d2mini's "Essential Focus" Mixed Reef Build

[foxt]

Thanks Dennis!

[saf1]

Have you done anything nerdy with the ProfiLux yet such as weather patterns or storms and clouds?

On a serious note how or what is the interface for dimming? The product says it can dim up to 32 different channels so I am interested in the unit. Trying to see the product layout and it looks like 6 via back by default. So what isn't clear if there is an add-on for the rest. Docs are not really clear in how to achieve the dimming connectivity I am currently controlling multi chip DIY arrays and not changing anytime soon.

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by saf1

Have you done anything nerdy with the ProfiLux yet such as weather patterns or storms and clouds?

On a serious note how or what is the interface for dimming? The product says it can dim up to 32 different channels so I am interested in the unit. Trying to see the product layout and it looks like 6 via back by default. So what isn't clear if there is an add-on for the rest. Docs are not really clear in how to achieve the dimming connectivity I am currently controlling multi chip DIY arrays and not changing anytime soon.

My P4 doesn't control my Radions, nor do I have anything else that would require dimming.

[sde1500]

Hey Dennis, I'm curious, been following this thread closely but can't remember if you mentioned it. Are you still doing micro bubbles?

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by sde1500

Hey Dennis, I'm curious, been following this thread closely but can't remember if you mentioned it. Are you still doing micro bubbles?

Not since I restarted. But I will be.
Wanted to give everything else a chance to settle in, plus I had the new sump coming and a couple other things I wanted to take care of first.
I'll probably get that going again soon.

[wmo168]

Dennis, do you experienced any scratch on the ELOS Diamond Line Tank? How does it holding up?

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by wmo168

Dennis, do you experienced any scratch on the ELOS Diamond Line Tank? How does it holding up?

Just a couple small ones on a side panel from a frack rack, which is to be expected. I know better than that. lol
Frag rack on the back panel only now.
I use a Tunze Care magnet to clean the glass.

[d2mini]

I'm not a big zoa guy, but here's some Blow Pops and Cantaloupes.

[d2mini]

More updates under the hood.

GHL flow meter installed on the drain plumbing and the new "Twist" version of the AquaUV 25w Classic installed on the return.

The flow meter is currently reading about a 3-4x turnover rate depending on how much water is actually in the system.

Still waiting for my LifeReef filter canisters.

[saf1]

D2 - do you have any shots of the refugium has a stand alone before setting it up? I have the same sump, not green though, and was considering adding one. You are routing water via return pump? I see how the water returns or at least I think I do based on the above photo.

Regardless, keep up the good work. Looks like everything is humming along

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by saf1

D2 - do you have any shots of the refugium has a stand alone before setting it up? I have the same sump, not green though, and was considering adding one. You are routing water via return pump? I see how the water returns or at least I think I do based on the above photo.

Regardless, keep up the good work. Looks like everything is humming along

This would be the best pic I have.
Yes, I tee'd off the return, controlling flow to the refugium with the ball valve.
It enters into the forward most barb and spray bar inside the fuge.
It flows back into the sump via the slotted white pvc at the very rear.
And the middle barb with upturned elbow inside is the emergency drain.

[saf1]

Thanks. I didn't catch the emergency. Good to know it is there.

[networkcrasher]

Hi Dennis
I was inspired by your thread and just scored a used 120xl for a new build. I always wanted to get a CLF1 sump too, also with a svs3-24. Are you using a magdrive for the skimmer, then dedicating the vectra to the return, fuge, as well as the manifold for the filter canisters? I don't want to reinvent the wheel and since you'll basically have an identical configuration to what I'm working towards, I'm curious as to what your plans are?

Cheers
Mark

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by networkcrasher

Hi Dennis
I was inspired by your thread and just scored a used 120xl for a new build. I always wanted to get a CLF1 sump too, also with a svs3-24. Are you using a magdrive for the skimmer, then dedicating the vectra to the return, fuge, as well as the manifold for the filter canisters? I don't want to reinvent the wheel and since you'll basically have an identical configuration to what I'm working towards, I'm curious as to what your plans are?

Cheers
Mark

The skimmer has it's own pump and I plan on using an additional small pump for the canisters. I'll only be running one for the most part, two max. The fuge is fed off the return.

[networkcrasher]

I planned to run carbon, maybe gfo if need be, and potentially some pellets. Do you have any probs with the mag drive on the skimmer raising temps?

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by networkcrasher

I planned to run carbon, maybe gfo if need be, and potentially some pellets. Do you have any probs with the mag drive on the skimmer raising temps?

I never noticed an increase because it runs 24/7.
But my mag died so I'm now using an old dc waveline pump I had laying around.

[mpderksen]

Is that an Apex flow meter on the main return? If so, how do you like it? On the fence about getting one.

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by mpderksen

Is that an Apex flow meter on the main return? If so, how do you like it? On the fence about getting one.

Hellllll no. My tank is an Apex free tank.

It's GHL.

[Ucantwin]

How is the fuge going so far?

[mpderksen]

Originally Posted by d2mini

Hellllll no. My tank is an Apex free tank.



It's GHL.

But you're so smart I thought maybe you found a way to interface it.
I found Jeff at LifeReef thanks to your build. Stoked on the skimmer.

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by Ucantwin

How is the fuge going so far?

The chaeto doesn't seem to want to take off yet, but I am getting some growth on my dragon's breath macro. Nutrients are probably just too low yet. If I don't dose nitrate, my test kits won't register any.

Originally Posted by mpderksen

But you're so smart I thought maybe you found a way to interface it.
I found Jeff at LifeReef thanks to your build. Stoked on the skimmer.

LOL!
GHL has had them for years. I got the controller in 2012 and they were available then. But it wasn't until recently that I finally got one.
It's nice to know your flow instead of trying to guesstimate.
The real benefit would be to use it to control things like return pump or skimmer or something based on changes in flow, or at the very least an alarm.

Jeff is great and I'm on my third LR skimmer now.
My first was too big for this tank so I had to trade it in for a smaller one and now with the new sump I just wanted it to match. lol
And figured I'd get the flange version this time in case I ever need to upgrade it in the future.

[networkcrasher]

Originally Posted by d2mini

I never noticed an increase because it runs 24/7.
But my mag died so I'm now using an old dc waveline pump I had laying around.

Was the skimmer and mag from a previous build or did it die that fast?

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by networkcrasher

Was the skimmer and mag from a previous build or did it die that fast?

It was old. I don't recall how old though.

[networkcrasher]

Ah, that makes me feel better. I do like how his skimmers can use any pumps though. I'll be moving overseas with my tank and want to set it up as bulletproof as possible.

[SPS_77493]

Originally Posted by d2mini

Hellllll no. My tank is an Apex free tank.



It's GHL.

Apex's customer service is sub par now. They will tell you pay this much and we will examine the part and it's not guaranteed if it's gonna be fixed. My thinking is hey I paid $700 for the unit at least support it and don't extract more money from me.

I'm leaning more towards GHL now.