@CJSAQUARIUMS thanks for the feedback! Much appreciated. I use to think my journey was pretty unique when jumping into the hobby…I am now realizing many others likely had very similar experiences when starting out.
I really enjoy my little system and I am a college student! I am actually going to start fragging zoanthids. Super easy and struggle with keeping phosphates and nitrates high enough. I started out as a 10 gallon and a nicrew light then got a fluval 13.5 and have torch corals, hard corals and other stuff. Good guide!
Congrats on the success with a smaller tank! I struggle with less water volume and am always impressed with reefers that can get it done like you in such small glass boxes. Thanks for the feedback; really appreciate it!
Dang, haha, that’s awesome! Yea, it did just fine for me. In fact when I finally upgraded to the ATI sun power I had a lot of issues. Stuff was bleaching out all the time. In a lot of ways I think some of the “less performing” equipment was an advantage as a new hobbyist.
I started with an open box Viparspectra 165w from their ebay store for $70. Upgraded it to a used A500X, moved it to the refugium as a big upgrade to it, the other side of the tank I have 2 36” Quanta pros on a 6ft 180. I think the Viparspecter at the right price and with lenses removed is a good option, the blue is on the teal side not royal is the a main reason I upgraded it
Good call - yea, I remember those viperspectras - a good entry level led light and gave many early adopters the confidence that leds can grow corals back 7-8 years ago.
@@zburnreefing my 13w? nicrew nano light struggled to grow the fuge , growth has exploded with the Vipar turned down to around 45% or so. The bio load in the tank has gone from 0 Nitrates and light feedings to now nitrates in the 50s so upgrading the fuge l will hopefully put me in the 20s
@@gregdepot ah gotcha, that makes sense! Hopefully your fuge can get the nitrates down…although I may rather have too many nitrates than 0…can’t stay pale corals! Haha
I agree with mostly 90%. But for anyone new in the hobby automation is a bad idea for beginners. I think they must be very busy around the tank, and understanding how corals and some simple, testing, and visual observations, will give them needed experience. Thanks
