Wayne's 90 Gallon Build

[wmcinnes]

Welcome

EDIT: Never really introduced myself. My name is Wayne and I am only 20yrs old! I have always had a freshwater aquarium since I was very little (dad always had one) but didnt even realize that something so gorgeous and interesting as a reef aquarium even existed.. It wasnt until I needed some new lights for my 125G FW Malawi Cichlid tank w/ DIY styrofoam/ cement background that I wandered into Aquarium Illusions. After seeing their display tank and asking some questions I wondered wth I was doing in freshwater! So shortly after getting the 125 set up and stocked (and lots and lots of lurking on Canreef and other forums).. I decided to take the plunge into reefing! :mrgreen:

Here is my concept sketch of what I want..
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/90GallonTankFINAL.jpg

Bought the new 90G (48x18x24) RR tank and wanted to paint the back of it black. I went to Home Depot and picked up a can of Krylon Fusion flat black, sprayed it on and am quite happy with how it looks. (Sprayed it indoors... probably a bad idea but no one was home to help me lift it out of the basement and to the garage and I got impatient..)

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/Photoon2012-01-09at16172.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/Photoon2012-01-09at1627.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/Photoon2012-01-09at1638.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0436.jpg

Equipment list as of February 11, 2012:
In possesion
-90G RR aquarium
-DIY Stand
-DIY 30G Sump/Refugium
-Bubble Magus NAC7 skimmer
-Eheim Compact 5000 return pump
-Aquasafe 100GPD 7-Stage RO/DI
-2x Eheim Jager Heaters (250W,300W)
-Koralia Evolution 1050
-JBJ ATO system (in the mail)
-25G Quarantine Tank w/ Fluval Sponge (cycling)
-80lbs Marco Rocks from Eli @ CaCo3 Reef Rocks
Future purchases
-Neptune Apex Lite w/ VDM Module
-2x Black AquaIlluminations Vega/Sol (depending on if Vega is out and its specs when ready to purchase light fixtures)
-Ecotech Marine Vortech MP40es (1 for now, 2 down the road)
-2x Phosban Reactors (Carbon/GFO)
-Toms Aqualifter Pump (For ATO)

[wmcinnes]

Also, my Aquasafe 100 GPD 7-stage Aquarium II RO/DI System came in the mail. I decided to plumb it into the pump house. Sadly, during the setup I realized that the combination of having well water with extremely high TDS (900+ PPM) and having low line pressure (about 35 PSI) was not going to allow the system to work for me. I was getting a super slow drips from the outlet (not nearly 100 GPD) and the TDS still remained at ridiculously high levels (200+PPM). For this reason, I have ordered a 100 PSI Booster Pump from the same company and it should arrive shortly.
I picked up 2, 35G Brute food grade buckets for the RO water and hope to use this for saltwater mixing as well.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0434.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0439.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0446.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0443.jpg

[wmcinnes]

And while all this is going on I am in the process of building a well fortified stand for the tank. The thing is built like a tank.. I think it could hold my car let alone a 90G...
I plan to run a 30G sump/refugium with Carbon and GFO reactors so I have to make it with enough room to house all the equipment..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0447.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0456.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0460.jpg
More pictures will be added when I add the trim and paint or stain it..

Oh and I also picked up some eggcrate for the tank bottom..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0454.jpg

Process is going slowly but that is okay.. I plan to wait on the AI Vegas to be released for my lighting anyhow!

[wmcinnes]

I got the booster pump this morning and just my luck.. the fitting on the suction side of the pump which holds the RO tubing in place was broken right out of the box..:headwally:
got it all mounted and such but now i have to wait for a reply from the company and see if they can just send me a fitting or if I have to send the whole pump back.. what a PITA!! luckily I am not in too much of a rush at the moment as I still have to stain/paint my stand.
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0465.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0468.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0466.jpg

Also am getting a local glass shop to cut me 4 baffles for my 35 gallon DIY sump, so thatll be another project in the works

[wmcinnes]

i know i might be getting a bit ahead of myself but, i got my skimmer and return pump today! Ran the skimmer through freshwater and started to think the thing was broken because the bubbles looked nothing like they are supposed to but apparently they will be much finer and produce a foam once put into salt water. hopefully this is the case!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0483.jpg
Eheim Compact 5000

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0481.jpg
Bubble Magus NAC-7

[wmcinnes]

Managed to find a local water filtration supply store and picked up the proper John Guest fitting for the RO booster pump since Aquasafe never returned my email... It turns out that the TDS from the water in my well is so high that at the outlet of the RO membrane (no DI) i was still getting 30-50 PPM.. dear lord this is gonna be so much more work because of this.. i filled a 32 gallon Brute with this water, found a 1/6HP industrial grade submersible pump and attached a few couplings. Now i am repumping this water back through the unit with the DI stages this time.. getting 0 PPM on the outlet now but it is going to take forever to get enough high quality water.. what a chore.. :(

[wmcinnes]

Picked up a 45G hexagon for my Oscar so I can get him out of the 35G (my DIY sump). I cleaned up the 35 gallon tank with some vinegar and water and got it ready to go. I had baffles cut, but being the newbie I am I got them cut to the exact width of the tank and they were WAY too tight to put into the tank.
GET YOUR BAFFLES CUT 1/8" SMALLER THEN YOUR TANK DIMENSIONS!!!
Luckily my glass guy said he would cut me some new ones so that should be done within the week and the baffles will be installed!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0488.jpg

[wmcinnes]

Got a bit done this weekend! Finished up the stand and got it all set up in the house. The stand is quite tall and with the 24" high tank the whole thing is just over 5ft tall! Also installed the baffles into my sump (they're not pretty but do the job) and things are finally starting to take shape!

Also picked up a 25G Long that I will use as a QT tank, it is currently filled and cycling so I can pick up a few fish to observe and quarantine while I am working on the display tank.

Next step should be getting the plumbing together so I can get some water in the tank! I am planning to plumb the overflows using the Herbie method as I have heard this is a silent and safe overflow.

I am still unsure how to attach the return plumbing to the return pump. Do I hard plumb it like I am going to do with the over flows or can i do a combination of flex tube and pvc? And what size should the return piping be? Same as the main overflow? If anyone can help me out thatd be great!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0504.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0505.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0507.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0514.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0519.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0521.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0525.jpg
Hopefully I can trim off some of the extra silicone and make it look a little nicer. Another day.

[eli@fijireefrock.com]

You got a very nice and detailed build:biggrin:
I think your rock work is going to look grand in there.And I think you should go to sleep:biggrin:

[zhasan]

Wao! Thats a nice build! Looking forward to see how things turn out for you! good luck!

[wmcinnes]

Thanks guys!

You got a very nice and detailed build:biggrin:
I think your rock work is going to look grand in there.And I think you should go to sleep:biggrin:
Eli, I think your rock is gonna look excellent in there! Haha i work a 12hr nightshift tonight so i was staying up late to sleep during the day today!

Eli, when I get the rock do I need to cure it to remove phosphates or no?

[wmcinnes]

Finally went out and got some pumbing and started to piece it together! Unfortunately all the LFS seemed to have an abundance of ball valves but no gate valves. I had to order the gate valves online so until they come there is not a whole lot I can do.. :(

Waiting on a few things to arrive:
~80lbs of MarcoRocks from Eli @ CaCo3Reef!
2 x 300W Eheim Jager heaters
Refractometer
RO/DI float valve
3 x 1" Gate Valves

Also the QT tank is still cycling and I am starting to see the nitrite spike so it should be somewhat close to finishing.. Can't wait to be able to get some fish in there. Im hoping for a Sailfin Tang Desjardini and a pair of False Percula Clowns to start!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/desjardinitang.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/falsepercula.jpg

[wmcinnes]

Started to put some of the plumbing together but, all in all, cannot complete it fully until my gate valves get here!!

Standpipes for my Herbie Overflow..
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0536.jpg

This is the manifold I put together for my GFO/Carbon reactors. It is tied into the return line.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0580.jpg

[wmcinnes]

My equipment wishlist as of now is:
- 2x AI Vega/Sol (depending on if the Vega is out when I am ready or not)
- Neptune Apex Lite w/ VDM Module
- Ecotech Vortech MP40es (1 for now, 2 in the long run)
- 2x Phosban Reactors (Carbon/GFO)
- Toms Aqualifter Pump (For ATO)

Am I missing anything?

[Delphinus]

Love the stand! Should be a nice setup for you once it's all up and running!

[lastlight]

Looks nice so far I love the detailed reports reminds me of a time when I wasn't so lazy :lol:

Perhaps running a pair of membranes in series would save you a step? Also, It's generally recommended to mount the aquasafe di canisters vertically to help avoid the water running through channels in the media... contacting more of it.

[sphelps]

Nice looking build!

Those aquasafes have an adjustable valve on the waist line, typically you're just told to set it to about 4:1 ratio but you can play around with it to get better results, ie more waste should give you a little lower tds from the membrane. I also mention it because some people don't set it right to begin with and end up with higher TDS. You also sometimes need to run new units for a while before your TDS drops right down.

[wmcinnes]

Thanks for the comments and support guys!

Looks nice so far I love the detailed reports reminds me of a time when I wasn't so lazy :lol:

Perhaps running a pair of membranes in series would save you a step? Also, It's generally recommended to mount the aquasafe di canisters vertically to help avoid the water running through channels in the media... contacting more of it.

I dont think I would have enough flow for another membrane in series with the first one. Id have to buy another booster pump and to be honest, i dont want to do that lol
This is actually how it is shown on the unit instructions from aquasafe but it was something I had no idea about! I will keep that in mind, thank you!

Nice looking build!

Those aquasafes have an adjustable valve on the waist line, typically you're just told to set it to about 4:1 ratio but you can play around with it to get better results, ie more waste should give you a little lower tds from the membrane. I also mention it because some people don't set it right to begin with and end up with higher TDS. You also sometimes need to run new units for a while before your TDS drops right down.

I have to use that valve lots when I am adjusting the pressure from the booster pump into the membrane. I try and keep it between 55-65 PSI.

[wmcinnes]

I got my MarcoRocks today (thanks to Eli at CaCo3 Reef Rocks!) and decided to whip up a quick aquascape before I put them in containers to be RO/DI soaked! (just precautionary as I want no phosphates leaching!)

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0606.jpg

Camera with flash (harder to see depth and caverns in the rocks)
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0607.jpg

Photo taken off iphone (looks much more like it looks in real life)
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0803.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0814.jpg

[reefwars]

finally went out and got some pumbing and started to piece it together! unfortunately i all the LFS seemed to have an abundance of ball valves but no gate valves. I had to order the gate valves online so until they come there is not a whole lot I can do.. :(

Waiting on a few things to arrive:
~75lbs of MarcoRocks from Eli @ CaCo3Reef!
2 x 300W Eheim Jager heaters
Refractometer
RO/DI float valve
3 x 1" Gate Valves

Also the QT tank is still cycling and I am starting to see the nitrite spike so it should be somewhat close to finishing.. Can't wait to be able to get some fish in there. Im hoping for a Sailfin Tang Desjardini and a pair of False Percula Clowns to start!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/desjardinitang.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/falsepercula.jpg


the sailfin will be too large for a 90g they grow very fast, beautiful fish though:)


why three gate valves????

[wmcinnes]

why three gate valves????

I'm doing a Herbie overflow so I need one on my main drain line to control the syphon, one on my return to control flow and complete isolation when i need it, and one on the tee'd-off line from the outlet of the return pump to the refugium.

Probably only really needed two but they are already ordered..

[wmcinnes]

Canreef.. if you think your water is bad, you havent seen mine..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0815.jpg
Before on the Left, After ~250G on the right...

This is my first stage pre-filter... the second stage carbon block and third stage 1micron filter werent much better... unbelievable.

safe to say I will not be drinking any of my tap water any time soon. :uhoh2:

[Bblinks]

Reef Central.. if you think your water is bad, you havent seen mine..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0815.jpg
Before on the Left, After ~250G on the right...

This is my first stage pre-filter... the second stage carbon block and third stage 1micron filter werent much better... unbelievable.

safe to say I will not be drinking any of my tap water any time soon. :uhoh2:

I was just gonna said that is some high reading from the TDS meter, I guess I should be glad to have in coming water reading at 10ppm.

Good looking build, but just out of curiosity, if you are doing a herbie should you use gate valves instead of regular on and off valves? I didn't see in the picture. It would be a lot harder to control water flow with a regular union valve.

[wmcinnes]

I was just gonna said that is some high reading from the TDS meter, I guess I should be glad to have in coming water reading at 10ppm.

Good looking build, but just out of curiosity, if you are doing a herbie should you use gate valves instead of regular on and off valves? I didn't see in the picture. It would be a lot harder to control water flow with a regular union valve.

Yeah my TDS is upwards of 2500, just ridiculous.

True and that is why my plumbing is at a standstill at the moment. Im waiting for my gate valves to come from concept in calgary before I can finish plumbing the system. I threw in a few heaters in order to get free shipping and sure enough they were on backorder so I could be waiting a while before they arrive :cry: The ball valves in the picture are actually 3/4" and are being used in the manifold for my reactors..

[wmcinnes]

Gate valves and Jager 300W,250W heaters came today! I am actually super surprised they came so fast because they were on backorder at Concept! I'm working nights for the next bit but hopefully I can find some time to finish up the plumbing! Check back for updates :biggrin:

[wmcinnes]

I got bored on nightshift at work so I did a little editing to the thread. Introduced myself a little better on the first post and made it look nice.. Clearly work was busy tonight... :rolleyes:

[wmcinnes]

Well as I said I got my gate valves so I finally stuck it out all day and got the plumbing done..well pretty much. A few odds and ends still need to be done because I ran out of 1" PVC so my teed line from the return to the fuge has no been done yet. But everything else is plumbed in and ready to go! :mrgreen:

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0616.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0620.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0624.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0626.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0629.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0623.jpg

Also decided to take a look and do a PO4 test on the water that my MarcoRocks have been soaking in for 10 days now.. Well needless to say the amount of leaching was minuscule and the water ready only 0.03.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0635.jpg


Decided to start scaping my tank!! YAY! Things are finally starting to take some shape! I dont want to drill the rocks and dont have any epoxy as of now so I took my time stacking the rocks and it actually is quite solid. Ill probably end up getting some epoxy just for some added support. Here is what I came up with:

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0643.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0646.jpg
The pictures below are just with an old 36" Coralife 2 bulb T5 fixture I had lying around.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Like the aquascaping but it sorta looks like some elongated rock poodle monster or two poodles getting "acquainted". Sorry, its late & my mind may not be all there.

[Bblinks]

[QUOTE=SeaHorse_Fanatic;682632]Like the aquascaping but it sorta looks like some elongated rock poodle monster or two poodles getting "acquainted". Sorry, its late & my mind may not be all there.[/

Lmfao!!! Anthony your imagination have never seize to amaze me, specially 3am in the morning. :mrgreen:

[wmcinnes]

Hahahaha I can actually see where you are coming from. I assure you that it is not quite as "poodleish" in person!

[wmcinnes]

Tank got wet today! Did a freshwater fill and leak test today. I had a small leak on the overflow bulkhead but once I got that tightened up I had no other issues or surprises :mrgreen:
With a little tuning, the Herbie overflow is exactly as promised..completely SILENT! All you can hear is the hum of the Eheim return pump!

Water is still very cloudy but here are a few shots(excuse the lights in the reflection)..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0648.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0656.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0654.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0655.jpg

Still to do list:
-Drill holes in the return loc-line as a syphon break during a power outage
-Purchase and set up Neptune Apex Lite
-Receive JBJ Auto Top-Off system in the mail and set up
-Purchase and install some fans into the side of the stand
-Purchase Ecotech Vortech MP40es
-Purchase and set up Phosban 150s for GFO&Carbon
-Purchase lights (Vega or Sol...)
(LOTS OF PURCHASES!!) :drinking:

[b16a2]

I really like your sump! I have never seen this type of set up before, Im curious to see how it works for you, looks like its gonna be great, good depth.

[wmcinnes]

I really like your sump! I have never seen this type of set up before, Im curious to see how it works for you, looks like its gonna be great, good depth.

Thanks! Only thing I think im going to change is I am going to add more pipe to the teed of line going to the refugium as it seems like the water that is coming out of the line flows directly back into the return chamber.. i think i need more mixing.

[wmcinnes]

Alright so things are moving super slowly because of my limitations with my high TDS water that I explained earlier. It is taking me forever to make enough RO/DI water to fill the tank :(
A few things I have done in the past little while:

- I received the JBJ Auto Top-Off system in the mail
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0664.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0666.jpg

- Made a mesh screen top for the tank to keep fish from going carpet surfing
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0659.jpg

- Received 2 AC fans for the stand but I screwed up and they didn't come with any cords!! :frusty: Going to have to pick some cords and plugs from The Source or somewhere.. anyone know where I can plugs/cords for these fans?

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0670.jpg

[noirsphynx]

Very nice build thread! Love your stand and the aquascape is awesome! Looking forward to seeing more. I agree with reefwars though.....a sailfin is a beautiful tang but it'll very quickly outgrow your tank.

[mseepman]

Princess auto should have cords...they sell the a/c fans too

[wmcinnes]

Very nice build thread! Love your stand and the aquascape is awesome! Looking forward to seeing more. I agree with reefwars though.....a sailfin is a beautiful tang but it'll very quickly outgrow your tank.

Thank you very much! :biggrin:
Yeah, I have decided against the sailfin maybe a whitecheek tang? Or a tomini if too small for a whitecheek. Ive been waiting forever for my QT tank to cycle so I can get some fish in there! Nitrates are through the roof!

Princess auto should have cords...they sell the a/c fans too

awesome, I will check it out next time I am over there!

[krazykarl]

Nice tank setup! Keep the updates coming.

[wmcinnes]

Okay, well things are moving along slowly but I have made some progress and spent more money..

I now have the tank full of RO/DI water and added about 25lbs of liverock & 20lbs of livesand to the system. (Most of it into the sump/refugium)
It is kind of hard to see in the photo, but there is good growth of coraline algae on the rocks so I am hoping this spreads to the MarcoRocks.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0673.jpg

My NAC7 protein skimmer is still breaking in and I think it needs to be raised even further than the recommended minimum of 9.5" water depth because the bubbles continuously overflow into the collection cup. Right now I have the collection cup draining back to the sump until I can get some pvc cut for the makeshift skimmer stand. I have read threads from others who have found their NAC7s to have a sweet spot of around 7" depth so I think I will give this a try.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0685.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0684.jpg

Also picked up a clamp-on utility lamp with a reflector for a refugium fixture. The bulb is a Philips 23W CFL Daylight Bulb around 6500K, so I am hoping to grow some good cheato with it.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0678.jpg

As of now, it is a waiting game. The tank is cycling,I am dosing the tank with MB7 & Seachem Stability, and I am still waiting for my Phosban reactors to show up so I can get Carbon and GFO running. Hopefully soon!

Here are some shots of the tank as of now just with a 36" Dual T5 fixture..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0697.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0696.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0695.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0693.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0692.jpg

[Cubeman]

Nice work there Wayne. Looks like you've done a really good job. With the light over the sump what you will find over time is that the right side of your skimmer will get encrusted with coralline algae. If you put up some sort of light barrier between the two sides it will save you a lot of work soaking and scrubbing the skimmer in the future.

[wmcinnes]

Nice work there Wayne. Looks like you've done a really good job. With the light over the sump what you will find over time is that the right side of your skimmer will get encrusted with coralline algae. If you put up some sort of light barrier between the two sides it will save you a lot of work soaking and scrubbing the skimmer in the future.

Thanks for the input!

[wmcinnes]

Had a bit of a microbubble problem yesterday..
Skimmer discharges them everywhere and to be honest, my bubble trap does not do a whole lot of good and they seem to zip right past it.. Hopefully when I raise the stand and get the skimmer up a little higher and working as it should this will stop!

[Skimmerking]

Wayner look the tank and the rock layout. Well Done!!!! I would take the good rock and place it in the display and the dead rock in the sump. that is some noce looking live rock to be using in the sump. Just sayin:mrgreen:

[wmcinnes]

Wayner look the tank and the rock layout. Well Done!!!! I would take the good rock and place it in the display and the dead rock in the sump. that is some noce looking live rock to be using in the sump. Just sayin:mrgreen:

Thanks! I know!! It is some good looking rock but my dry stuff is all epoxied together and I am too lazy to break it apart and move it all. Hopefully the dead rock seeds nicely and starts to look like the good stuff eventually.. or maybe, if I am lucky, they will be covered with corals! :lol:

[newbie2]

Nice build so far! Its making me itch to switch one of my freshwater 90's over to salt! So many options and gadgets, and then there's the livestock choices!

[wmcinnes]

Alrighty! Well I added 2" of pvc to the bottom of my skimmer stand and now have it standing in about 7"-7.5" of water and it is has stopped overflowing and is producing a wet skimate! Problem solved!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0703.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0704.jpg

I picked up some Cheato the other day and threw it in my refugium as well and while doing so, I noticed some pods in the refuge and in the DT. Life!! Score!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0707.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0709.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0714.jpg

I also found a hitchhiker coral.. It is really tiny and im assuming bleached out if not, dead! Looks like some sort of Acan? I'm new at this so I am not really sure..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0715.jpg

Thought I would throw in a shot of the QT tank as well for good measure.. Still empty sadly, not much longer though!! :biggrin:

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SAM_0717.jpg

All in all, still waiting on things to show up in the mail.

[wmcinnes]

Small update:

The tank is doing awesome, it has cycled and I should be getting some fish to go into the QT tank within the next week or so. FINALLY!
Sorry for poor quality pics, lost camera charger cord so these are shots from my iPhone.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0869.jpg

One interesting thing that has happened is the refugium has exploded with diatoms. I am assuming this means it is doing its job because the DT is still crystal clear and looking good other than some hair algae here and there. I've heard that the diatom bloom is natural in a new system so I am not worried. The cheato is also growing like mad!! I had to harvest a football sized piece and I have still got a large amount in there! Basically just waiting for some algae growth in the DT so I can get a CUC.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0873.jpg

I have been manually dosing vinegar to promote bacteria growth as well and the now that it is tuned in, the skimmer is pulling out some really gunky nog. :hungry: I had heard about how bad skimmate smells but now that I have smelled it myself, I truly understand. It is probably the worst thing I have ever smelled in my life! :sick:

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0874.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0875.jpg

I also plumbed in two Phosban 150 reactors (one for GFO & one for Carbon), they are fed off a manifold from the return pump and the effluent from these reactors goes into the return section. So far so good! :)

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0870.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0871.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0872.jpg

[HaZRaTTy]

Hey,

Awesome build thread, great documentation. There is only one thing that I noticed that you might want to look into.

From what I understand ''T''n off the return with a gate and restricting flow adds stress on your return, which shorts life. If that's something you can deal with. Awesome.

Suggestion - From your Herbie, and your Emergency. Plumb your Emergency drain into your Fuge. The amount of water running through your fuge can be controlled directing from the gate valve of your main drain line.

Otherwise. Freaken awesome. can't wait to see the tank/fish/coral updates!!

[wmcinnes]

Hey,

Awesome build thread, great documentation. There is only one thing that I noticed that you might want to look into.

From what I understand ''T''n off the return with a gate and restricting flow adds stress on your return, which shorts life. If that's something you can deal with. Awesome.

Suggestion - From your Herbie, and your Emergency. Plumb your Emergency drain into your Fuge. The amount of water running through your fuge can be controlled directing from the gate valve of your main drain line.

Otherwise. Freaken awesome. can't wait to see the tank/fish/coral updates!!

I see what you are saying but my education tells me that a recirc on the outlet of the return pump into the refugium actually creates less backpressure on the pump and thus will actually prolong the life of the pump. If I had a gate valve throttling the flow directly on the outlet of the pump you would be correct, but the tee'd off line acting as slow flowing recirc line is a good thing! This is actually used in industry to prolong $$$ pump life.

Everything is working just peachy for me! So I am happy so far! Thanks for the input :)

[HaZRaTTy]

Well I guess you learn something new everyday, I was under the general impression any restriction of flow would cause the back pressure on your pump. That being said it could be because of the 12 hour night shift and being up for 30 but I can't wrap my head around the physics behind it and how it doesn't create it care to explain?

[Cade]

Looking great Wayne, I'm jealous your stand has doors. ;) I have yet to build mine.
Updated fish wish list?:mrgreen:

[wmcinnes]

Well I guess you learn something new everyday, I was under the general impression any restriction of flow would cause the back pressure on your pump. That being said it could be because of the 12 hour night shift and being up for 30 but I can't wrap my head around the physics behind it and how it doesn't create it care to explain?

For the sake of me explaining this I am making up some numbers..

Pressure= Force/Area
Force= Mass x Acceleration

Lets say for 1kg of water accelerates at 2m/s2.
Force= 1kg x 2m/s2
Force= 2kgm/s2= 2N

For now lets say the area of a pipe with no recirc line is 2m2

therefore, Pressure= 2N/2m2 = 1N/m2 or 1 kPa

Now lets do the same math with a recirc line, which would actually have a greater area then a pipe without it.

1kg of water accelerates at 2m/s2 again
therefore Force= 2N

This time the area will be 3m2 because we have more piping for the recirc.

therefore, Pressure= 2N/3m2 = 0.666N/m2 or 0.666 kPa

The extra area of pipe for a recirc line creates less back pressure on the pump as proven. This is such even with the valve restricting flow from the recirc line as there is still more area from the pump to that recirc valve than there would be from the pump up to an equal point in the line with no tee'd off recirc.

My explaination might be a little confusing but it works out!

[wmcinnes]

Looking great Wayne, I'm jealous your stand has doors. ;) I have yet to build mine.
Updated fish wish list?:mrgreen:

Looking forward to seeing some doors on there Cade!

Yeah I have a little bit of a list in mind. These will all be added slowly over time:

-Tang of some sort.. looking at Scopas, Tomini, Kole, but I really want a Whitecheek!
-Lyretail Anthias
-Bicolor, Midas, or Tailspot Blenny
-2x Percula Clownfish
-Either a Blue Spotted/Yellowhead Jawfish or a Watchman Goby/Pistol Shrimp combo
-Hawaiian Flame Wrasse
-Another wrasse, not too sure yet
-Flame Angel (maybe)
-Purple Firefish
-Mandarin Dragonet

Subject to change of course, but thats a general list.

[wmcinnes]

Picked up the CUC and my first few fish today! The DT is looking good and is starting to grow some algaes hence the cleanup crew!

My cleanup crew list so far is:
(pictures are not mine, my camera is out of service at the moment so this will have to do for now)

-10 x assorted snails (Trochus, Nassirus, Cerith)
-10 x hermit crabs (Red scarlet, blue legged)
-1 x Cleaner Shrimp
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/Cleaner_Shrimp.jpg

-1 x Peppermint shrimp
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/2066366_f248.jpg

-1 x Ruby Red Emerald Crab, he's missing one claw but this guy munches algae like its going out of style!
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/RedMithrax.jpg

The new fish that went into QT are:

-A Ocellaris Clown pair
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/d2a8acd4e397806bb15ddfafb9923341.jpg

-Blue Sided Wrasse
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/blue-sided20wrasse.jpg

The wrasse seems to be quite stressed out, hiding at the bottom and not swimming at all so I am hoping he will pull through.

[wmcinnes]

A few updates to share with you! (I apologize for the poor picture quality, still need to get a camera charger)

The clean up crew absolutely devoured the hair algae growth on my sand and rocks and stopped any diatoms that were starting to grow in their tracks.
I had the hardest time finding my peppermint shrimp the other morning and then I came across this...

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0884.jpg
I think my Ruby Red Emerald like the taste of peppermint... little bugger! The crab also scared me another time when I found it lying on the sand bed not moving.. buuuuut after closer inspection it was his first molt! He is quite a bit larger now and has grown his second claw back!

The unfortunate peril of my shrimp called for me to go out and get another invert that would protect itself! I picked up a Boxer Shrimp/ Coral Banded Shrimp and this guy means business. I am hoping it doesnt cause too much havoc. So far so good.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0915.jpg

Also went out and got this little guy. Hes a busy boy thats for sure, digging himself dens/holes all over the place!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0916.jpg

Picked up a nice size Red Starfish too add a little color! I didnt manage to get a photo because he was up against the viewing glass and I couldnt get a good shot. Another time.

Got my hands on a few more pieces of equipment as well:

A Marine Magic Doser, which will probably not be used for a while but I got it throught Eli's group buys at a deal I could not pass up

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0917.jpg

..and a Neptune Apex Lite Controller from fellow Canreefer, Wayne Mah. His tank is amazing by the way. Its got me already planning my 200+ gallon tank of the future! Awesome work Wayne and thanks again!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0919.jpg

I did a little bit of cleaning up and organized the electrical tonight as well. Hoping to do some Apex programming after work tomorrow!

Next purchase will be lights, probably Sols, but I will be waiting until I get my income tax refund! :mrgreen:

Oh and just for fun, this is where I was this weekend. Man oh man was it nice!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0901.jpg
Cascade Mountain and Banff below it.

[waynemah]

With your attention to detail, this tank is going to be awesome!

Subscribed! :mrgreen:

[wmcinnes]

DAM! I was careless and left the screen top off my tank think, 'Oh the Goby doesn't go anywhere near the top of the tank so it doesn't matter if this is on'...
Well think again Wayne! :cry:

Found that my Goby went carpet surfing last night as I found him shrivelled up on the floor when the tank lights went on this morning.. Stupid mistake. Oh well, first casualty (besides the Peppermint Shrimp dinner) and I am hoping that this is my LAST!

[wmcinnes]

Quick update: Tank is doing very well. ATO and Apex have been fully integrated into the system! ALLLSOOO...Apex VDM Module and 2x AI Sol Superblues (Black) ordered from Martin @ ModularLED! Woo am I ever excited to get them! :mrgreen:

Oh and I also spent some money on my other toy... nice and shiny now!!


http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0937.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0940.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0945.jpg

[soaptray]

One sexy car. I was close to buying an RS4 before my wife caught wind. :D

[wmcinnes]

One sexy car. I was close to buying an RS4 before my wife caught wind. :D

LOL thats too bad!

[wmcinnes]

DO NOT TRUST CRABS! My Ruby Red Emerald crab, which after some research is actually a Minthrax crab is a trecherous little bugger. He ate the very first coral I put in the tank, just some GSPs, but still! Without further adieu I captured him and put him in the refugium where he can hang out by himself with all the bubble algae any crab could ever want!

On another note, my AI sols have been ordered and should be here Tuesday, can't wait to get them running!!
Bought the ELOS Magnesium, Calcium, and Alkalinty test kits and found my parameters to be: Mag= 1250, Cal= 380, and Alk= 7.. not bad, but I will be doing some water changes with Oceanic Reef Crystals and dosing Kalwasser soon to bring the numbers up a little bit. Now knowing where my tank chemistry is I picked up a couple corals (Frogspawn frag, 2 Zoa colonies, and the GSPs), and have them in temporary placement near the top of the tank because they are currently under the 2x39W T5s (Superblue Plus + Actinic). Also added the clowns and wrasse over from QT.

One thing I am still trying to adjust is a consistant water level where my ATO float switches are. I am really having a hard time getting the drain line and return pump flows to match and therefore, the level drops slowly over time (not due to evaporation) and the ATO comes on, diluting the salinity and causing the overflow to fill right to the rim. Hoping I can get it dialed in so this doesnt happen anymore!

Still bad quality photos, waiting on that replacement camera charger to come in.

Frogspawn frag (been knocked all over the place by the friggen crab!)
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0970.jpg

Zoa Colonies
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0978.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0987.jpg
Blue-Sided Wrasse hiding out in the background, still a little shy..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0991.jpg


http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0992.jpg

Some new additions soon to come :)

[Rice Reef]

DO NOT TRUST CRABS! My Ruby Red Emerald crab, which after some research is actually a Minthrax crab is a trecherous little bugger. He ate the very first coral I put in the tank, just some GSPs, but still! Without further adieu I captured him and put him in the refugium where he can hang out by himself with all the bubble algae any crab could ever want!

On another note, my AI sols have been ordered and should be here Tuesday, can't wait to get them running!!
Bought the ELOS Magnesium, Calcium, and Alkalinty test kits and found my parameters to be: Mag= 1250, Cal= 380, and Alk= 7.. not bad, but I will be doing some water changes with Oceanic Reef Crystals and dosing Kalwasser soon to bring the numbers up a little bit. Now knowing where my tank chemistry is I picked up a couple corals (Frogspawn frag, 2 Zoa colonies, and the GSPs), and have them in temporary placement near the top of the tank because they are currently under the 2x39W T5s (Superblue Plus + Actinic). Also added the clowns and wrasse over from QT.

One thing I am still trying to adjust is a consistant water level where my ATO float switches are. I am really having a hard time getting the drain line and return pump flows to match and therefore, the level drops slowly over time (not due to evaporation) and the ATO comes on, diluting the salinity and causing the overflow to fill right to the rim. Hoping I can get it dialed in so this doesnt happen anymore!

Still bad quality photos, waiting on that replacement camera charger to come in.

Frogspawn frag (been knocked all over the place by the friggen crab!)
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0970.jpg

Zoa Colonies
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0978.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0987.jpg
Blue-Sided Wrasse hiding out in the background, still a little shy..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0991.jpg


http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_0992.jpg

Some new additions soon to come :)

Wayne, just went thru your tank journal, looking very good! I really like your rock formation! Looking forward to more updates!

PS. The Audi is nice too!:wink:

[wmcinnes]

Got my black AI Sols & VDM from Martin @ ModularLED! Came with a complimentary Dairy Milk! :razz:

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1001-1.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1003-1.jpg

New Livestock includes:
1x Neon Orange Plate Coral
1x 4-head Duncan Coral

J&L Aquatics Order
1x 5" diameter Pink/Red Plate Coral
1x Green Candy Cane Coral
1x Red/Green Brain Coral
1x 2.5" Whitecheek Tang
1x 4.5" Scribbled Rabbitfish
1x Tailspot Blenny

1x Line Spot Flasher Wrasse from a fellow Canreefer which hasnt come out of hiding yet.. :(

Couple pictures:

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3144.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3117.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3119.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3125.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3126.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3129.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3130.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3132.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3133.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3135.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3136.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3137.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3138.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3139.jpg

[wmcinnes]

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3141.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3140.jpg

Next paycheque I will be purchasing a MP40es so that I can try my hand at some SPS. Until then...

[noirsphynx]

Wow, looks fantastic!! Sorry to hear hasn't come out yet, I hope he makes an appearance soon:sad:

[wmcinnes]

He came for the first time when I was feeding brine shrimp yesterday, had his fill and went back into his cave lol. Hopefully he gets more social with time. For now I am just happy he is eating!

[gregzz4]

Wow, I missed some of your build. HOLEEee, it looks awesome
I love your aquascape
Safe trip dude !

[wmcinnes]

Much appreciated! I expect to see some more progress on yours when I get back!:mrgreen:

[Delphinus]

Stuff looks great. Hey, uh, .. you realize the plate is upside down right?

[wmcinnes]

Stuff looks great. Hey, uh, .. you realize the plate is upside down right?

HAHAHA figured that out a few days ago when the tentacles started reaching up from underneath. Woops! :redface:

[gregzz4]

I just pasted some of your pics to my desktop to show my wife how great rocks can look
We'll see what comes of it soon :wink:

[wmcinnes]

Thats great! Hope she likes em! Good luck! :biggrin:

[Nano]

Looks Great Wayne!!

[wmcinnes]

Its been a while so I thought I would do a bit of an update. My tank survived two, week long trips thanks to the close eye and tender care of my father haha :lol:

I have added a few new fish and have started trying my hand at some SPS! Tank is really starting to come together nicely and I am very happy :)

Here are a few shots:

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3156.jpg
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3177.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3216.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3218.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3220.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3224.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3225.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3229.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3234.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3236.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3237.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3239.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3240.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3243.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3248.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3250.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3261.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3252.jpg

[reefgirl189]

Wow this looks great! Very nice and clean set up you have there.

[wmcinnes]

thank you very much! definately been a learning experience and i must say, I am happy with it so far! :mrgreen:

[kien]

Nice tank Wayne. Love that orange plate. One of my favourites!

[mseepman]

How did you prepare the Marco rock for your tank?

[wmcinnes]

How did you prepare the Marco rock for your tank?

Not sure if this is what you are asking but I let the Marco rock soak for a week in RO water. I tested the water for Phos and there was very little increase so it was hardly leaching phosphates. For good measure, I changed the water and let them soak for a few more days testing for phosphates again and seeing no increase. Rinsed the rocks off and put them in the tank!

[mseepman]

Good to hear, put 50lbs into a Brute container today of DI water after rinsing them all. Will test, then change the water a few times and then test to see what's what.

[wmcinnes]

sounds like a good plan to me. ive heard stories of the rocks not leaching anything and ive heard stories of them leaching lots, so better to be safe than sorry!

[AquaticFinatic]

Did I miss it some where but what kinda tang is that? Sweet setup.

[wmcinnes]

Hes a juvie Goldrim/Whitecheek Tang! Awesome fish!

[wmcinnes]

Just set up automatic dosing of Calcium, Alkalinity and Magnesium with my Marine Magic doser and made a huge woopsie..

Thinking that the first time setting on the first pump was the ON time and the second time setting for the same pump was the off time I plugged in..
Pump A
18:00:00
18:00:15

..thinking that this would turn the pump on at 18:00:00 and off 15 seconds later at 18:00:15.. WRONG! The second line is for the length of time you want the pump to run when it turns on at 18:00:00! My doser was set to pump for 18 hrs LOL. By the time I came by to check on things, 3.5 liters of Calcium solution had been added to the tank. Calcium shot up from 400 to 800 in about 2 hrs.. :(

Luckily for me Alkalinity and Magnesium stayed in check at 7.5 and 1300 respectively and I do not have a snowstorm of precipitate in the tank and everything seems to be doing okay still. I did a 10% waterchange or so as that is all the water I had made up. Hopefully things will be okay and nothing is hurt too badly..

To my defense, the instructions for the doser look to be written by a 12 year old from China who has never spoken a word of English but still, just a reminder to always check, double check, triple check, and check again when it comes to things in this hobby.

[wmcinnes]

Lately I had been wondering why all my SPS seemed to be doing well while my adored Yellow Millepora colony was losing its color and its flesh from the bottom up... Well today I pulled the coral out because I was going to move it to another location in the tank and found a tiny friggen Gorilla crap living inside the Millys branches :( The coral is not looking so great but I am hoping that since removing this pest the coral will come back.. Crossing my fingers!

[GracieLou]

Lately I had been wondering why all my SPS seemed to be doing well while my adored Yellow Millepora colony was losing its color and its flesh from the bottom up... Well today I pulled the coral out because I was going to move it to another location in the tank and found a tiny friggen Gorilla crap living inside the Millys branches :( The coral is not looking so great but I am hoping that since removing this pest the coral will come back.. Crossing my fingers!

Gorilla crap eh, now there's something I never thought a person would find in there tank!! :lol:

Just bugging, I hope your coral heals!!

[wmcinnes]

Yellow Millepora is still alive and is slowly getting its color back!

Just made an order for SPS frags from CoralMaster! Super Excited!

[wmcinnes]

A couple things have happened since my last update.

As I stated before, I am now dosing the big three as water changes are kind of a pain out here in the extreme TDS country.
My tank survived the 3.5 gallon calcium overdose which caused my calcium levels to skyrocket to around 800ppm with little problem to be honest. I had no precipitate so it didn't look like Christmas in the reef, thank goodness! I only did one 30% water change which brought the levels down to around 650 ppm and then just let the corals suck up the rest. As of yesterday my parameters were:

Temp: 79-80 F
pH: 7.90
Calcium: 540 ppm
Alkalinity: 8 DkH
Magnesium: 1300 ppm
PO4: 0.02 ppm
Nitrates: ~2ppm

I attribute the fact that the high calcium levels did not precipitate because my Alkalinity was kept in check.

I have added a MaxiJet 1200 to the bottom corner of my tank just to add a little extra boost of flow to the system until I purchase my second MP40es. Seems as if the corals have responded well to this as they polyp extension has increased.

Unfortunately, with good news comes bad. My Copperband Butterfly had gone missing and for a few days it was a complete mystery as to where he went. Until I put in the maxijet powerhead and started adjusting flows when a chunk of what was left of him floated out from the rocks :( I still have no idea what happened... he ate so much that I couldn't understand what the fuss was about getting these fish to eat! Still a mystery to me..

After some studying and talking to Steve at Red Coral I decided to start dosing Prodibio supplements, BioDigest and BioPtim. My first dose of this was Wednesday so I don't expect to see results until after the 2nd dose.

I will take some pictures and post them asap. :biggrin:

[wmcinnes]

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3294.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3303.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3300.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3304.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3305.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3306.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3307.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3308.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3309.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3311.jpg

[wmcinnes]

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3315.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3316.jpg


And what my Yellow Milly looks like because of stupid crab :(

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3236.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3295.jpg

[wmcinnes]

Here are a couple of images of my newly filled frag rack full from Coral Master. Shots don't do them much justice at all.
Within 10 minutes of putting them in my tank most of the frags already had great polyp extension and color! :mrgreen:

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3324.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3326.jpg

[Rice Reef]

Here are a couple of images of my newly filled frag rack full from Coral Master. Shots don't do them much justice at all.
Within 10 minutes of putting them in my tank most of the frags already had great polyp extension and color! :mrgreen:

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3324.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3326.jpg

Seeing your CM frags reminds me of my order from Greg a yr ago. Great selection! They are gonna look great once they grow and fill out.

[wmcinnes]

It has not been an easy past while for me and my reef, as I have hit a few bumps in the road.

Despite quarantining efforts, ich made it into my tank, and I cannot explain my level of embarrassment :redface:.
I quarantined every fish I bought with the exception of two. Two which were bought from outside a LFS and I assumed would be safe to but directly into the display tank. Lesson learned.
The outbreak first took over my Whitecheek Tang and spread to the other fish. I lost all of them except for three. That's a whitcheek tang, CBB, tailspot blenny, lyretail anthias, linespot flasher wrasse, clown, and starfish that passed. :cry:
The female clown, the scribbled rabbitfish and the blue sided wrasse survived although the rabbitfish and clown showed signs of ich during the outbreak, the wrasse never seemed to be infected. All seem well as of now but I am unsure of how I want to proceed. Catching these fish for treatment and a DT fallow period will be nearly impossible without tearing the rocks apart which to me is not an option. I am unsure of what to do..:sad:

[wmcinnes]

My corals are growing quite rapidly, but unfortunately most of the frags that I got from Coral Master have browned out. I think this is a product of lower light levels than were found in Snappys tank as my Sols were only at about 60% mid day when the corals were introduced and, perhaps, elevated nitrates and phos levels around the time the fish died.

The lights have since been raised to closer to 75% intensity during the mid day hours and I am going to be more diligent when it comes to water changes despite the limitations and complete pain in the arse it is to make RO water out here in the country with extreme TDS levels.

Like my yellow milli, my purple digitata started to lose tissue in the center near the base and upon closer investigation I found another little bugger of a crab! I snapped a couple photos this time and from what I have heard, hairy crabs with blue eyes are never to be trusted and I must say, I agree.:lol:

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3345.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3350.jpg

Luckily my yellow millepora has nearly made a full recovery so there is no reason my digitata cannot do the same.

[fishytime]

sorry to hear about your "fishues".....as far as the frags go....brown is ok....they can come back from brown:wink:

[wmcinnes]

sorry to hear about your "fishues".....as far as the frags go....brown is ok....they can come back from brown:wink:

Well I am hoping so Doug! Need my tank to start looking as good as yours haha :lol:

[fishytime]

Well I am hoping so Doug! Need my tank to start looking as good as yours haha :lol:

well, my whole tank is going trough the same thing as your frags atm.....I look in and see a sea of brown....most of my acros didnt respond well to the musical tanks game I put them through with the move here......

[wmcinnes]

well, my whole tank is going trough the same thing as your frags atm.....I look in and see a sea of brown....most of my acros didnt respond well to the musical tanks game I put them through with the move here......

im sure it wont take long before it is a rainbow in there again!

[Royal Aquariums]

Nice build, hope your corals come back for you. Some areas can be much worse for incoming TDS. Its always a battle to keep TDS down in the bad areas. I would suggest adding another prefilter on your R.O system.

[wmcinnes]

Nice build, hope your corals come back for you. Some areas can be much worse for incoming TDS. Its always a battle to keep TDS down in the bad areas. I would suggest adding another prefilter on your R.O system.

My latest well water tests have my water at 9000 TDS and 2000 after our large home in line pre-filter.. I dunno how much worse you can get!

[wmcinnes]

Im moving on Nov 1st to a 4th floor penthouse suite in the city (hooray for better water) so a downsize may be in the works.. Still need to hear the word on allowable tank size from the complex. Regardless, I think I am going to be getting a new tank even if a 90 is allowed. I want one that is braceless so I can add a third led module (SOL or VEGA) or perhaps switch to T5s.

I will keep you posted.