My Project ★ GENESIS ★ 110G (Miracle) SPS Dream Tank - (II) Build Thread

[Wally.B]

NEW TANK SETUP (IN-SUMP UPFLOW Algae Scrubber) First Harvest with SANTA MONICA GEM LED Strip [BOOSTER]

So I had my ATS running on 65 Gal Tank while the Tank was being Built.
Just running with my Current Driven 6 RED 2 Blue LED's.

Same fish, Same Nutrients, Same Sump, and it didn't do much for 3 months.

With the new TANK, I added one of the 3 Strips. 2 GEM run in my Kitchen Tank Sump.

ATS growth really kicked in.

This is great, since what Algae Grows in ATS isn't growing in my DT. (Poor Emerald Crabs are Starving, so I feed them Nori)

I assume my DIY Panel LED is either not running long enough, or Intensity too low.

OR, the placement of the GEM strip is more in the direct path of my RETURN Flow.


I have to find time to check my N&P Levels.

 

[Wally.B]

SNEAK PEEK (TOTAL Sump Room / Rec Room) AUTOMATION [ OpenHAB-2 ...]

This belong is a separate Thread, but for now I'm still learning.

I've been researching on the best automation for my new Basement Setup.

Looking into Samsung, WINK, Alexa, Google Home, etc.
ALL NICE for the non-tech Savy, but doesn't go the distance......Especially to integrate with Apex Lighting Control, etc...

THEN I FOUND (OPEN-HAB), which is an OPEN SOURCE home automation Hub (runs on Windows, MAC, Raspberry PI, etc)

https://www.openhab.org/

There are many modules to get Alexa Speaker (OPTIONAL) working,
.......The selling point for me is (NO -INTERNET, or Cloud needed to work), and a ton of support Sensors, switches, dimmers, etc.
https://www.openhab.org/technologies.html


I just found this (Z-Wave Dongle), which takes things even further.

https://aeotec.com/z-wave-usb-stick

And with this (Z-Wave Multi Sensor), I can really make my Sump Room Environmentals work.

https://aeotec.com/z-wave-sensor

INSTALLED on Wall facing Tank:
-> Motion Sensor (Turn on my Sump Room Lights when I walk in. Off when I leave)

-> Humidity Sensor (Turn on my Sump Room Ventilation, not just for Heat, but moisture)....I notice in new Sump Room a tiny mold smell and when I clean Skimmer under Stand it goes away (Room need more ventilation)

-> Light Sensor (Measuring Light levels, and graphs will help me Know T5 Bulb Change time)
-> UV Sensor (Measuring UV levels, and graphs will help me monitor UV which compliments ABOVE)
** NOT a PAR meter, but together good indicator of Bulb Life **

-> Vibration (Pumps get noisier as they calcify, and I usually clean them after they fail)

The beauty of this Z-Wave setup is it work Stand Alone, and also Automated. Can work with Cloud/Internet Voice control with Alexa, but as a bonus.

 

[Rakie]

lol. This is turning into fish-battlestations

What's a battlestation? Typically, an over the top, yet nice and sleek computer system where one either works, or games like it's a job. Examples;

So yeah, this is entering fish-battlestations territory now

 

[Wally.B]

lol. This is turning into fish-battlestations

Nice SEtup, is that your's? Got to show my son.

What's a battlestation? Typically, an over the top, yet nice and sleek computer system where one either works, or games like it's a job. Examples;

So yeah, this is entering fish-battlestations territory now

Actually not true. Maybe a bit.

I started looking into the HOME Automation. $$$$$$$
Started thinking, how much $ for what DAILY USE Value.

Ain't worth it, except for a few important needs.

My two kids teens are now looking at new Rec Room, and are planning some get togethers (5-8 friends). Movies, Some Projector Screen Gaming parties.

Problem is Large Fish Tank with Extra Side (All T5 running is too bright/annoying) for Projector Use.

Do I give my teens accesss to APEX to turn down/turn off lights...... NO WAY

So with the OPenhub, and a few switches, I can send a pulse to Apex and have a Profile to turn down lights for a hour or two.
THEN APEX back to normal.

So I'm only getting 1 Z-Wave Dimmer for Movie Room, Couple of Wifi Switch to talk to Apex, and all for ABOUT SAME $ than 1 WINK2 HUB.

Alexa speaker is a maybe and that would be the OVERKILL.
The Sensor is for me and will be interesting to see Graphs over Time.

 

[Rakie]

Get a thin board with a magnet to put up covering the tank. Or even more low tech, hang a sheet over it.

I have a projector in my room, and my reef is right next to it. I just cover the back and side with a blanket so light doesn't cover the screen and nothing is worse for ware. My fish are even used to it now lol..

 

[Wally.B]

actually that is a great idea rakie.

why disrupt the tank lighting

I can make two black bistleboard cardboard cutouts that fit over glass.

Excellent thinking Rakie!!!!

 

[Rakie]

actually that is a great idea rakie.

why disrupt the tank lighting

I can make two black bistleboard cardboard cutouts that fit over glass.

Excellent thinking Rakie!!!!

Cardboard works too!

Lastly, make sure the sump door has a lock. On the other forum a girl found out her nephews were getting behind her 240g reef and peeing in the sump -- For weeks, several times a day.

Having been the party age once, I can absolutely guarantee someone will think pouring beer in the tank to see if fish can get drunk is a great idea.

 

[Wally.B]

Phase 1 (AUTOMATION Expansion) OLD Timer to Smart Plug Upgrade

So I've been deeply researching, experimenting, Evaluating all the Automation Options.

Trying to find the Best Control, Loweest Price, Minimal Cloud Dependancy, but Full Capabilities.

I tested a FEW of these.

I was really confused at the start, but am learning quickly.

I still haven't decided on what HUB, or if Any Comercial Hub, but WINK-2, Samsung Smart Things are possibility. Z-Wave is my preferred choice since it's going to be supported for a Long Time by COMMERCIAL solutions.

Even played with OPENHab (free Hub), but it may be a (deadEND for now) in Canada since Alexa Skills not yet available. (Also I hear in USA it's not stable)


But I fell in love with the Low Cost Mini Wifi Plugs.
So much that I replaced a few of my Mechanical Timers.

They work on Wifi, Have an App, work with IFTT, Alexa....But not needed.
They will work Standalone. So you can set your Timer ON/OFF schedule, and the do their work once SET thru App.

What's great is the Mechanical Timers lose their time Setting on Power Failure. The Mini Smart Plug get time back after they power up.
Even my old Battery backed-up timers, eventually go bad after batteries die.

These small ones don't take up any more than the size of the AC plug.


Much more to play with before I make final Selection.
IT WILL BE A MIX of technologies, each for a specific need. Certain things need to be 100% reliable, other convenience.

 

[reefmutt]

Much of that last post was over my head but the WiFi plugs are calling my name!
I use several rotary timers for all of my many lights.. a pain to reset and synchronize after power failures and spring fall daylight adjustments...
Hm!

 

[Wally.B]

Much of that last post was over my head but the WiFi plugs are calling my name!
I use several rotary timers for all of my many lights.. a pain to reset and synchronize after power failures and spring fall daylight adjustments...
Hm!

I know it complicated. I haven't figure it all out.

But the Wifi Plugs are EASY PEASY stuff.

I tried a few, these for me are No Brainer Winners. (Over the mechanicals, that eat power because the use a motor to turn...And don't fail, or click)

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B078LR524C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

-> Price is reasonable (Much better than the $50 per plug types)
-> You really only need the Wifi/App to set it once, then it runs like any other timer (Even if Wifi, Internet, Intranet, is down)
-> Can set a few on/off times

-> But you can control ON/OFF them with your Phone, Even away from Home, and you can also Talk to an Alexa Dot, or Google Speaker if you want
-> You can set things like if one is off then other goes on, get emails, etc with IFTT (but haven't played with that)

-> Really Solid build
-> The side button is a manual ON/OFF, but timer take over when it's time
-> And I really like that they take up exactly 1 plug space, so you can fit two into a standard wall outlet

 

[reefmutt]

Thanks! I’m definitely going to check those out.

 

[Wally.B]

Thanks! I’m definitely going to check those out.

If you need any help, and you won't (since easy setup) let me know.
Basically, you download app. Plug unit it. App picks it up. You type in your Wifi password and it auto configures the unit.
You can name your plug. Set ON/OFFtimes (on a nice app, compared to other bad ones I've tried), SAVE, and you are done.

Remember with Amazon, you can buy try, and return (if you don't like) within reasonable period.
I've been trying a few, and these work best. Others have clunky apps. Too big. Not a slick looking. And again...THE SIZE is Perfect!!
Still watching to see how reliable they are, but with eveything set inside the Plug Brains, I see no possible issues.

 

[Wally.B]

This SCARES me a Lot (Firefly Goby, Suddenly Weak and Dies) NEW TANK

That Firefly Goby, that never has been seen except for big tank teardowns, was floating around really weak.

I put him in (EMPTY QT) and he died shortly later.

He looked kind of ok, but then I took a Closeup Photo

Those SPOTS. They don't look normal to me, but I've never taken Close up of him this close.


NOTHING has been added to the New Tank EVER!!

I soak rinse all my stuff in bleach and dry during this QT period for new fish.

I will have to delay any NEW Fish Intro into the NEW TANK, to see if any other fish gets sick/dies.

 

[reefmutt]

Really hard to tell but that looks like oodinium...
Very odd

 

[sensei]

looks like velvet
do you have any other fish in there or was he in contact with any other fish?
is this fish new to you?

 

[Wally.B]

looks like velvet
do you have any other fish in there or was he in contact with any other fish?
is this fish new to you?

He is part of my original Fish from 65 Gallon tank.
All fish in 110Gallon Tank are the same I have had for years.
No fish added. This goby is the same one I have had for long time.

But I've been reading. That they can starve slowly.
That bad Angel wouldn't let him eat EVER. That is why for over a year I have not seen him, till he got so weak today and floated out.

How would Velvet get into this Tank if no new fish, no new rocks, no anything new.

All my fish in QT's are past many weeks and doing fine.

My kitchen tank Had Ich, or maybe velvet and I never did fallow, but I did treat the Tank with Ployp Lab Medic to possibly get rid of ich.

Nothing has been shared from Kitchen tank with new 110G.

 

[sensei]

If he was not in contact with new fish or rocks it does not make sense get velvet.
maybe those little dots are something else then.

 

[Wally.B]

If he was not in contact with new fish or rocks it does not make sense get velvet.
maybe those little dots are something else then.

Yes, I am hoping it's just starvation.
Specs could Possibly some detritus dust since in general the dead fish looks healthy (All skin coloration fine).

But I will wait and watch other fish in that tank.

No rush to add my new QT fish, since I really want the Copperband to go into NEW Tank. He is eating like crazy. Flake, Frozen, Masstick. Always hungry now.

Also the Black Capp and Tri Color Wrasee are with Copperband, and they will all go into New Tank, along with the Sunburst Anthias, who lookd healthy and also eating.
And for them to make it, and have peaceful tank. I think I need to remove the SpotBreast Angel. Put him into my Kitchen tank, and see if ICH is gone after (polyp lab treatment)

 

[Wally.B]

Tri-Color Wrasse (Jumped out of QT) COULD BE MORE UPSET!!!!

I knew something was wrong at feeding time, since the hungry Tri-Color Wrasse didn't come out.

I really liked that fish, and worked hard to do proper QT. (1 more week to go!!!)

I had the tank covered, and he found smallest crack in the back.

LESSSON LEARNED....Must make good net for NEW 110G Tank. Hoping the Euro Trim TOP will also help to contain Fish.

DARN!!!!

 

[tenurepro]

Tri-Color Wrasse (Jumped out of QT) COULD BE MORE UPSET!!!!



I knew something was wrong at feeding time, since the hungry Tri-Color Wrasse didn't come out.

I really liked that fish, and worked hard to do proper QT. (1 more week to go!!!)



I had the tank covered, and he found smallest crack in the back.



LESSSON LEARNED....Must make good net for NEW 110G Tank. Hoping the Euro Trim TOP will also help to contain Fish.



DARN!!!!

Sorry to hear that beautiful fish. Watch out for a the black cap - know jumpers too. Try to close the hole that the wrasse escaped from


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