29g AGA build/journal

[BennyFrank]

Very nice looking, really like the rock.

Sorry to hear about the Birdnest. Let us know how the skimmer does after its broke in will you? Interested in trying one out on a nano tank someday soon.

Thanks Chris. The birdsnest hasn't colored up much yet but it is growing and has good polyp extension, so I'm hoping it will come around eventually.

As for the skimmer... I got it in the tank and after 4 hours the pinwheel impeller broke in half :thumbdown. I called the distributor and their reply was, "yeah those things don't last forever". Seriously ?!!!?? Shouldn't it at least last 4 hours? They are sending out a replacement but now I'm a little leery.

 

[BennyFrank]

I got the replacement impeller, installed it, plugged in the pump, and... nothing. The pump was completely dead. I ended up returning the Bubble Magus 3+ and getting a Reef Octopus NWB-110 (2010 model). Probably the best decision I've made in awhile. The Octopus beats out the Bubble Magus in almost every way (except for footprint). Obviously I can't do any long term performance comparison, but I'm confident I will be more happy with the Octopus. Here is a pic comparing the size... The octo really makes the BM look and feel like a toy.

 

[zma21]

Man, I'm surprised about the BM skimmer, as I've only heard quality associated with them.

Tank looks great, once again.

 

[BennyFrank]

Man, I'm surprised about the BM skimmer, as I've only heard quality associated with them.

Tank looks great, once again.

Yeah I don't know, I read a lot of good things too. Maybe this was just a fluke. Comparing the two side-by-side it is easy to see that the octopus is better quality though. It also runs a lot quieter than the BM did (I figure that's a fair comparison as neither skimmer was broken in). It should also be easier to find replacement parts for; originally I was just going to swap out the BM for another one but the distributor won't have any more for 3 months as they are sourced from China. For the extra $20 I would definitely recommend the Octo over the BS.

 

[joshbryer]

Benny-

I've been keeping up on this thread but just wanted to let you know that your scape is great and this tank is gonna be awesome when it's all grown in! Nice use of negative space btw....

 

[cherubfish pair]

I think you've made the right choice on the skimmers. BTW, what brand of pump does the octo have?

 

[BennyFrank]

Benny-

I've been keeping up on this thread but just wanted to let you know that your scape is great and this tank is gonna be awesome when it's all grown in! Nice use of negative space btw....

Thanks for the note Josh. That compliment means a lot coming from your discerning eye! Seeing your aquascape gave me some ideas and kind of makes me want to redo mine :fun5: I have plenty of dry rock leftover but I'd hate to wait for it to cycle again.

 

[BennyFrank]

I think you've made the right choice on the skimmers. BTW, what brand of pump does the octo have?

I'm really happy with the Reef Octopus so far. It is breaking in nicely and starting to pull some gunk. The Octo uses an OTP 1000 pump (proprietary, I believe). Here is a comparison of the two and a closeup of the specs on the OTP.

 

[BennyFrank]

Did a round of water tests tonight...

Sp.G - 1.023
temp - 77 F
pH - 7.8-8.0 (ati)
NH3 - 0.0 ppm (ati)
NO2 - 0.0 ppm (ati)
NO3 - 0.0 ppm (ati)
Ca - 420 ppm (salifert)
Mg - 1200 ppm (salifert)
KH - 5.6 dKH (salifert)
P04 - need a hanna checker for Christmas

So it looks like Salinity, Alkalinity, and Mg are all a little low. I'm assuming the salinity is low because the skimmer hasn't fully broken in and is skimming wet.

How much will bringing up the salinity affect the Alk and Mg? I plan on topping off with salt water over the next few days to try to bring it up. I imagine this would be a better method than just doing a water change with higher salinity water? Any other comments on the test results?

I was hoping that routine water changes would obviate the need to dose, but it looks like that may not be the case. Any opinions here?

 

[nebraskareef]

Damn Ben, Looking good!

Any updates?

 

[BennyFrank]

Damn Ben, Looking good!

Any updates?

Not much to report. I did add a pair of percula clows a few days ago. They are doing good and eating like pigs. The maxijet crapped out on my gac/gfo reactor so I need to pick up another one. I also plan on adding an ro/di system soon :beer:. I would like to start adding a few more corals but I think I will hold off to see if the new fish/increased feedings cause another cycle.

 

[nebraskareef]

smart move on the corals, take it nice and easy.

If you need to borrow a feed pump let me know.

 

[nebraskareef]

did you send back the BM, or did you just keep it?

 

[BennyFrank]

did you send back the BM, or did you just keep it?

Thanks for the pump offer but I will probably just pick up another soon. I did send the BM back.

 

[nebraskareef]

Thanks for ruining my plan! lol I want to get my hands on a BM soon. Do you have any pics of the new skimmer in sump yet?

 

[BennyFrank]

No pics yet but I will try to get some up soon. Let me know of you have any questions about the BM.

 

[BennyFrank]

 

[blue2010]

Great setup and thread. I'm happily tagging along and taking notes.

 

[SGT_DAO]

Looking good! I love your fuge!

 

[BennyFrank]

Great setup and thread. I'm happily tagging along and taking notes.

Looking good! I love your fuge!

Thanks blue2010 and SGT_DAO. I definitely spend more time looking at the fuge than the display. Maybe that will change when the display is full of corals. Maybe not though; one of the best parts of this hobby is finding new critters that you've never seen before and have no idea where they came from (one point for liverock in the LR vs. dryrock debate).