Building My 375gal Glass Reef

[Dudester]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14279724#post14279724 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GlassReef

I thought of a possible modification of your detritus blower. I also like the idea of using a powerhead to blow off the rocks down low in the tank without getting wet. The only problem I see with yours is that you have to be near an outlet, or have an extension cord with you to plug in the MaxiJet (unless, of course, you're ok running the pump dry for a short while). I might re-create your device, but in addition add a switch to the opposite end of the PVC pipe and plug the MaxiJet into the switch. The PVC pipe would have to be long enough to ensure that the switch doesn't get submerged, but that might be something to consider. Sorry for the long-winded explanation for something so ridiculous but I think you'll get what I mean.

 

[GlassReef]

Sounds cool to me! Just be sure the handle is long enough so that if you drop it, the end can't end up under water - no matter what!

 

[maxxII]

Tom,
Just finished reading all 35 pages....

Wow, impressive to say the least. I think you and Weatherson need to start a company and let people pay you to design reeftanks!

As far as the Hair algae problem goes....everytime I've started a new tank, I had issues with hair algae. I second Stevei K's sentiment of GFO, raising mag above 1500, and purchasing grazers...

It will take care of itself, just give it time to settle down. Dont forget, reef's (both real and aquariums) are places of intense competition for nutrients and space. Right now, you have tons of space and no competitors for the nutrients the algae is consuming...

Nick

 

[GlassReef]

maxxII - thanks for the complients! And also for the sound advice. I'm just in "Oh da@mn" mode. I know the problem will pass, especially with good params. My NO3 and PO4 are both zero, so it's just a matter of how much gunk is still in the rocks. Shouldn't be too long.

 

[Chrisrush]

Tom,
I just broke down my tank where I was dosing ca/alk/mg similar to how you have your tank setup. After a year, I had some huge stalagmites hanging off my doser setup. Just keep them accessible and you should be ok. Also, make sure to keep the tubing clean as well as the alk can clog very easily.

 

[TandN]

Hey tom get 10 mexican turbos 2 days it will be gone. The mag raise is good but inverts don't take kind to it. My ta k is all Marco rock but cured it far 9 months and added fritz-zyme to it. I still get some algae even though my trates are0 and po4 is .03 on my hanna

 

[GlassReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14495563#post14495563 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Chrisrush
... make sure to keep the tubing clean as well as the alk can clog very easily.

Thanks for the info, Chris. How far up into the tubing did you get clogging.

 

[GlassReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14495580#post14495580 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TandN
Hey tom get 10 mexican turbos 2 days it will be gone. The mag raise is good but inverts don't take kind to it. My ta k is all Marco rock but cured it far 9 months and added fritz-zyme to it. I still get some algae even though my trates are0 and po4 is .03 on my hanna

Hey guys! Thanks for the advice. I started to get some Fritz-Zyme, but then I got sticker shock. :eek2:

 

[maxxII]

My tank has had its fair share of issues, but inverts not handling high mag levels isnt one of them. I've routinely kept it at 1550 or higher and my SPS, Ritteri anemone, and clams have had no issues from it. I've kept the Ritteri for almost 3 years now.

Nick

 

[uncleof6]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14495976#post14495976 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GlassReef
Hey guys! Thanks for the advice. I started to get some Fritz-Zyme, but then I got sticker shock. :eek2:

I remember Fritz-zyme from the early eighties! That stuff is still around? Oh, I borrowed your stand design... sorta. I read more than I post. Your setup is most excellent.

Regards,

Jim

 

[cja_2000]

unbelievable absolutly stunning can't wait to see it stocked

 

[Chrisrush]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14495963#post14495963 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GlassReef
Thanks for the info, Chris. How far up into the tubing did you get clogging.

It didn't clog too far up the tube, mostly where the alk tube met the air. I was able to pull it out and snip off the end, which fixed the problem.

I cleaned out the sump today, and even though the sump was in a mild vinegar bath for several days, the alk stalagmites are still caked on. That stuff is pretty potent.

 

[GlassReef]

uncleof6 - I had no idea that stuff is so old. BTW, thanks for the kind words

cja_2000 - thank you. I be starting to stock it real soon now.

Chrisrush - thanks for the details Chris. Sounds like something one has to stay on top of.

 

[GlassReef]

I did some work over the weekend. Managed to finish the supplement dosing station. I placed it low on the wall next to the saltwater storage tank:

Here's another view:

When the room is completely finished, there will be a work bench attached to the wall just above it - effectively hiding the station beneath it. The station consists of three 2-1/2gal plastic jugs - each fitted with a 1/4" Jaco connector:

The supplements are pumped from the jugs to the sump using a LiterMeter III and two remote LiterMeter pumps. The pumps sit on a plate made of leftover 3/8" black acrylic sheet:

The LiterMeter III with remotes is perfect for this application as each pump can be set to deliver a different amount of supplement. This lets me set the dosing up to ensure very stable water parameters.

I laid the color coded PEX tubing along the wall of the room inside a 3/4" PVC pipe:

Further along the wall (behind the saltwater storage tank), three more PEX tubes enter the pipe. They're used for the automatic water changes (explained a couple of pages back).

When the supplements reach the sump they enter through a set of Jaco connectors (pic repeat from last week):

 

[jnarowe]

looking very good. :thumbsup:

 

[EnglishRebel]

Tom
I'm going to nominate you for NEAT FREAK OF THE MONTH
Of course I will be in the running to so don't think you've got it tied up. :lol: :lol:

BTW Great job. I've seen others on RC (Um, Fish?) use a medical peristaltic pump that they got off eBay.

 

[AD87]

So sorry if I missed this but your going to be using just 2part? No reactor?

 

[reefrubble]

Tom , Everything you do is so neat , and clean. Plus your whole system is so well thought out , and put together . Tom ,You Da Man .

 

[StevieK]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14519867#post14519867 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by speeddemonlsr
So sorry if I missed this but your going to be using just 2part? No reactor?

yes

 

[Leonardo_]

Looks very good! The idea behind the Balling Method is that you dose the same amount of the three solutions. Will you go another route?

Leonardo