CADlights 39g Pro build thread

[reeftivo]

LMAO!!TATATOOTHY!

Passcode challenged with my cell phone. I auto log on at work and just haven't got around to retrieving my passcode yet to log in as reeftivo on the cell-LOL. I tried a couple times when I was out of town and got frustrated then just created bababooy temporarily. I know, LAME!

Update on my tank: Old MP20 took a dive and froze up. Wet assembly is fine but the dry side is the issue. No warrany left on it so I will have to opt for hydor or tunze for now. The tank has been suffering due to an ongoing battle with the Mrs. to assist with zeovit schedule while out of town. It has no doubt been lacking in some areas since I'm now battling cyano and gha. I'm also getting TN at the base of a few acros which indicates to me that they may be getting inconsistent feedings. Time to either get automated or dump the zeovit and go with something more manageable for my travel.

I'll keep you updated

 

[mkregs]

LMAO!!TATATOOTHY!

Passcode challenged with my cell phone. I auto log on at work and just haven't got around to retrieving my passcode yet to log in as reeftivo on the cell-LOL. I tried a couple times when I was out of town and got frustrated then just created bababooy temporarily. I know, LAME!

You probably already know this, but Tapatalk is a great app to use on your Android device for working with the forums you access. Set your reeftivo username and password once and you're logged in anytime you want to access the forum(s).


Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

Time to either get automated or dump the zeovit and go with something more manageable for my travel.

...Apex - You've been putting it off for a loooong time

 

[reeftivo]

You probably already know this, but Tapatalk is a great app to use on your Android device for working with the forums you access. Set your reeftivo username and password once and you're logged in anytime you want to access the forum(s).


Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

TX mkregs,

will check it out for sure!

 

[reeftivo]

...Apex - You've been putting it off for a loooong time

I know, I know-LOL!

Have to wait a couple more months. By then I should have figured out where to put my Ca RX. My floor plan downstairs limits me a bit on where to put things. The Apex is definately in the mix though so thanks!

I can't seem to get things balanced right now even though my perams are close to spot on (sg 1.026, PO4 .02, NO3 1ppm, Mg 1300, K 380, temp 77, pH 8.1 to 8.3).

Checked my RO (0 tds with o silicates). The membrane is a bit old but readings are good. I was hoping the added flow would facilitate things a bit more but it's actually done nothing noticeable for the last few days.

Anyways, the one thing I do know is I've got some stored up nutrients coming from somewhere. Just a little strange that my trates aren't higher. I doubt the amount of algae I have could mask that low of a reading but you never know.

I'll figure it out!

 

[meinestrasse]

CAD is now selling a 100G starphire package. Eddie quoted me just over $1000 for the tank and stand only. Full package runs $1700.

I nominate Tivo.

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

CAD is now selling a 100G starphire package. Eddie quoted me just over $1000 for the tank and stand only. Full package runs $1700.

I nominate Tivo.

+1 RT needs a new challenge

On an unrelated issue, I'm happy to report it fits

RT - Here's a shot of the Tropic Marin media,

For more info and pics, here's the CaRx build thread is entitled "The End of 2-Part"

 

[MarkL]

Hello everyone,

This has been a good wealth of information and it was well worth reading!

I had a plumbing question before I get my tank and set it up.

Has anyone considered hard plumbing using pvc? I was thinking of putting 90 degrees (both at the top of the stand) on the return and drain so to eliminate that flexible tube which runs diagonal to the sump. Not sure if this will free up some space and am unsure if this will restrict the flow leaving the tank or cause more noise.. I am guessing having the PVC pipe going straight up the stand would look neater at the least.

 

[reeftivo]

Hello everyone,

This has been a good wealth of information and it was well worth reading!

I had a plumbing question before I get my tank and set it up.

Has anyone considered hard plumbing using pvc? I was thinking of putting 90 degrees (both at the top of the stand) on the return and drain so to eliminate that flexible tube which runs diagonal to the sump. Not sure if this will free up some space and am unsure if this will restrict the flow leaving the tank or cause more noise.. I am guessing having the PVC pipe going straight up the stand would look neater at the least.

I hard plumbed my return (above pics), but have not hard plumbed the drain off the bulkhead or the pump to the bulk head. I may hard plumb the drain but I will not hard plumb the return pump because of noise and vibration. I hard plumbed the pump to the bulkhead for about an hour and couldn't stand the hum I got with the slight vibration from the pump through the pvc.

That was just my experience so you may still want to try it. I'm a fiddler (LOL) so hard plumbing probably isn't in the cards for me on this little tank.

HAppy Reefing

Tivo

PS thanks guys for the encouragement regarding taking on a new challenge with a bigger tank:lmao:. Right now I can barely handle a 39 gallon:lmao:.

Dam that 100SF is singing to me though-

 

[reeftivo]

+1 RT needs a new challenge

On an unrelated issue, I'm happy to report it fits

RT - Here's a shot of the Tropic Marin media,

For more info and pics, here's the CaRx build thread is entitled "The End of 2-Part"

wow,

The set up looks nice! The media looks very similar to ARM but maybe a little smoother and more uniform in size. Hows the dialing in going?

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

wow,

The set up looks nice! The media looks very similar to ARM but maybe a little smoother and more uniform in size. Hows the dialing in going?

Thanks RT - Tuning is going well. 10 BPM @ 2.5PSI and 20ml/min effluent equates to ~6.65pH in the reactor and no change in tank pH. I've already cut 2-part dosing by 50%. Should have 9dKh / 440Ca dialed in by the weekend and be able to shut down the dosing pumps.

Having the Apex's ability to track CaRxpH in real time and the dial-it-and-forget-it Carbon doser regulator makes this simple. Even the ALK testing is easy and takes only about 60 seconds with the Hanna 755. I wish I had done this years ago.

 

[MyMonkey]

Great looking tanks.

 

[reeftivo]

Thanks RT - Tuning is going well. 10 BPM @ 2.5PSI and 20ml/min effluent equates to ~6.65pH in the reactor and no change in tank pH. I've already cut 2-part dosing by 50%. Should have 9dKh / 440Ca dialed in by the weekend and be able to shut down the dosing pumps.

Having the Apex's ability to track CaRxpH in real time and the dial-it-and-forget-it Carbon doser regulator makes this simple. Even the ALK testing is easy and takes only about 60 seconds with the Hanna 755. I wish I had done this years ago.

Very cool!

Can you actually remote program?

Also, curious to see how the PO4 is affected with your media because the ARM media seemed to leach a little PO4 into my system. I had 0 PO4 running ROWA before I added my reactor and 2 weeks later tested w/ hanna at .03. It was stable at .03 and wasn't problematic though. May or may not have been the media but I've read a few posts with similar results.

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

Very cool!

Can you actually remote program?

Also, curious to see how the PO4 is affected with your media because the ARM media seemed to leach a little PO4 into my system. I had 0 PO4 running ROWA before I added my reactor and 2 weeks later tested w/ hanna at .03. It was stable at .03 and wasn't problematic though. May or may not have been the media but I've read a few posts with similar results.

Sure, monitoring and programming is easy from anywhere as long as you have Internet access - even my phone.

I read an older review that said ARM had the lowest PO4 levels of those tested - but the Tropic Marin wasn't out at the time. I'll have to watch and see. I have a DSB in the DT and run GFO , so even it it contributes a small amount, I doubt I would even notice it. <fingers crossed>

I officially kicked the 2-part habit this morning - dosing pumps turned off Build thread updated.

 

[reeftivo]

Sure, monitoring and programming is easy from anywhere as long as you have Internet access - even my phone.

I read an older review that said ARM had the lowest PO4 levels of those tested - but the Tropic Marin wasn't out at the time. I'll have to watch and see. I have a DSB in the DT and run GFO , so even it it contributes a small amount, I doubt I would even notice it. <fingers crossed>

I officially kicked the 2-part habit this morning - dosing pumps turned off Build thread updated.

Man, that Apex unit sounds awsome. I'll either have to wait for B day in sept. or for Santa to bring one to me. Unfortunatley I just bought a new car for the wife so funds are limited for a while. Nice thing about that though is that she won't argue too much when the apex shows up on the wish list.

Re: the TM media

I agree! I doubt you'll have any issues w/ PO4 especially since you have loads of frags and Main display corals. That and the bed will use up most residual PO4.

I've been concentrating on the tank to get things back in order. Zeo dosing has been fine tuned. I will be leaving for a week to Seattle so hopefully all goes well. If things continue to be problematic in the upcoming weeks then I may return to the refugium or throw some BP's in my TLF reactor and see where that goes.

Gotta love this hobby!

Happy Reefing

Tivo

 

[reeftivo]

Man I love this tank!

Just a quick post attesting to the quality and strength of my tank!

Okay, I'm fiddling again moving some rock around to increase flow toward the back of the tank and wouldn't you know it, crash! one of my big support rocks falls over and smacks the hell out of the side of the tank glass. I mean smacked it so hard I felt the whole tank vibrate and it sounded like someone dropped a 2 x 4. I almost had a heart attack!!!!!!!!!!

Not a freakin scratch and this was a big piece of dense key largo rock!! what the heck! My tank must be made from diamonds or something because thats about the third time I've had a rock smack it good with no damage. I guess if I keep that up I'll eventually get dissappointed but-WOW!

Good job Cadlights!

 

[meinestrasse]

Man I love this tank!

Just a quick post attesting to the quality and strength of my tank!

Okay, I'm fiddling again moving some rock around to increase flow toward the back of the tank and wouldn't you know it, crash! one of my big support rocks falls over and smacks the hell out of the side of the tank glass. I mean smacked it so hard I felt the whole tank vibrate and it sounded like someone dropped a 2 x 4. I almost had a heart attack!!!!!!!!!!

Not a freakin scratch and this was a big piece of dense key largo rock!! what the heck! My tank must be made from diamonds or something because thats about the third time I've had a rock smack it good with no damage. I guess if I keep that up I'll eventually get dissappointed but-WOW!

Good job Cadlights!

Just think....once you get that 100G CAD with even thicker glass, you could put a bunch of drunken monkeys in there and let them throw rocks around all day long without breaking. :debi:

 

[reeftivo]

Just think....once you get that 100G CAD with even thicker glass, you could put a bunch of drunken monkeys in there and let them throw rocks around all day long without breaking. :debi:

LOLOL!

Beer and Bananas? Monkeys sound cool and I think my skimmer could handle it:wildone:

 

[MarkL]

I hard plumbed my return (above pics), but have not hard plumbed the drain off the bulkhead or the pump to the bulk head. I may hard plumb the drain but I will not hard plumb the return pump because of noise and vibration. I hard plumbed the pump to the bulkhead for about an hour and couldn't stand the hum I got with the slight vibration from the pump through the pvc.

That was just my experience so you may still want to try it. I'm a fiddler (LOL) so hard plumbing probably isn't in the cards for me on this little tank.

HAppy Reefing

Tivo

PS thanks guys for the encouragement regarding taking on a new challenge with a bigger tank:lmao:. Right now I can barely handle a 39 gallon:lmao:.

Dam that 100SF is singing to me though-

Tivo,

Just started setting up my tank and ran into a question again.

It looks like the tank is drilled with 2 different diameter holes. The return is approx 1 inch and the drain looks like 1.5inch. If your tank is similar, how did you scale the hofer to adjust for the different diameter pvc compared to what is suggested for the 1 inch (hofer website.) I was tossing over the idea of placing a reducer at each side of the bulkhead to turn this into a 1inch drain. Any thoughts?

 

[MarkL]

This question may turn out to be more of a filtration topic but I am having an issue with the plumbing.

The Durso that was sent with the tank is too big and doesnt allow the bulkhead to sit properly on the glass. This is the main reason I want to get the Hofer setup in place so I can also keep the heaters in the overflow.

My problem is the type of PVC that was shipped with the tank. Trying to compare it to the stuff in home depot isnt working. At first I assumed it was 1 1/2 inch pvc tube which was too big. 1 1/4 also doesnt work, at first glance it looks right but it seems to be maybe a mm or 2 too big.

Is China PVC different then what we use here? Both are Schedule 40, but the stuff sent with the tank has a much thinner wall then what I can find in a store.