Advice from the Vets? 165 Gallon Mixed Reef Build Thread...

[iCraigerz]

I just came across an interesting thread regarding acid baths. This pretty much clears up any questions I had. I just ordered a Hanna PO4 checker and if my rocks are leaching PO4 as I suspect they probably are I'm going to go ahead and give this a try.

http://http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=65968

 

[AJsReef]

+1 on the stand height. When I clean my skimmer in my 55 sump I have to actually slide the sump out of the stand. I only have enough room to get the collection cup out (6")

 

[iCraigerz]

Updates on the stand...

I doubt you can really tell from the last picture but the support beams are completely removable in so that I can get the sump underneath and remove it it need be.

Also, the decor on the door will obviously be perfectly aligned and stained once completed.

 

[iCraigerz]

I'd suggest at least letting the rocks sit in some circulating water for a week. After a week, test phosphate to see if any is leeching out. If it is leeching, it would be MUCH easier to deal with before the rock is put in the tank. I didn't do that with my Marco Rock prior to setting up my tank, and I wish I had.

So Grok - I went ahead and took your advice. Well, sort of. I did a two day soak in RO/DI with a few Koralias and then removed the rock, dipped the rock in two fresh buckets of more RO/DI and prepared for another soak in which I'll dip again and be done. Here are the results of this...

The water after the first soak...

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PO4 test results before the first dip/re-soak...

I only tested this once...

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PO4 test results after the first dip and taken during the second soak...

I tested this three times. Two tests pictured are in the order I took them in. I'm a little thrown off by the second test coming in a 0.04 whole the other two were straight zero's.

 

[keegoaz]

Hanna checkers precision +-0.04 im sure your fine. Remember our measuring devices are never 100% accurate

 

[iCraigerz]

Hanna checkers precision +-0.04 im sure your fine. Remember our measuring devices are never 100% accurate

So, in the spirit of the best two out of three...

Would you say it's safe to say I'm good @ 0.00?

That's probably a dumb question but I literally just received this checker in the mail today...

 

[keegoaz]

If it were my rock i would be working on my aquascape right now if that's what your asking.

 

[dream54ing]

Nothing to comment other than "wow". Very nice work Craig!
Sorry for late intro, problem with the knee
Keep us all posted and more pics!!! Looks like your on the right track! Definitely tagging along for the ride!

 

[iCraigerz]

Nothing to comment other than "wow". Very nice work Craig!
Sorry for late intro, problem with the knee
Keep us all posted and more pics!!! Looks like your on the right track! Definitely tagging along for the ride!

Thanks buddy! I'm still waiting to hear back from DSA on what they're going to do about the botched vinyl job I received on the tank - but that's okay because I'm going to start setting up that beautiful Solana I got from you for my office. Also, that'll give me more time to figure out what I want to do about either a calcium reactor or two part dosing. Do you have any recommendations? I was thinking about running the Litermeter 3 with two part dosing?

 

[iCraigerz]

The pictures don't really do it justice, but the stand is done. I'm still waiting on my replacement tank from DSA but it shouldn't be too much longer.

 

[iCraigerz]

Does anyone know what this is? It came off some live seed rock I got from Marcos. Also, there were a few dead crabs (what looked like Sally Lightfoots) & a dead Serpent Star.