Mark's 40 Breeder build
- Thread starter Aframomum
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Swope2bc
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I didn't, but make me remember and I'll take a couple pics and do a write up tomorrow. It's pretty basic though. I ran directly off of my RO/DI into a DC solenoid which operates off of a timer and is also shut off by a float switch. Then it enters a mechanical float. So it's only on when the clock say so, and when the float is not engaged and when the mechanical float is down.
Got my first 10 gallon batch of saltwater mixing up now. Oh yeah! Plus with my rock order already in and expected on next Saturday there's no looking back now! 
Thanks Brett for the quick overview of your DIY ATO. Until I get mine I'm just going to put my luft pump on a timer and have it dispense 0.9 gallons twice a day and adjust based on evaporation.
Thanks Brett for the quick overview of your DIY ATO. Until I get mine I'm just going to put my luft pump on a timer and have it dispense 0.9 gallons twice a day and adjust based on evaporation.
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Did some tests for my batch of IO saltwater (purple container) and got the following results:
Calcium (Salifert): 420ppm
Magnesium (Salifert): 1320ppm
pH (API): 8.4
Alkalinity (API): 180ppm
Salinity: 1.025 (using my 10 year old Coralife Deep Six hydrometer calibrated with a refractometer, was just .001 off)
Looks like I may need to supplement my salt mix for Mag. Calcium and Alk will be supplemented with Kalk (Ms. Wages Pickling Lime) in the ATO reservoir.
Forgot to add - water should be going in the tank in the morning, finally getting salty wet!
Calcium (Salifert): 420ppm
Magnesium (Salifert): 1320ppm
pH (API): 8.4
Alkalinity (API): 180ppm
Salinity: 1.025 (using my 10 year old Coralife Deep Six hydrometer calibrated with a refractometer, was just .001 off)
Looks like I may need to supplement my salt mix for Mag. Calcium and Alk will be supplemented with Kalk (Ms. Wages Pickling Lime) in the ATO reservoir.
Forgot to add - water should be going in the tank in the morning, finally getting salty wet!
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We've got water!!! Well, very cloudy water ATM, but hey the tanks got water. :lolspin:
It actually went much faster then I thought. I was able to use the bags the sand came in to transfer the water from the containers to tank. I need to mix up my next batch to finish filling the tank and bring the sump up so I can start up my pump and get everything running.
My sandbed came out to around 3" deep and that used about 80lbs sand. Now I just need to wait for it all to clear up so I can see to the other side of the tank.
It actually went much faster then I thought. I was able to use the bags the sand came in to transfer the water from the containers to tank. I need to mix up my next batch to finish filling the tank and bring the sump up so I can start up my pump and get everything running.
My sandbed came out to around 3" deep and that used about 80lbs sand. Now I just need to wait for it all to clear up so I can see to the other side of the tank.
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Thanks for the compliments on the stand build - I really took my time and looked at a lot of other's stand builds to get ideas.
At work now so will take care of that picture when I get home in the am.
I definitely plan to have double doors but haven't assembled them yet. I want to make sure I have plenty of 'working' room in the sump area when getting everything setup and tweaked, so for now just an open area with plenty of space.
At work now so will take care of that picture when I get home in the am.
I definitely plan to have double doors but haven't assembled them yet. I want to make sure I have plenty of 'working' room in the sump area when getting everything setup and tweaked, so for now just an open area with plenty of space.
Had to edit the picture so your not looking at it sideways, ie neck strain. :spin2:
I have a single metal halide pendant, mogul bulb, that I will be using. I finished all the measurements so I can screw on the attaching brackets tomorrow while I mix more saltwater.
I am surprised by how quickly the water cleared up, and actually found some tiny sea shells scattered about in the sand, pretty cool.
I have a single metal halide pendant, mogul bulb, that I will be using. I finished all the measurements so I can screw on the attaching brackets tomorrow while I mix more saltwater.
I am surprised by how quickly the water cleared up, and actually found some tiny sea shells scattered about in the sand, pretty cool.
Can't believe tomorrow is the day!! :bounce3:
Got my tank filled enough for the rock to go in - I'll worry about finding hitchhikers on Sunday. One major stipulation for this whole deal to work was that I had to go to the Food and Wine Festival event at Disney on Saturday, so after getting back from Tampa the rock goes in the tank and off I go for the family outing at Epcot.
I also got a chance to do a rough install of my light and actually had it on for a few hours this morning. Need to do some adjustments before I make anything permanent and I will be lowering it to around 10" to start off.
Cars gassed up and ready to go in the morning!
Got my tank filled enough for the rock to go in - I'll worry about finding hitchhikers on Sunday. One major stipulation for this whole deal to work was that I had to go to the Food and Wine Festival event at Disney on Saturday, so after getting back from Tampa the rock goes in the tank and off I go for the family outing at Epcot.
I also got a chance to do a rough install of my light and actually had it on for a few hours this morning. Need to do some adjustments before I make anything permanent and I will be lowering it to around 10" to start off.
Cars gassed up and ready to go in the morning!
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Just picked up my rock order and have to say wow! 4 large boxes full of seawater and awesome looking rock and sand. Even got to meet Rich in person as he made arrangements to pick up my order at his house. He's really a down to earth and cool guy to take time from his Saturday to get my order for me. Now for the drive home!
Back from my family duty so now I can get to business!
I was so excited after getting my rock from Rich that I had to stop by a parking lot just to break into the boxes and see the rock for myself - just couldn't wait!
So here's the pictures:
I was so excited after getting my rock from Rich that I had to stop by a parking lot just to break into the boxes and see the rock for myself - just couldn't wait!
So here's the pictures:
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