conix's 75G - Page 5

conix67 · #41 08-13-2010, 04:14 AM

A couple of days ago, finally received RKL SL1 module and BRS Ph probe. Had all modules/head unit firmware upgraded, hooked up Ph probe, calibrated and let it run.

My low Ph (before lights on) is 8.00 and high Ph is 8.4 (before lights out). I guess the levels are ok.

I did my monthly water test today. The results are

Nitrate : 0ppm
Phosphate: 0ppm
Ca : 220 mg/L !!!!!!!!

Alk: 12 dkh !!!!!!!

Turns out my 2 part container, the Ca part, was still full! It took me a while to figure out what went wrong, it was because the lid was shut and completely sealed the container, and the poor aqualifter pump could not suck the liquid out.

I took out a drill and made a small hole in the middle of lid on both containers..

Nothing really were obvious in the tank, but I noticed RBTA moved down a bit and found it strange for days..

I think I avoided (crossing my fingers) a near disaster

reefermadness · #42 08-13-2010, 06:51 PM

Usuing an aqualifter as a doser is also asking for trouble IMO.

conix67 · #43 08-13-2010, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefermadness

Usuing an aqualifter as a doser is also asking for trouble IMO.

Why?

reefermadness · #44 08-14-2010, 03:40 AM

because they are not precise at all. Also they are not meant to handle solids and any calcification or precipitation that develops will clog it. Other people have tried it and over time it has given them headaches. If all you needed to do is run a $20 pump to dose then people wouldn't be spending more to get quality dosing pumps....my experience and my opinion.

conix67 · #45 08-14-2010, 03:51 AM

While not as precise as dedicated dosing pumps, aqualifter is far more precise than any other pump, and precise enough for 2-part dosing based on my experience. Yes, it's cheap and it may not be as reliable as the true dosing pump, but it's far better than hand dosing.

I've been dosing using these pumps for about 10 months, and so far I haven't found issues with the pumps themselves. While I would also advise anyone considering dosing pumps to go out and get the true dosing pumps, these aqualifters do the job when coupled with controllers like RKL.

conix67 · #46 08-19-2010, 03:59 AM

Here's one of the corals I have no idea what it is. It's definitely some sort of montipora species, but can't find a reference of the same coral anywhere.

two of the same frags on the frag rack. One is growing more or less flat, but not plating.

On the skimmer side, my new SWC 160 cone has been consistently pulling out more than 3x amount Tunze 9010 was pulling out, I'm definitely happy about that.

However, it's very sensitive to water level and condition, and if not adjusted correctly, it easily overflows. That's about the only downside so far.

Most SPS corals appear to have a better polyp extension. This acro frag looks better than before...

Greenmaster · #47 08-19-2010, 04:04 AM

I like your mystery coral... if you lived closer I might try to get a frag in a couple months

ksalt · #48 08-19-2010, 04:35 PM

Is it a Montipora spongodes?? or Montipora stellata??

conix67 · #49 08-22-2010, 03:29 PM

Well, apparently it's called "Montipora Hirsuta". Not very rare but not very common either.

It does have very interesting growth pattern, somewhat irregular than many others I have. I do like it though.

conix67 · #50 05-05-2011, 01:34 AM

Been a while, I finally managed to put together a video update of my tank -

conix67's 75G mixed reef - video update