BUILDING A DREAM....SPS Dominated Tank build
- Thread starter Reef_Noob
- Start date
Reef_Noob
New member
Hi Brett thanks. Wanted a simple sump with not too many baffles.
Used 6mm tempered glass.
Custom made to fit in the Bubble King skimmer and skimmer compartment water level to be at constant 25cm, the height recommended by Royal Exclusive guys.
Reef_Noob
New member
I'm in process of installing the new sump and my new skimmer. I am not having a lot of space to play with, so planning and arranging stuff to make best use of the available space.
I'm also plumbing in my chiller, as il be cranking up the main LEDs to full power and I want the temp at a constant 25 deg C.
Im not sure whether to start my Kalk reactor yet, coz the 2 part is working fine. Should I wait bit more after I add more SPS in or is it better to start Kalk dosing right away? And should I continue the 2 part dosing along with the Kalk dosing?What will be the best idea?
Waiting for some suggestions from ya all.
I'm also plumbing in my chiller, as il be cranking up the main LEDs to full power and I want the temp at a constant 25 deg C.
Im not sure whether to start my Kalk reactor yet, coz the 2 part is working fine. Should I wait bit more after I add more SPS in or is it better to start Kalk dosing right away? And should I continue the 2 part dosing along with the Kalk dosing?What will be the best idea?
Waiting for some suggestions from ya all.
chrishayes
New member
I think I would stick to the two part since you are carbon dosing. kalk does keep alk a little higher than you want. Plus I cant see any reason to run a kalk reactor if two part is keeping up unless you are chasing ph numbers. I feel they should be either used as a standalone cal alk additive or along with a calrx to offset the low ph caused by the co2. Cant see a good reason to use one with two part though I may be wrong...
I like to use kalk if it can supply enough for demand because it is so easy to use and it keeps very stable parameters along with keeping ph up and precipitating po4. It is said to help your skimmer performance also but ive never seen this in my tanks.
I like to use kalk if it can supply enough for demand because it is so easy to use and it keeps very stable parameters along with keeping ph up and precipitating po4. It is said to help your skimmer performance also but ive never seen this in my tanks.
Reef_Noob
New member
Thanks a lot for the input Chris.
Yes you are right i wanna keep my Alk at 8 dkh. And its pretty stable with the 2 part addition as of now. But pH has lowered and is in range between 8.1 - 8.2, this is after i made the first water change. I am not gonna do anything to increase it to 8.3 coz everything seems to be ok with the tank now. I havent added any more fishes yet, so i need to keep an eye on the pH and Alk once i start adding more fishes and corals. So if things keep up with 2 part even then then i would not try something to put my tank off balance. So i will wait and watch.
I do have plans of automating the dosing in future hooking it up with an aquarium computer.
Reef_Noob
New member
Update...
The new sump's in the cabinet and i installed the skimmer today.
Ran the skimmer without the skimmer head/collection cup as per BK instructions and within 10 mins the foam head cushion formed, the BK guys suggested to wait until the foam cushion formed (within a short time as per manual and they were spot on!) and to let the skimmer run like that for 2 hours and then to put the skimmer head/collection cup on.
Now the skimmer is running with the collection cup on and water level about 2cm below the recommended water level.
Some pics...
A Surge protector, (as recommended by the BK guys)
Skimmer before the install...
Foam Cushion...
The new sump's in the cabinet and i installed the skimmer today.
Ran the skimmer without the skimmer head/collection cup as per BK instructions and within 10 mins the foam head cushion formed, the BK guys suggested to wait until the foam cushion formed (within a short time as per manual and they were spot on!) and to let the skimmer run like that for 2 hours and then to put the skimmer head/collection cup on.
Now the skimmer is running with the collection cup on and water level about 2cm below the recommended water level.
Some pics...
A Surge protector, (as recommended by the BK guys)
Skimmer before the install...
Foam Cushion...
chrishayes
New member
Looks great noob! Love that freakin skimmer man! Wish I couldve swung the cash for one but my SWC performs above my expectations and really only skims when I stir up the sand. The fuge is ROCKIN so it is currently outcompeting my skimmer which I didnt expect. More fish are in order to keep some nutrients in my tank thats for sure.
You have the right idea with the dosers to automate unless you are always home and rarely vacation...
You have the right idea with the dosers to automate unless you are always home and rarely vacation...
Reef_Noob
New member
Hey Bro ..Nice to hear from ya :wave:
Thanks for following...and yup il be updating...slowly but steadily im installing the new sump components and it needs to be organized and il post pics soon
Reef_Noob
New member
Hi Chris....the BK is dialing in and iv kept the water level 2cm below the recommended water level mark, so its forming some thick foam now. In couple of days time i will adjust the skimmer to raise the water level to the recommended level.....and see what happens...
Yes i did see the pics of your refugium, its taken off pretty well and must be producing tons of pods which your fish gonna love!!
And the sutomated doser set up is in gonna be the next "big" update...hopefully :rollface:
Reef_Noob
New member
Noob, that skimmer looks nice. How are the Potters doing. Ive always wanted a pair but Im too chicken.
Hi Brett...:wavehand:
The skimmer is dialing in....and it lookin to be on track :rollface:
The Potters is doing fine and he has not attacked my LPS...yet...
I just have one Potters in my tank....getting a mated couple would be just cool....
But make sure they are feeding in quarantine before ya get em....
Very beautiful fish...
Reef_Noob
New member
New sump, new skimmer, new corals, man you are definately on a roll.
Your whole setup is really coming together nice.
:thumbsup: thanks a lot Reef Smac....
Variety is the spice of life...aint it? :lol2:
REEF SMAC
New member
The first wrasse I ever bought, back when I was just getting into this hobby, love em. Bought another one after the first one suicide jumped. He's everywhere in my tank, very active. I've had my second one about four years now.
He kills any other fairy wrasse I attempt to put in my tank but gets along great with everyone else.
He kills any other fairy wrasse I attempt to put in my tank but gets along great with everyone else.
