A Capital Dream - 400g SPS build

[rockworm]

Good to hear about the HA. I was thinking that when we met at MS the other day, you had said something about the Bryopsis falling off the rock.

Gawd, I hate getting old. Yet another senior moment.

I like the senior moments. I can now get away with things. The bryopsis comes off much easier than before. It has not started to melt yet, but seems easier to pull off.

 

[locito277]

It has wiped out the hair algae. I have dosed 3 times and am seeing some lightening of colour in the bryopsis. I have tuft algae on 2 of the rocks and I am getting some whitening on the tips of it.

I am still not decided on the emperor. They are such a beautiful fish that I he may just be worth the risk.

I won an auction on a goldflake angel. Should be here Friday. We need new pics!


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[rockworm]

I won an auction on a goldflake angel. Should be here Friday. We need new pics!


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Nice catch on the goldflake. Today was not one of my better days. My skimmer/pump combo died. I bought it in 2008 and it saw its last legs today. My Profilux touch was showing a temp of 71.1f. I went downstairs and there was a flood. The pump seals on the skimmer pump had broken and there was water all over the basement. My sensors were not even in the water. My sump consists of a 90 plus a 65. The return pump is tied into the 65 and the 65 was dry. I figure that I lost about 80g of water. I shut off the return pump, the skimmer and I drained the skimmer. I have a valve that allows me to bypass the skimmer, so I closed it. I spent today getting the tank/sump water levels back.

I can't get the parts for the skimmer because it is no longer produced, so I am in the position of running skimmerless. I will be contacting a couple of suppliers tomorrow to see how quickly they can get me a new skimmer. I am looking at the Reef Octopus 6000 .

One of the problems with running a large system is accessability to equipment on an emergency, or fast replacement basis. I expect it to take up to 8 business days to get the skimmer I need.

I have to monitor nutrients and alk closely until I can get a new skimmer. The upside is corals should just brown out from excess nutrients and not white out from lack of nutrients.

 

[locito277]

Nice catch on the goldflake. Today was not one of my better days. My skimmer/pump combo died. I bought it in 2008 and it saw its last legs today. My Profilux touch was showing a temp of 71.1f. I went downstairs and there was a flood. The pump seals on the skimmer pump had broken and there was water all over the basement. My sensors were not even in the water. My sump consists of a 90 plus a 65. The return pump is tied into the 65 and the 65 was dry. I figure that I lost about 80g of water. I shut off the return pump, the skimmer and I drained the skimmer. I have a valve that allows me to bypass the skimmer, so I closed it. I spent today getting the tank/sump water levels back.

I can't get the parts for the skimmer because it is no longer produced, so I am in the position of running skimmerless. I will be contacting a couple of suppliers tomorrow to see how quickly they can get me a new skimmer. I am looking at the Reef Octopus 6000 .

One of the problems with running a large system is accessability to equipment on an emergency, or fast replacement basis. I expect it to take up to 8 business days to get the skimmer I need.

I have to monitor nutrients and alk closely until I can get a new skimmer. The upside is corals should just brown out from excess nutrients and not white out from lack of nutrients.

Sorry to hear that. Luckily you picked up on the issue before too much damage were to occur. Have you taken a look at the Nyos? Runs really nice. Just wish the kid would come off a little easier.


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[Rybren]

Ward, I have a spare Tunze 9410 that you can use. It is undersized for your system (only rated for 240g) but it might be better than nothing until you can get a proper replacement.

I'll be out of the house for most of today. Call or txt me and I can bring it over if you want to use it.

 

[rockworm]

A little update on the skimmer situation. First, a heartfelt thanks to @Rybren for the use of the Tunze. While the skimmer is not rated for my system size, it is doing it's job because I do not have a heavy load.

I spent time this morning separating all connections for the recirculating pump and have found a way to mod in a new skimmer pump. I found a Reef Octopus RODC 5500S skimmer pump from Reef Supplies, one of our few Canadian suppliers. This is a discontinued pump, but will serve my purposes, plus the price was right. The anticipated delivery date is Monday, but our first winter storm is expected Sunday through Monday, so I may not get it until Tuesday.

I hope to have the skimmer back up and running by Wednesday. I have to get some fittings to integrate the new pump, so will have to wait until I get it to ensure I buy the proper fittings.

 

[rockworm]

I had an afterthought about my previous post. One thing I have always done is called my goto LFS to see if they have what I need in stock. I always do this to support my local LFS and, for me, it is important. I visit them every week or two and buy a lot of my day to days stuff from them. I want to help ensure they are there when I need them.

I have built a relationship over the years and have special ordered through them on a few occasions. In all cases, they have met, or come very close to, the online prices I have seen. I will buy from them first, even if it is a few dollars more. This is just a personal thing and in no way is meant to sleight those who buy online.

 

[locito277]

I had an afterthought about my previous post. One thing I have always done is called my goto LFS to see if they have what I need in stock. I always do this to support my local LFS and, for me, it is important. I visit them every week or two and buy a lot of my day to days stuff from them. I want to help ensure they are there when I need them.

I have built a relationship over the years and have special ordered through them on a few occasions. In all cases, they have met, or come very close to, the online prices I have seen. I will buy from them first, even if it is a few dollars more. This is just a personal thing and in no way is meant to sleight those who buy online.

Glad you got the skimmer issues resolved. You run a fuge right? Your Rock and macro likely do a nice chunk of the filtration work and can always handle more of the load in case of emergencies.


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[Rybren]

I'm with you Ward. I always check with the boys at MS to see if they have or can get what I want. They've always been fantastic and I would rather spend a few $$ more to support them than to give my money to an unknown face on the net.

Glad to hear that you found a pump and that my itty-bitty Tunze is doing it's share.

 

[rockworm]

Glad you got the skimmer issues resolved. You run a fuge right? Your Rock and macro likely do a nice chunk of the filtration work and can always handle more of the load in case of emergencies.


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Yes, I do run a fuge. Just harvested half a 5 gallon bucket of caulerpa. I think you are right. I have two marinepure 8x8x4 plus 8 litres of matrix. In the short term this, the fuge, plus the rocks and sand can manage the nutrients. I xcpect them to increase a little, but have not tested them yet. Will do so this weekend.

 

[rockworm]

I'm with you Ward. I always check with the boys at MS to see if they have or can get what I want. They've always been fantastic and I would rather spend a few $$ more to support them than to give my money to an unknown face on the net.

Glad to hear that you found a pump and that my itty-bitty Tunze is doing it's share.

The guys at MS are awesome. I have gone to Montreal and have met Ray at Reef Supplies, so have no reservation dealing with him and his team. He is a great guy.

Your little Tunze is pulling some dark skimmate. I may have 475g in total dt, but my stocking is closer to a 220 medium load. I have always been impressed by Tunze skimmers. They look small, but act like big boys. Much like my little cairn terriers. Someone forgot to tell them they are small.

 

[percula99]

Once again I have not been getting notifications about this thread, so I just decided to check it out. Sorry to hear the problems Ward. This hobby is so rewarding when things go well, and so frustrating (and expensive) when they don't. Reef Octopus makes great skimmers. I have an Elite 200SSS skimmer from them and it pulls out as much skimmate in two or three days as my old skimmer did in a month. Keep on top of things and I hope to see some updates soon...good news updates that is.

 

[rockworm]

Once again I have not been getting notifications about this thread, so I just decided to check it out. Sorry to hear the problems Ward. This hobby is so rewarding when things go well, and so frustrating (and expensive) when they don't. Reef Octopus makes great skimmers. I have an Elite 200SSS skimmer from them and it pulls out as much skimmate in two or three days as my old skimmer did in a month. Keep on top of things and I hope to see some updates soon...good news updates that is.

Thanks perc. I have the replacement skimmer pump coming Monday. One of the downsides to having a large tank is the lack of inventory from our Canadian vendors. I do not fault them at all. There are not many who have large tanks and it is unfair to think that they should carry inventory for emergency situations. In this case, Ray at Reef Supplies had something in stock that I can configure to run on my Reeflo Orca 250.

On a non tank update, my son and daughter-in-law totally surprised Susan and I tonight. Our second grand child is on the way and due in late July, early August. Our first grandchild is due on January. I am excited and have to stock up on ice cream and chocolate cake. [emoji16]

 

[Rybren]

Congrats on the incoming frags.

 

[rockworm]

Congrats on the incoming frags.

Thanks Gerry. I am excited for my son and daughter-in-law. They have been trying for a while, so I am really happy for them. Now I have to look for two pair of tiny flippers and goggles. I intend to put the two little frags to work by helping me rearrange corals where necessary. [emoji1]

 

[locito277]

Yes, I do run a fuge. Just harvested half a 5 gallon bucket of caulerpa. I think you are right. I have two marinepure 8x8x4 plus 8 litres of matrix. In the short term this, the fuge, plus the rocks and sand can manage the nutrients. I xcpect them to increase a little, but have not tested them yet. Will do so this weekend.

My fuge has taken off but I'm going through the ugly duckling phase. Lots of algae and hair algae. Clean up crew arrives Tuesday. Thinking of keeping on only blue lights until then and cutting down on full power lighting for a few days. My carpet seems to like the blues on as opposed to the full power lights.


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[rockworm]

My fuge has taken off but I'm going through the ugly duckling phase. Lots of algae and hair algae. Clean up crew arrives Tuesday. Thinking of keeping on only blue lights until then and cutting down on full power lighting for a few days. My carpet seems to like the blues on as opposed to the full power lights.


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I had about 300 lbs of rock in my 220 and thought I would not have a problem when I added the 250lb of dry rock. I ended up with algae, so am not surprised you may be having some algae issues. Phosphates in my dry rock were and are being released. As a reef friend of mine said, it is part of new tank syndrome. I am using Vibrant to help eliminate bryopsis. It is still in the early stages and I am reluctant to discuss the efficacy for a little bit. As we know, bryopsis is a b#&$&.

 

[locito277]

I had about 300 lbs of rock in my 220 and thought I would not have a problem when I added the 250lb of dry rock. I ended up with algae, so am not surprised you may be having some algae issues. Phosphates in my dry rock were and are being released. As a reef friend of mine said, it is part of new tank syndrome. I am using Vibrant to help eliminate bryopsis. It is still in the early stages and I am reluctant to discuss the efficacy for a little bit. As we know, bryopsis is a b#&$&.

I'll be adding a nice sized clean up crew Tuesday and hopefully once everything else is connected I'll be set. Most of my equipment is still not connected. Waiting on carpenter and tank guy to finish their parts soneverything can run full speed!


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[rockworm]

I now know that Christmas is coming. The skimmer pump was delivered this morning by Canada Post. I did not get anything done because, well, this is football Sunday in both Canada and US. Our home team is going to the Canadian Football League finals next weekend. I am now watching the west finals to see who we play.

 

[locito277]

I now know that Christmas is coming. The skimmer pump was delivered this morning by Canada Post. I did not get anything done because, well, this is football Sunday in both Canada and US. Our home team is going to the Canadian Football League finals next weekend. I am now watching the west finals to see who we play.

Go fins!!!


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