120 Gallon In Wall Mixed Reef Build [Archive] - Reef Central Online Community

Reu2

09/14/2012, 10:47 AM

I'm in the building phase of a 120 Gallon Aquaeon (AGA) Reef ready tank. The plan is to build it into the wall during a basement remodel. Along with the 120 gallon display, I'll be adding a 40 gallon Sump, and a seporate 40 Gallon fuge. I built a water change station that I'll be plumbing to the sump as well for easy water changes.

Here is the planned equipment, none of which is purchased yet.
Lighting - Two Ecotech Radions (Maybe AI Vega, waiting for reviews), T5 for Fuge, LED puck lighting for sump work lighting.
Skimmer - SRO XP-3000i
GFO/Carbon - Bulk Reef Supply dual GFO/Carbon Reactor
Pump - Don't know yet, was thinking the Blueline 1400GPH external
Controller - Apex
Heater - Undecided
ATO - Tunze
Circulation - Two Ecotech MP40w

Any suggestions on how to get this tank up right the first time are appreciated.

Here is the SketchUp on the stand with tank.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8304/7985814126_104cda7928.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/7985814126/)
SketchUp (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/7985814126/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Starting and planning in the future of the space.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8301/7985814304_40161711a0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/7985814304/)
Start (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/7985814304/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Rough in complete, next dry wall. The stand will be covered with 3/4 plywood and the whole area will get oil primer. I've run two 20amp power lines and two Cat5e Giga base ethernet lines for connectivity. I'll also add a soft-wall for mounting all the tech high, to reduce moisture exposure.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8443/7985806815_4ee96f51c9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/7985806815/)
RoughIn (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/7985806815/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Stay tuned, I'm hoping to have fish in this by New Years.

JEC11718

09/14/2012, 10:58 AM

I wish I had a basement! But I'll trade a basement anyday for the Gulf of Mexico! ps..I'm in Florida.

Reu2

09/14/2012, 11:04 AM

I wish I had a basement! But I'll trade a basement anyday for the Gulf of Mexico! ps..I'm in Florida.

Ha, I used to live in Fort Lauderdale, now in Milwaukee, this hobby is as close as I get to the beach anymore.

fishmanstan

09/29/2012, 06:08 PM

Nice! I have a 120 too! Is yours the 4'? What's your plan for stock?

Reu2

10/03/2012, 03:03 PM

Dry wall is up. Primer, paint, and trim up soon. On another note, I'm thinking of holding out for the new Radions...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/8051620190_7764dc6170.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8051620190/)
IMG_2191 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8051620190/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

This is 48"x24"x24". I have a wish list as to the stock list but nothing nailed down yet. That is where the LFS shines, I'm going to give them the list and get their advise on which and how many can be responsibly kept.

fishmanstan

10/03/2012, 05:07 PM

Put the list here....the LFS IS a store, they want to sell. They may give you a wack stock list.

Reu2

10/03/2012, 06:02 PM

Guess it can't hurt to have another opinion, will do. I'll post it soon.

Reu2

10/04/2012, 07:53 AM

Here is a quick list of the fish I want to stock.

Hoeven's Wrasse or Tail Spot Wrasse
Foxface Rabbitfish
Yellow Belly Regal Blue Tang
Yellow Tang
Mimic Lemon Peel Tang
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Green Mandarin (or Red)
Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish
Court Jester Goby

I may skip the Wrasse as I'm thinking of only a 2" sand bed. I also already have a Potter's Angel, two Pajama Cardinals, Algae Blenny, and three Chromis going in from an existing tank.

fishmanstan

10/04/2012, 04:58 PM

You want ALL of that in a 120?! Those fish together need a ~240-300g!

Reu2

10/05/2012, 08:57 AM

Not all, but most. This is my short list, I know not all of them will make it into the tank. Many of these are "reef safe with caution" and I don't want to push my luck.

Reu2

10/08/2012, 03:04 PM

Paint and trim are done in the room as well as the electric. I still have to finish the HVAC and Network. Also I have to finish the boarder around the tank, the top boarder is going to be hinged for front access when needed for cleaning.

Does anyone have a good recommendation for the return pump? I'm thinking around 1400 GPH, the elevation will only be about 6'.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8462/8068398097_da56dde24a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8068398097/)
IMG_2202 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8068398097/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Reu2

10/09/2012, 02:01 PM

I got the stand primed and the tank in place, just thought I'd share more photos. My dogs at least are excited. And please listen to the whole "use in well ventilated area" warning. The smell of primer throughout the entire house was eye burning. We had to open windows on the first night to hit freezing this year. I'm still waiting on the hinges for the upper DT trim, and I still haven't decided on a pump yet. Also I should have the draft for my sump up soon too.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/8071819104_84af33dd78.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8071819104/)
lSide (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8071819104/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8181/8071823757_861127777f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8071823757/)
rSide (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8071823757/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8029/8071824581_04195aeee0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8071824581/)
Back (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8071824581/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Reu2

10/11/2012, 04:10 PM

I decided on the Reeflo Snapper Gold. Bulk Reef Supply had it on sale for only $14 over the standard Snapper and has more stainless steel parts, consumes less wattage, and has a 5 year warranty. Let's hope it's quite.

Here is version 4 of my sump design. I made a quick mockup of the SRO XT-3000i for measurement sake. The Baffles are 1" apart, and the raised ones are raised 1". I didn't want the water level to change much keeping the skimmer running properly and still have enough room for water when the return is shut off. I will have live rock rubble in the first section for noise and bubble reduction, hopefully there won't be much as I want to use the Herbie method requiring full syphon. I will use that mesh filter stuff (can't remember the name) in between the last two baffles to cut noise and keep larger debris from getting to the pump area.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8078184925_2e10f3de49.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8078184925/)
40SumpV4 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8078184925/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Should I allow more room for the mesh stuff between the last two baffles?
Any suggestions that would improve this design?

Reu2

11/21/2012, 11:07 AM

Refugium stand is built and primed, I'll be putting it in place tonight, then I'll finally get to finalize my plumbing measurements.

Economy Glass in Cedarburg has 1/4" glass and estimates 7-8$ per baffle, but I have a couple questions on this.

What actual width do I want these cut. I heard you want to leave about an 1/8th" room. So for a 18" tank width with 1/4" glass (17 1/2 internal width) I would want 17 3/8"? Or would it be 1/8th off each side giving me 17 1/4"?

How do I allow the glass to sit flush on the bottom of the tank? Won't the silicone keeping the tank together raise it up? I don't know if the glass store can bevel the lower corners to get it to sit lower, or if it really isn't an issue as I can just silicone the crap out of it to fill the space.

Maybe I should start a separate Sump thread...

Screener

11/21/2012, 01:04 PM

Great porgress, I'm doing a very similar build, except in the attic. So Im following along with great interest.
Reu, some Q's
Will it be difficult to get in the back left corner from the fish room?
What height did you use for the base of the tank from the carpeted floor.
Will you keep all the sump out from the under neath of the tank ( I plan to).
Did you seal the wall plate to the floor near the carpet side to prevent water wicking through there?
How long has it taken so far?

many more questions, but enough for now. Good luck with your beautiful setup.

Reu2

11/21/2012, 02:12 PM

Let me take your questions one by one;

Will it be difficult to get in the back left corner from the fish room?
About 3 1/2" will be hidden by the wall, but there is still plenty of room for the MP40 that'll go there. I don't anticipate to big of a problem as I hinged the top boarders to get access from the side.

What height did you use for the base of the tank from the carpeted floor.

40", I wanted higher than the standard as this is a rec room, and it'll be normally viewed from a standing position. Also it helps keep children's hands out. It helps to know what equipment you want under the tank to estimate height, but it's really your preference.

Will you keep all the sump out from the under neath of the tank ( I plan to).
No, the sump will be under the tank for mechanical and maintenance. A separate 40 Gallon tank will be use for biological filtration (Refugium).

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8313/8053720795_0aecfdd24f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8053720795/)
Stand (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8053720795/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr
Refugium on lower right, sump under tank. This sketchup is unfinished.

Did you seal the wall plate to the floor near the carpet side to prevent water wicking through there?
 No, fortunately here in WI they required floor drains in the basement. This tank is setup only 6 feet from it. Water will flow to the unfinished side of the tank to the drain. Also the footers are all elevated to allow water to run under them. Aside from someone going at the tank with a baseball bat, I stand to only really lose carpet to water damage (The carpet and pad is directly on concrete.)
How long has it taken so far?
Not including a lot of planning time (still in progress, you have to be flexible), I started the basement in August. The remodel went quickly but the tank has been delayed a couple times. Still hoping to have fish in it by the end of the year.

If you're going to do this in the attic, make sure you reinforce the floor and you're near a load bering wall.

Reu2

01/04/2013, 09:51 AM

Okay, an update.

I finished my first ever sump (haven't water tested yet), hopefully it doesn't look like it's the first I've done. This sump is intended to have a skimmer area that doesn't fluctuate in water height due to evaporation. The last chamber is for top off and evaporation. I still have to make a skimmer stand about 4~5" high, what's the best way to build that? I was thinking just some cut PVC and egg create.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8360/8345296247_fe9b351217.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8345296247/)
Sump w/o Skimmer stand (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8345296247/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Here is the refugium tank, carefully in progress on the carpet (against Lauren's wishes), but after tweaking my back again, I'm in no shape to go hauling aquariums out to the garage.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8076/8345295757_6b4c9fc976.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8345295757/)
Refugium in Progress (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8345295757/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Rock! I have about 100 lb. of dry rock here. Not set on the configuration, but this has proven to very difficult for me. I must have stacked and unstacked these rocks 50 times by now. Any suggestions there would be much appreciated. If you are wondering about the multi-color grid sitting in the tank, it's a Camera Calibration card, similar to a White Balance card but more capable, I wanted to see if I could White Balance a straight 10K bulb (results not posted). I still have to paint and secure the trim around the tank, I know primer isn't the best look.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8352/8346351466_e573d82ac4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8346351466/)
State of the Tank (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8346351466/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Reu2

01/17/2013, 02:01 PM

Got some new toys today. I know, I know, their to expensive, to high tech, not fully fleshed out for reef tanks. But I'm a geek, and I can't help myself.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8387570001_edccc2dd0f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8387570001/)
Ecotech Radion XR30w Pro Unboxing (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/8387570001/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr
Ecotech Radion XR30w Pro Unboxing

sp0k

01/17/2013, 06:43 PM

very nice tank and good job on the work you putting in to it

fishmanstan

01/17/2013, 09:05 PM

Pros?! High roller! Haha. I have G2s and love them(so do my SPS)

Reu2

01/17/2013, 09:50 PM

High roller!?! Ha, I just didn't tell my wife how much they cost, at this rate I won't be able to afford a fish to put in the tank.

I would say my corals love them, but still no water. But my dry rock never looked better ;)

Finished plumbing the sump line, hopefully I can get the returns and manifold done this week, then the overflow lines and reactors done next week. I might actually get to water test this month yet.

Reu2

10/07/2013, 08:23 AM

I'm finally back to finishing this tank, finished the plumbing and got water in the Tank! Awesome. Everything was running great, except a small leak from a union on the Reeflo pump. It was awesome seeing 1700 gallons of flow going through this for the first time.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7322/10117338935_2d60e0f766.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10117338935/)
Cloudy with a chance of Reef tank (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10117338935/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Tweaked the pipe just a little too much and heard a "bink", not awesome. Sump cracked.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/10117338965_b6e1603396.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10117338965/)
Bink! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10117338965/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

I could have just patched the tank with another piece of glass and saved myself a lot of work. But since there is no life in the tank yet, I decided to rebuild the sump. Also, as is my fashion, I realized I over built my sump. So with a new plan I got to work.

Drilled the new tank, yes I used Hello Kitty Duct tape. I free hand the hole saw (Start at an angle and smoothly bring it flat to the glass while cutting), and after having only done a few of these it's amazing how much easier it is once you've done it. Just take it nice and slow, let the weight of the drill do the work. The videos from BRS and from Glass-holes were very helpful on this my first time.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/10131292803_8f6a43f91d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10131292803/)
Drilled Tank (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10131292803/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

My dog Deedee helped me get through the first two baffles. I'll do the third tomorrow after the silicone has time to dry. Then two days after that I'll get water in it. I'm using Aqueon Silicone this time. Rafael Gonzalez has a great video on building Sump/Fuge, he only builds a small one in the video, but he does commercial windows and shows you a good way to work with the silicone. It's a long video, feel free to skip around. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXpzeX4pfhA&list=TL4-1yKH-wLm-aIK7Xq8b1gmIl6zmJIqhZ

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5339/10131093674_c2cc1839c3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10131093674/)
Sump in Progress (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10131093674/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Terefel

10/07/2013, 10:42 AM

Awesome, Reuben! Looks fantastic. Sorry to hear about your sump woes, though :/

Indymann99

10/07/2013, 04:42 PM

Nice, you will love having the tank in the basement... cool in the summer and warmer in the winter.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/Basement52009.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/Roomfull52009.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/Bar1.jpg

Reu2

10/07/2013, 09:23 PM

Done!
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/10148966164_a50d59bd78.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10148966164/)
Done! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10148966164/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Just Kidding.... Added sand tonight and finished up the New Sump. I opened the bags under water to avoid floating sand. Didn't expect all the surface foam though.

Waiting for the silicone to dry in order to water test. Should go into service in a couple days. Sans the wood of course. Just a reminder, there is a separate tank for the Fuge in case you haven't been following along.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/10149193056_75e47e5385.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10149193056/)
Sump 2.0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10149193056/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Reu2

10/07/2013, 09:26 PM

Reu2

10/10/2013, 09:23 AM

Got the sump in place and new return main completed and tested. Just running it for thirty minutes started clearing things up.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/10181752793_00e0bf9d0b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10181752793/)
Clearing up (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10181752793/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Here is a glimps of part of the mess I've made during this project so far.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3716/10181737823_a46b7dbc9c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10181737823/)
In progress (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10181737823/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

I still need to get the fuge over flow completed and the skimmer in place. Also have a GFO and carbon reactor to setup but things are actually moving forward. Getting Excited!

Reu2

10/10/2013, 09:33 AM

The tank hasen't even started cycling yet but to plan ahead. How is this for a starter clean up Crew?

4 Scarlet hermits
10 blue legs
10 nassarius
10 Astreas
5 Cerith
5 Tongan
2 Turbo
2 Emrald Crabs
1 Peppermint Shrimp
1 Cleaner Shrimp

big cats

10/10/2013, 10:23 AM

Love the build so far! Looks amazing!

On the CUC, IME the turbo snails really love hair algae, and without a lot of it they just wither away..If we're talking about the big Mexican turbos..If you mean margarita turbos then I would say go ahead..
...but that is just my experience.

Have you thought about Nerite snails? They have some of the most amazing designs on their shells, and they are pretty small to get into those hard to reach areas. I once picked up a tank from someone that had been torn down for 8 months and there were about 7 of those guys still alive in the 2" of water still left in the tank..

Reu2

10/14/2013, 08:33 AM

Live rock added to the refugium has a hitch-hiker. I know it's not much to go on, but can anyone identify it?

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5537/10269830895_fafe6ac52e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10269830895/)
Hitch hiker (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10269830895/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

r1racer

10/14/2013, 09:06 AM

Clean.

Reu2

10/16/2013, 08:51 AM

State of the Tank

My plumbing is done save for a few little things, and Ammonia is present indicating Cycling has started. I still plan on adding a little aqua cultured live rock to the display, only 10~15lbs.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7385/10310672616_ab8fd2d54b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10310672616/)
State of The Tank (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10310672616/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3773/10310671896_cce2ab8b45.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10310671896/)
State of The Tank (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10310671896/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

The Refugium is doing great, although this live rock is just dropped in here. I'm going to lay it out to give macro algae plenty of surface area at varying heights. Also I need to get a light for it. I'm thinking the Finnex Fuge Ray that Best Fish Carries. It doesn't dim, but it's cheap for an LED. http://www.finnex.net/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&category_id=4&product_ id=337&Itemid=61

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/10310649335_46cf0efca8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10310649335/)
State of The Refugium (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10310649335/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

I still need to clean up a bit, especially my wires. I also need to setup my ATO. I haven't added any media to my reactors, just plan on running carbon and GFO at first.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7358/10310680746_c85ee83679.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10310680746/)
State of The Tank (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10310680746/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/10310812293_051275f6d3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10310812293/)
State of The Sump (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10310812293/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

For those who followed one of my previous threads, here is the water change station crammed in its spot next to the house water softener (the DI chamber isn't visible, but it's there). I still have to move up and over my Network soft wall so it's not in such a hazardous place behind so much water. But honestly, it's pretty cramped back here, so it won't get much better. I obviously need to clean up here too.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/10310674116_6e68327942.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10310674116/)
Water Change Station (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10310674116/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

I'm finally feeling pretty good about the setup, but as always I welcome any comments, questions, or suggestions.

woodnaquanut

10/16/2013, 09:23 AM

Sweet!

I love the look of the two viewing spots.

What are your fish and coral plans?

Reu2

10/16/2013, 09:37 AM

Refugium will have;

Chaeto
Ulva -can be fed to fish
Red and Green Gracilaria -can be fed to fish
Codium - can be fed to fish

I'm moving a Potter's Angel, two pajama cardinals, and 3 Chromes from a smaller tank, other than that I'm not sure. Most of the fish I want would be difficult keep in this size tank. But I'd like to add;

Yellow Tang
Powder Blue Tang
Hippo Tang
Fox Face
Algae Blenny
Couple Clowns
lineatus wrasse

Of course this may be too much, I'll just have to go slow and see how it works out.

I have no coral plans, this is where I still have the most questions. I want to avoid softies that'll take over my tank so I'll do mostly LPS and SPS. Of course that means I'll have to start Two-part or even get a calc reactor at some point. I'd love suggestions there or in fish selection.

fishmanstan

10/16/2013, 02:10 PM

I think that's too many tangs for a 4' tank

Reu2

10/16/2013, 02:29 PM

I keep hearing that and will likely drop the Hippo Tang being it's the largest and most oversized. An Article in Marine Habitat Magazine claims that an open enough 4' tank is fine and giving a bare minimum tank volume at 300 Liters (80 Gallons), but doesn't go into detail about keeping it with other tangs in that 4'.

steveo9043

10/16/2013, 02:57 PM

just read the whole post. Basement and the tank looks great. Plumbing is well organized as well. I'm in the process of upgrading from a 72 to a 120 (60x18x26) and have most of my stuff.

I don't know if I missed it but what size drain and return?

Reu2

10/16/2013, 03:03 PM

Drain out of the sump was originally planned for two inches. But after reading and redesign it is 1.5" and still pushes 1600~1700 GPH easy. Just leave enough straight pipe for the water to settle in the pipe before getting to the pump (Mine is a Reeflo Snapper Gold, quiet and awesome).

woodnaquanut

10/16/2013, 04:33 PM

I'd love suggestions there or in fish selection.

I'd loose the tangs you listed and substitute either a Bristletooth Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis) or a Kole Yellow Eye Tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus). Not as flashy but good grazers.

Looking for yellow fish how about a One Spot Foxface (Siganus unimaculatus)?

fishmanstan

10/16/2013, 05:39 PM

I'd loose the tangs you listed and substitute either a Bristletooth Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis) or a Kole Yellow Eye Tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus). Not as flashy but good grazers.

Looking for yellow fish how about a One Spot Foxface (Siganus unimaculatus)?

+1.
Yellow tangs will do fine in a 120.

bader

10/16/2013, 09:51 PM

Are you going to get the apex you said before ?

Reu2

10/16/2013, 10:19 PM

I do like the Kole tank too. I'm in this for the fish as much as the coral. It's going to be difficult to narrow down the list. Chances are it'll be by opportunity as I find fish I like at the LFS. Which of course is the worst way to stock.

Fox face is also on the list.

Anyone here ever use Dr Tim's one and only? I know purist are against it, but the science seems sound.

woodnaquanut

10/17/2013, 08:07 AM

I'm in this for the fish as much as the coral. It's going to be difficult to narrow down the list. Chances are it'll be by opportunity as I find fish I like at the LFS. Which of course is the worst way to stock.

Anyone here ever use Dr Tim's one and only? I know purist are against it, but the science seems sound.

I hear you, bro! I think that's why a 40G becomes a 55G, becomes a 120G, becomes a 180G, becomes a ... :) There are just too many cool fish and corals!

I've used Dr. Tim's on several tanks and like it. Seems like there wasn't any cycle. That and his Ammonium chloride will quick start and maintain a filter in a QT tank so you are ready when that perfect fish shows up at the LFS.

After doing quite a bit of research, I made a list of the fish I want and the approximate order to add them. I keep the list in my truck so when I go to the LFS I'll have it. It helps me resist the impulse purchase - somewhat. :o

The reasons I wouldn't put a yellow tang in any tank...
All the ones I see in the stores are skinny. Fish in the wild are FAT. Somethings not right here.
Everyone has a YT! I'd like to have some other yellow fish.
They are overpriced. This might have something to do with the Hawaii restrictions.

Reu2

10/17/2013, 08:39 AM

Good idea's and points on all fronts.

I had planned on using a sponge filter for my QT, just keep the sponge in the sump until I need it. I never thought about using Dr. Tim's for that. Maybe a bio filter should be on the short list then.

The Live rock I added to the sump was a quick transfer from a break down, very little die off. I see pods and a couple peanut worms running around and seem healthy considering the abuse I put the rocks through when cleaning. So minimizing the cycle would help keep that population going.

Going to add Dr. Tim's and will keep you guys posted on the results.

I still like the YT, I feel he's one of a staples of the hobby and with looming greater restriction it may be now or never. But I really appreciate your input and I'll likely feel the same way as you after a few more years in the hobby.

Reu2

10/17/2013, 08:46 AM

BTW. I will be skipping the Aqua cultured Live rock, I didn't realize it's colored purple which feels misleading and gives me a "manufactured feel". This will be a straight dead rock Dr. Tim's Cycle, with live rock in the refugium. I have three very healthy Axil Chromis from my other tank to add to the tank after ammonia drops which is at just under .25 PPM.

woodnaquanut

10/17/2013, 09:34 AM

Your plans sound good. I'm sure it will be a lovely tank.

I don't personally like sponge filters in SW. First all the bubbly sound! :( Then there is the salt creep! :( :(
So far my favorite QT filter is a AquaClear HOB filter. I just fill it with foam filters. I have a constantly running tank with a couple of Clown Fish. I take one of the foam chunks from that, replace it with a new one and move the seasoned one to the QT.

Indymann99

10/17/2013, 04:54 PM

Looking GOOD! well done :beer:

I have a Hippo and a Yellow Tang in a 4' 120g and they have been fine for 5yrs.

my 0.02

Reu2

10/17/2013, 05:12 PM

The LFS guy I trust says he does too, and so do a couple local guys. What specifically will happen? The Hippo might eventually out grow the tank, and there are some potential hostility issues. That doesn't sound that different from most other fish.

I'm not sold on trying yet, but the safe bet seems to be keeping with the smaller tangs.

Of course, I can only hear my kids say "Dori!" so many times before I give in;)

Reu2

10/18/2013, 09:26 AM

I installed a Finnex 30" Fuge Ray over my Refugium and moved the live rock around. I'll put the Fuge Ray on a timer to run at night when the main tank lights are off. Starting to really wish I had the budget for a controller. I also have some Loc-Line to fit on the return line, but haven't installed it yet (have to make another tip to the HW store).

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3703/10345031754_70868c4e25.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10345031754/)
Finnex 30" Fuge Ray (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10345031754/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

I wanted to arrange the rock with varying heights of flat area to plant with and have plenty of access to the sand bed. Although I'm not sure this is good enough. I also need to add a small powerhead to get a little more flow as my understanding is that refugiums should be fairly low flow. I'm pumping 400~600 GPH through it currently, will likely add a 750 GPH powerhead later on to add cross flow.

I decided to use Dr. Tim's One and Only to quick cycle the tanks. Being I have live rock in the fuge with a pretty good pod population and minimum pest, I didn't want to kill that all off. I added Dr. Tim's a couple days ago, after watching the ammonia start to drop I added the 3 Chromis from my other tank last night (I forget how fast those ****ers can be). This morning they had found each other and looked a little confused, but swimming fine.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5501/10345682283_4549ded700.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10345682283/)
Added Fish (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10345682283/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr
Ammonia <.25 Nitrates 2ppm pH 8.2 Salinity 1.025 Temp 78F

I'll be monitoring levels often to try and keep their stress down and I'm ready to pull them if things don't go well. Here's hoping!

Reu2

10/19/2013, 02:06 PM

My started my SRO XP-3000int skimmer back up today; it's just bubbles and bubbling over even with the gate maxed. No kinks in hoses, the volute is good, no new chemicals added. I have no idea why it's going nuts other than it's new. But I was able to control the level a couple days ago.

Interesting that CoralVue and The Reef Octopus manual seem to disagree on the optimal water level. I have it set at 21cm now, helped a little. If the wait and see approach doesn't pan out I'm going to try 6.5".

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7374/10367330736_ebb0c166cc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10367330736/)
Water level? (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10367330736/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Also interesting is the Brand Label on the skimmer which seems to have a problem with water. Needless to say I"m going to contact the company about it. Here's what's left of it.... Could it be the cause of the problem?

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3754/10367528353_0165053377.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10367528353/)
Reef Octo Label (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10367528353/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

I've updated my Reef log excel sheet if anyone is interested and enjoys conditional formatting. I still want to add an equipment sheet. The Aqurimate app looks nice but really isn't as useful as I hoped.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/mjdrqdmc9004oh8/ReefAquariumLog.xlsx

I've been so busy messing with the skimmer today I didn't realize the diatom bloom that's going on. At what point do I introduce CLean up Crew? Do I let the Diatoms starve themselves out first and algae is present, or are diatoms enough for a small crew?

Reu2

10/19/2013, 10:15 PM

I just cut some PVC for now, water level is right at 6.25", and it helped tremendously. I can control it all the way down now (at the cost of a ton of micro bubbles, I have it over flowing for break-in currently), but at least I can control it. Going to have to improve the skimmer tray in the near future.

Tunze ATO is setup and working like a charm. I put the water line near the heater, made sense to me, don't know if that's the best place. Dead easy to setup. Does anyone know if I can place the top off container above the tank? I'd like to put it on the bench at about 4~5'.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5497/10373727155_0d9fc16c42.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10373727155/)
ATO (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10373727155/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Also started running carbon, just incase my skimmer issue is chemical/biological. This is one area I over spent, the Vertex UF-20 is way oversized for 2.5 cups of carbon. Still they are really nice and easy to work with.

Still have a lot to do with organizing the soft wall, and still lots of room for a controller....

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3676/10373736076_d3c221b0e7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10373736076/)
Still Work to be done (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10373736076/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

This little guy showed up the other day but retreated in the light. Looks like some kind of feather duster, and near impossible to photograph as he's blowing in the tide. I.D.?

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7347/10373961444_f4e7596642.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10373961444/)
Feather Duster take 2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10373961444/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

bader

10/19/2013, 10:36 PM

I have not had that particular ato but I would imagine you would just have to worry about a siphon what kind of pump does it use. Will it stop water from entering tube or just not push more water

tombone86

10/19/2013, 10:38 PM

Thats looking really sweet. Cant wait to see it all done.

Reu2

10/20/2013, 10:39 AM

So I woke up to a case of RTFM. My wife discovered water on floor this morning, only about a gallon. Turns out the Tunze Osamolator shouldn't have the outlet placed under water as it'll back syphon. It mixed some fresh water into the tank and reduced salinity slightly. But no damage other than some wet floor tiles.

Not sure how I missed that page. Still have found anything on forward siphoning. Just going to have to test it.

bader

10/20/2013, 12:12 PM

If it siphoned a gallon that's not held in the line I'm going to guess it will siphon the other way too

Reu2

10/20/2013, 12:58 PM

Tested and it does.

I'm thinking I can run the line to the emergency drain where it'll be high enough to put the reservoir on the bench.

bader

10/20/2013, 06:11 PM

On the overflow ?

HaiD888

10/21/2013, 12:04 AM

Great looking tank. I am planning on doing the same dimension tank as your, a 120 gal in wall with one side view. I am following your thread with interest. I have some questions for you regarding your top boarder hinged.

What is your suggest verticle opening?
Is your swing inward or outward?
What kind of hinge do you use?
Is it easier for you to clean from the front or from the back of the tank?

Reu2

10/21/2013, 07:59 AM

The ATO output to the emergency stand pipe (more just over, don't want to impede flow) on the display tank. I don't want to add it in the overflow itself as that will cause issues with he Herby Style over flow. If I were to start all over again, I'd get a non-drilled tank and drill in a Bean Animals Overflow which would be more forgiving.

The vertical opening over the tank is 7", just enough to get my whole arm in there.

The top boarder swings outward, mainly to eliminate light leakage I needed it to overlap the tank, there is also a 1" piece of wood on the inside that rest just over the top edge of the tank.

I used a Piano hinge, and then added a spring arm to hold it up for me so I don't have too.

I use a Flipper magnet cleaner that has a blade on it to clean the front glass mostly. But I clean and preform maintenance task from the back more often than the front. Remember the stand is 40" high, putting the top edge at 64.5", and it helps to get out a step ladder to clean it.

Reu2

10/21/2013, 12:10 PM

Anyone have a good Radion Pro schedule (etf, template, xml)? I was thinking about using the third one on this page.

http://ilovereefing.de/ecotech-marine-radion-pro-graph-download/?lang=en

He doesn't use a lot of the UV spectrum in the day, I wonder how he determined his spectrums throughout the day.

Any good resources would be appreciated also.

bader

10/21/2013, 05:37 PM

That's good info about the overflows I am looking at a 120 too and am beating my head on the wall about overflows. Looking at the style you have the glass holes or a reef savvy ghost

Reu2

10/21/2013, 06:16 PM

I've never heard an unkind word about Glass-Holes.com. That's where I'd order one from.

The bean animals is very straight forward and dead quiet. Do at least 1.5" drains, you can always reduce it if needed.

I've added a couple Sustainable Aquatics Vivid Fancy clowns to my observation tank today. They are just beautiful looking clowns. Can't wait for the new tank to be ready for them.

Reu2

10/22/2013, 09:16 PM

All parameters are good, Temp 79, SG 1.025, pH 8.2, NH3 0, NO3 5 (up from 2), PO4 0.

No algea growth in the DT yet, but the refugium looks great with some algae growth, pods, and caroline. Some diatoms on the sand in the fuge, but mostly in the DT.

Chromis in there seem happy, eat well, and enjoy the larger space.

ATO is working great, I seem to go through around 2~3 gallons of evaporation. Don't know if thats low or high to be honest, but evaporation is key to oxygen exchange.

New SA Vivid Fancy Clowns are doing well, here is a blurry iPhone pic of them. I'll be sure to get out the macro lens when they get in the DT one day. They are really good looking clowns. I know the snowflake and platniums are popular these days, but nothing beats a good pair of bright classic looking clowns.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7412/10432978746_0620834c38.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10432978746/)
SA Vivid Fancy Clowns in OT (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10432978746/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Here is a personal question; How do you guys organize the inventible mess of test kits? I'd like to organize them without having to keep the boxes in the way. Maybe a trip to the Hardware store will inspire an idea....
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5503/10432996025_030400920e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10432996025/)
Test kit mess (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10432996025/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

girlygears13

10/23/2013, 03:44 PM

If you have a label maker, try a lure tackle box. They have lots of adjustable compartments and usually a clear lid. Just label the sections and test away!

Reu2

10/24/2013, 10:00 AM

I did order some test tube peg boards for drying tubes. I also looked at some wall mountable bins that might work. Thanks for the suggestions.

Parameters are sg1.025, NH3 0ppm, NO2 0ppm, NO3 2ppm, PO3 0ppm, temp 79.

Parameters are being coming down nicely. The Chromis seem happy and are already following me around the tank for more food. Diatom bloom is slowing, but no signs of algae yet.

Skimmer has stabilized and is pulling some pretty nasty gunk out.

As soon as algae is present I'll do a large water change and stir the sand bed.

Then, if level stay safe, I'll add 5 cerith snails, and maybe a couple more fish.

Reu2

11/01/2013, 07:52 PM

Here are some tank updates.

Diatoms are still going crazy, some algae, water parameters are solid. Skimmer is kicking ***, and now I have most of the micr-bubbles under control.
I added half of the clean up crew, prematurely but the price was right. Also added the two Pajama Cardinals to the system.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3770/10618770303_93058bf5f3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10618770303/)
IMG_0561 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10618770303/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

The back is pretty cleaned up. Wiring and some hoses need to be routed a bit better. Added a 20 Long to serve as the Observation/QT tank at first. It will later be dried out, cleaned and plumbed to the main system to serve as a small propagation/frag tank. I'll add another QT/Hospital tank later.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/10618769993_f85e646ab0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10618769993/)
IMG_0556 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10618769993/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/10618769283_456f108d00.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10618769283/)
IMG_0558 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10618769283/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Found these cool autoclave safe lab drying racks on Amazon, great for drying test kit equipment, here is the link http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006BDEYZC/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5516/10618528076_279f6cf044.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10618528076/)
IMG_0535 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10618528076/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Overall things seem to be going well. I'm going to break down the 29 reef in the next couple of weeks if things keep moving along. Only have a Potter's Angel, Brain Coral, and some CUC left in there. Then the real fun starts; New Fish!

Reu2

11/04/2013, 04:06 PM

Apex controller question;

120 Gallon 4'x2'x2' DT, 40 Sump, 40 fuge, 2 Radion Pros, 2 MP-40s, Reeflo Snapper Gold Pump, Reef Octopus XP-3000int, 2 Cobolt Neo-Therm Heaters.

Given the list of equipment on this build, what components should I get? Obviously I need the controller and power strip it comes with, should I upgrade to the Lab Grade Ph probe? I'll need the WRX module for the Ecotech Products. What else should I plan on right away?

woodnaquanut

11/04/2013, 04:33 PM

Reu2

11/04/2013, 04:50 PM

Lab grade are supposed to be faster responding and longer lasting. I've only used the homeowner grade.

WXM for MP-40s. You do have the wireless model, right? I don't think the Radions are controllable (yet) by the Apex.

The standard package w/ the EB-8 + WXM would cover it. The Radions and MP-40s don't need to be plugged into the EB-8 unless you want to watch your amps usage.

You doing any dosing or ATO? This is your chance to get your full geek on! :)

I heard rumor the Radions would be controllable with a Firmware upgrade on the WXM Module in the near future. Although the Neptueaquatics.com list the WXM as out of stock:| Wonder if an upgrade is near...?

I already have a Tunze ATO, it would be nice to be able to shut that off, maybe a backup water level sensor?

I would like to dose 2-Part and maybe trace elements in the future, but not for several months yet.

I would also like to control the Refugium light and powerhead.

ivar85

11/04/2013, 06:36 PM

Really nice !

sn4265

11/04/2013, 09:32 PM

If you're looking to spend money... I would suggest a Liter Meter 3 to setup a continuous water change system. Going that route, you might want to get the breakout box for the Apex and some float valves to monitor/alert/control your water making setup. Similarly, I'm planning on a DIY skimmate collector with a high level float in a 5 gal bucket that will auto shutoff the skimmer to prevent a skimmate overflow.

Just a few ideas. It really is looking great. I'm quite jealous. We are hoping to do something similar but larger down the road. Going to need a bigger house for our plans though as we want the built in between two rooms to make it even more viewable.

Reu2

11/04/2013, 09:44 PM

I like the skimate container idea, I was thinking of getting the reef octopus one but having it built through a controller sounds like it would make more since.

A continuous water change also sounds interesting but sounds as if it'll take some research.

sn4265

11/05/2013, 07:12 AM

For me the DIY skimmate container makes tons more sense than buying one since I think I can make one for under $20 whereas the Reef Octo one looks to run about $140 or so. Plus, I enjoy doing the DIY stuff if it's not overly complicated like making an LED fixture or something.

There is a good bit of information out there on the continuous water change process. The LM3 definitely looks to be the way to go in my mind.

MHG

11/05/2013, 08:55 AM

Reu2

11/05/2013, 09:06 AM

Very nice build. Take care with the washer and dryer in the same room. Make sure all the exhaust ducts on the dryer are taped tight so you don't get fabric softener dust into your system. It happens to my basement frag system and I get foam on the water surface...

Good to know, thanks. I would have never thought of that. The tank is also near the furnace for the house, so I have other gas concerns as well.

I'm thinking of running a 3" duct to pipe in outside air to help with gas exchange. Of course then there are heat/cold concerns. But a slow intake shouldn't be a problem and the O2 would be very beneficial.

Reu2

11/05/2013, 10:08 PM

Parameters are still holding strong. 0 Ammonia, 0 Nitrites, Nitrates are holding around 5ppm currently and the tank is safe for fish. Diatom Bloom is still crazy though.

Oh, and new toys!

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3728/10701695986_1b80e92bd5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10701695986/)
Apex (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10701695986/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

I should probably save some money for fish and corals....

bader

11/05/2013, 10:33 PM

I am looking at buikding an in wall tank too amd was wondering how wide your trim was you used and does the tank come out to the edge of the drywall or set in. Also how high is the wall above your tank do u get a shadow in the front and side from the wall beinq above the tank?

Reu2

11/05/2013, 10:45 PM

The tank is to the edge of the drywall, I was able to do so by extending 3/4" plywood to the edge as well. The trim is 7" and the wall is 6" over the top of the tank, just enough to get my arm in there. The Radions sit 8" above the water so no shadow.

I used piano hinge and a spring arm to swing and hold the trim up.

woodnaquanut

11/06/2013, 09:07 AM

Sweet. I'm sure you'll love the Apex.

If you don't already know, the apex forum is the place to go to get all your controller questions answered. It can be accessed via the neptunesystems website under support.

Reu2

11/06/2013, 09:39 AM

Reu2

11/06/2013, 10:50 PM

Parameters are still good. Diatoms and algae are really insane right now, although the snails seem to enjoy it.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5519/10719702753_676ebae3d8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10719702753/)
IMG_0649 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10719702753/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5521/10719514376_45e7bc1c2f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10719514376/)
IMG_0651 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10719514376/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Apex controller is setup, at least initially. Still have to move some things over to the EB8 and learn the programming. Should be fun!

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5515/10719503894_b66e6935a0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10719503894/)
IMG_0654 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10719503894/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Even have it setup out to the WAN already, love new toys. Although the pH probe is reading lower than the test kit, even after calibration. Likely has something to do with the temp feature. The temp is lower too, but that isn't a surprise from the cheap one I was using.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/10719420655_22613d0bfd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10719420655/)
IMG_0663 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10719420655/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Going to do a 20% water change this weekend to get the pH up a bit and lightly clean some of the diatoms out. Just enough to keep it from blowing around the tank.

nick12881

11/07/2013, 08:43 AM

Nice wiring job.

Reu2

11/07/2013, 02:59 PM

Nice wiring job.

Thanks. I work with a lot of wiring and have some plans for cable management. One of the best things you can do is add brackets specifically for your wires. I'm using these.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LGDV36/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Reu2

11/07/2013, 10:56 PM

Spent some time setting up more of the Apex; return pump, skimmer, heaters are all setup but still haven't setup the WXM module yet. I'm learning a lot. I'm sure I'll be asking for scripts soon.

I also spent some time cleaning up the wiring. Have a few issues with short cords yet but I'll get that worked out.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/10736759976_fd700f504f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10736759976/)
image (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10736759976/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

PH has swung all the way from 7.9 to 8.15 in the last 24 hours according to the Apex. What is considered a safe swing? I'll take a link if that is too broad a question.

woodnaquanut

11/08/2013, 09:55 AM

Well I'm glad to see you cleaned up that mess. :)

You wouldn't want to see my 'wire management' - Halloween horror story!! I thought the first pic was about as good as it gets then you improve it!

RE: pH. Seems a bit large of a swing. Mine swings about 0.11. Are you dosing? That might help even out the swings.

Reu2

11/08/2013, 11:13 AM

Not dosing yet. The tank is fish only currently and the CUC isn't really touching the Calcium levels. I plan to add Bulk Reef supply 2-Part long term though.

I'm going to do a 20% water change and clean out some of the Algae growth in the DT and see what impact that makes. I'd like to avoid additives for at least the first few months until most levels even out. Dosing is going to be added around the 6 month mark after a few hardier LPS have been added. Of course that is the plan assuming my research is good, always open to suggestions.

I run the refugium lights at night to help lower pH swing, but I guess it's not very effective being there is no Macro Algae in there yet.

I obviously have some reading to do on pH....

MidwesternTexan

11/08/2013, 11:28 AM

Reu2

11/08/2013, 12:24 PM

Thanks MidwesternTexan, I'm not panicking but I knew having my tank close to the furnaces might cause a little CO2 problem. So I've done some pH research and only have a couple days data. So obviously I don't know I really have a problem yet.

I did anticipate the furnaces and planned on adding an outside air vent over the tank to increase oxygen, but didn't realize that pH would be affected too. One of the articles I read mentions an outside 1/2" airline (capped with a carbon filter) run directly to your skimmers silencer. Injecting outside air directly into the tank to raise chronically low pH. Which sounds like a great quick fix until an outside air vent can be added.

Would you do this?
Has anyone else tried this?
Would I run two lines as the Silencer has two inlets on my skimmer?

MidwesternTexan

11/08/2013, 12:45 PM

I didn't realze that the furnace would cause any real problems, it may well though.

I have my basement sump next to my furnace, however, I did not wall off/sheet rock the inside of my 'sump room/area' and it is open to the rest of my unfinished part of my basement, which has also vented doors to the finished part, etc.

Would I do this? Yes, if it was needed and fairly easy to do
Anyone tried this? I've heard of it, yes
Maybe one line split to 2?

I also have a dehumidifier in my unfinished area/hear my sump going as well.
I never had a dampness problem- sump pump system is working well- I just thought it was a good idea. When you go into my basement area- which we do all the time, everyday, no musty odor, etc.

I don't have an Apex, and rarely check my Ph. But when I do, I drink DosXX, oh, wrong commercial- but when I do- it's always about 8.2ish.

I don't know if this a natural/acceptable Ph change- assuming the probe/system is very accurate/vs. time- but I'd bet small changes are possible and acceptable.

Maybe Ike would know over on WRS, I'm sure many here as well.

Keep up the good work, I'll try and made it when you host a WRS party!

Oh yea, and almost forgot- your wire management system- about the best I've ever seen.
Mine doesn't hold a candle to yours!

Reu2

11/08/2013, 02:21 PM

I met Ike at the meeting where the Red Sea rep was there. Ike seems like he is insanely smart when it comes to reefing. Likely a good person to ask.

Thanks for the advice.

Reu2

11/08/2013, 10:55 PM

Alkalinity is a little low at 2.16 (if I'm doing the test right). I went ahead and did a crude outside airline to see if it has an affect on the pH. But I also raised my temp, it's been setting around 77.1-77.5 and I'd like to see it closer to 80-82. Which will throw off the whole pH test. I also pulled about maybe a third of the algae to further taint the results.

Now many of you have been through this already, but this is new to me. I pulled a softball size chunk of Algea, ****ing gross, but kinda awesome :D

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2810/10752789566_b7f97f48d3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10752789566/)
Bleh (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10752789566/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

To raise the Alk my only choice is pretty much buffer right?

woodnaquanut

11/08/2013, 10:58 PM

If the furnace is adding CO2 to the area I'd be worried about all living creatures in the basement. A properly vented furnace should not raise CO2 levels.

If your house is 'tight' you might be experiencing general increase in CO2 because with the cold weather the windows aren't open as much. We had about 30 people over one hot summer day. The windows were closed up to keep it cool. No AC here. Within an hour of the crowd showing up, pH went down almost 0.2! I tried to convince them not to exhale but that didn't go over well. :)

I have no idea how this would make your pH swing during a 24 hr cycle. If pH dips a lot at night perhaps it's more people home and they are exhaling!!

Just found a Randy Holmes-Farley article. He states that a daily swing between pH 7.8 to 8.5 is no problem. So have another cup of whatever you are drinking in your avatar and relax! ;)

Six months before corals! That wouldn't fly around here. It would rate a zero on the wife acceptance factor!!

Reu2

11/08/2013, 11:08 PM

A lot of good points, there might be a couple softies sooner than that, but I want to get it right the first time, this time.

The swing seems fairly normal, but I'd like it to be between 8.1 and 8.5.

I'm not really stressing over it, just getting my head around all of it.

woodnaquanut

11/08/2013, 11:09 PM

Alkalinity is a little low at 2.16 (if I'm doing the test right). I went ahead and did a crude outside airline to see if it has an affect on the pH. But I also raised my temp, it's been setting around 77.1-77.5 and I'd like to see it closer to 80-82. Which will throw off the whole pH test. I also pulled about maybe a third of the algae to further taint the results.

Now many of you have been through this already, but this is new to me. I pulled a softball size chunk of Algea, ****ing gross, but kinda awesome :D

To raise the Alk my only choice is pretty much buffer right?

You measuring meq/L or dKH? Always important to include units!!

If it's meq/L, ocean is 2.5 meq/L so you are just a bit low. Water changes should correct or you can use baking soda, aka sodium bicarbonate, aka Arm & Hammer. BRS has a calculator to get you up to speed.

I used to be a big fan of 80 degrees. In the last year or so I've switched to 77.5 to 78.5. Cost less to heat, more dissolved O2 in the water. Not as comfortable putting my entire arm in the tank, though. :)

Reu2

11/08/2013, 11:14 PM

meq/L with a Salifert kit. First time using the kit, it does KH which was 6.1 in dKH and Alk in meq/L at 2.16.

Doing a water change tomorrow so it'll be interesting to see how it changes.

woodnaquanut

11/08/2013, 11:15 PM

Oh I forgot to mention...

Algae is cool. Nutrient export! Your whole tank it a algae turf scrubber.

Gotta stay positive. New tanks always (at least mine) look like crap. My planted FW tank looked like an algae farm. 10 years later there is no algae. I haven't needed to clean anything off the front glass in at least 6 months.

woodnaquanut

11/08/2013, 11:22 PM

meq/L with a Salifert kit. First time using the kit, it does KH which was 6.1 in dKH and Alk in meq/L at 2.16.

Doing a water change tomorrow so it'll be interesting to see how it changes.

Test your new water. It might be coming in low. I use the same kit. Seems easy to use. I love titrations, really dislike colorimetric tests.

Reu2

11/09/2013, 08:05 PM

Today we retire the 29 Gallon Reef Tank. How I did so many things wrong, and how I neglected it in so many ways. Gone are the days of it's rapidly changing chemistry, and poor setup. 29 Gallon reef tank, thank you for your tour of duty, you will not be forgotten. 21 Gun solute, Taps, and good night.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3713/10768754084_4bc2115c1b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10768754084/)
End of an Era (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10768754084/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5491/10768752834_a5a1d81104.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10768752834/)
End of an Era (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10768752834/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Hello Fish Room! Now for the weekend update;

Things are really coming together. Not everything in the 29 was bad so I spent the day ignoring my family and cleaning the rock I wanted to keep, breaking apart a large rock of Green Hairy Mushrooms (Have two more rocks left if you're interested), and getting things in order.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7353/10768648595_744d62d5b5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10768648595/)
Fish room (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10768648595/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

This is the new Observation Tank (20G long), it's running the old canister filter and lighting. Once I get the frags out, it'll be where new livestock goes for observation before going in the DT. I know, more wires to organize, I have to order more brackets. Those asking about QT or Hospital, the plan is a smaller tank, but I haven't gotten it yet. With the space left it's going to have to be a 10 Gallon with a sponge filter. Once the bulk of the live stock has been added, this tank will eventually be plumbed to the main system as a propagation tank. Need to add new bulbs, if you could only have 4 t5 bulbs, which would you get for best coral color and growth?
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/10768645255_e23930bef6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10768645255/)
Observation Tank (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10768645255/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Here is the Fuge with it's new ball of Cheato. Not sure if I want to rearrange the rock in here yet. The phallic appearance is kind of funny.... Of course as the dry rock becomes live it won't be so obvious.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3679/10768922943_e8cce8b1e4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10768922943/)
Sump (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10768922943/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

The sump has been doing great, only the occasional micro bubble gets through. I'm also getting the hang of having an ATO, helps to shut that thing off when working on the tank. You can see the crude outside airlines attached to the silencer. Interesting enough, after removing so much algae, raising the temperature slightly, and adding outside air, the pH has been near steady. Steadily low at 8.03, but steady. Still have to do a water change tonight, so we'll see.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5528/10768647225_899644346a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10768647225/)
Sump (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10768647225/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

sn4265

11/11/2013, 07:28 AM

Reu2

11/11/2013, 09:05 AM

Boosting up your Alk may very well eliminate your low pH issue too. You could try running limewater in the ATO for a while. That would boost your Alk, and Ca too if needed, and might help to bring up your pH. What's your Ca reading now?

The other plus side is that since you are planning this as a reef tank... You are going to need to be supplementing Alk & Ca anyway. Until your coral growth really gets growing you should be able to keep up with nothing more than limewater.

Great advise. I think I will get what is needed to dose Limewater, but I'm not going to start unless levels get dangerous. This early in the chemistry and with no corals I'm hoping to avoid dosing anything until the tank has had some time to stabilize. If I'm lucky I'll be able to go straight to Two-Part when it's needed and skip the limewater all together.

I haven't tested Calcium levels yet.... I know; what reefer doesn't check his calcium levels? But I knew I wasn't placing corals in anytime soon so I haven't taken the time to learn to use my new Hanna Meter yet. I'm sure that'll happen this week. But with only snails using it, I can't imagine it's depleting at any noticeable rate.

Now I have to research limewater as it's not something I've used.

sn4265

11/11/2013, 11:15 AM

Great advise. I think I will get what is needed to dose Limewater, but I'm not going to start unless levels get dangerous. This early in the chemistry and with no corals I'm hoping to avoid dosing anything until the tank has had some time to stabilize. If I'm lucky I'll be able to go straight to Two-Part when it's needed and skip the limewater all together.

I haven't tested Calcium levels yet.... I know; what reefer doesn't check his calcium levels? But I knew I wasn't placing corals in anytime soon so I haven't taken the time to learn to use my new Hanna Meter yet. I'm sure that'll happen this week. But with only snails using it, I can't imagine it's depleting at any noticeable rate.

Now I have to research limewater as it's not something I've used.

Limewater is dead simple to use. I think most of us use Mrs Wages Pickling Lime for additive. It will reach saturation so you really can't overdose the ATO water. Personally, I go for the super saturated route by adding about 125ml of vinegar to the ATO also. I figure a little carbon dosing can't hurt either.

Right now I'm all softies and LPS plus one rather large clam. My limewater is keeping up fine on Ca and Alk. Currently I'm dosing some Alk also every few days to try and boost the Alk level as it's a bit low for introducing SPS or so I've read. My thought is that running the limewater is cheaper and easier than dealing with dosing so I really don't see any downside to it.

Reu2

11/15/2013, 10:58 PM

Okay, I pulled out the camera tonight and gave it a shot. I only have a couple corals in a holding tank and a few fish in my DT to work with. Feel free to hit the Reef Tank Set link to see the other 3 images I took tonight. http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/sets/72157630684596740/ At the end.

This shot is a Ribbon Brain Coral's tentacles under two Purple Plus T5 bulbs with my Nikon DLSR and a budget Tamron 90mm Macro Lens @ f3.5. Shutter speed was 1/250th sec and ISO 1600 from about 6" away. I shot it in a RAW file format and warmed the color temperature a bunch in Adobe Lightroom.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5543/10879964776_f8ffd2791e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10879964776/)
Brain Coral (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10879964776/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

I used the high ISO to bring up the shutter speed but I guess I could have slowed the powerbeads to get less movement too.

sn4265

11/20/2013, 07:34 AM

woodnaquanut

11/20/2013, 09:10 AM

Wow... It just became painfully obvious that I don't speak camera. You lost me right after T5. :)

Macro photography is not for the faint of heart. His 'budget' lens is about $500!

Camera equipment makes reefing look like a cheap hobby. :lol2:

Reu2

11/20/2013, 10:15 AM

Wow... It just became painfully obvious that I don't speak camera. You lost me right after T5. :)

T5 isn't camera tech, it's the type of florescent light bulb over the aquarium. I mention it as the color of the bulb greatly affects what the camera's limited sensor can reproduce.

Macro photography is not for the faint of heart. His 'budget' lens is about $500!

Camera equipment makes reefing look like a cheap hobby. :lol2:

Photography can cost a lot of money, and good lenses cost a lot. But you can convert your current lenses (assuming you have a DSLR) with the use of Extension tubes, or by using diopters which can get you into macro for much less money. Most compact cameras these days even have a Macro mode. The Macros the Pros use run $1200~$3000, that's why I used the term "Budget".

Either way, nothing beats what you have. If it's a camera phone, you can still get really nice photos with some trial and error. Just like reefing, it's not all about the equipment, it's mostly about the effort and attention.

Reu2

11/20/2013, 10:22 AM

Here are a couple more I took over the weekend.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7349/10927980864_d2dd4fe139_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10927980864/)
Ribbon Brain Coral (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10927980864/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7347/10927862706_162f3c4c23_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10927862706/)
SA Vivid Fancy Clown (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10927862706/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Also I've cleaned up my wall some more. Although I'm going to have to add another EB8 for the Apex soon. I'm adding two Dosing pumps. I just can't keep the Alkalinity up, and decided to skip Kalwasser and go straight to the planned Two-Part Dosing.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/10927861806_ba7673ddf0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10927861806/)
Observation Tank (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10927861806/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Reu2

11/21/2013, 09:49 AM

Can't seem to get Alkalinity up and the time has come to decide how to correct it. Many suggested kalkwasser, which is a logical step, but I have been planning to start Two-Part in the future. So I want to skip kalkwasser and go straight to Two-Part.

Bulk Reef Supply has a Two-Part kit with Parasitic Pumps and Magnesium for what seems like a decent price, and they ship practically over night even with ground shipping from the Twin Cities to Milwaukee. Not to mention my wife still has no idea how much I've spent on this setup :-s

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7442/10979072805_5bf688b996_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10979072805/)
Bulk Reef Supply Two-Part Kit with Parasitic Pumps (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/10979072805/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

So to get this straight, I dose equal amounts of two-Part based on the lowest parameter?

Alkalinity is at 6.4 dkh and Calcium is 519ppm. I don't need to raise calcium but want to get dkh up between 8-9dkh (some say 10-12 for SPS heavy tanks).

According to the BRS Calculator based on an estimated 180 Gallons water volume I need to add 205.7ml of two-part.
So to add this much Two-Part with 1.1ml per minute pumps I need to run them for 187 Minutes each. From what I read, I should only add this when the DT lights are out and at different times (add Ash, then Calcium). I thought it'd be better to alternate, opinions?

Now to further complicate things, I'm assuming I want to add this ever 24 hours and adjust the amount as needed. So let's say lights out in the DT is 10 hours, that leaves five hours for each part meaning I want a pump running for 37:15 per hour between the hours of 10pm - 8am (theoretical 10hr period).

So is this math right? It seems like a lot of two-part....
How do I program the Apex for this (This may need to get posted over in the Apex forum)? I found examples, but I am not sure I fully understand it.
Please feel free to tell me I'm way off on any of this....

Mr. Wiggles

11/21/2013, 10:13 AM

But that is just your corrective dose, not your daily consumption. What I would do is adjust your alk independently to the value you want with either the bicarbonate or carbonate solution. I would do this without the dosing pump because it will take forever to get there and there really isn't a point in doing it that slow, just add some alk solution a few different times. Then once the alk is at your target value monitor the drop in dKH over a few days or a week without changing anything else. Then divide the drop in alk over the number of days (more days helps to average out testing errors), and that becomes your daily consumption that you have to add each day with the dosing pump. Hope that helps!

woodnaquanut

11/21/2013, 10:22 AM

Your alk is low and Ca high. Don't dose Ca until you get alk up.

I'd start dosing the alk at 10 minutes/hour. On the Apex that would be a OSC command for the outlet the pump is connected to. Something like (comments are in <>):

Fallback OFF <Keeps outlet off after a power outage>
OSC 030:00/010:00/020:00 Then ON
If pH > 08.30 Then OFF
If FeedA 000 Then OFF <optional. I don't usually run a feed during the lights off time>
If Time 12:00 to 22:00 Then OFF <set time to match your light period>

This will turn the dosing pump on for ten minutes starting at half past the hour, every hour till the 'If Time' statement shuts it down. You might have to increase the time a bit to account for what is used plus what you need to add extra to get it to normal range. If you need to increase time make the last time equally smaller.

If you have an EB8, the dosing pump needs to be on either the 4 or 8 outlet.

Once you get the alk up, wait till Ca comes down (420ppm?), then dose both.

My Ca program is almost the same except the OSC is:

OSC 000:00/010:00/050:00 Then ON

So Ca dosing starts on the hour and runs for 10 minutes. There is a 20 minute gap between Ca and alk dosing.

Do you test Mg?

woodnaquanut

11/21/2013, 10:27 AM

Dang Mr. Wiggles types fast! :)

I'd use the dosing pump. It will give you practice and only takes two days to get alk up going at the max recommended by BRS.

My BIG caution is make sure you use either outlet #4 or #8. They are mechanical and will turn off a low draw pump like the dosing. On another outlet, they might not turn off!!

I'd be checking alk every day to make sure all is well.

For an excellent article (not sure I can post here), I googled 'craig bingman calcium' and found it at MAAST site. PM me if you can't find it.

Reu2

11/21/2013, 10:37 AM

woodnaquanut

11/21/2013, 10:54 AM

I've been tracking dkh from water changes. It starts at 8.9 and drops to 6.1 over 5 days giving me an average drop of .56 a day.

So with that math I need 205.7 ml to correct and 68.1 ml to maintain daily consumption?

I haven't measured Magnesium yet as I haven't had to dose it yet. The Kent Marine salt I'm using list it's contents as 1,350 to 1,450 ppm Magnesium. I'll pick up a test kit before I start dosing.

woodnaquanut you are using alternating Alk Calc schedule which makes since to me. I understand why not to add them at the same time, but it doesn't make since to me to add them at entirely different times.

So if I manually, and slowly add 205.7 ml Alk part, and setup the Pumps to add 68.1ml per day of two-part on a similar schedule I should be all set with exception on getting it dialed in?

I got a whopping 180ml on the BRS dosing calculator. Must be doing something wrong. :(

I dose at the top of the hour and half past because it's easy to set up in the OSC command. I find that command confusing so this lessens my errors. :dance: I can increase dosing up to 30 minutes per hour before I have to think harder for a solution. As the system grows I will have to increase dosing so now I have some 'headroom' with simple math.

Mr. Wiggles

11/21/2013, 11:18 AM

Assuming that the math gets straightened out (I haven't done it myself) then it sounds like you are on track.

I recommended dosing manually to get the number set because I always feel nervous running the peristaltic pumps for hours out of a fear of burning up the motor or wearing out the tubing. I typically dose every 6 hours with an hour difference between the Ca and alk to give myself some room to increase the dose over time.

Also, after having just gone through some crazy alk swings myself I now made a rule not to change my dosing schedule all at once and to adjust the dosing regimen by only 10% of the total dose at any one time.

Reu2

11/21/2013, 11:41 AM

Woodnaquanut, make sure you change the drop down for meq/l, DKH, or ppm. I did that a couple time and got crazy numbers too.

Can I put the Alk in my ATO to slowly add it for me? Or would that be bad for the ATO?

Reu2

11/21/2013, 12:21 PM

lluv24

11/21/2013, 06:42 PM

Great work on your whole system !!!!! I know how hard u have worked on it and it sure shows;-). Happy reefing !!!!!!!!!!

woodnaquanut

11/21/2013, 07:02 PM

Reeftronics.net has this nifty spreadsheet http://www.reeftronics.net/support/Apex_OSC_Calculator.xlsx
Here is the program it gave me for 62ml per day between 21:00 and 08:00 (Lower pH hours).

Fallback OFF
OSC 000:00/005:38/054:22 Then ON
If Time 8:00 to 20:59 Then OFF

I'll add the "IF Ph >8.35 Then OFF

So the full command for 62ml each would be this.

ALK
Fallback OFF
OSC 000:00/005:38/054:22 Then ON
If Time 8:00 to 20:59 Then OFF
If pH >8.35 Then OFF

CLK
Fallback OFF
OSC 030:00/005:38/024:22 Then ON
If Time 8:00 to 20:59 Then OFF
If pH >8.35 Then OFF

Look good?

Yep. At least to my caffeine starved brain. :)

I have not worried about the seconds. I don't feel mixing by the cup full gives enough accuracy to then go worrying about seconds (1.1 ml) of mix.

As things grow you'll be changing the numbers often. Of course you can tell your friends you dose for exactly 5 minutes 38 seconds! They WILL be impressed! :)

Time for a :beer:

Before we start downing some suds...
I forgot to ask. How come your Ca is so high? You're not dosing anything yet. Is the salt mix that high? Perhaps the test kit is off?? Just one of those nagging mysteries!

Reu2

11/21/2013, 07:15 PM

Thanks for the comments and high fives.

Yes, the salt mix is that high. I bought Kent Marine as part of a group buy but at the 1.025 mix you get 500-550 calc.

I don't think I'll continue the use of Kent, but I have to get through 4 more boxes before I switch again. Likely going back to Red Sea Reef salt.

sn4265

11/22/2013, 10:17 AM

I suppose one of these days I'm going to actually need to break down and measure my consumptions. Honestly though, my tank has been pretty simple in terms of consumption because the limewater has been holding things pretty steady without any need for fiddling around. Of course, my Alk has always been on the low side and who knows what will happen once I finally get that boosted up and once I get transitioned fully over to the new Photon 48 LED unit that I'm hoping to get over the tank this weekend.

Anyway, there is some great info here in this thread, so thanks and keep up the good work.

Reu2

11/26/2013, 10:01 PM

My rock has spots....

Coralline algae Spots! It's Alive!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7407/11078254345_86afa646b0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11078254345/)
coralline algae (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11078254345/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Okay I know it's not alive because of coralline algae, but it is welcome. The not purple and much more present spots are kind of freaking me out, I don't know if they're just diatom or some other algae. They look red under blue lighting, any ideas?

I started raising my Alk levels with the Soda ash mix from BRS, only 50ml today, i'll do 100ml tomorrow and that should get me pretty close to where I want to be.

Reu2

11/27/2013, 10:05 AM

I'm struggling with Phosphates...

On the Hanna Meter I'm reading high since around the 19th in the realm of 0.00 to 0.12. Im my attempt to not panic I pulled out my Salifert Phosphate test kit for a second opinion. The Salifert still shows undetectable, not even a hint of blue.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/11086033796_17e1b9b4b9_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11086033796/)
Parameters20131127 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11086033796/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

The only changes are a new pack of regents for the Hanna, and I've started substituting frozen food once a week, and Cobalt Flake food 3 times a week mixed with the usual Flake and pellet I have used since inception of the tank. Not more food, just more variety.

Since I noticed the phosphates I've tried retesting with the Hanna getting readings from .04 to .08 only minutes apart. With last nights reading of .12, I'm starting to panic.

I'm ready to start using GFO, but I don't want to start it if this is just operator error on my part, or test kit failure. The Salifert is new within the last couple months, and I have reviewed the instructions on both kits. Any ideas? Should I be on the phone with Hanna, or adding GFO?

bader

11/27/2013, 10:11 PM

I wouldnt be to concerned with the gfo I always ran it kinda like carbon

Reu2

12/03/2013, 10:51 AM

I booted up the Two-Part Routine last night. PH has been much better even before adding any ALK to the system just from a maturity standpoint. This is more to get my Alkalinity under control. With any luck I'll see stable numbers with little adjustment to the dosing schedule.

I still have not started the GFO reactor, phosphates dropped and are currently untraceable. I want my refugium to get more established so I'm going to hold off on GFO as long as possible.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2856/11190832763_2c670263ef_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11190832763/)
Screen Shot 2013-12-03 at 9.17.22 AM (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11190832763/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

The observation tank is holding a number of SPS, LPS, and a couple softies primed and ready to get in the display tank. It's getting to the point that the observation tank is having difficulty keeping up. With any luck I'll see stable ALK/Calc numbers with little adjustment to the dosing schedule. Then I can start moving corals in.

My Fish in QT are still doing great. All three are swimming normally and eating well. The QT tank has no traceable ammonia or Nitrite. I think the powerhead in there might be a bit heavy for the 10 Gallon. I'm going to switch it out so they don't have to work so hard at night. Of course that means another purchase I was trying to avoid.

bdeibler

12/04/2013, 08:19 PM

Strobes

12/04/2013, 09:54 PM

Reu2

12/04/2013, 10:13 PM

Just Got done reading through your whole thread and got to say, DANG man your set up rocks! I wish I had a back room I could tuck all my crap away in that would sure make my wife happy! Keep up all the good work! looking forward to continuing to follow your build.

Thanks, we finished our basement around the tank which really helps get the room needed. I only wish I could have gone with a larger tank;)

Reu2

12/04/2013, 10:15 PM

Wow this is cool. I'm from the area. I'd love to see this setup someday. I'm in the process of setting up a 120 but for a fowler. Maybe someday ill upgrade to a reef but right now I don't know enough about it nor can I afford it lol. Awesome build man

Fowler is much easier, way fewer parameters to be concerned with, and you can fit a couple softies if you get reef safe fish.

Have you joined the WI Reef Society, WRS is a very active forum and there are some amazing tanks in the area.

Make sure to get a big *** skimmer, and good biological filtration on top of well well established live rock. Nitrates always end up being a problem in FOWLR tanks, look into carbon dosing.

Reu2

12/04/2013, 11:00 PM

bdeibler

12/05/2013, 10:58 PM

Thanks! Although I have some bad news, I lost a Mystery Wrasse today. Found him stuck to the Quarantine Tanks Power-head. I got a good deal on him at around $90.00, but he was my most expensive fish to date and he didn't even last a week.

I'm feeling pretty demotivated, and the compliments do help.

That sucks sorry to hear that man, Never heard of a mystery wrasse, looked like a really cool fish (I googled it). losing fish sucks, I remember the fist fish I lost, it was a clown and his poor mate was left behind.

woodnaquanut

12/06/2013, 10:35 AM

Loosing any fish is a bummer. The unexplained ones are the worst.

Do you medicate in QT?

Reu2

12/06/2013, 11:02 AM

Only treating the tank with Prime the day before transfers to help ensure low ammonia and healthy slim coats.

woodnaquanut

12/08/2013, 07:39 PM

I'm treating all QT with a week of PraziPro for internal parasites and a week of Chloroquin phosphate for external parasites like Ich.

Reu2

12/08/2013, 07:59 PM

Did the last Transfer today, still no signs of illness. Again, I was treating healthy fish.

Now that is done, I've added a sponge filter, and 1ml Seachem Prime. Also I've started raising the salinity, I'll raise it slowly for the next couple days until I get to 1.025 d sg. After they have had time to settle, I'll add PraziPro as a flukes, tube warm, etc. etc. preventative. I'll also give them a Vitamin treatment using Focus and Metronidazole mixed into some Limpet's frozen food (Which I should also have done at the start of the Tank Transfers).

Both fish look great and are getting used to me feeding them. No signs of aggression or illness. After the PraziPro Treatment, they'll get a clean tank and go untreated for two-weeks. If no signs of illness arise then they go into the DT (finally).

Now from what I can gather, treating with Copper is the same from this point on, except having to bring up the Salinity (you don't want hypo-salinity when dosing copper).

If signs of disease become apparent, then I will treat those symptoms, not start the process over again.

I'm looking at a couple more fish to add. For the sake of completeness of this experiment, I will try using Copper instead of tank transfer. But I have to say, copper already sounds like the easier, hopefully less stressful method. I'll mark one of my 10 Gallon tanks for copper so it's never accidentally used in a reef setup.

Overall, I think its good to have experience with both methods, as neither method works across the board.

McPuff

12/09/2013, 01:23 PM

Wow, really cool setup. It's amazing how much you were able to fit into that space. I have a 120 in-wall also so I was interested to see how you did it. I already had the utility room when I moved into my new house so we had to cut the wall, build in the stand, and add in a few other things. I moved in at the end of April and I'm still trying to finish things the way I want them! It certainly does help to have a tub, RO/water changing station, etc right there for ease of cleaning and other maintenance! I look forward to seeing how your tank progresses. Nice job!

kkrawler

12/10/2013, 08:54 PM

Truly amazed! Makes my basement in-wall setup look juvenille

Reu2

12/10/2013, 09:42 PM

Thanks for the props! Now let's see if I can get the livestock to look good.

Reu2

12/12/2013, 10:23 PM

State of The Tank;

I haven't posted any pictures lately so I thought I'd do an update.

Unfortunately theres not a lot to see. The tank has done a lot of maturing, and is on the back side of another major algae bloom. I'm still not running GFO, phosphates haven't gotten out of control and the CUC is enjoying this bloom after the desert they had suffered for a couple weeks.

I've added some Softies (Octaspawn, Toadstool Leather) some LPS (Ribbon Brain, Raptors Peace Favia) and SPS (Upscale’s microlados, Oregon Tortuosa, Appleberry Monti, Purple & Green tipped Birdsnest, and Starburst Monti). None of which are very happy at the moment as I had my hands and epoxy in the tank moments before taking these photos. I haven't glued any of the plugs down, I'm using the plugs to find suitable locations, then cut them off the plugs and glue them straight to the rock, I just don't like the look of plugs.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/11347699724_e2cc734f45_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11347699724/)
State of the Tank (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11347699724/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3790/11347680486_d1b2045065_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11347680486/)
State of the Tank (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11347680486/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Refugium is getting nice and gross;) Lots of Pods running around, a whole lot considering only what came on the live rock and Tisbe Pods were added. I also added some Red Calerpa.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3819/11347601435_88cf5e8e0e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11347601435/)
State of the Tank (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11347601435/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Everything is running pretty good; although I'm fighting to keep my ALK levels over 7, two-part dosing is at around 80ml per day which is barely keeping up.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/11347601145_21e407348d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11347601145/)
State of the Tank (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11347601145/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

My QT fish are officially done with being treated and are being observed for the next couple weeks before making it into the DT.

Reu2

12/19/2013, 11:30 AM

I've been spending so much time with the larger inhabitants, and corals I've all but forgotten about my stock list (which went out the window). These days I wait for a fish or coral to "speak to me" and I then do the research on that species.

But I now realize that I have no "bottom" fish. My wife would like a Mandarin Fish but my tank isn't quite mature enough yet and aside from being nice looking, they're pretty useless.

So I'd like to add a Gobie, Blennie, or Jawfish. Something interesting but useful. Obviously a Yellow watchman is a good choice but pretty plain and I don't have a pistol Shrimp (and don't want one of those annoying bastards). Maybe a Diamond Goby or sand sifter, but I have small grain sand and high flow.

What are your favorites or recommendations?

McPuff

12/19/2013, 12:57 PM

bdeibler

12/20/2013, 04:39 PM

Indymann99

12/20/2013, 05:30 PM

Reu2

12/21/2013, 12:17 AM

Okay, healthy looking Blue Hippo Tang Aquired. No Gobies or Blennies yet. This is more on the QT experimentation.

Here is the plan; Hyposalinity

4 weeks hypo 1.009-1.010 d/sg; Prime added for stress relief. Buffer for PH. Heater, small pwr head, and sponge filter. PVC for hiding. Ammonia reducer on hand if needed. Focus and Metronidazole mixed with Limpets once a week.
1 week Paraguard
1 week off
2 weeks Prazipro

1 week increase to 1.025 d/sg salinity
3 weeks Observation for a total of 8 weeks.

Tang is already eating in QT, and as soon as I get the salinity down over the next couple days the clock starts. I know I said I'd use copper this time, but a couple lengthy discussion put me down this route. Let's see how it works out. I have copper if parasites become present.

Benson0219

12/21/2013, 12:21 PM

great tank and set-up.Very nice work.

bdeibler

12/28/2013, 10:18 AM

How are things going with the tank haven't seen an update in a couple of days hope things are well!

bdeibler

12/28/2013, 10:22 AM

Easily the hardest worker in the tank!

He sifts the sand but never swims up and distributes the sand.

note I know he looks a bit underfed but he has looked that way for 3+yrs.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/DSC_0031-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/Indymann99/media/DSC_0031-1.jpg.html)

What kind of fish is that know I have seen them just cant come up with the name. sounds like something i need i had a lawnmower blenny but he through sand all over the place.

fishmanstan

12/29/2013, 08:13 PM

^ diamond goby

Kyle12781

12/30/2013, 03:33 PM

Hello Reu2, my brother in law Kyle Tetting told me about your tank and sent me a link on this thread.

Excellent job!!! The tanks and set up look sweet.

I have a golden headed sleeper goby in my reef tank and he is a very cool and interesting fish to watch. He is constantly sifting through the sand and mixing up the substrate.

Reu2

12/30/2013, 03:41 PM

Kyle told me you two discussed it a bit. There is a bit more information here on the Wisconsin Reef Society Member tank thread; http://www.wireefsociety.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=15196

WRS is a great resource for local hobbyist if you are not already subscribed or a member. Check it out. Also your welcome to swing by and check out my setup if you're ever up our way.

Kyle12781

01/02/2014, 12:28 PM

Thanks, I will check out becoming a member there to.

I'm definitely going to take you up on checking out your setup. I'm hoping to do something very similar in about 5 years or so when we move to another house.

Reu2

01/05/2014, 02:05 PM

Borrowed the WRS Apogee PAR Meter and got the following results with 2 Ecotech Radion Pro LEDs with TIR Lenses mounted 9" above the water line.

I first just maxed all the settings. 100% Intensity and 100% on all color channels. Please Note that images are not representative of the light settings, just used the image as a map for the readings.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2848/11782614874_259fdc444c_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11782614874/)
100FullOn (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11782614874/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr
You may need to click the images to be able to read the numbers.

Then I changed the template to Radiant Color at 100% peak.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7422/11782194695_82fbf15af8_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11782194695/)
100ColorPref (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11782194695/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Then 75% Intensity with %100 all color channels.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5543/11782969986_d20b9e26b7_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11782969986/)
75FullOn (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11782969986/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Finally close to where I was running them, 75% Intensity Radiant Color.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/11782459373_8a854cc8ff_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11782459373/)
75ColorPref (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11782459373/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Obviously 75% Radiant color isn't nearly enough. 100% All on has the best results but not the color I'm looking for. So I think I'm going to run a modified version of the 100% Intensity Radiant color Template. I increased the color channels at peak to give decent PAR, but give a better appearance through the majority of the day. I also added a longer sunrise as I see the tank around 6AM and then 8-10 at night.

Overall this represents what was advertised; although I don't know why I expected higher PAR on the sand bed. Everyone I read that used these said they didn't run them at 100%, but from these measurements, it looks as though I should. Penetration is still good when compared to T5 and MH. I put the meter under a 24 T5 HO above the water and barely got over 200 PAR, with the Radions I'm getting that on the sand bed.

Thoughts, suggestions?

Reu2

01/06/2014, 03:18 PM

I have been researching Ecosmart and Apex programming and I have found the following.

Eco-Smart modes (Tidal Swell and Nutrient Transport) take 150 minutes (2.5 hours) to complete.
Anti-Sync becomes Slave in EcoSmart modes (Right in my case) and Sync becomes Same Wall as the Master.
EcoBack is the Back Wall powerhead in EcoSmart modes, but runs constant in non-EcoSmart Modes.
I created a new Reef Crest Slow (RfCrstSL) for night time instead of having all powerbeads on constant. Should be better for random flow but still relaxing enough.
I use sync for a short period to give a short swelling flow in the afternoon as Short Pulse Mode doesn't work with Apex (That I can find anyway).

-Left

Fallback ReefCrst
Set Pulse
If Time 08:00 to 10:30 Then TidalSwl
If Time 12:00 to 14:30 Then TidalSwl
If Time 19:00 to 21:30 Then Nutrient
If Time 23:00 to 06:00 Then RfCrstSl
If FeedA 000 Then Slow
If FeedD 000 Then OFF

-Right

Fallback AntiSync
Set AntiSync
If Time 10:30 to 12:00 Then Sync
If FeedA 000 Then Slow
If FeedD 000 Then OFF

-Back

Fallback RfCrstSl
Set RfCrstSl
If Time 08:00 to 10:30 Then EcoBack
If Time 12:00 to 14:30 Then EcoBack
If Time 19:00 to 21:30 Then EcoBack
If FeedA 000 Then Slow
If FeedD 000 Then OFF

I still am not sure what to run the back powerhead on during pulse modes. Also I'm not sure the best way to tune the Pulse. They give us general guidelines to start with, but how do we know to go longer or shorter and in what increments?

Nutrient Transport Mode uses your short pulse Mode settings, but I had to clear the memory to setup to the Apex, how do I go about tuning short pulse? Can I just shut off the WXM and tune it the MP-40s?

Reu2

01/07/2014, 12:19 PM

Here are my Profiles that I have setup so far.

-Profiles

PF1 Slow
Vortech Type Constant
Max intensity 15

PF2 Night
Vortech Type Constant
Max intensity 40

PF3 ReefCrst
Vortech Type Reef Crest
Max intensity 70

PF4 TidalSwl
Vortech Type Tidal Swell
Max intensity 80

PF5 Nutrient
Vortech Type Nutrient
Max intensity 80

PF6 Pulse
Vortech Type Pulse
On Time (Seconds) .80
Max intensity 80

PF7 Sync
Vortech Type Sync
Max intensity 100
Master Pump # VortechLeft - (3-2)

PF8 AntiSync
Vortech Type Anti-Sync
Max intensity 100
Master Pump # VortechLeft - (3-2)

PF9 Lagoon
Vortech Type Lagoon Random
Max intensity 80

PF10 EcoBack
Vortech Type Eco-Back
Max intensity 60
Master Pump # VortechLeft - (3-2)

PF11 RfCrstSL
Vortech Type Reef Crest
Max intensity 50

Reu2

01/09/2014, 12:52 PM

I broke down and started running GFO. Started with one cup (BRS Recommends 2.5 Cups). Hopefully I can bring the Po4 down a touch. I'm tired of having .06-.10 Po4 and untraceable Nitrates. I also added some Alk to help get it back up (7.24 tonight). It's falling so slowly that I don't want to adjust the dosing schedule quite yet. A lot of hobbyist says that one day it just eases up, something in the tank must be using it.

Still not much to look at in my display, but here are a couple of pictures I took tonight ****in around.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/11848519063_284179a91a_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11848519063/)
Cleaner Shrimp (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11848519063/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3770/11848239495_93b6d4d0f9_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11848239495/)
Toadstool Leather Polyps (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/11848239495/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

Reu2

01/25/2014, 11:42 AM

Here is my Juvenile Blue Hippo Tang having just been moved from QT to my observation tank. He spent a month in Hypo and a couple other treatments as mentioned earlier.

He's swimming well, and eating well, although he's a bit under weight. The only spot I see is the little one in the middle but I don't think it's a parasite. But after all the work to QT a healthy fish, I thought I'd post it here to be sure it's not a threat.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3718/12137071354_0b4ee3e8de_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/12137071354/)
Juvenile Blue Hippo Tang (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/12137071354/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

What do you think?

mrbnx

01/26/2014, 11:53 PM

Nice clean build. Still catching up, but wanted to commend you on the job you've done thus far :)

Reu2

01/27/2014, 12:52 PM

Picked up some Euphyllia Frags over the weekend. They're very popular this year so the search has been difficult. Still looking for a Neon Green and Pink tip branching Hammer.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/12176701376_8d632c8d3b_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/12176701376/)
Gold Hammer Coral (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/12176701376/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/12176701306_fe2c63271a_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/12176701306/)
Pink Tip Ultra Torch Coral (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/12176701306/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5516/12176086065_741f4a2c76_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/12176086065/)
Pink Tip Green Torch Coral (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/12176086065/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr

For the Photo ppl out there, these photos are white balanced using an Expo Disk 2. Notice the White wall in the Background is a neutral grey and not a bluish hue. The light is a 4 bulb T5 fixture under two 10k and two Coral+ bulbs. Lightroom settings, Temp 50000, Tint -40

Reu2

02/11/2014, 12:48 PM

I got accepted into the Apex Fusion Beta. Since I'm a tech guy I know better than to jump all in, but curiosity got the best of me.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/12463505264_936e4782a0_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/12463505264/)
image (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reu214/12463505264/) by Reuben Neese (http://www.flickr.com/people/reu214/), on Flickr
Live screen grab is from an iPad.

Setup was easy and straight forward if you already have your Apex setup with an external network connection. I'd recommend a custom port for security as well.

Also, I had to agree not to share any web addresses, but I am allowed to share screenshots.

I'm going to order a Foscam FI9826W today, which supports simultaneous MJPEG for the Fusion Dashboard and H.264 for compressed high frame-rate HD video.

I'll setup the Radion Pro LED lights likely this weekend. You have to remove your lights from Ecotech before they can be cleared and added by the Apex WXM. My laptop blew a video card and will be back soon (I hope).

frankabagnale

03/03/2014, 05:18 PM

Sweet build!

OutsideBrian

03/03/2014, 09:43 PM

Just read through all eight pages. I am impressed!
I am currently doing my researching / learning to setup a tank in the next year or so. I had no idea marine tanks were this in depth and dare I say expensive.

Reu2

03/03/2014, 09:46 PM

You can get started for much less. This is the build where my wife agreed not to ask any questions. But the fundamentals are there.

Thanks for reading.

vdejesus27

03/04/2014, 12:32 PM

Very Nice!

aquaenthusiast

03/04/2014, 10:55 PM

the new coral additions are very beautiful :eek2:

TravelinLight

03/04/2014, 11:13 PM

I have the same tank as you, but I must say I am completely jealous of the fish room!!!! I wish I had that much room for all of my crap!

shark@thebeach

03/26/2014, 03:05 PM

Any pics of you front trim opened up? I'm undergoing a very similar build at the moment and you have helped me out tremendously with all you build pics!! Thanks!

Reu2

03/26/2014, 03:12 PM

Nothing detailed, kind of hard to shoot. It's basically a piano hinge with a lock arm. The top boarder had to be routed a bit to ensure the hinge and trim were flush with the wall, that way you don't get light leak and the seams rest with the other trim pieces.

I'll try to get a picture the next round (Might be a while as that room is full of stuff as we work on my wife's studio in the other half of the basement).

Mrramsey

03/26/2014, 06:36 PM

Nice build Reu. I am building a similar 120 in wall.

271068

Reu2

03/26/2014, 07:06 PM

Love the wood work. I actually wanted to do large wood squares instead of drywall, but the wife won. Make sure you do all your stain before putting water in the tank. Chemicals can settle in your water.

shark@thebeach

03/26/2014, 11:56 PM

tuanc

03/27/2014, 12:36 PM

Nice build and nice tank

DevilishDukie

06/02/2014, 02:55 PM

Any updates?

Reu2

10/09/2014, 03:04 PM

Sorry for the long Absence. I've had several setbacks such as extended power outages and extended/repeated Brown Cyano outbreaks. I've lost every SPS added to the tank and almost lost the will to continue in the hobby.

But I'm over that!

The tank has now been fairly consistent and I'm ready to start moving forward again. I've kept most of my vertebrates with the only loss being one of the Chromis. So far most of my softies have hung in there and are now showing decent signs of growth.

I need corals.

Here are a couple pictures from the other night.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15303556110_bef534d246_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pjjJ4G)Yellow Tang (https://flic.kr/p/pjjJ4G) by Reuben Neese (https://www.flickr.com/people/50796301@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3944/15303556580_67f460c71e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pjjJcN)Blue Hippo Tang (https://flic.kr/p/pjjJcN) by Reuben Neese (https://www.flickr.com/people/50796301@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3930/15489912892_8ae134ab38_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pAMRrE)Long T. Mushroom Leather (https://flic.kr/p/pAMRrE) by Reuben Neese (https://www.flickr.com/people/50796301@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15303622188_49b375da5b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pjk4GY)SA Vivid Clowns (https://flic.kr/p/pjk4GY) by Reuben Neese (https://www.flickr.com/people/50796301@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2948/15303362299_6f4248e6a5_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pjiJs8)Ultra Gold Aussie Hammer (https://flic.kr/p/pjiJs8) by Reuben Neese (https://www.flickr.com/people/50796301@N08/), on Flickr

woodnaquanut

10/10/2014, 08:21 AM

Sorry for your coral losses but good to see you posting again.

Have you conquered your Alk issues?

You need to feed that YT! It looks skinny in the area below it's pectoral fins.

Reu2

10/10/2014, 09:20 AM

The feeding schedule was "lessened" for a while. Now I have the auto feeder going again. He'll fatten up quickly;) I'll also go back to the Nori he likes.

Yes, Alk has been fairly stable, just over 8 dkh for a while now. It's not as high as I'd like it, but I'll take safe and consistent at this point. Once I get some more corals in there we'll see if it starts to drop. If it does, I can just adjust the 2-Part schedule.

bdeibler

10/10/2014, 12:17 PM

Glad to see you posting agin as well!

I know recently I started doing the BRS 2 part dosing had everything happy and level then I added some more corals 3 weeks ago I had to up my dosage by 1oz.

Looking forward to following along.

dumbfireman

10/11/2014, 09:01 AM

Awesome setup sir!

woodnaquanut

10/11/2014, 09:29 AM

Yes, Alk has been fairly stable, just over 8 dkh for a while now. It's not as high as I'd like it, but I'll take safe and consistent at this point. Once I get some more corals in there we'll see if it starts to drop. If it does, I can just adjust the 2-Part schedule.

Our local SPS guru (NOT ME!), claims his tank does better with Alk in the 7-8 dKH range. Hard to argue with success. He has a spectacular SPS tank.

I've also seen published values for ocean Alk in the 7 dKH range.

Even if you don't have many corals, coralline algae uses CA and Alk.

ecook280

10/11/2014, 05:41 PM

very nice build !!

Reu2

11/12/2014, 10:16 AM

Indymann99

11/13/2014, 07:24 AM

I think I over bought the media reactors for Carbon and GFO. The Vertex UF-20 have so much left over room. I'm considering going to BRS Deluxe reactors.

Does anyone have any experience with those or have a better recommendation? What adapter do I need to go from the PVC to the John Guest style fittings? The current reactors are connected using threaded to vinyl adapter elbows.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/10310812293_051275f6d3_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/gH8BgK)State of The Sump (https://flic.kr/p/gH8BgK) by Reuben Neese (https://www.flickr.com/people/50796301@N08/), on Flickr

+1 I had a NextReef MR1 and even when running GFO and carbon at the same time the rest of the chamber was 2/3 empty... also thumbscrews and o-rings are a pain when changing media.

I went with the BRS dual reactor (it has the RODI style) canisters and have been very happy.