McPuff's new 300 (transfer from 120)
- Thread starter McPuff
- Start date
McPuff
New member
Thanks! I appreciate it. Still a bit more tweaking to do on the scape but then I think I'll be pretty happy with it for the time. I'll almost certainly add another coral or two in the coming months. And I've got some fish on the way which I'm really excited to get. They won't see the tank for a few weeks of course. I'll provide more updates as those changes come to fruition.
mushkind
New member
what a cool setup, i like your scape! what kind of fishies are on the way to the tank??
cheers
Joel
McPuff
New member
Thanks! I've made a few more changes to the scape and I'll document them when I have also made the "final" movements of corals.
As for fish, I am currently QT-ing a blonde naso and a lieutenant tang. Both are doing very well and putting on weight. Waiting for the pyroferus tang to arrive. Eventually, I'd like to add the Achilles tang. And in several months I'll also go with annularis and blueface angels (small juveniles), an arothron puffer of some variety, and a humu trigger. Still not sure if the last two will ever see the display or just the refugium pond.
McPuff
New member
It's been a while since my last update. Everything has been going along pretty well...
I have just added the naso and lieutenant tang to the display but they are acclimating to the other fish for a week. I simply built a wall out of egg crate (light diffuser) and blocked off the right side of the tank (the "bommie" section). The two seem very happy already and do not leave each other's side! I don't anticipate any problems once I remove the divider, thankfully.
Discovered a leak in my CO2 regulator (for ca reactor) and there was no way to fix it (at the needle valve). So I ordered one from CO2art.com. It is supposed to arrive today. Has terrific reviews and the price is very nice, even with express shipping. Have been manually dosing for over a month so I'm eager to get the ca reactor back online. Still need to get the feed dialed in though. I didn't put a valve after the manifold so it's a bit harder to create adequate pressure for the ca rx... I may try to use a valve which is closer to the return pump, hoping that the pressure will be greater. Makes sense to me anyway.
I moved the ca reactor into my sump to create more space next to the pond/tub. At some point I may use that area for a QT/TTM tank which would make things easier. It could even give me an opportunity to add a small tank that is hooked into the main system (for tiny critters).
Ordered a bunch of mangroves at the beginning of Dec when it was still warm here in SE Michigan... they were delayed and didn't arrive until Saturday. By then the weather had turned and they all arrived frozen. It appears that they are all dead as the ends are getting squishy. Oh well. Maybe I'll try again in the spring.
The pond (tub) is a blast to have. It has been highly useful as a refugium for chaeto and dragon's breath. It also catches a lot of sediment which is then easily removed. Fish acclimation becomes super easy and the fish get used to having a human look down at them. I really like having fish in there and need to get some more now that those tangs are in the display. Still planning for a pyroferus tang but also have plans for the following:
-cherub angel (have always wanted one!) --- is a trio best??
-blue spot toby puffer
-humu trigger (R. aculeatus), almost certain to remain in pond
-dogface puffer (not sure which morph just yet - maybe even a mappa), also likely to remain in pond
-juv annularis angel
-juv blueface angel
-small fish: blennies, maybe another hawk?,
Planning to add some more corals such as:
-war coral; I think the red will look great and really stand out. Thinking of putting this on a separate rock. Over time it will cover the whole thing, like a brain.
-pink stylo - super bright
-maybe a forest fire digi??
-any suggestions?
As I've stated before, I don't want many colonies, just "a few" that will get big and look nice, bright, and provide new colors. Some of my current corals will take another year or two to get there but I have patience (I think) and have a vision for the "steady state."
Other than the above, I'm considering another small change to a couple of rocks. I'll get another few videos posted soon to go over some changes and experience. I also want to review the CO2art regulator.
Thanks everyone!
I have just added the naso and lieutenant tang to the display but they are acclimating to the other fish for a week. I simply built a wall out of egg crate (light diffuser) and blocked off the right side of the tank (the "bommie" section). The two seem very happy already and do not leave each other's side! I don't anticipate any problems once I remove the divider, thankfully.
Discovered a leak in my CO2 regulator (for ca reactor) and there was no way to fix it (at the needle valve). So I ordered one from CO2art.com. It is supposed to arrive today. Has terrific reviews and the price is very nice, even with express shipping. Have been manually dosing for over a month so I'm eager to get the ca reactor back online. Still need to get the feed dialed in though. I didn't put a valve after the manifold so it's a bit harder to create adequate pressure for the ca rx... I may try to use a valve which is closer to the return pump, hoping that the pressure will be greater. Makes sense to me anyway.
I moved the ca reactor into my sump to create more space next to the pond/tub. At some point I may use that area for a QT/TTM tank which would make things easier. It could even give me an opportunity to add a small tank that is hooked into the main system (for tiny critters).
Ordered a bunch of mangroves at the beginning of Dec when it was still warm here in SE Michigan... they were delayed and didn't arrive until Saturday. By then the weather had turned and they all arrived frozen. It appears that they are all dead as the ends are getting squishy. Oh well. Maybe I'll try again in the spring.
The pond (tub) is a blast to have. It has been highly useful as a refugium for chaeto and dragon's breath. It also catches a lot of sediment which is then easily removed. Fish acclimation becomes super easy and the fish get used to having a human look down at them. I really like having fish in there and need to get some more now that those tangs are in the display. Still planning for a pyroferus tang but also have plans for the following:
-cherub angel (have always wanted one!) --- is a trio best??
-blue spot toby puffer
-humu trigger (R. aculeatus), almost certain to remain in pond
-dogface puffer (not sure which morph just yet - maybe even a mappa), also likely to remain in pond
-juv annularis angel
-juv blueface angel
-small fish: blennies, maybe another hawk?,
Planning to add some more corals such as:
-war coral; I think the red will look great and really stand out. Thinking of putting this on a separate rock. Over time it will cover the whole thing, like a brain.
-pink stylo - super bright
-maybe a forest fire digi??
-any suggestions?
As I've stated before, I don't want many colonies, just "a few" that will get big and look nice, bright, and provide new colors. Some of my current corals will take another year or two to get there but I have patience (I think) and have a vision for the "steady state."
Other than the above, I'm considering another small change to a couple of rocks. I'll get another few videos posted soon to go over some changes and experience. I also want to review the CO2art regulator.
Thanks everyone!
McPuff
New member
Gosh, I'm really bad at posting updates. I've made the "final" changes to my rock scape and I'm very happy with how it looks (so far...). :0) Since setting up the 300 I have only removed rock (none added). Having the extra open space has resulted in the fish being more active, swimming throughout the entire tank more, and generally looking happier.
Oblique angle, with blue filter
no filter, the left side is actually different now and has fewer rocks near the overflow. I'll have to get another pic to show more detail.
I've mounted and remounted corals that previously were in a limbo-type situation. I had a few "coral smears" that began to branch so those are being placed and are growing nicely. It's like getting a free coral! I have about 3 more species I'd like to add and then I'll be done adding corals... but I'm in no rush to get them. I'm more excited about the fish at this point.
Speaking of fish, the Lt and naso tangs are doing very well. Getting bigger and fatter.
AND, I picked up a gorgeous pyroferus tang last week from the LFS (no pic yet). I've wanted one for a long time so it's exciting to have one. He's about 4" and already developing points on the caudal fin. He's on tank 3/4 in the TTM process so it'll be about a month before he gets to the DT. He'll be a bit large than the other tangs so I'm not too worried about aggression coming his way. I'll test it out but I have a feeling the pyroferus will be the most aggressive of the tangs (though the Lt may "win" out). I'm amazed at how this fish goes for food. It's quite encouraging.
Still want to add a few more fish, but have decided to "X" a few of those listed above (e.g., spotted toby). I think the pyroferus will be the last tang, at least for a while. In a few months I'll likely get the juvenile blue face and annularis angels. I first want to ensure that all coral colonies are large enough to withstand a little nipping here and there as it's bound to happen. Then I'll look for a trigger and puffer for the pond/tub. They'll be my little dogs. :0)
Otherwise, not a ton has changed. The calcium reactor is fully operational and I'm VERY happy with the regulator from CO2art in the UK. I did get a coral banded shrimp but it never comes out. It has molted 3-4 times so it's much bigger. Maybe it'll be more social when full size. I also added an emerald crab and it's so fun to see that guy out and about. I have always like those.
I'm strongly considering upgrading my Apex Jr to a full apex. Just don't think the Jr has sufficient memory to handle much actual control. Mine has been quirky and a friend had similar issues. I don't ask it to do much but it seems to be near capacity with 2x VDM, PM1, EB8, pH probe, 2 temp probes. That doesn't seem like much at all, especially when I see what others are doing with a FULL APEX system. The full seems MUCH more robust so the change is almost certainly coming. I'd love to hear any thoughts on this. Anyone see this with their Jr past or present?
Oblique angle, with blue filter
no filter, the left side is actually different now and has fewer rocks near the overflow. I'll have to get another pic to show more detail.
I've mounted and remounted corals that previously were in a limbo-type situation. I had a few "coral smears" that began to branch so those are being placed and are growing nicely. It's like getting a free coral! I have about 3 more species I'd like to add and then I'll be done adding corals... but I'm in no rush to get them. I'm more excited about the fish at this point.
Speaking of fish, the Lt and naso tangs are doing very well. Getting bigger and fatter.
AND, I picked up a gorgeous pyroferus tang last week from the LFS (no pic yet). I've wanted one for a long time so it's exciting to have one. He's about 4" and already developing points on the caudal fin. He's on tank 3/4 in the TTM process so it'll be about a month before he gets to the DT. He'll be a bit large than the other tangs so I'm not too worried about aggression coming his way. I'll test it out but I have a feeling the pyroferus will be the most aggressive of the tangs (though the Lt may "win" out). I'm amazed at how this fish goes for food. It's quite encouraging.
Still want to add a few more fish, but have decided to "X" a few of those listed above (e.g., spotted toby). I think the pyroferus will be the last tang, at least for a while. In a few months I'll likely get the juvenile blue face and annularis angels. I first want to ensure that all coral colonies are large enough to withstand a little nipping here and there as it's bound to happen. Then I'll look for a trigger and puffer for the pond/tub. They'll be my little dogs. :0)
Otherwise, not a ton has changed. The calcium reactor is fully operational and I'm VERY happy with the regulator from CO2art in the UK. I did get a coral banded shrimp but it never comes out. It has molted 3-4 times so it's much bigger. Maybe it'll be more social when full size. I also added an emerald crab and it's so fun to see that guy out and about. I have always like those.
I'm strongly considering upgrading my Apex Jr to a full apex. Just don't think the Jr has sufficient memory to handle much actual control. Mine has been quirky and a friend had similar issues. I don't ask it to do much but it seems to be near capacity with 2x VDM, PM1, EB8, pH probe, 2 temp probes. That doesn't seem like much at all, especially when I see what others are doing with a FULL APEX system. The full seems MUCH more robust so the change is almost certainly coming. I'd love to hear any thoughts on this. Anyone see this with their Jr past or present?
Nice rockscape! You've got some nice, big corals too. Looks like it's all coming together for you. Congrats!
McPuff
New member
Oh, you noticed those? :0) Yes, my goal is fewer, but larger coral colonies. I don't think I'll even have 15 species of SPS in the system but if I can achieve my vision it should look pretty cool. That purple stag colony is getting huge... the pictures are already a couple months old. I'll have to do some serious pruning in a couple months. It's very thick so I'm glad I've got some strong tools for the job. Good problem to have I suppose. :0) Like I said, I have to take some new pictures showing the more-or-less complete rock scape at this point. I'll try to do that this evening or weekend. I should also do another video. Thanks Michael!
Oh yeah I'm very into rockscaping! The combination of emulating nature and artistic expression, and functionality is where things get interesting!
I'm also totally with you on the fewer, bigger coral thing. It's much more interesting and natural looking.
Yes please, more pics!
I'm also totally with you on the fewer, bigger coral thing. It's much more interesting and natural looking.
Yes please, more pics!
McPuff
New member
Thanks Michael! I think the rock work looks a bit better now... let me know if you can see a difference in the new pics.
The left side:
A full tank shot:
And the right side, which hasn't really changed much... other than the stag growing even more. :0)
There are very few changes I want to make to the display at this point... probably just mounting a few additional corals and that's it. Otherwise, I just want to build a new canopy and some type of shell for the cabinet.
I tried to get a good pic of the pyroferus tang in TTM but he wouldn't display for me. So it may have to wait until he goes into the display next month. He's got one more day of TTM and then he'll be in QT for about 4 weeks. I'm very hopeful for this fish. It's beautiful, it eats a ton, and it looks very healthy. Just have to follow procedure. :0)
The left side:
A full tank shot:
And the right side, which hasn't really changed much... other than the stag growing even more. :0)
There are very few changes I want to make to the display at this point... probably just mounting a few additional corals and that's it. Otherwise, I just want to build a new canopy and some type of shell for the cabinet.
I tried to get a good pic of the pyroferus tang in TTM but he wouldn't display for me. So it may have to wait until he goes into the display next month. He's got one more day of TTM and then he'll be in QT for about 4 weeks. I'm very hopeful for this fish. It's beautiful, it eats a ton, and it looks very healthy. Just have to follow procedure. :0)
I looked back and forth at your full tank shots. It looks like you broke up the left hand bommie with a bit of an alley. Really nice! Very natural. Yeah, you're done!
Good luck with all the other stuff!
Good luck with all the other stuff!
McPuff
New member
Exactly! I like what I'm left with now... mostly very large rocks forming the structure. Just want to add more fish at this point.
-pyroferus tang (about a month away - graduates TTM today)
-small blennies (3-4)
-yellow head jawfish (1-2)
-annularis angel juv.
-blueface angel juv.
-peppermint basslet (hopefully)
-tilefish
Small blennies and jawfish may have trouble competing at feeding time, especially with big, agro fish. Tilefish can be iffy too. All your small/timid choices should go in before the big guys.
I thought you were more of a Rambo fish guy. Are you going kinder and gentler now? If not, consider small fish that can hang with the big boys, like pseudochromis, damsels and pygmy angels.
That's my 2 cents. Good luck with everything!
I thought you were more of a Rambo fish guy. Are you going kinder and gentler now? If not, consider small fish that can hang with the big boys, like pseudochromis, damsels and pygmy angels.
That's my 2 cents. Good luck with everything!
McPuff
New member
I'm not toooooo worried about the blennies. I'll have them in an acclimation box. Would be the same with the jawfish. I'm still not positive on those because of what you've written above. Have found a few people that have a similar assemblage and it works for them so I'm hopeful.
The tilefish... I have read more about them and they seem hit or miss. Really don't want to deal with that... I like to know the fish will survive when I'm doing all I can to acclimate them. So the tilefish will be a wait and see if I can find a healthy specimen that is eating, etc. May not ever happen but they are a cool fish and not very common to reefers (I'd say).
Rambo fish?! Ha! I have had a lot of fish for sure and I used to have more of the angels, triggers, puffers. Since I got into reefing it's transitioned more to the little sweethearts I suppose. Now I'm getting back towards some of the semi-aggressive fish (tangs, angels). I miss triggers a lot so I'll be getting one for the tub for sure, along with a dogface puffer of some type. They are just TOO cool and enjoyable to not have now that I've got the space.
Yeah, if you can find a tilefish that's eating it could work. It'd have plenty of swimming room! If you are successful with them, you'll have to share your secrets, because I want one too! I love those fish.
An acclimation box? Is that like an aquarium within an aquarium? Wouldn't that spoil your beautiful reef scape? Why add an artificial construct to your beautiful scape to keep fish that can't hang? Especially with so many other good choices.
It may help to list all the fish you are considering. Then prioritize them, and delete the ones that don't work with your most important ones.
That's so cool you have a tub you can put your bigger, more agro fish in. You've certainly got room for lots of choices. Jealous!
An acclimation box? Is that like an aquarium within an aquarium? Wouldn't that spoil your beautiful reef scape? Why add an artificial construct to your beautiful scape to keep fish that can't hang? Especially with so many other good choices.
It may help to list all the fish you are considering. Then prioritize them, and delete the ones that don't work with your most important ones.
That's so cool you have a tub you can put your bigger, more agro fish in. You've certainly got room for lots of choices. Jealous!
McPuff
New member
The acclimation box would only be temporary to ensure that all resident fish can adjust to the little guys and vice versa. It would only be in for a week or so. Otherwise, I would totally agree with you!
I do have a priority list for the yet-to-be-purchased fish... it's just in my head. The angels are next on the priority list and I'll get them at the same time. I will probably wait a few months but the timing is undecided. I've got a lot of work travel from May to Nov so I wouldn't be able to QT and acclimate new fish during that timeframe. So it may not happen until next winter!! :0( The good news is that will give my corals a lot of extra grow time.
McPuff
New member
Small update for today. I have made some changes to my utility room/fish room that have been really nice thus far. My wife is in commercial real estate so I was able to get some 30x24" cabinets for free (sweet!). This has provided a bit more work and storage space.
The Brute has been my trusty RO reservoir for some years now. I'm hoping to upgrade to an Ace Roto mold (AR) 55 gallon and that will go in the corner on the 2x4 stand. Then I'll probably use a smaller 35 gallon AR for saltwater mixing and set it where the Brute currently resides. Then I can simply use gravity to flow new saltwater into the system sump.
I also just purchased a couple cute little Darwin misbar clowns from a local breeder. They look terrific and are so fun to watch. They are just marinating in QT for a while... they need to grow a bunch too as they are only about 1.5". Seems far too small to go into the main tank. But I may actually try to plumb a small acrylic tank into my system, get an anemone and just keep them in that.
Any thoughts on the clowns? If they go into the 300 they will probably never have an anemone but they do have several large LPS in which they could host.
The pyroferus tang is doing amazing in the pond/tub. It eats nori out of my hand already. Very personable fish! I'm planning to put it in display this coming weekend. If I don't find the time, no worries on waiting the extra week. Regardless, excited to make that switch and don't anticipate any issues with aggression other than [maybe] the lieutenant. I'll use an acclimation box to see what happens over the first few hours and release him at night.
The Brute has been my trusty RO reservoir for some years now. I'm hoping to upgrade to an Ace Roto mold (AR) 55 gallon and that will go in the corner on the 2x4 stand. Then I'll probably use a smaller 35 gallon AR for saltwater mixing and set it where the Brute currently resides. Then I can simply use gravity to flow new saltwater into the system sump.
I also just purchased a couple cute little Darwin misbar clowns from a local breeder. They look terrific and are so fun to watch. They are just marinating in QT for a while... they need to grow a bunch too as they are only about 1.5". Seems far too small to go into the main tank. But I may actually try to plumb a small acrylic tank into my system, get an anemone and just keep them in that.
Any thoughts on the clowns? If they go into the 300 they will probably never have an anemone but they do have several large LPS in which they could host.
The pyroferus tang is doing amazing in the pond/tub. It eats nori out of my hand already. Very personable fish! I'm planning to put it in display this coming weekend. If I don't find the time, no worries on waiting the extra week. Regardless, excited to make that switch and don't anticipate any issues with aggression other than [maybe] the lieutenant. I'll use an acclimation box to see what happens over the first few hours and release him at night.
McPuff
New member
Making a little more headway towards becoming more efficient. I recently purchased a Norwesco 65 gallon vertical (RO) and 30 gallon PCO tank (saltwater). Had to take a while to think through the entire setup and how everything would connect and work. I have finally figured it out!! Started to set it up last night. Have a few more "baseline" activities to perform tonight most likely. Then I can begin to fill the 65 with RO. This will also supply a constant source of water for the ATO container. I'll use a Mag 9.5 to push water from the RO to the saltwater mixing container. Saltwater will be gravity fed into the Sump.
I actually don't anticipate doing many water changes as I've had such great success with my minimal approach. Probably about once per 2-3 months I'll do about 10% and that will mostly be to remove Sump and fuge/pond detritus. But for now, the GFO, chaeto, and marine pure blocks are doing a killer job of reducing/removing nutrients. Since I set up the system in October, I've only done 2 10% water changes. My bioload is growing every day and I see no ill effects of feeding pellets, frozen, and Nori. To me it seems like a lot of food but I think those little pigs could eat even more... food certainly doesn't last even 1 minute before it's gone. That said, I may increase the amount. Here's my updated fish list and the stocking plans (timing TBD):
1 chromis
1 foxface lo
1 Talbott's damsel
1 naso tang (too little to sex, has tendency for dark coloration, thinking male)
1 pyroferus tang (chocolate mimic)
1 lieutenant tang
1 scopas tang (very dark, almost black)
1 ruby head wrasse
1 solar wrasse
1 melanurus wrasse
1 pink spot watchman goby (over 12 years old)
1 caribbean spotted hawkfish
2 pajama cardinals
2 Darwin misbar clowns (still in QT -- tiny!)
Wow, didn't realize I had so many fish in there. :0) Still hoping to add the following at some point:
blueface angel (going to be fall before this happens)
annularis angel (same as above)
humu trigger (Rhinecanthus aculeatus or similar) to stay in pond
dogface puffer (Arothron spp. TBD) to stay in pond
starry or sailfin blenny
purple or blue chin tilefish (maybe)
That is probably about it. I'll update with some pics of the new water system once it's up and running.
I actually don't anticipate doing many water changes as I've had such great success with my minimal approach. Probably about once per 2-3 months I'll do about 10% and that will mostly be to remove Sump and fuge/pond detritus. But for now, the GFO, chaeto, and marine pure blocks are doing a killer job of reducing/removing nutrients. Since I set up the system in October, I've only done 2 10% water changes. My bioload is growing every day and I see no ill effects of feeding pellets, frozen, and Nori. To me it seems like a lot of food but I think those little pigs could eat even more... food certainly doesn't last even 1 minute before it's gone. That said, I may increase the amount. Here's my updated fish list and the stocking plans (timing TBD):
1 chromis
1 foxface lo
1 Talbott's damsel
1 naso tang (too little to sex, has tendency for dark coloration, thinking male)
1 pyroferus tang (chocolate mimic)
1 lieutenant tang
1 scopas tang (very dark, almost black)
1 ruby head wrasse
1 solar wrasse
1 melanurus wrasse
1 pink spot watchman goby (over 12 years old)
1 caribbean spotted hawkfish
2 pajama cardinals
2 Darwin misbar clowns (still in QT -- tiny!)
Wow, didn't realize I had so many fish in there. :0) Still hoping to add the following at some point:
blueface angel (going to be fall before this happens)
annularis angel (same as above)
humu trigger (Rhinecanthus aculeatus or similar) to stay in pond
dogface puffer (Arothron spp. TBD) to stay in pond
starry or sailfin blenny
purple or blue chin tilefish (maybe)
That is probably about it. I'll update with some pics of the new water system once it's up and running.
McPuff
New member
Small update - I cemented the necessary parts to attach the RO reservoir to the saltwater mixing container. I decided not to affix the tubing permanently as I won't be making saltwater every day or even every week. But it's going to be a very easy solution that simply requires putting a pump under the RO reservoir and hooking up some clear tubing to barb fittings. Plug in the pump and we're golden! Tonight I'll fill t he saltwater tank for the first time... I wanted to give a day for the cement to cure and get the fumes out of the tank/fittings/etc.
I'll take some pics and a video as well.
On a sad note (for me), I noticed a few small spots on my pyroferus tang just a couple days ago. Not sure what it is but I'm not too happy about it. As you are aware I've been really careful when adding my new fish (TTM, QT). So it's possible that there was already a pathogen in the tank... or it's possible I'm just a bit unlucky. Yesterday it didn't seem that the fish were any worse off... no spreading. I fed a LOT of Nori w/garlic and will continue to do so on a daily basis. I'll also minimize the meats. Also feeding spectrum pellets regularly. Otherwise, all the fish are acting normally and eating a ton. So I'm hoping that it's just a minor "event" and everything will clear up very soon. Unfortunately, I go on a two week work trip next Saturday... so I really need to hope for the best between now and then. Anyway... ugh.
I'll take some pics and a video as well.
On a sad note (for me), I noticed a few small spots on my pyroferus tang just a couple days ago. Not sure what it is but I'm not too happy about it. As you are aware I've been really careful when adding my new fish (TTM, QT). So it's possible that there was already a pathogen in the tank... or it's possible I'm just a bit unlucky. Yesterday it didn't seem that the fish were any worse off... no spreading. I fed a LOT of Nori w/garlic and will continue to do so on a daily basis. I'll also minimize the meats. Also feeding spectrum pellets regularly. Otherwise, all the fish are acting normally and eating a ton. So I'm hoping that it's just a minor "event" and everything will clear up very soon. Unfortunately, I go on a two week work trip next Saturday... so I really need to hope for the best between now and then. Anyway... ugh.
McPuff
New member
Ok, finally have some pics to share for the water "station."
Here you can see the whole room, including both of the new containers and their connection with a mag 9.5.
It's been nice to have a larger reservoir, especially with all my travel coming up. No need to worry there for a few weeks if I'm only using ATO.
Here you can see the 30 gal PCO tank that I use to hold/mix saltwater. I drilled a single hole for the RO water input. Super easy to fill. Nice opening in the top as well for pouring in salt. And I can reach into the bottom of the tank to install the pump, etc. I'm glad I went with a horizontal tank for the saltwater!
Adding saltwater to the Sump is easy as well. I just place a length of 1" flex PVC into the 1" ball valve, open the valve and let it flow for about a minute. Since Sump is lower than the mixing container this works very well. Fills super fast! I did my first water change last night using this system and it took about 10 minutes... but that was because I siphoned out a bunch detritus. I'm guessing it'll take me less than 5 minutes to do a 20-30 gallon water change on most occasions. Not bad!
And finally, this picture shows how the RO tank is plumbed to the ATO (small 1/4 pex valve), the saltwater mixing tank (large ball valve)... and I also included a gate valve so I can get small amounts of RO water on demand. Definitely recommend having this type of addition to your system if you're planning one!!!
I decided NOT to leave the pump attached and constantly plumbed because I won't be making saltwater very often. This will allow me to empty the lines and not get stale water sitting around. So I just store the pump and lines in the cabinet in between uses. I'm quite happy with the decision and it's super easy to install the pump and lines.
One issue I had is a small leak at the pump. Need to figure out why this is happening but the interim solution is to simply place the pump in a bucket lid or other shallow container.
Otherwise, the system works very well. Let me know if you have any questions about anything.
Here you can see the whole room, including both of the new containers and their connection with a mag 9.5.
It's been nice to have a larger reservoir, especially with all my travel coming up. No need to worry there for a few weeks if I'm only using ATO.
Here you can see the 30 gal PCO tank that I use to hold/mix saltwater. I drilled a single hole for the RO water input. Super easy to fill. Nice opening in the top as well for pouring in salt. And I can reach into the bottom of the tank to install the pump, etc. I'm glad I went with a horizontal tank for the saltwater!
Adding saltwater to the Sump is easy as well. I just place a length of 1" flex PVC into the 1" ball valve, open the valve and let it flow for about a minute. Since Sump is lower than the mixing container this works very well. Fills super fast! I did my first water change last night using this system and it took about 10 minutes... but that was because I siphoned out a bunch detritus. I'm guessing it'll take me less than 5 minutes to do a 20-30 gallon water change on most occasions. Not bad!
And finally, this picture shows how the RO tank is plumbed to the ATO (small 1/4 pex valve), the saltwater mixing tank (large ball valve)... and I also included a gate valve so I can get small amounts of RO water on demand. Definitely recommend having this type of addition to your system if you're planning one!!!
I decided NOT to leave the pump attached and constantly plumbed because I won't be making saltwater very often. This will allow me to empty the lines and not get stale water sitting around. So I just store the pump and lines in the cabinet in between uses. I'm quite happy with the decision and it's super easy to install the pump and lines.
One issue I had is a small leak at the pump. Need to figure out why this is happening but the interim solution is to simply place the pump in a bucket lid or other shallow container.
Otherwise, the system works very well. Let me know if you have any questions about anything.
