customdusty
New member
I brought the cord through the slot in the top of the fixture where the other power cords come out. I ran it with those power cords then down into the cabinet.
A Customdusty Rimless Build
- Thread starter customdusty
- Start date
I brought the cord through the slot in the top of the fixture where the other power cords come out. I ran it with those power cords then down into the cabinet.
Daniel Reef
New member
Thanks. That makes sense. I am thinking of doing the same if I purchase this fixture.
customdusty
New member
It is really a great fixture, the build quality on it is the best I have seen. I really have nothing to complain about on it.
I'm just not entirely fond of the halides, I think the look of full T5 is just better. If it was not for the huge financial hit that I would have absorb, I would sell this fixture and switch back to T5. Definately down the road at some point though.
customdusty
New member
customdusty
New member
Some new developments this week as I get into the final stages of "setting up" my system. I managed to finally get most of the live rock sold and cleared out of my sump area and makeshift refugium, and also sold my previous BK skimmer and light fixture. That gave me the funding necessary and the physical space to get the sump area finished and the frag tank started. I'll be getting a few more of the items this week, but here are the changes that will be occuring of the next few days.
- Getting my BRS carbon reactor on-line. I got the deluxe version which is really a nice reactor, great quality and simple ease of use. I don't know how ViaAqua and others still make media reactors with how inferior they are compared to the BRS products. I will run this reactor with a MaxiJet 600, which I will turn down to about 70%, which I determined based on a test of the flow rate.
- Turn my refugium into a frag tank. The tank is a standard 20L, which will continue to have some LR rubble in it. I will use some plastic grate material used for lighting fixtures and some pvc to elevate the rock and frags off of the bottom, and have Koralia 4 blowing along the bottom glass to keep it clear. The K4 along with the return pump sending about 600 gph in there, it should be plenty of flow to keep things clean.
- I also managed to find a used lighting set-up for the frag tank. I will be using a Reef Optix 3 reflector, Blue Wave 150w ballast, and 150w 14k Phoenix to grow my frags under. Right now I've got a handful of small SPS frags that will grow out in there a bit so they don't get bulldozed by anything in the tank. I also want to see how they color up before I mount them anywhere to ensure I'm happy with the placement.
- My two part system should arrive tomorrow. I did some experimenting with adding the Alk portion of the two part which seemed to help me out, and liked the ability to add more or less - something I couldn't do with just a top off reactor. I chose to buy the Two Part Total Solution Kit from BRS and also two of their HD peristaltic dosing pumps. These pumps and the dosing will be controlled by my Apex.
- As I said earlier in the thread, I sold my Geo Kalk reactor when I decided to go with the two part. This was for two main reasons: 1) With the Kalk reactor alone, I just wasn't able to get my pH where I wanted it to be. 2) I also learned how simple the design of the Geo reactor was, and also what was cumbersome about it. I decided that it would not be too difficult to improvise with my own DIY reactor should I find it necessary to continue to use kalkwasser. I expect that my DIY reactor will cost less than $10 to make, given that I designed it around stuff I had laying around in the garage.
- Lastly, organize my sump and electrical in the "fish closet". My plan was originally quite simple in my mind, but in my mind I didn't picture the bird's nest of cables. The sump really will only consist of the skimmer, carbon reactor mounted to the side, return pump, heaters, and a couple of probes and top off sensors. I currently use filter socks, but don't want to use them long term - typically I use them to help with diffusing bubbles from the drains. Without the filter socks, I will add a Koralia 7 to the Koralia 4 that is already there to prevent anything from settling.
Pictures of the new changes should be up by the weekend.
Thanks for following along!
- Getting my BRS carbon reactor on-line. I got the deluxe version which is really a nice reactor, great quality and simple ease of use. I don't know how ViaAqua and others still make media reactors with how inferior they are compared to the BRS products. I will run this reactor with a MaxiJet 600, which I will turn down to about 70%, which I determined based on a test of the flow rate.
- Turn my refugium into a frag tank. The tank is a standard 20L, which will continue to have some LR rubble in it. I will use some plastic grate material used for lighting fixtures and some pvc to elevate the rock and frags off of the bottom, and have Koralia 4 blowing along the bottom glass to keep it clear. The K4 along with the return pump sending about 600 gph in there, it should be plenty of flow to keep things clean.
- I also managed to find a used lighting set-up for the frag tank. I will be using a Reef Optix 3 reflector, Blue Wave 150w ballast, and 150w 14k Phoenix to grow my frags under. Right now I've got a handful of small SPS frags that will grow out in there a bit so they don't get bulldozed by anything in the tank. I also want to see how they color up before I mount them anywhere to ensure I'm happy with the placement.
- My two part system should arrive tomorrow. I did some experimenting with adding the Alk portion of the two part which seemed to help me out, and liked the ability to add more or less - something I couldn't do with just a top off reactor. I chose to buy the Two Part Total Solution Kit from BRS and also two of their HD peristaltic dosing pumps. These pumps and the dosing will be controlled by my Apex.
- As I said earlier in the thread, I sold my Geo Kalk reactor when I decided to go with the two part. This was for two main reasons: 1) With the Kalk reactor alone, I just wasn't able to get my pH where I wanted it to be. 2) I also learned how simple the design of the Geo reactor was, and also what was cumbersome about it. I decided that it would not be too difficult to improvise with my own DIY reactor should I find it necessary to continue to use kalkwasser. I expect that my DIY reactor will cost less than $10 to make, given that I designed it around stuff I had laying around in the garage.
- Lastly, organize my sump and electrical in the "fish closet". My plan was originally quite simple in my mind, but in my mind I didn't picture the bird's nest of cables. The sump really will only consist of the skimmer, carbon reactor mounted to the side, return pump, heaters, and a couple of probes and top off sensors. I currently use filter socks, but don't want to use them long term - typically I use them to help with diffusing bubbles from the drains. Without the filter socks, I will add a Koralia 7 to the Koralia 4 that is already there to prevent anything from settling.
Pictures of the new changes should be up by the weekend.
Thanks for following along!
KCMO Reefer
New member
Dang photobucket!
Daniel Reef
New member
I was thinking of getting a GEO and would appreciate any discussions of your experience and what you would recommend I purchase since I don't have stuff that I can use for a DIY right now. Thanks
customdusty
New member
Those bass-terds! Looks like photobucket has me right where they wanted. I guess I'm getting too many views on this thread!
customdusty
New member
The main problem I had wasn't actually with the reactor itself. I was using this kalk reactor with my auto-top off, meaning that it only added kalkwasser to replace my evaporation. The problem was that my evaporation was too low relative to my total water volume. This meant that I was only adding a little bit of kalk to a lot of water - thus not getting the full dosage my system required. As far as the reactor, I thought it was a well built product - although after seeing it how simple it was, I was suprised by the cost.
I got more proficient at draining the reactor and adding new kalk, but coudn't avoid little splashes of kalkwasser everywhere, including the entire path from my kitchen sink to where the tank is. The solution is a milky color when it is mixed so splashes aren't that noticeable, but when they dry... let's just say they aren't that hard to miss. Plus you have to add all of the new kalk powder (or pre-mixed slurry) through a 1" bulkhead on the top - which is code for: USE A FUNNEL or you will have white stuff everywhere.
As far as my DIY reactor - I will use an empty salt bucket and some pipes/tubing I have left over, it will be fed by my top off pump, and be stirred with an old maxijet I have lying around. The only thing I bought was a small bulkhead. I'll have it built tomorrow night and try it out. This way I will have at least a 12" opening to add new kalk powder, no pre-mixing slurries, and worst case, I have to occasionally replace a powerhead for less than $20 - which is no different than the Geo. If each of the powerheads last me a year, I've got 15 years to go before I reach the cost of the Geo! Although I have not tried this out yet, I expect it to work. The only possible drawback would be that the design would not be completely sealed, there will be two 1/8" holes. I'm sure that there will not be that much O2 exchange through those holes over a 2-3 week period to really affect the potency of the mix.
customdusty
New member
Got my photobucket resolved, $25... bass-terds
Daniel Reef
New member
Well, let me know how the new reactor works.
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customdusty
New member
I finally got the two part system in place, although I have struggled a bit with getting my programs right on my Apex controller. I had a slight overdose due to the programming, which brought my pH up to 8.4 from 7.8 in two days. I thought I resolved the problem in the program and then realized the dosing pumps weren't being turned on, and then my pH went back down. Due to having a few large swings in pH throughout my transition from my kalkwasser reactor to the two part (partly due to the programming troubles), my tank is definately showing the effects. Although PE has been ok, several of my SPS had the colors rapidly fade and I had some tissue loss on my red lobo.
I think that I have things about 90% resolved on my two part programs now, I just need to separate the timing of each of the two parts, right now they are only 5 minutes apart for some reason, although I have them programmed for 30.
On a related note, I did finish my DIY kalkwasser reactor and have been testing it out with my top off system however I have not added kalk powder to it. Everything seems to be working great, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out for the minimal cost.
I'll get some pictures up in the next few days of two part and reactor set-ups. I'm also in the final stages of getting the frag tank done, so I'll post that update as well very soon.
I think that I have things about 90% resolved on my two part programs now, I just need to separate the timing of each of the two parts, right now they are only 5 minutes apart for some reason, although I have them programmed for 30.
On a related note, I did finish my DIY kalkwasser reactor and have been testing it out with my top off system however I have not added kalk powder to it. Everything seems to be working great, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out for the minimal cost.
I'll get some pictures up in the next few days of two part and reactor set-ups. I'm also in the final stages of getting the frag tank done, so I'll post that update as well very soon.
customdusty
New member
Right about now, I am wrapping up my first 6 full weeks with the new system. I'm just now finally getting things organized and stable, and establishing a routine. With the set-up of the new system, then the removal of half of the LR a few weeks into it being up, there have been a few ups and downs. Compounded by my changeover from no kalk reactor, to a kalk reactor, then without one, then changing to two part dosing, having an overdose, now to running two part daily - my tank definately has showed some signs of progress, and some signs of stress. I believe that due to the number of changes, I have noticed very slow tissue loss at the base of my large slimer colony, but hopefully as time goes on and things are more stable, it will come back. Other corals like my Tri Color Valida and Superman monti have really colored up nicely. To date, I've not noticed any nuisance algae whatsoever in the system, nice and clean! Here are some key things I have been dedicating most of my effort towards.
My pH, Alk, Calc Adventure
I should have my Apex controller hooked up online this weekend so I can get access to my pH data charts, but I think I have things more stable, although my pH still remains a bit low. The two part is now maintaining the pH a bit better, although not raising it. Over the next few days, I play to gradually raise the pH, and adjust my two part dose to maintain it at the higher level. Right now, I am fluctuating between about 7.85-8.00 from day to night, although I hope to improve on that range some. My target will be 8.1-8.2 on a day to day basis. I'm being much more cautious and moving more slowly now that I had a near disaster. Hopefully, I can get this ironed out and let it be more set and forget moving forward.
Bacteria Adventure
I'm a full 3 weeks into dosing vodka now, and 5 weeks in with MB7. I've noticed that my polyp extension on all of my SPS has increased dramatically. In the morning today when I was up very early before work, I took a look at some of my SPS and couldn't believe the PE, I never knew it was even possible! I can't wait to get my new camera so I can do some macro shots, but that is a few weeks away still. One side effect I have noticed is that I believe I reached the threshold with the vodka dose, at 2ml/day, I'm starting to get a white film on my glass pretty quickly, so I'm going to bring the dosage down to 1ml, and creep up more slowly, providing things look ok. I'm currently dosing 7 drops of MB7 daily as well, and although I've been somewhat inconsistent with the MB7 dose, I'll start to get a better feel now that it is becoming more of a long term routine. I think I have a fair base line now and can make better decisions about what to adjust based on how things look in the tank.
Keeping my Fish Happy
All of my fish seem much "happier" in the new system vs. the old. The old system was cluttered with 170 lbs of rock, some large softies, and very little swimming space and more defined "territories". The open floor plan now leaves plenty of open space, and ample places to hide for everybody. They all seem to get along a lot better, there are fewer if any quarrels and the environment is much more peaceful. And don't forget the best thing about the open layout, the fish are always in view! I will be adding one more fish to finish up which would be a Naso Blonde Tang to accompany my: Bangaii Cardinal, Alardi Clown, Royal Gramma, Yellow Tang, Blue Regal Tang, African Midas Blenny, Orange Cheek Anthias, and Radiant Wrasse. The vodka dosing and more than capable skimmer have also helped me continue to feed the fish as I like, without the high nutrient effects.
My pH, Alk, Calc Adventure
I should have my Apex controller hooked up online this weekend so I can get access to my pH data charts, but I think I have things more stable, although my pH still remains a bit low. The two part is now maintaining the pH a bit better, although not raising it. Over the next few days, I play to gradually raise the pH, and adjust my two part dose to maintain it at the higher level. Right now, I am fluctuating between about 7.85-8.00 from day to night, although I hope to improve on that range some. My target will be 8.1-8.2 on a day to day basis. I'm being much more cautious and moving more slowly now that I had a near disaster. Hopefully, I can get this ironed out and let it be more set and forget moving forward.
Bacteria Adventure
I'm a full 3 weeks into dosing vodka now, and 5 weeks in with MB7. I've noticed that my polyp extension on all of my SPS has increased dramatically. In the morning today when I was up very early before work, I took a look at some of my SPS and couldn't believe the PE, I never knew it was even possible! I can't wait to get my new camera so I can do some macro shots, but that is a few weeks away still. One side effect I have noticed is that I believe I reached the threshold with the vodka dose, at 2ml/day, I'm starting to get a white film on my glass pretty quickly, so I'm going to bring the dosage down to 1ml, and creep up more slowly, providing things look ok. I'm currently dosing 7 drops of MB7 daily as well, and although I've been somewhat inconsistent with the MB7 dose, I'll start to get a better feel now that it is becoming more of a long term routine. I think I have a fair base line now and can make better decisions about what to adjust based on how things look in the tank.
Keeping my Fish Happy
All of my fish seem much "happier" in the new system vs. the old. The old system was cluttered with 170 lbs of rock, some large softies, and very little swimming space and more defined "territories". The open floor plan now leaves plenty of open space, and ample places to hide for everybody. They all seem to get along a lot better, there are fewer if any quarrels and the environment is much more peaceful. And don't forget the best thing about the open layout, the fish are always in view! I will be adding one more fish to finish up which would be a Naso Blonde Tang to accompany my: Bangaii Cardinal, Alardi Clown, Royal Gramma, Yellow Tang, Blue Regal Tang, African Midas Blenny, Orange Cheek Anthias, and Radiant Wrasse. The vodka dosing and more than capable skimmer have also helped me continue to feed the fish as I like, without the high nutrient effects.
customdusty
New member
FTS will be be in a couple of weeks when I get my new Nikon P90. My current digital camera is just horrid for shooting the tank and macro function really isn't macro. It really is made to fit in a purse, and that's about it.
I'll get some more overview shots sometime soon if I can get them to turn out well.
mario8402
New member
I dont know if it makes much difference to you at this point, but I would recomend losing the rubbermaid container sump.
I had one as my top off reservoir too, I had a bulkhead plumbed to the bottom of it and I used it raised in an armoire via gravity; worked great for about 2 years, but I just recently I noticed that the caulk on my baseboards were coming off... i looked into it and the baseboards had been soaked completely, and I had a water line about 3in up the sheetrock. apprently the container decided to get a hairline fracture along the rounded part of the bottom and it had been slowly dripping onto my carpet... of course it was the corner of my dining room where no one ever goes so it has been leaking for probably months unnoticed... just a "beware" for ya...
good build though, i like your setup!
I had one as my top off reservoir too, I had a bulkhead plumbed to the bottom of it and I used it raised in an armoire via gravity; worked great for about 2 years, but I just recently I noticed that the caulk on my baseboards were coming off... i looked into it and the baseboards had been soaked completely, and I had a water line about 3in up the sheetrock. apprently the container decided to get a hairline fracture along the rounded part of the bottom and it had been slowly dripping onto my carpet... of course it was the corner of my dining room where no one ever goes so it has been leaking for probably months unnoticed... just a "beware" for ya...
good build though, i like your setup!
customdusty
New member
The rubbermaid sump was something I was definately worried about going in, but wanted to use so when I wanted to change it, it would not be a huge or costly process. I don't have mine drilled with any bulkheads or modified in any way, and I have it less than half way filled to minimize the amount of stress on it. I wanted some time to figure how the whole system operates and what I like or dislike about how I have things placed. Ultimately with some experience, I will replace it with something more permanent. Having a $15 sump makes it easy to pull it out and replace it vs. investing $100s and not liking it.
I've already started sketching out a custom sump and frag tank combination that will eliminate my noisy, high powered Rio pump (so I can replace it with an Eheim), elminate my continuous siphon overflow on my frag tank (which has the potential to flood my house if the siphon breaks), and also eliminate both the rubbermaid sump, 20 gallon frag tank, and half of the plumbing.
All of the while, I will save space too.
customdusty
New member
I get my new digital camera this Friday, hopefully my wife let's me use it and doesn't make me wait until Christmas to have it.
Some bad news today though, I lost another frag....
Two weeks ago my 1" frag of ORA Bellina went missing, and I couldn't figure out where it went. Waste of $60
This morning I was up taking a look at the tank before leaving for work and I noticed my long spine urchin on a piece of rock right where I placed some new frags yesterday. On a hunch, I flipped the lights on and realized that he was sitting a top my new pink milli completely devouring it. I grapped a net and brushed him off of it, only to find that the 1" frag had been reduced to the superglue I used to place it - Completely gone.
Looks like my urchin needs to find a new home.
Some bad news today though, I lost another frag....
Two weeks ago my 1" frag of ORA Bellina went missing, and I couldn't figure out where it went. Waste of $60
This morning I was up taking a look at the tank before leaving for work and I noticed my long spine urchin on a piece of rock right where I placed some new frags yesterday. On a hunch, I flipped the lights on and realized that he was sitting a top my new pink milli completely devouring it. I grapped a net and brushed him off of it, only to find that the 1" frag had been reduced to the superglue I used to place it - Completely gone.
Looks like my urchin needs to find a new home.
customdusty
New member
Got the new camera today! Unfortunately I am leaving for Europe this weekend and won't be back for week and a half before I can start snapping some new pictures. Lots of updates, frag tank is 90% finished, just need to move some rock from there to the DT to do another aquascape. My fish closet is just about done now as well for the time being. I also fired up my DIY kalk reactor and it seems to be working very well. Pictures and several updates to follow once I return from my trip.
