Steve's 228G ... my reeftank 2.0

[gregzz4]

Welcome back !

How about instead of using skimmate you try something such as Seachem Stability or Microbacter7 ?
Throw a raw shrimp in the tank to rot until it starts to fall apart (week?) then remove it/repeat, or ghost feed - just add fish food every 3-5 days
And use one of the above or similar liquids at the same time.

Or you could pee in your tank

Just my $0.25

[MitchM]

I recommend against the skimmate as well.
There's a ton of phosphorus in that stuff.
Sounds like a nice build.

[Buccaneer]

Thanks fellas ... will leave peeing in the tank as a last resort

[MitchM]

Well, if you do, be sure to measure ammonia afterwards to 4 ppm.
Myself, I just use ammonia from the grocery store.

[Buccaneer]

Well I will cross that bridge when I get to it

Hooked up RO unit last night and started filling tank (50g/day so a few days left to fill) ... also hooked up the drain lines for the overflow and 2/3 of the beananimal drain

[Buccaneer]

OK ... progress

Left to do: main tank

acquire and install bulkheads for overflow - done
install sump/skimmer/heaters - done
plumb and install pump and eductors for closed loop - done
test circulation with fresh water - done
add shallow sandbed - done
install RO unit - done
plumb the overflow to sump - done
install return pump and return line with eductor - done
build aquascaped rock structures - done
build canopy for lights
install float valve for water top off
setup skimmer and adjust sump water level


Left to do: miscellaneous

setup 40G QT tank with own HOB filtration
setup 50G species only tank and plumb to main tank
install ramp/walkway across back of tank for easier access into tank - done

buy UV filter - anyone selling one locally pm me

Pics to follow

[Buccaneer]

So aquascaping is complete (till I change it again ) still playing around with closed loop eductor locations for even flow

setup skimmer and adjusted water level in sump by having the skimmer overflow into a bucket till it stopped and started to strip the water ... about 9.5" ... works really between 9 and 10 inches

Will take some shots of tank room when I get it cleaned up

Trim around tank going up next ... then working on lighting (currently just a couple cheesy 24" shop lights )