Critique my tank and sump!

[felixfish]

I would like the experts and reef keepers help me add, improve, or critique my piece of the ocean. Here is a short journey of things i've changed, and learned.

Here is a current shot at my 55g. I went for the minimalistic look and added a lot of my live rock to my sump.


PICT0515 by felix_434, on Flickr

When I started the sump:
I also have a unique 29G sump tank unlike Berlin or typical set-ups. To make a long story short, I attempted to add baffles after my ATO (Algae Turf Scrubber), to a HOB skimmer, then to my return pump. I have changed a lot from skimmer only to HOB refugium, to cutting holes in the wall and adding a 29G sump tank in my furnace room behind the tank.


IMG_1051 by felix_434, on Flickr


Well the baffles gave way and now I'm not using baffles, which I don't get any micro bubbles.
I ran just my old Reef Octopus HOB with my ATS.


IMG_1068 by felix_434, on Flickr

My sump now houses my ATS, BRS reactor, HOB skimmer, ATO, filter sock & holder, and heater. I have a bunch of my live rock from the DT in my sump as well.


Untitled by felix_434, on Flickr


Untitled by felix_434, on Flickr

ATS

IMG_1483 by felix_434, on Flickr

Filter sock and holder

Untitled by felix_434, on Flickr

And our hungry cat Mudo :-D

PICT0502 by felix_434, on Flickr



I want to strive to have mostly soft coral maybe some LPS tank, and appreciate your feedback. I have a Solar Extreme 4 T5 with 2 -10K and 2 actinic's.

 

[NatureNerd]

I apologize in advance for being off-topic but I have to say it. I love the cat picture! Nicely photographed!

 

[TimeConsumer]

Complicated, busy, but undoubtfully effective.

Get your power strip off the floor please. I'd hate to see your tank (and house) go up in flames.

 

[JR719]

Good night! A plumbers nightmare! Actually, if it works for you, good job. Have you thought about maybe a 55 back there? From the pics looks like you might have room. More water volume the better.

 

[Aquaticchaos]

This may be a dumb question but what is the one titled ATS? What's its purpose? WHat does it do?

 

[Jonathan76]

Great cat pic! i had a sanded like that once - looks fantastic and quite natural. I made the mistake of disturbing it too often and it caused major probs. Ive never employed an ATS but from what i understand, you won’t need that skimmer soon. the ATS is very effective at removing N and P (been considering going that way myself...maybe someday) Many threads on ATS these days - they can be too good so be careful not to starve corals, but what do i know. I think everything looks great! (Plumbing blows but whatever

Actually, my plumbing blows too! Sorry i said that. Proof is in the pudding right. its been 10 years and i finally have growth and some color. the only thing i have learned: don’t buy into the snake oils and “trend of the week.” its like i read on a zeovit forum recently: pick a Cal and Alk number and keep it there.

 

[TimeConsumer]

This may be a dumb question but what is the one titled ATS? What's its purpose? WHat does it do?

ATS = Algae Turf Scrubber. It's the screen that has the two lights pointing on it. A very effective method of nutrient removal. It grows turf algae in a high flow, high oxygen environment (the screen) and you remove it once a week or so and trash it.

Some have had it perform so well their chaeto started to starve

 

[felixfish]

Thanks, yes my turf scrubber pulls out a lot of the nitrated and phosphates. I've also noticed a nice clarity in the water after adding the filter sock. The one thing I would like to change around it using 1" spa flex piping for my overflow plumbing to get the flow moving faster. I don't like every time I feed the fish i have to unplug the skimmer & return pump. I need to find like DJ switches or something.

 

[jordancemery65]

What type of overflow box is that?

 

[TimeConsumer]

Thanks, yes my turf scrubber pulls out a lot of the nitrated and phosphates. I've also noticed a nice clarity in the water after adding the filter sock. The one thing I would like to change around it using 1" spa flex piping for my overflow plumbing to get the flow moving faster. I don't like every time I feed the fish i have to unplug the skimmer & return pump. I need to find like DJ switches or something.

I'd recommend getting a controller. I just have to press two buttons on my reefkeeper then my pumps turn off for 10 minutes and my skimmer turns off for 40. Just one more way to girlfriend-proof the tank.