1000 Gallon Build- Here we go- Lots of Pictures
- Thread starter Socaltoaz
- Start date
So something curious to report. Once a week I clean out my filter socks. I have 3 different grits, with the mesh going from bigger to smaller. Once a week there would be tons of crud to clean out. I would scrub 14 filter socks to get them clean. Well- last two weeks there has been nothing to clean. The socks have minimal debris- even the fine mesh ones - any clue why this is going on? Also- am noticing some little crawlies in the first set of socks. Assuming they are Copepods. I dump them into the refugium part of the sump. Would like to continue to grow the pod population as I wanna get a couple of mandarin gobies in the tank. Not for a few more months. Anyways- anyone have any thoughts on why my socks are so clean? Nothing else has been changed with the tank
dave.m
Active member
Probably because nothing has changed in th tank. Whatever processes were producing crud have run out of supplies. Keep watching this as it may change whenever you add something new to the tank or make changes like to your feeding regimen. This can help you narrow down problems in the future.
Dave.M
Dave.M
So you think my ecosystem has developed to a point where it's cleaning itself? That's kinda cool. Less work for me. Tank has been looking cleaner. Less algae, less stuff growing. Fish are healthy...knock on wood!
I mentioned I have a few more projects I want to do, one being an algae turf scrubber. I read that Floyd Turbo on this site make turf scrubbers. Any input on those? His website is algaescrubbing.com I think.
Also- for dosing calcium, what's wveryones thoughts on adding Kalk to my top off? I'm not doing a calcium reacto and would prefer not to dose 2 part solution if I can automate it a bit.
I mentioned I have a few more projects I want to do, one being an algae turf scrubber. I read that Floyd Turbo on this site make turf scrubbers. Any input on those? His website is algaescrubbing.com I think.
Also- for dosing calcium, what's wveryones thoughts on adding Kalk to my top off? I'm not doing a calcium reacto and would prefer not to dose 2 part solution if I can automate it a bit.
Rudimenta
Member
Two part dosing, apex solution is pretty nice all via the apex system and they even have containers ready. Calc reactor is easier in the long run tho, co2 part scares the better half, took me a while to get that going.
new_world_disor
Active member
Tropic marin abc salts are good! Easy and cheap to use with a doser. Seen goos results so far and read many good things
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/2/chemistry
This is probably the best write up on the topic and explains the pros and cons by comparison of the different methods including time, initial setup cost and maintenance cost.
On a tank your size, it's my opinion a calcium reactor makes the most sense. Despite how complicated they look, it's really simple. You're just feeding co2 into the media chamber to dissolve the media and dose it into the tank. It's nothing more than tweaking a few valves to dial it in.
This is probably the best write up on the topic and explains the pros and cons by comparison of the different methods including time, initial setup cost and maintenance cost.
On a tank your size, it's my opinion a calcium reactor makes the most sense. Despite how complicated they look, it's really simple. You're just feeding co2 into the media chamber to dissolve the media and dose it into the tank. It's nothing more than tweaking a few valves to dial it in.
Rudimenta
Member
True, I would say simpler than any external doser, apex one might be an exception on this because the interface will already be known. Also reactors are much more set and forget than dosing. Co2 bottles last months, try that with any 2-3-3+ part dosing.
ugh- you guys are killing me and potentially changing my mind. I don't have a hug coral load and hence I think the reactor is likely overkill. Also- how difficult is it to get the c02 bottles? Can you order these online?
I visited a local reefer and all he had was the large calcium blocks in his sump and his tank was one of the most beautiful set ups Ive seen with massive sps corals.
Why not just dose kalk in the top off? To me that seems like the most simple solution.
I visited a local reefer and all he had was the large calcium blocks in his sump and his tank was one of the most beautiful set ups Ive seen with massive sps corals.
Why not just dose kalk in the top off? To me that seems like the most simple solution.
jerseypete
New member
You don't have a huge coral load now. But you have a lot a space in that tank. I only have a 100g. And dosing brs 2 part cal and alk. Just the last 6 months my sps have started taking off. And I only have like 15. All are about 2-3 in. And my alk consumption is almost 3 fold. And it only like 60-70 ml a day
Your tank is 10 x's that.
Happyschneider
New member
How much evaporation do you have? What kind of corals do you plan to keep?
I just read about having a calcium reactor with an algae reactor right after it. This sounds really promising as it counter acts one of the major flaws of the calcium reactor (low pH). Not sure how much experience there is out there with that combination especially for huge systems like yours.
Beautiful house and tank BTW, just caught up with the whole thread and really enjoying the dream! This is a fantastic set up, especially the bar
I just read about having a calcium reactor with an algae reactor right after it. This sounds really promising as it counter acts one of the major flaws of the calcium reactor (low pH). Not sure how much experience there is out there with that combination especially for huge systems like yours.
Beautiful house and tank BTW, just caught up with the whole thread and really enjoying the dream! This is a fantastic set up, especially the bar
Achilles Torben
Member
In the past I plan my tank with some corals und many fish. Now my tank is full of SPS. Of course they have space for growing. I tested many different systems to fill up CA, Mg and KH. At least I bought a Destaco and must say this is the simplest and easiest way to run this size of system. When you pick up more corals and KH went a little bit down youst turn a little bit the Destaco higher and everything ist fine.
I will go to Klaus the next weeks because I want to buy a new Dreambox. My old one is like yours with the same pieces of socks. Don't like to clean them so I have to decide to buy something like this :
Dreambox 2.0
Somebody interested in my old one?
Sorry Socaltoaz for bashing your threat
I will go to Klaus the next weeks because I want to buy a new Dreambox. My old one is like yours with the same pieces of socks. Don't like to clean them so I have to decide to buy something like this :
Dreambox 2.0
Somebody interested in my old one?
Sorry Socaltoaz for bashing your threat
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dave.m
Active member
Oh dear. I also favour a CO2 reactor. I prefer the safety of the two-tower models. You won't really need to use one of these until your coral collection starts to take off.
The CO2 tanks are quite easy to source. Check with any local supplier of oxygen, nitrogen, etc. gas cylinders. You probably won't need anything larger than a 10 lb. tank. Make sure to get a clamp to hold it fast in your set-up and keep it stable. A digital flow meter for the CO2 tank is a smart option. IIRC slief has a similar set-up that you could take a look at.
Dave.M
The CO2 tanks are quite easy to source. Check with any local supplier of oxygen, nitrogen, etc. gas cylinders. You probably won't need anything larger than a 10 lb. tank. Make sure to get a clamp to hold it fast in your set-up and keep it stable. A digital flow meter for the CO2 tank is a smart option. IIRC slief has a similar set-up that you could take a look at.
Dave.M
Achilles- cleaning filter socks for me is not a big deal. however the roller is pretty sweet. Everyone keeps talking about the detasco (sp?) reactors and those seem to be the way to go if I do a reactor.
No one has commented on an algae turf scrubber. To me, this makes a ton of sense- let all the algae grow and thrive in an area away from the display. Anyone using them? Any feedback on Floyd Turbos designs?
I don't want mickey mouse. Everything in the house is done (or attempted to be done) professionally.
Achilles- ask Klaus if they can make a turf scrubber that integrates with the dream box? or a calcium reactor that integrates with the dream box. I love my dream box. Best friggin sump out there. Designed super well.
No one has commented on an algae turf scrubber. To me, this makes a ton of sense- let all the algae grow and thrive in an area away from the display. Anyone using them? Any feedback on Floyd Turbos designs?
I don't want mickey mouse. Everything in the house is done (or attempted to be done) professionally.
Achilles- ask Klaus if they can make a turf scrubber that integrates with the dream box? or a calcium reactor that integrates with the dream box. I love my dream box. Best friggin sump out there. Designed super well.
Happyschneider
New member
Regarding algae scrubber, have a look here http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2569017
Such a reactor might be easier to integrate in your system.
Such a reactor might be easier to integrate in your system.
Achilles Torben
Member
Klaus thought about a reactor and want to build him in the future. But I think this year it will not finish. Klaus want to build so much things and this year he want to move his business into an other building in Cologne so it is possible that Klaus needs 2 years.
I can't recommend you a reactor for your Dreambox. They are twice high of your Dreambox and for your system massive. Also it is easier to fill up and clean next to your Dreambox. I have a custom made Destaco because I want it under my tank.
Left down corner is a black 5 liters (1.33 gallon) canister for size dimensions
Im actually going to be in Koln in March. I was just in Germany for a few days 2 weeks ago. I wish I had time to visit Royal Exclusiv. It would be a blast to visit the factory.
silentscream
New member
I've just recently purchased Floyd's redesigned scrubber. While I don't have it installed yet, for a long time on a previous tank I was using a scrubber I built for myself based on his design. It worked very efficiently at reducing nutrients in the tank. The thing that drew me to the algae scrubber to begin with is it boasted superb nutrient control in a "natural" and self-regulating manor that would eliminate my need for GFO regarding phosphate control. The high upfront cost would be offset by my savings in GFO product. If there are any questions I can answer on his new design or provide you with pictures let me know.
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