Ricket's Reef 90

[Bzar]

New Updates...
Movie: Day 38 - New Lights and Life
Movie: Day 40 - Small Update





Those aren't the bulbs I'm actually using (those came with the fixture and I sold em).
I'm using (front to back):

Giesemann Actinic +
Giesemann Actinic +
UVL Fiji Purple
Giesemann Actinic +
Giesemann Aquablue +
Giesemann Aquablue +
Giesemann Actinic +
Giesemann Actinic +

[Bzar]

Couple new updates:

(Day 48) Part 1: Excel & Sump

(Day 48) Part 2: The Display


Also for those asking about vodka dosing....here is the list of cause/affects/actions I've compiled to help with that system. The info's mainly from Sonny's build, and a few other sources talking about vodka dosing.

MB7 (Bottle Instructions.)
+
Vodka (or carbon) Dosing - http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/index.php
=========================
Probiotic Reef Keeping.

Time to dose = during lights on seems best. MB7 into the display. Vodka into the sump.

Rules
1) Need a good skimmer

Noticed in Water testing
1) high nitrates = increase vodka as per instructions.
2) no Nitrate/Phos change in LONG time = try another carbon source like vinegar, sugar, biofule...
3) low nitrates = maintain till 0 then reduce to maintenence levels of vodka
4) Increase in Alk = stop dosing Cal / alk, test water change h20 for alk level. Decrease with large water changes and/or chemicals if it gets bad. Corals may stop taking Cal/ALK while getting used to Probiotic system & increased light.
4) new tank/build = follow instructions, stay close to the low side of dosing.
5) Phosphate being high = a round of GFO

Noticed in Algae/Bacteria Reaction
1) Bacterial Blooms (slimy white strings) = too much bacteria, decrease vodka dosing.
2) algae on glass after increase of MB7 = reduce MB7 :P
3) brown dusting or brown hair like stuff = decrease MB7 (also check http://www.rimlessreef.com/1/post/20...eament-of.html )
4) cyano = increase MB7 and/or lower/stop vodka dose. After the cyano has gone away restart the vodka from the initial or maintenence dose. If it's really bad consider a "lights out" period. If really really bad consider "Red Slime Remover."
5) peach fuzz = stop or decrease (especially vodka) dosing for a while (about a week or till the fuzz dies off) then start back up with the maintenance dose. OR This may also just go away in time.
6) glass and sand getting dirtier = dose more/feed less

Noticed in Live Stock Reaction
1) Corals losing color = more feeding, possibly Amino Acids, lower photo period an hour for a while.
2) Corals Burnt Tips = check alkalinity..get it to 7-8 dKH by stop dosing alk...maybe stop dosing EVERYTHING if it gets bad.
3) Monti caps bleaching = Cut the vodka dosage in half and stay there until the cap starts to color up and/or lower the lighting photoperiod for a bit or have a light "day off."
4) Everything dies = Blame the wife, kids, or something other than your own possible mistakes

Other
1) substrate hardening = keep it broken up and syphoned with water changes. Maintain a good high PH of 8.1 - 8.3

[Bzar]

Rickets Reef: DIY Surge Device Part 1
Rickets Reef: DIY Surge Device Part 2 - the spout
Ricket's Reef - Frags: Making and Mounting

[Bzar]

DIY Hang On Frag Rack
Yellow Tang Killing Seaweed
Day 65 - New Livestock
Howto Reline an Aquarium

I don't always update the thread as much as YouTube so for instant build movie updates just subscribe to me on YouTube

Thanks for watching and I hope those interested enjoy these.
Take Care,
Rick.

[lastlight]

Really great thing you're doing with the videos. A lot of people will find those handy. The highlight of my evening so far was watching you unpack your skimmer. I should donate the extra tripod I have to your cause!

[Bzar]

Also just added a video on Carbon Dosing.

HowTo Carbon Dosing




Thanks for the props Brett. Your previous build was part of my inspiration to take the plunge into a tank bigger than a nano. My stand uses the tile technique much like yours

A tripod must certainly a handy thing with these movies....I've had many dreams and thoughts about a DIY tripod
Maybe I like PVC glue too much. hehe

[lastlight]

It's funny...I found a thread on RC tonight and the guy has drawer slide doors and a powered light lift. I'm glad the build inspired a few people before it became history. I have no idea how to make a small cube unique...I'm going to have to actuate the whole damn thing into the ceiling or something for some WOW.

I saw your tile job man. Brought a tear to my eye. Hell at first I thought those WERE my tiles! Have any sag yet with the hinges? How thick are those tiles?

[Bzar]

Rickets Reef - Day 80 - Update
Rickets Reef - The Sweet Spot.
Rickets Reef - HowTo Flood the Basement.
Rickets Reef - Day 100 - Growing Pains Part 1
Rickets Reef - Day 100 - Growing Pains Part 2
Rickets Reef - Skimmer and Biopellet Info
Rickets Reef - Monterey Bay Aquarium