted, I still feel that it's light intensity that caused the latest problem.

My light is a little less than 6" off the water with no cover, and most of these corals have been growing under a 105w PC for nearly a year so have acclimated to lower light levels.

As of today, everything looks back to normal, so going to leave the intensity where it is for another 1.5-wks then try ramping up again and see what happens.

[Johnic]

Well after reading this post today, I changed my lighting order. Went from AI to Radion...wow these lights look awesome and the key is the programing done is sweet.
Cant wait!
ange062-If i have troubles pinning down my programing of the Radions, can I hit you up ?

[ange062]

Originally Posted by Johnic

Well after reading this post today, I changed my lighting order. Went from AI to Radion...wow these lights look awesome and the key is the programing done is sweet.
Cant wait!
ange062-If i have troubles pinning down my programing of the Radions, can I hit you up ?

I think you will enjoy the Radion! Hit me up anytime.

[Johnic]

Originally Posted by ange062

I think you will enjoy the Radion! Hit me up anytime.

Great, thanks. Quick question.
For clouds and storms, do I check box at the nod and from that point on it has random clouds and storms ?
Whats your current program setup..is still the same as on page 14 ?

[ange062]

Originally Posted by Johnic

Great, thanks. Quick question.
For clouds and storms, do I check box at the nod and from that point on it has random clouds and storms ?
Whats your current program setup..is still the same as on page 14 ?

I don't use clouds or storms, I think it's kind of gimmicky and not value added. From what I have heard though, adding a check box makes them occur randomly in that period.

My current profile:


115pm: Off
145pm: 5% white & royal
215pm: 15% white & red
245pm: 30% 12k
6pm: 35% 12k
8pm: 35% 12k
1045pm: 30% 12k
1115pm: 15% white & red
1145pm: 5% white & royal
1215am: 2% royal
3am: Off

[Johnic]

Great, thanks a lot for that....stinks you can't setup a project without light connected...would live to play around with it at work

[lilopop11]

Hi Ange .. You have a nice tank and livestock .. i saw your tank first time when you entry for NTOTM a few month ago .. It look like more improvement now..
And btw, Can you tell me a short review after use radion led ?

Sorry for my bad english ..

[ange062]

Originally Posted by lilopop11

Hi Ange .. You have a nice tank and livestock .. i saw your tank first time when you entry for NTOTM a few month ago .. It look like more improvement now..
And btw, Can you tell me a short review after use radion led ?

Sorry for my bad english ..

Thanks lilopop!! Yeah, I was nominated a while back but felt it was way too early, tank is definitely looking better now but I still don't think it's ready until I get some serious SPS growth.

Speaking of which, the SPS growth has exploded since upgrading to the Radion. Short review: it's great, I haven't found anything not to like about it, other then maybe the price but you get what you pay for IMO. If you are thinking about buying one, you won't regret it.

Pros:
* Very high intensity light (I believe the 250w+ equivalency claim)
* Color configurability is awesome (8000k - 20000k and more!)
* Sunsets/sunrises are awesome
* Small, thin, light weight, dead silent, and attractive looking
* Programming via USB is quick and easy
* Outstanding build quality

Cons:
* Software is still in early phases, but each revision gets better (hopefully will have natural mode soon!)
* Price (I got a good deal on mine from my LFS which helped)

I don't think the cons are really cons though, price will come down over time, and the software is always getting better and should be at "excellent" status soon.

[ange062]

Well the tank is pretty much back to normal after the latest scare, not 100% but almost.

Made a stop by my fave LFS today and decided to pick up and ORA Tricolor Valida. This honestly has to be one of my last pieces, I am out of room!



And an FTS


I also finally picked up an Elos Mg test kit, good for peace of mind. The Mg is right where it should be even though I haven't tested it in a few months.

[tandldel]

Ange glad to hear things are back to normal. Love the Valida tri color it's on my list as well. Your tank is looking good. When you look back through the thread you can really see the maturing of everything just wait until the new sps fills out!!! The Birdsnest has taken off since the radion and the colors of everything look great. How did the Cali tort hold up through this last incident?

[ange062]

Originally Posted by tandldel

Ange glad to hear things are back to normal. Love the Valida tri color it's on my list as well. Your tank is looking good. When you look back through the thread you can really see the maturing of everything just wait until the new sps fills out!!! The Birdsnest has taken off since the radion and the colors of everything look great. How did the Cali tort hold up through this last incident?

Thanks bud! The birds has definitely taken off, but has always been a fast grower. Everything else has too which is awesome! Most of the ORA pieces have colored up very well, though I am struggling with the blue millie for some reason. Its a fast grower but has only slightly changed from brown.

Cali tort never was affected, the other reason I thought the cause was light bleaching. I can only assume that piece was grown under insanely intense light for that coloration and it showed no adverse effect. Though I have noticed it turning greener with the decreased light intensity.

[cdrewferd]

Tanks looks great with the Radion.