Twisty nano's build

[twisty]

Hi,

I'm new here Great forum and lot's of nice projects.

The members seems to very knowledgeable and courteous.

So this project started out 5 years ago, I had to put it on hold due to buying a new house. Prior to this project I owned a 75gl Reef (no sump)

I recently finished my basement and decided to resurrect this project.

My plans are to run a Biocube with Coast to Coast overflow and 40gl breeder tank Sump.
I also have a smaller 12gl cube that will be plumbed in-line.

When I first started the project (5 years ago) I had cut the back out of the tanks and assembled the overflow boxes. I recently made the Durso standpipes.

I built a custom stand to house the tanks and sump.

I will have several questions... some of which i have already answered by reading others posts.

[twisty]

Here's a pic of the project so far

[Bblinks]

Finished basement....what's with the door sitting sideways? lol just kidding. looks good bud.

[twisty]

It's a magic trick :P

It's going to be a slow process. I'm doing a bunch of reading/research regarding the muriatic acid baths we talked about.

I have approx 100lbs of rock that have been sitting "dry" for 5+ years. Prior to letting them "dry" I had cooked them.
Ie: Let them sit in a DARK TUB with him High flow and RO Salt Water with several water changes weekly.

RC's thread mention bleaching them ACID, there seems to be various opinion on the order of execution.

Is bleaching necesarry? or should I only do the ACID bath.

Do you think my local hardware store will have this muriatic acid? (home depot).

There's also a mention of using Baking Soda or Draino to neutralize the ACID.

It's cold in Ottawa (as i mentioned yesterday)

I'm hoping to find a warmer day to do this outside without the water freezing.

Any input would be appreciated.

Originally Posted by Bblinks

Finished basement....what's with the door sitting sideways? lol just kidding. looks good bud.

[Bblinks]

Originally Posted by twisty

It's a magic trick :P

It's going to be a slow process. I'm doing a bunch of reading/research regarding the muriatic acid baths we talked about.

I have approx 100lbs of rock that have been sitting "dry" for 5+ years. Prior to letting them "dry" I had cooked them.
Ie: Let them sit in a DARK TUB with him High flow and RO Salt Water with several water changes weekly.

RC's thread mention bleaching them ACID, there seems to be various opinion on the order of execution.

Is bleaching necesarry? or should I only do the ACID bath.

You can acid bath it or you can just bleach it. I mean acid bath will take away almost everything left over on the rocks that is in a organic form, acid should be around PH1 and I think bleach is sitting around PH2 so same idea just not as strong.

Do you think my local hardware store will have this muriatic acid? (home depot).
Home depot or Canadian tire. I know it must be freezing cold out there so dress warm.

There's also a mention of using Baking Soda or Draino to neutralize the ACID.
After the rocks has been in the acid for a few hours or till you are satisfied with them then you put the baking soda in to neutralize it.
It's cold in Ottawa (as i mentioned yesterday)

I'm hoping to find a warmer day to do this outside without the water freezing.

Any input would be appreciated.

Read the above in red please

[WarDog]

Hi Twisty,

In regards to your question about the big 3 (alk, cal, mag), the following numbers should be a good guide (I am no expert).

alk : 6.5 - 8.5
cal : 410 - 430
mag : 1250 - 1300

I am only just starting to learn about balancing the big 3 myself, so hopefully other, more experienced reefers could chime in.
I would also recommend you do some research based on what livestock you plan on keeping, not every tank is the same.

I like the multi-level tank idea. This is going to be an interesting build!

[twisty]

Dog,

thanks for the numbers!
based on your thread... I know you don't have any test kits... but what brands are suggested?
I do know you like beer

I plan on keeping a Mixed Reef, given the size of the larger LOL tank. I will have to be selective with my corals or use frags.

I still haven't figured out what i'm going to do with the smaller tank.

I also have an empty spot, was thinking either Quarantine or Frag tank.

Originally Posted by WarDog

Hi Twisty,

alk : 6.5 - 8.5
cal : 410 - 430
mag : 1250 - 1300

I am only just starting to learn about balancing the big 3 myself, so hopefully other, more experienced reefers could chime in.
I would also recommend you do some research based on what livestock you plan on keeping, not every tank is the same.

I like the multi-level tank idea. This is going to be an interesting build!

[daplatapus]

Originally Posted by WarDog

alk : 6.5 - 8.5
cal : 410 - 430
mag : 1250 - 1300

In my tank, I just couldn't keep my Ca stable unless my Mg was 1400ish. Once I got my mag there, I could leave my Ca reactor set for months till I had to refill it. And I started seeing huge growth of SPS once my Ca hit 420.
Either way, start with getting your Mg stable where you want it. Then play with the other two. If you don't, you'll chase numbers till the cows come home. Sk8er on RC has a great write up on the relationships between the 3

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by daplatapus

In my tank, I just couldn't keep my Ca stable unless my Mg was 1400ish. Once I got my mag there, I could leave my Ca reactor set for months till I had to refill it. And I started seeing huge growth of SPS once my Ca hit 420.
Either way, start with getting your Mg stable where you want it. Then play with the other two. If you don't, you'll chase numbers till the cows come home. Sk8er on RC has a great write up on the relationships between the 3

Good advice

And as for your other comments twisty, well you can't offer beers if you're halfway across the country
Most of us that are talking to you are in BC, so good luck with the beers for trade stuff

[twisty]

LOL...

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Good advice

And as for your other comments twisty, well you can't offer beers if you're halfway across the country
Most of us that are talking to you are in BC, so good luck with the beers for trade stuff