drummereef's 180g in-wall build

[Fishdisease]

I believe Brett is using Google Sketchup. It's a free download, and I tried it, but I have to admit I didn't find it very intuitive and after an hour of playing around with it I gave up. He is a man with many talents and commanding the virtual planning universe is one of them. If you figure it out, let me know!

 

[110galreef]

I was just getting ready to order more reagent packs for my 713. What would be the benefits of changing out to the checker?

TIA

It (HI 736) measures in ppb thus is much more accurate....opposed to ppm of the HI 713

You will get a reading of say:
12ppb....or .03679 ppm PO4
11ppb....or .03373 ppm PO4
10ppb....or .03066 ppm PO4


Opposed to .03 or .02 with the HI 713

Granted it doesn't seem that much different in the final reading, I feel the fact that HI 736 measures in ppb the final result will be much acccurate (ESPECIALLY WITH READINGS WE WANT) opposed to only reading in ppm with the HI 713 and thus more margin of innacuracy for the HI 713. When the HI 713 says .03...well it may be more like .043 or .026 ( big difference) yet say .03 for either reading........

Make sense...

 

[gary faulkner]

It (HI 736) measures in ppb thus is much more accurate....opposed to ppm of the HI 713

You will get a reading of say:
12ppb....or .03679 ppm PO4
11ppb....or .03373 ppm PO4
10ppb....or .03066 ppm PO4


Opposed to .03 or .02 with the HI 713

Granted it doesn't seem that much different in the final reading, I feel the fact that HI 736 measures in ppb the final result will be much acccurate (ESPECIALLY WITH READINGS WE WANT) opposed to only reading in ppm with the HI 713 and thus more margin of innacuracy for the HI 713. When the HI 713 says .03...well it may be more like .043 or .026 ( big difference) yet say .03 for either reading........

Make sense...

Perfect sense, as they say. Thanks for taking the time.

 

[drummereef]

Maybe if you feed that future Potter's Angel really well, it won't pick at your corals much! :fish1:

I too hope the one I pick will be a model citizen.

what program r u using for these drawings and where can i get it lol?

Indeed I used Google Sketchup. There's a couple tricks and keyboard shortcuts that are handy when using it. And the 3D Warehouse is an invaluable tool when you need detailed pieces for your drawing.

http://sketchup.google.com/

He is a man with many talents and commanding the virtual planning universe is one of them.

:lol: But I apparently don't possess the coral "color-up" gene. Haha! We all have our limitations right?

 

[drummereef]

Another off-topic question by yours truly.

What do you guys think about keeping a Brittle Star? I'm potentially looking for something to clean the sand bed and have heard different options on the subject. Most say they will starve in captivity, etc... Thoughts?

I'd like to stay away from sand sifting gobies because they cause sand storms and the sand I have is a large grain size. I've also kept a tiger tail cucs before but I lost it in a powerhead, so I'm apprehensive keeping another.

 

[tegee]

It (HI 736) measures in ppb thus is much more accurate....opposed to ppm of the HI 713

You will get a reading of say:
12ppb....or .03679 ppm PO4
11ppb....or .03373 ppm PO4
10ppb....or .03066 ppm PO4


Opposed to .03 or .02 with the HI 713

Granted it doesn't seem that much different in the final reading, I feel the fact that HI 736 measures in ppb the final result will be much acccurate (ESPECIALLY WITH READINGS WE WANT) opposed to only reading in ppm with the HI 713 and thus more margin of innacuracy for the HI 713. When the HI 713 says .03...well it may be more like .043 or .026 ( big difference) yet say .03 for either reading........

Make sense...

Great work and thanks for taking the time to do this testing. I have the HI713 and been happy with it. Just don't feel like spending more $$$ on the 736 right now away.

Does the 736 have a +/- of .04 like the 713? Also, do you feel that it makes that big of a difference to know down to the .00? on phosphates? I wonder if by knowing more precisely where the phosphate are at will make us do more rapid changes which may cause issues.....just a thought and not being critical???

Again, GREAT info.......

 

[psteeleb]

Brett

So as soon as I give advice on how to try and keep a bubble tip happy and not move around the tank, mine decides to do just that and found the power head at 3:00 in the morning :eek1:

 

[jmait769]

Another off-topic question by yours truly.

What do you guys think about keeping a Brittle Star? I'm potentially looking for something to clean the sand bed and have heard different options on the subject. Most say they will starve in captivity, etc... Thoughts?

Brett, I have a one large Brittle Star (my kids call it the “Sea Monster”) who is now about 12 -14” across. His central disk is about the size of a half dollar. I have had this one since 2007 with no problem except for digging himself a cave under the rocks. Once he sets up he rarely moves from that spot. I spot fed him when I first got him but really he just likes coming out at night to clean the sand bed of detritus and whatever else he can find. When I feed during the day he sticks his legs out and catches anything that comes his way.

HTH

Jay

 

[110galreef]

Another off-topic question by yours truly.

What do you guys think about keeping a Brittle Star? I'm potentially looking for something to clean the sand bed and have heard different options on the subject. Most say they will starve in captivity, etc... Thoughts?

I'd like to stay away from sand sifting gobies because they cause sand storms and the sand I have is a large grain size. I've also kept a tiger tail cucs before but I lost it in a powerhead, so I'm apprehensive keeping another.

one or 2 brittles and you will be fine. They are great scavengers and will grab a few pieces of food when feeding tank if hungry. You could target feed them larger scrapes if really concerned. I have had them for years w great success.

You definitly dont want the sand sifter stars. those will definitly startve more than likely. I had them before I knew about them or RC and they would eventually die off after like 6 mos.
Also the exact reason you don't want a sand sifter gobie is mine too! They are so cool, but the darn sand storms they make! Ahhhh

A few Tonga Nassarius snails work great too. I like cuc's, but I never had and PH's in tanks. Always CLS. You are probably fine w/ the vortech as they are up high enuf I don't see a tiger tail getting up to one, plus very broad intake

 

[naprestsleep]

I had my Brittle Star for 3+ years, previous owner had it for a few years. They will eat floating food like everyone said. I have had a few did cucumbers and while they climb the glass from time to time, I never had an issue with power heads with both Vortechs and K4s.

YMMV.

 

[110galreef]

Great work and thanks for taking the time to do this testing. I have the HI713 and been happy with it. Just don't feel like spending more $$$ on the 736 right now away.

Does the 736 have a +/- of .04 like the 713? Also, do you feel that it makes that big of a difference to know down to the .00? on phosphates? I wonder if by knowing more precisely where the phosphate are at will make us do more rapid changes which may cause issues.....just a thought and not being critical???

Again, GREAT info.......

Well, I bet you can sell your 713 for $20 & then buy the 736 for $47 w/ 31 reagents! PM for place!!

Or this is great info for those w/o a checker yet. I originally bought the 713 as well as I NEVER knew of the 736 till a few weeks back. DOH!!

Either checker is fine, just i feel the 713 is more prone to be off

The 736 has ±5 ppb ±5% of reading accuracy
so that equates to on a reading of 20....either 19-21 or (.0583ppm -.0644ppm PO4) so very close accuracy....Plus it is measuring to start in PPB

Plus it is calibrated to measure for 0-200ppb SO designed to measure 0-.6132 ppm PO4. Much more finite than the HI 713 of 0-2.5ppm PO4
We as reefers really dont car of much above .0x for a reef. If we measure as much as .50 PO4 that would be algae city!, let alone a PO4 of 2.5ppm!:eek2:

But in short, test are tests and eye's are a big part of what is going on in the tank.

But if you in the market for a PO4 tester get the HI 736, no reason to buy the 713. But if you already have the 713 and are happy or don't want to spend another $20-$30 net, by selling your 713...cool!

Oh and the 736 gives you more time to work between the zero'd sample and reagent sample! Haha, I like that:dance:

 

[reefman86]

thanks guys on the drawing program ill give it a try i really just want to draw up a better sump drawing.

 

[gary faulkner]

Brett

So as soon as I give advice on how to try and keep a bubble tip happy and not move around the tank, mine decides to do just that and found the power head at 3:00 in the morning :eek1:

Sorry to hear about your BTA. I had one move after being in the same place for over a year and when he stopped he had moved a long way around the rock and ended up almost in the same place where he started. Oh yea and they love the flow of powerheads.

one or 2 brittles and you will be fine. They are great scavengers and will grab a few pieces of food when feeding tank if hungry. You could target feed them larger scrapes if really concerned. I have had them for years w great success.

X2

A few Tonga Nassarius snails work great too. I like cuc's, but I never had and PH's in tanks. Always CLS. You are probably fine w/ the vortech as they are up high enuf I don't see a tiger tail getting up to one, plus very broad intake

I really like the Nassarius snails. I have about 50 or so in my 300. It could use many more. They stay burried most of the time until you feed something meaty (or should I say anything non-vegtable) and then they really come to life. This movement helps to stir the very top layer of sand.

I had my Brittle Star for 3+ years, previous owner had it for a few years. They will eat floating food like everyone said. I have had a few did cucumbers and while they climb the glass from time to time, I never had an issue with power heads with both Vortechs and K4s.

YMMV.

X2


HTH

 

[jlylec]

I believe Brett is using Google Sketchup. It's a free download, and I tried it, but I have to admit I didn't find it very intuitive and after an hour of playing around with it I gave up. He is a man with many talents and commanding the virtual planning universe is one of them. If you figure it out, let me know!

Google has excellent web tutorial videos on Sketch-Up. When I first started using it a few years ago I was lost too until I found the videos. If you watch a few and play with it and then watch some more you'll learn the program a LOT faster and realize how easy it can be to use. It's such a great tool to have and know how to use!

 

[drummereef]

Brett

So as soon as I give advice on how to try and keep a bubble tip happy and not move around the tank, mine decides to do just that and found the power head at 3:00 in the morning :eek1:

Oh NO! I just got online so I need to check your thread for more details. Sorry to hear this.

Brett, I have a one large Brittle Star (my kids call it the "œSea Monster") who is now about 12 -14" across. His central disk is about the size of a half dollar. I have had this one since 2007 with no problem except for digging himself a cave under the rocks. Once he sets up he rarely moves from that spot. I spot fed him when I first got him but really he just likes coming out at night to clean the sand bed of detritus and whatever else he can find. When I feed during the day he sticks his legs out and catches anything that comes his way.


HTH

Jay

Very cool Jay! Does it do as good of a job cleaning the sand bed as other detrivores like Nassarius snails etc? I mean does it really "polish" the sand?

one or 2 brittles and you will be fine. They are great scavengers and will grab a few pieces of food when feeding tank if hungry. You could target feed them larger scrapes if really concerned. I have had them for years w great success.

You definitly dont want the sand sifter stars. those will definitly startve more than likely. I had them before I knew about them or RC and they would eventually die off after like 6 mos.
Also the exact reason you don't want a sand sifter gobie is mine too! They are so cool, but the darn sand storms they make! Ahhhh

A few Tonga Nassarius snails work great too. I like cuc's, but I never had and PH's in tanks. Always CLS. You are probably fine w/ the vortech as they are up high enuf I don't see a tiger tail getting up to one, plus very broad intake

Good info, thanks! I have a a couple Nassarius but they aren't really getting the job done as I'd hoped. I had a couple die off but that was when I wasn't feeding the tank much either. How well does the brittle actually "clean" the sand bed? Do they scavenge larger pieces or really get picky with the small stuff?

I had my Brittle Star for 3+ years, previous owner had it for a few years. They will eat floating food like everyone said. I have had a few did cucumbers and while they climb the glass from time to time, I never had an issue with power heads with both Vortechs and K4s.

YMMV.

Nice! Thanks for the info naprestsleep. Nice username btw, I need one of those - or all three. :lol:

thanks guys on the drawing program ill give it a try i really just want to draw up a better sump drawing.

:thumbsup: Once you get in there you'll find it's not too hard to manipulate. Also search through the 3D Warehouse, tons of cool models you can edit to make your own.

 

[110galreef]

Brett,
My sand has been overall very white, I think you are the best cleaner of the sand. What I often do is if it starts to get a brown tint, grab my tongs & stir it up, release lots of trapped poo, feeds the corals, & the rest goes to the skimmer!

Also gravel vac about every 3-4 weeks....

And keep a shallow sand bed...~ 1/2" only. I have a total of 60# in my 250gal

 

[jmait769]

Very cool Jay! Does it do as good of a job cleaning the sand bed as other detrivores like Nassarius snails etc? I mean does it really "polish" the sand?

Yes, he keeps his area of responsibility quite clean! About 10 inches on either side of my center island the sand is always very white. He does not venture out too much past that. I think it would make a great addition!

Jay

 

[drummereef]

Brett,
My sand has been overall very white, I think you are the best cleaner of the sand. What I often do is if it starts to get a brown tint, grab my tongs & stir it up, release lots of trapped poo, feeds the corals, & the rest goes to the skimmer!

Also gravel vac about every 3-4 weeks....

And keep a shallow sand bed...~ 1/2" only. I have a total of 60# in my 250gal

Good thoughts and I do all the above so I guess that's why I'm investigating. I would guess I only have ~25lb in my 180g. I stir every couple days and siphon at least once a month. Hmmm... :hmm4:

Yes, he keeps his area of responsibility quite clean! About 10 inches on either side of my center island the sand is always very white. He does not venture out too much past that. I think it would make a great addition!

Jay

Thanks Jay.

 

[cromedogg33]

So.... Brett how is everything going with half the amount of pellets?

I just hooked up my new deltec tc2560 and all I can say is WOW. It's directly plumbed into an overflow so it's getting constant dirty water. I had a slight concern not having my pellets go directly to my skimmer and am working on potentially plumbing a T into the line going to the skimmer. I would just need a way to make the line 1 way only so that I don't get any of the overflow line backpressuring the pellets.

I noticed a good swing in production from my pellets/skimmer/algae on the glass basically overnight. I have a bout 7 anthias on order so I think my tank will be fully stocked and pushing the pellets to the limits.

I also have another half a dozen or so ORA corals coming in this week to so that I can really start to manage corals growth/color. Hopefully with you at 1/2 the dosage and me at a full dose we can do some comparisons on bioload affecting the pellets.

I have started dosing 1tsp of oyster feast twice a week right now as well.

 

[drummereef]

So.... Brett how is everything going with half the amount of pellets?

I just hooked up my new deltec tc2560 and all I can say is WOW. It's directly plumbed into an overflow so it's getting constant dirty water. I had a slight concern not having my pellets go directly to my skimmer and am working on potentially plumbing a T into the line going to the skimmer. I would just need a way to make the line 1 way only so that I don't get any of the overflow line backpressuring the pellets.

I noticed a good swing in production from my pellets/skimmer/algae on the glass basically overnight. I have a bout 7 anthias on order so I think my tank will be fully stocked and pushing the pellets to the limits.

I also have another half a dozen or so ORA corals coming in this week to so that I can really start to manage corals growth/color. Hopefully with you at 1/2 the dosage and me at a full dose we can do some comparisons on bioload affecting the pellets.

I have started dosing 1tsp of oyster feast twice a week right now as well.

Nice Josh! Things are going well with my tank right now. I was planning on posting some test results today if I get a minute. I also need to put some more coral pics up. I think I've finally found a nice balance with the pellets in regards to feeding and nutrient reduction. I'm really starting to think there is something to be said for adjusting the amount of pellets being used. I think "keeping up" with the bio load vs suppressing it is more healthy for the tank. As the bio load increases I'll just add more pellets back to the reactor.