500 Gallon SPS Reef System

[byrdman81]

Looking good I like the scape.

 

[tobes3]

I got these fans for $20 each! Let the mass evaporation begin!

The timers have been set - here is the lighting schedule:

Actinic: 9:30am
Middle MH: 10:00am
Other MH: 10:30am
Other MH off: 7:30pm
Middle MH off: 8:00pm
Actinic off: 8:30pm

Moonlights constant

Vortech low power:
8:00pm - 8:00am

Refugium:
10am - 8pm

Another FTS: If you look closely, you can see the algae starting to bloom

 

[tobes3]

The cost won't stop increasing.. Today we ordered this 3000 litre water storage tank for water changes:

 

[canyousee]

Tobes better to run refugium lights after DT lights go out say from 10:00 P.M to 10:00 AM. Making good progress when do you get the light rack?

 

[tobes3]

Thanks guys. I was thinking of getting rid of the MHs and getting a T5 fixture - the Giesemann Matrix http://www.giesemann.de/210,2,,.html. Could I please get some feedback as far as PAR and tubes go?

 

[tobes3]

Tobes better to run refugium lights after DT lights go out say from 10:00 P.M to 10:00 AM. Making good progress when do you get the light rack?

Will do

 

[tobes3]

Amazingly the tank is cycled. I'm guessing Seachem Stability had something to do with it.. Nitrite, nitrate and ammonia all read at zero. Unless there is something wrong, let the shopping begin!

 

[strout]

Caught up and tagging along.

 

[tobes3]

 

[tobes3]

 

[ptr13]

Love your tank,looking good so far with the aquascaping,it is probably the most difficult to do after doing the plumbing and all the electrical things. Keep up the good work,love your powder blue,have one just like it from fiji.

 

[tobes3]

Thanks everyone for the kind comments. The tank cycling so fast is definitely a benefit. Tomorrow we are getting in 5 more Yellow Tangs. We also bulk ordered some 20 acros straight form the reef to come on Friday - very exiting!

 

[tobes3]

Earlier today I fantasised about what the tank could look like.. :lol:

 

[FOSELONE]

Earlier today I fantasised about what the tank could look like.. :lol:

Lol...that's cool




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Taariq]

awesome setup! hope your fantasy becomes a reality and beyond!

 

[tobes3]

Thanks everyone.Got the storage tank in today and plumbing tomorrow :thumbsup:. It will be an automated water exchange system. Here's how it works:

1. Water pump from storage tank on timer to come on x amount of seconds in order to pump in about 50 litres.

2. New water is cold, which will sink to the bottom of the sump while old water will rise to the point of the drain at the top of the sump.

3. While the pump is off, more water and salt can be mixed in about every two months.

 

[tgfrench]

Nice build, room looks packed with some really pricey equipment. Is there room for a step ladder.

 

[bobbyboussy]

one of the best in walls i have ever seen

 

[canyousee]

Tobes3 I'm trying to understand hope you don't mind a few questions. Is the 3000 Litre tank holding RO/DI water? Is the 3000 tank plumed directly to your fish room sump? Are you saying your going to shut down your return pump from the sump to your DT then fill the sump with RO/DI water then add salt to the sump and mix your water change water in the sump? Thanks Mike

 

[tobes3]

Tobes3 I'm trying to understand hope you don't mind a few questions. Is the 3000 Litre tank holding RO/DI water? Is the 3000 tank plumed directly to your fish room sump? Are you saying your going to shut down your return pump from the sump to your DT then fill the sump with RO/DI water then add salt to the sump and mix your water change water in the sump? Thanks Mike

Hi Mike, first of all the storage tank will hold fresh saltwater from the bay which is a lot cheaper and no mixing required and what can be better than real seawater? There is a pipe from the storage tank over the display tank and no the return pump will not go out as the water level in the sump sits just below the drain. Theoretically the unheated water from the storage tank will come in the display and will 'sink' to the bottom while the hotter existing tank water goes out the drain. Time will tell how well the system works. Hopefully the slightly colder water wont harm the animals.