Help with new 125 gallon build

[tassod]

Background issue

Background issue

Can anyone give me some suggestions regarding a problem with my background? Last night I decided I wanted to fix issues with air bubbles that formed because I most likely did not fit it properly to beging with and this has created lines coming down and clearly visble and not very attractive. Well, needeless to say my attempt just made the situation worse with even more bubbles forming. I used the seaview gel that I purchased along with the background. The main problem now that is preventing me to fix this properly is the lack of space I have. I only have 2" to work with behind the tank and i cannot move the tank. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[jim2083]

Can anyone give me some suggestions regarding a problem with my background? Last night I decided I wanted to fix issues with air bubbles that formed because I most likely did not fit it properly to beging with and this has created lines coming down and clearly visble and not very attractive. Well, needeless to say my attempt just made the situation worse with even more bubbles forming. I used the seaview gel that I purchased along with the background. The main problem now that is preventing me to fix this properly is the lack of space I have. I only have 2" to work with behind the tank and i cannot move the tank. Anyone have any ideas?

When I get bubbles like that (works with wallpaper too) I take a small pin or exacto knife and make a small hole in the bubble. I then use a credit card to smooth it out.

Hope that helps.

 

[SimonSKL]

Tasso, FWIW, I didn't use the seaview gel even though I also bought that when I bought the background. I just taped it to the tank at each end, top and bottom.

 

[tassod]

Tasso, FWIW, I didn't use the seaview gel even though I also bought that when I bought the background. I just taped it to the tank at each end, top and bottom.

What made you change your mind to not use it?

 

[SimonSKL]

What made you change your mind to not use it?

When I put up the background using just tape, it looked good enough so I never considered using the gel.

 

[tassod]

When I put up the background using just tape, it looked good enough so I never considered using the gel.

Wish I did the same..:debi:.here are some pics

Tank now

Before: notice the lines running vertically...

More close ups of tank now:

 

[SimonSKL]

Can you remove the background and wipe the gel off the glass?

 

[tassod]

Thought i would also post of pic of my skimmer in action, pulling some nasty stuff..

 

[tassod]

Can you remove the background and wipe the gel off the glass?

These pics are after i removed the background and re-applied it but I did not wipe the glass because it is very difficult to reach behind there. What would i wipe it with to get the gel off? The background itself is soaked in it.

 

[SimonSKL]

Since you have a hard time reaching behind the glass, it will be very difficult to reapply the gel and make the background bubbles free. I would suggest you remove the background and completely clean the gel off the glass and the background and just tape the background to the glass. The gel is water based gel so you can use some wet cloth to wipe the gel off. The trick is get the wet cloth behind the tank.

 

[tassod]

Since you have a hard time reaching behind the glass, it will be very difficult to reapply the gel and make the background bubbles free. I would suggest you remove the background and completely clean the gel off the glass and the background and just tape the background to the glass. The gel is water based gel so you can use some wet cloth to wipe the gel off. The trick is get the wet cloth behind the tank.

I'm going to try this tonight. On another note, what brand do you use for your 2 part dosing? What do you buy to make your solutions?

 

[SimonSKL]

I'm going to try this tonight. On another note, what brand do you use for your 2 part dosing? What do you buy to make your solutions?

My 125g uses a Geo calcium reactor but my 92g uses the two parts. I used BRS Calcium Chloride and Sodium Bicarbonate. I dissolve about 500g of the chemical in RODI water to make one gal of each solution. Each solution is dosed by a BRS dosing pump (1.1ml per min) controlled by my RKE controller.

 

[tassod]

My 125g uses a Geo calcium reactor but my 92g uses the two parts. I used BRS Calcium Chloride and Sodium Bicarbonate. I dissolve about 500g of the chemical in RODI water to make one gal of each solution. Each solution is dosed by a BRS dosing pump (1.1ml per min) controlled by my RKE controller.

Ok thanks Simon. My dosing pumps from BRS should be arriving today and now looking into getting the additives. When do you recommend starting testing and dosing for calcium and alk? Now or after the cycle?

 

[SimonSKL]

I would wait till after cycle and when you start introducing corals into your tank. You can't start dosing until you have something in your tank that can consume alk and Ca. What brand of salt do you use? Some brands have higher calcium content than others.

BTW, I like how clear your tank water is from the pic:beer:

 

[tassod]

I would wait till after cycle and when you start introducing corals into your tank. You can't start dosing until you have something in your tank that can consume alk and Ca. What brand of salt do you use? Some brands have higher calcium content than others.

BTW, I like how clear your tank water is from the pic:beer:

I'm using Instant Ocean Reef Crystals which i get from premium aquatics. That makes sense on the dosing, thanks for that. Yes the water has been pretty clear so far, thanks. :bounce2:

 

[Beenalongtime79]

You can test for calcium and alkalinity now just to see where you stand and once you start adding a lot of calcium and carbonate loving organisms, then begin dosing.

Once you have figured out your tank needs, test once a week and then maybe once every other week and tweak accordingly.

Cheers,
John

 

[tassod]

Been busy last few days but finally got around to fixing my background. Thanks Simon for suggesting to just clean off the gel and tape it. I was able to get to the glass with a long handled scraper that I wrapped a towel around to clean the glass. Didn't clean so well with just water so i soaked the cloth in windex and that did the trick. Here are the results:

Looks pretty good to me, i'll take it over before :hammer:
Not much else going on with the tank, ammonia is between zero and 0.25 and Nitrite has come down to 0.5ppm. I also added the WXM module for my MP40's and I must say it is well worth it if you have an Apex controler. Much easier to program via the Apex then actual units. I've also ordered the new leak detector module and probes. It will email and text me if there is any water on the floor anywhere i place my probles for it, priceless peace of mind IMO. :dance:

 

[SimonSKL]

Looking great! One thing I like about this background is you can see the reflection of the rocks which increases the depth perception making the tank look deeper than it is.

 

[tassod]

Update

Update

This is very exciting! Just did another water test tonight and I think the cycle is done!

0 ammonia, 0 nitrite and Nitrate between 20-40ppm. Am I ready to add livestock? What are the next steps? :bounce3:

 

[SimonSKL]

Have you started your phantom feeding yet? If not, now is a good time. Notice any Cyanobacteria on your rocks? They are usually red and slimy but can be other color.