Kasey's Kube

[mordibv]

Side Notes:

Crushed Coral
I'm glad that I went with crushed coral. I like the larger grain look, and even with the MP20 at 100%, it doesn't get blown around. That's a HUGE plus! That was a big concern. In order to pull this look off, I needed to have sand to cover the base. But, with high flow for SPS, I was worried I'd never keep the base covered.

Future Progression
The most immediate task on the list is to de-solder the trimming nob on the Meanwell driver and re-solder the new one. After that, I need to solder the last LED into the blue circuit and cover the light with acrylic.

As far as biology goes, I'm starting the biological cycle today (a couple of days later than I hoped). I'll be dosing Prodibio BioClean, a product I've used on multiple tanks. I'm going to be dosing both BioDigest and BiOptum every week. The idea is to create a nice thick bacterial bloom. This tank is starting with dry rock and sand, so the biological filtration needs some time to establish. This will continue for 6-8 weeks; throughout the middle I will taper-off to dosing every 2 weeks. Once the biological bacteria is established, I'll complete a hefty water change and turn on the skimmer (I'm looking for suggestions for that future purchase). Then the fish will come; the lights will be turned on for 4 hours a day at this time. Over a period of 2 weeks, I'll slowly ramp the lighting to 7 hours. I'll be feeding the fish on the heavy side as well; I'm not trying to foul the water, but I want the biological system to have to work. I also don't want the tank to be steril. Finally, once the fish have been in the tank for 2 weeks (during which I'll do weekly water changes), I'll make sure all parameters are within range and stable. At this point, the corals will arrive. That's when the fun begins.

What brand of salt r u using ?

Future Equipment
Protein Skimmer: I'm thinking of using a Bubble Magus. It has the desired footprint and the performance, especially for the price point.

I've seen some BM knock off going for under 100 dollars . I think i was a SC 150 .. knock off a knock off . Don't know if it's too big .

Ahh here was the thread

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-09/eb/index.php


ATO: I've always used the Tunze Osmolater in my previous tanks, but I'm thinking about utilizing a float switch this time around. I've heard they're reliable and comparibly inexpensive. I need quality; if that means I need to look at something else, then I'm all ears.

Depends . I miss my Osmolator but went the RKL route with via SL 1 . I had a extra RF float switch so i used that . Too bad the new min Apex came out after that .
U cannot beat the ir sensor of a Tunze for accuracy .

 

[kaserpick]

A perfect circle?

Yes, indeed.

Depends . I miss my Osmolator but went the RKL route with via SL 1 . I had a extra RF float switch so i used that . Too bad the new min Apex came out after that .
U cannot beat the ir sensor of a Tunze for accuracy .

That's what I'm thinking as well. I've used a JBJ ATO, and after one day of use, I bought another Osmolator.

I'm thinking I'll just have to save up and fork out the dough. I'll have time; I won't really need it until the corals. Thanks for the advice!

 

[kaserpick]

Update:
The tank's been running for 2 weeks now. I just dosed the 3rd round of Prodibio's Bioptum and BioDigest. Other than that, I've kept the water topped off. I'm getting some milky film on the tank walls; it seems the bacteria seeding is working well.

Equipment News:
I kept tossing around the idea of buying a Bubble Magus NAC3.5 and others. I was explaining the mechanics of the skimmer to my wife, and she said, "It doesn't sound complicated." My answer was, "It's not." That made me think that maybe I should research the idea of a DIY skimmer. The hassle with DIY skimmers is buying the acrylic, but Avast Marine sells acrylic tubing (in large diameters) by the inch; most places you have to buy it by the foot (sometimes 6' minimums). This seemed great, but Avast is sold out of their stock. I scrapped the idea after that until I walked into my closet and noticed my MR1 reactor by Next Reef. It's 14" tall and 4" in diameter; that seemed promising. So, the DIY ball was rolling again. I've been kicking around some designs, and one has been chosen. I'll be ordering an Atman ph1100 for the pump with venturi nozzle and 2" OD tubing from US Plastics. Once they arrive, the progress will start. By the time I'm done with this, the tank will be ready for fish; it's perfect timing!

All in all, the skimmer will cost me about $90 (not including the money paid when I bought the reactor, but I had no need for it). While I know I might be able to purchase a good skimmer for around that price point for this tank, I wanted to try and have some fun with this. The design will be similar to a Bubble King Mini...obviously not the same quality, but similar in design. We'll see how it turns out!

 

[rehype]

Thats awesome kasey. I know youll be able to pull it off. Be sure to show details!

 

[KafudaFish]

Well if your skimmer looks anything like your light hood you should be golden.

 

[kaserpick]

Thats awesome kasey. I know youll be able to pull it off. Be sure to show details!

Well if your skimmer looks anything like your light hood you should be golden.

Thanks for the confidence and kind words, guys. I'm pretty excited about this build. I've always wanted to build a skimmer, but I never did much research and always thought it to be too hard. I'm hoping to be able to post pics of the build within a week. I still need to order the supplies, but I need to sell a few items to do so, first.

Congrats on NTOTM, Rehype! :thumbsup: I'm a big fan!

 

[kaserpick]

Just ordered some 2" OD acrylic tubing (for the skimmer neck) and nylon thumb screws (for the bubble plate). Next, I'll be buying a pump and uniseals. :thumbsup: After that, it's just a matter of waiting the supplies to arrive and assymble.

Tank's about to hit 3 weeks of bacteria dosing. Things are moving!

 

[kaserpick]

Just purchased the pump and uniseals!

Big plans for this weekend include cutting the reactor for the skimmer mod and finishing the LED fixture. More to follow...

 

[kaserpick]

I never realize how bad my spelling is until I re-read some of my posts.

Anyway, tonight I tackled the LED fixture; I desoldered the old trimming nob and resoldered the new one. After that, I attached the lenses and hooked everything back together. My only concerns are that I don't like the way the white is mixing with the blue. I think I'll end up removing the optics lenses from the whites to blend them in more. Otherwise, I'm very pleased.

Here are some pictures:

100% White

100% Blue

Both Blue and White @ 100%

Tomorrow, I'll be cutting up the reactor for the skimmer build. More to follow on that, soon. :thumbsup:

 

[kaserpick]

Project DIY: Skimmer

As I mentioned before in previous posts, I have decided to make my own skimmer out of an already acquired Next Reef MR1 reactor. The idea was to cut 3" off of the reactor, dremmel the lid (since it already had the holes for the nylon screws) to match the inner diameter of the 4" chamber, flip the new 3" portion over and the connect the two via the newly cut connection ring (old lid) and pre-existing connection ring. After this is done, I need to then cut a new lid out of some stock acrylic. Here's how things have gone so far.

My tool of choice: Soldering Iron with attached razor blade (great for precision!)

This is my first time around the cylinder with the razor.

This is the same ring; I just wanted to show it's position in reference to the reactor.

After finishing the cut on the cylinder and routing out the lid to make a new connection ring, I assembled everything. Here's how it looks so far.

Right now, I'm cutting the lid for the top. After that, I'll be cutting the bottom for the collection cup and the 2" disc for the top of the bubble trap.

 

[kaserpick]

Here's a shot of the skimmer with the outlet pipe:

Here's the outlet pipe, grinded down to fit in the 'T' and cut at an angle for flow adjustment:

Here's a random shot of the tank with the lights on:

Hope everyone enjoys the updates. :thumbsup: I'm still waiting on the pump, nylon screws, and acrylic tubing to arrive.

 

[Clownfish 11790]

Totally jealous of your DIY skills. I wish I was better at that! When it comes to wiring or any kind just count me out. Haha.

Looking forward to seeing your tank!

 

[kaserpick]

Totally jealous of your DIY skills. I wish I was better at that! When it comes to wiring or any kind just count me out. Haha.

Looking forward to seeing your tank!

Thanks for the compliment! I'm looking forward to seeing things in the tank as well!

 

[kaserpick]

Well, the tank has been up and running for 4 weeks, now. I've dosed the 4th round of Bioptum and BioDigest. Fish will coming up soon!

As far as the skimmer goes, I've received the 2" OD acrylic tubing (yesterday), but the pump isn't scheduled to arrive until Wednesday, the 20th. (next week) I only have a few more things to make for the skimmer. After that, once the pump arrives, I should be able to fire this baby up.

 

[mordibv]

Nice work so far . I cannot remember that apt complex in the pic .LOL I am actually heading back tommorrow . Yes I got my Marabella's Pizza tonight . U find ur Milli's yet ur going to add yet ?
R u familiar with Tom @ the holics shop ? I got a Tommy Knockers from him and he emailed me the other day . He has a Crayola Prostrata etc .

 

[kaserpick]

Thanks! I haven't been to the holics shop, yet. Where is that? I've found a few Milli's, but I'm still looking for more.

 

[steely185]

As far as I know, Tom is only doing internet sales (aquaholics) and no store front. He's based here in Richmond and makes it out to the clubs meets quite a bit.

If you are ever in the area check it out. Richmondreefers.com

 

[mordibv]

@steely185 ... I stumbled and found Tom via Richmond Reefers . He runs a clean outfit and a first class operation . He quadrupled bagged the frags and uses a tagging system .
I was very impressed with the way he shipped out and his straight up honesty on his prices and livestock health .
As soon as I clear out some of my unwanted frags , I am gong to order from him again .
Kasey you will be pleased with some of the milli's he has .

 

[kaserpick]

Thanks for the info!

I'll definitely say this; he has some exceptional Milli's. The colors...wow! :thumbsup:

 

[kaserpick]

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly:

The Good and possibly Ugly:
So I finally got the sump baffles done and the skimmer up and running (mainly a test run)! Here's a pic:

The Bad:
While the system does run, the current sump setup won't work. If I kill the power, the sump will flood. I couldn't fit this skimmer in a baffled section without cutting off too much room for the return chamber. There's just not enough volume in the return chamber to keep both the skimmer and system running. This means I'll have to break the sump down. This is what I get for trying to use a 2.5g. Anyway, it's still progress. Sometimes you have to take a step back in order to progress forward, right?

As a positive note, the skimmer seems to work very well, but I haven't ran it long enough to see what kind of skimmate is produced. Again, it was just a test run; I still need to make the bubble trap before I really let this thing loose.