47G SPS...Revamp

[sahin]

Quick update:

Tested PO4 about 10 minutes ago and I am very pleased to report that the PO4 has dropped to 0.046ppm (tested on the Elos HR PO4 Kit, its a brilliant kit by the way, its an exact copy of the no longer made D&D Merck kit).

I put 50grams of GFO and 100grams of GAC together in one Phosban 150 reactor. The type of GFO I'm using doesnt require heavy simmering like Rowaphos hence putting the GAC and GFO together in one reactor works fine. With the PO4 reduction working nicely (alongwith GAC soaking up some of the organics), hopefully the algae cycles wont be too crazy.

Today I also went out a bought a nice Millepora frag I saw at the LFS a couple of weeks ago. This frag has a nice lime green growth ring, and I can see pinkish/orange bits on the corallites. Surprised no one picked it up...all the rest of the 100's of frags were the usual Digitata's, Seri's etc. Cant wait to see what this Millepora looks like when its coloured up.

Its also a test of my refreshed system in a way as Millis are quite picky about water conditions...hopefully it will be alright in the tank.

Congrats on your son! Fantastic reboot Sahin, looking forward to seeing it fill up with corals!

Thanks buddy.

 

[Fishy 1]

I don't think Kevin forced Biggles to write the highly regarded bit. You are a SPS master, I really admire and look up to you mate. Your just like Scott, a very gracious man who doesn't take things too seriously even though your tanks are (and in your case soon will be) a living masterpiece.

 

[AD87]

Nice! Can't wait to see more updates

 

[justinky]

Looks like a great start Sahin. Btw I love your holes Cool idea for SPS.

 

[reeflover62]

Sorry about your old system:sad2: Something similar happened with my friends tank and a cleaning lady was using Fabulosa cleaner. Love what is happening so far and can't wait for some new images. Love me some Ebay!!!

 

[reefmutt]

Nice update. Can't wait to see some pics!
That elos test kit is my go to kit as well..

 

[Dapg8gt]

Is the Elos kit you guys are referring to the professional one? I notice there are 2 on the market and was curious..

Not having to much faith in my Hanna ulr lately, different reagents giving wildly different results. Salifert and standard Hanna just says 0 so it's no help at all for reassurance..

Loving progress and attention to detail of your revamp thread. Oh and of course the tank is looking great =).

 

[reefmutt]

Elos High Resoulution po4 test kit. Pretty sure it's the pro..
I switched to it after getting confusing results with my checkers as well..
I usually use the Elos to make sure my checker isn't lying to me.

 

[Dapg8gt]

Thanks ordering now.. I figured it was due to the cost difference being almost double..

 

[jroovers]

Sahin, looking fantastic! I am going to be in the same boat with you doing a reboot to my existing tank, this thread is going to be a fantastic motivator. Like the idea of the drilled holes and the acrylic rods, I'll be doing something similar for sure, great idea and thanks for sharing the pictures.

 

[rovster]

Loos nice! Really like the tonga structure. Wish I had done more of that on mine

 

[sahin]

Is the Elos kit you guys are referring to the professional one? I notice there are 2 on the market and was curious..

Not having to much faith in my Hanna ulr lately, different reagents giving wildly different results. Salifert and standard Hanna just says 0 so it's no help at all for reassurance..

Loving progress and attention to detail of your revamp thread. Oh and of course the tank is looking great =).

I had the EXACT experience as you...Salifert just reads 0...Hanna ULR meter is perfect, BUT the reagents are crap...different batches give different results...before I run out a batch I used to buy new reagents and test and would get completely different results...

Hence I went looking for a better test kit. You will really LIKE the Elos High Resolution Phosphate kit.

Sahin, looking fantastic! I am going to be in the same boat with you doing a reboot to my existing tank, this thread is going to be a fantastic motivator. Like the idea of the drilled holes and the acrylic rods, I'll be doing something similar for sure, great idea and thanks for sharing the pictures.

Loos nice! Really like the tonga structure. Wish I had done more of that on mine

Thanks guys. I find that water flow is MUCH better when using these branch type rocks...with boulders the water flow is not so great and you have to use multiple pumps to get decent water movement around the tank.

Well this morning I noticed that the 1st SPS frag that went into the tank has started to grow a base...so that is a good sign.

Whatever was causing me the issues with my SPS is definitely gone. :bounce3:

 

[kaserpick]

That's great news! :thumbsup:

 

[Dapg8gt]

I had the EXACT experience as you...Salifert just reads 0...Hanna ULR meter is perfect, BUT the reagents are crap...different batches give different results...before I run out a batch I used to buy new reagents and test and would get completely different results...

Hence I went looking for a better test kit. You will really LIKE the Elos High Resolution Phosphate kit."

Thanks I'm glad it works, I've already ordered it. I usually verified my reagent also but this last time I didn't so the last few months I've been chasing a high p04 number that was really 0 and my corals and color really suffered, just glad I caught it before it went to far.

Good to hear the new acros are encrusting and I am a tad bit jealous of the aqua scape and room you have now for nice sticks. The new overflow seems like it's a great option.. Is it quiet? The website was a little difficult to navigate on my phone so I need to look into it further on my computer to see if it will fit my situation and gain me some real estate like you =).. Anxiously awaiting the awesomeness that's in store for your build..

 

[kaserpick]

I read that some one lets their test sample sit for an hour, before they put into the Hanna checker. This yielded the most consistent results for them. Something to consider.

 

[tmantaylor18]

I read that some one lets their test sample sit for an hour, before they put into the Hanna checker. This yielded the most consistent results for them. Something to consider.

let the sample sit for an hour before starting the test at all?

Im wondering if my reagents are bad now since Im constantly showing 0. Guess I'll order another batch to see.... :uzi:

 

[ormet]

Congrats on kid #3 :celeb2: and very nice to see you back on the forums again. :celeb1:

I have a question, or two!

Your overflow looks very nice. Its clean and non intrusive. But are you not worried about what would happen if the drain get clogged? I run dual standpipe (herbie) and my primary have been blocked a few times.

Also, noise. Do you throttle the drain or is just free flow? My herbie is completely silent, but i must say that i would not mind to remove the owerflow in my tank. I need to move it anyway soon.

 

[biggles]

Glad to hear the test frag is doing well mate

I don't test for phos or nitrates nowdays but it sure sounds like the Elos High Resolution Phosphate kit is a better option than Hanna. Is the test procedure straight forward like most test kits Sahin or a pain in the arse like the Hanna.

 

[markalot]

I'm going to try that Elos test kit, thanks for mentioning it. I have the Hannah and in my opinion it's completely worthless. My Phosphate is somewhere between 0.0 and 1.8. :mad2:

 

[reefmutt]

Glad to hear the test frag is doing well mate

I don't test for phos or nitrates nowdays but it sure sounds like the Elos High Resolution Phosphate kit is a better option than Hanna. Is the test procedure straight forward like most test kits Sahin or a pain in the arse like the Hanna.

The test is very simple. Just add drops and powder to a 20 ml vial of tank water, gently mix for 3 minutes and compare colors. Color rendition is quite accurate in relation the the comparison chart. And it shows pretty small changes in po4 levels.