My Tank Thread (Take3) ★Total AUTOMATION★ DIY Doser, Sump, AlgaeScrubber, WaterChnges

[reefmutt]

Looking good Wally. You mentioned testing parameters a few post back. Did you get the tests done?
How's that green stuff? Looks like green cyano to me as well.. is it still around?
Looking at your flow, cyano seems like the last thing you'd get but you never know. Aminos and cyano often go hand in hand.

 

[Wally.B]

Looking good Wally. You mentioned testing parameters a few post back. Did you get the tests done?
How's that green stuff? Looks like green cyano to me as well.. is it still around?
Looking at your flow, cyano seems like the last thing you'd get but you never know. Aminos and cyano often go hand in hand.

The Green Stuff isn't spreading. But appears to be some kind of Algae.
Watching to see if Turbo's do anything to clean up. They need to eat.... (There is no other Algae in tank. Even on Glass it's getting very light)
For now will slow down Amino's. Not feeding Corals any food yet.

Will do a full water test once I stabilize the Dosing, but the basic tests are above.

-> ALK=7.5 Adjusted. (dropping fast daily)
-> CALC=455
-> MAG=1250 ( Now dropping. First time EVER!! )
-> Potassium=420 (Wonder how it got over 400. I did add KCL once a week ago to raise from 390, and I calculated to get to 400)

Should I be getting a Strontium Test kit (Expensive). Seems that the Masters all test for this. But my SPS load is small.
I figure that Between Weekly Water changes, and AF 1,2,3 Dosing, Strontium and other Trace Elements should be fine.

 

[Wally.B]

Some (tiny) Burnt Tips on SPS

So I guess a few weeks back when I didn't have doser running, I may have had a tiny ALK spike with Adjustments.

I notice that a few acro's have tips burned (tiny tiny bit). And at these tips there is some brown algae forming. Below that TINY tip burn, all is fine.

Should I just leave alone, or cut the tips?

I figure cutting will just make the tip exposure worse (bigger), so leaving alone and watching.

 

[Wally.B]

Here is a picture of one the SPS corals that is bleaching at the tips.

Only a couple are doing this.

To be safe and for a possible recovery, I dropped MH down from 175W to 150W.

It could be related to the fact that the Supplier of the Frag did have a mini crash (Calcium Reactor Failure during vacation) and many of his corals got burnt tips. So this could be a burn tip hand me down issue and nothing to do with my tank.

All the Frags purchased earlier are doing fine.

 

[Wally.B]

DOSER (II) Plus Controller (Couple of Water Level Sensor for Water Change BIN)

The Cheapo Level Sensor arrived from China. I will be build a Mini Controller to do Auto Water Changes in other tank (Since I love it).

I built a couple more Water Level Sensors for the Water Changer Bins.

The New-Water Bin Sensor will sense to ensure there is enough water to do a water change (Also give me warning that it's fill up time).

The DUMP-Water Bin Sensor, will sense that Bin it getting close to full and time to empty so water Change can be done.

This extra bit of failsafe mean I can go Total Automation with Water changes.
I can consider increasing Bin Sizes.

I will also have confidence to even do Scheduled Water changes, without supervision.[/IMG]

 

[Wally.B]

Four Very Special SPS Frags (Sunset, Gomezie, Pink Milli and PINK CADILLAC)

So with things going well, I went on a hunt for the a few missing Colors. (Blue, and Yellow).

I went to a new Store that Fragbox.ca has moved to.

He had exactly what I needed, and unfortunately (MORE).
I say unfortunately since I brought home some Amazing Corals and Rare SPS, and I just spent the most ever on a single frag.

However what I learned from Past, in my other tank, is that spending a bit more for something Special (like my Aussie Torch, Golden Frogspawn), give years of viewing enjoyment. IF THEY DO WELL!!

The rare one is a Reef Raft Pink Cadillac.

The other are quite amazing too. Got my YELLOW (Sunset). Got my BLUE (Gonezie). A awesome (Pink Milli).

As much as I am excited and Happy with the new additions, I am TERRIFIED at the risk I'm taking.

I do have some confidence that things will be stable.

I still worry about how to setup the proper lighting.

Here is how I placed the new Frags.

Middle is safe (but colors may not keep if not enough lighting).

I did measure these Frags at Fragbox's lighting setup (with a Lux Meter, Not Par Meter). Appears that lighting was stronger than my tank running at 150W MH. However Lux is not accurate, and doesn't account for my T5's, or my LED.

Going to be watching this tank very closely.

 

[Wally.B]

FIRST OVERHEAD PHOTO (Of New Tank Setup)

Since this is the Beginning, I move the lights out and got one Top Top to compare to some day in the future.

The photo was taken with all Lights off, except the side Cheapo White LED strip.

You can see the NEW Growth on the Red Montipora that started a couple of week ago when things got stable.

 

[Wally.B]

I DON't TRUST MYSELF WITH ADDITIVES (Time for a Planned Dosing Routing)

From lessons learned in past, when I start with Additives and things go well, I tend to overdo things (which lead to problems like Algae).
Life with Work/Family also distracts me at times.

So I put together an Structured Schedule, to spread things out.


ALL BOTTLES are labelled with HAND SLAPPING dosing regime.

I've considered each product to include something for each:

-> Water Clarification
-> Trace Elements & ALK, CALCIUM, MAG
-> N&P reduction
-> Bacteria
-> Coral Growth/Color Stimulation

I am using Each Product under the recommended amount. About 1/3 or less.

Here is the current plan.

This chart and the Bottle Labels will keep me under control.

I think this is a Safe dosing plan. Not aggressive but some small benefits possible.

Always adjustable as I watch corals react, and I make Water Measurements over time.


And YES, I have decided to do ( TWO 2.5 Gallon Water changes a Week ) , VS ( ONE 5 Gal Water Change )
This is just for the beginning, and mostly since Water Changes are just a button Push now. [Any amount from 1/4 Gal to 8 Gallons] .
From Reading the Article posted above, this is a Middle ground (some water wasted), but good on Toxin removal, and stable Water Parameters.
This will probably reduce my DOSING requirements for (ALK, CALC, etc). That is why I am going with only 5ml a day a this point. (Way under).

 

[Wally.B]

** NO CORAL FOOD ADDITIVES **

I do have several corals foods.
Some I use in my Mixed tank (Reef Roids, Coral Frenzy, Reef Chili, AF Coral Food & AF Pure Food). The last two were specifically bought for this SPS tank.


A FEW reasons for not using Coral Foods Quite Yet (if Ever) are:

-> Current Goal for these Young Frags is to keep them Healthy and get them to grow.
-> Counting on Fish Waste to feed them along with the additives above to supplement Aminos, Vitamins, and simulants.
-> Don't want to pollute the tank at this early stage. I need a chance to observe the corals, and not have "What if" thoughts if things go bad.

I probably am starting too aggressive with the Additives, so why compound the problem with Foods.


HOW EVER THE BEST REASON IS THIS!!

Last time I over did things, few year back, the tank has a SMALL Cyano Bloom (It eventually went away)

BUT RIGHT AFTERWARD....FEW MONTHS LATER.
It looked like this. (I never recovered from that GHA Bloom. Tank was torn apart and scrubbed).
(Wasn't just the food, it was a Ligthing Design Error with too much RED LIGHTING. Figure that out that afterwards).

That Green Hair Algae Bloom, is the main reason I built a Brand New Sump with a Built-In Algae Scrubber!!

The Scrubber is actually running very nicely.
Reached a certain maturity just this last week. I no longer have to pull out and scrub the screens. Which was a bit of a Chore.
The Algae growth has gone from a thin/slimy GHA type, to a more thicker Spagetti like Macro Algae.
I just cleaned it without removing the screen. Just reached in a pulled out a clump.

Enough said.

Onward!!

Wally B.

 

[reefmutt]

Hey Wally, I wanted to visit March's new shop a few weeks ago when I was in Toronto but I ran out of time. I'm jealous! I would have spent too much as well..
For what it's worth, my pink Cadillac is the most expensive frag in my tank as well..
Looking at your list of things to add and was wondering about the no pro.. do you need it? I guess at one drop a day, it's not a lot..
where are n and p right now?
With your algea growing well, maybe it's not necessary..
Then again, with all the other stuff your are adding, maybe you will..
I'm wondering about adding all those things all at once like that.. it's a 0-60type approach which may still be too aggressive.. maybe not.. you are starting off pretty slow but still..
As for the burnt tips- probably not your system.. I usually cut them off because I find a fresh cut is easier for the recovering acro to grow over than an algea infested tip...

 

[Wally.B]

Matt,

Yes March's new Store is Amazing.
On top of the Spectacular SPS collection, he now carries a full stock of Premium Dry Goods.

You are right about the Additives. I am having 2nd thoughts about any Coloration additives like (Phols Xtra). Let these Corals grow/color naturally. They will be getting everything they need from Twice-A-Week Water changes (50% Premiun Tropic Marin Pro Salt, 50% AquaForest Reef Salt).

I just checked the tank and the few spots of Green Whatever are almost gone. Those two Turbo's are doing a great job. When tank is clean, I will put them in Algae Scrubber for recharging.

Note even though my fingers itch for doing Drops of this and that. This new schedule is holding me back 90% from what I was doing last couple of weeks. You know me.

I will try to cut down even more.
Maybe just stay with the Water Changes for a while and see how things go.

Also I have more time, so am spending time cleaning glass and pumps from any build up.
I do notice since I have the Gyre, and Sea Swirl heads the top of tank (close to intense lighting), they get build up the quickest. So regular cleaning will eliminate the Hot Spots.

I'm pretty excited about the Pink Cadillac. So tiny, but I watch it all day long. It's special.
I also can't avoid looking at the Sunset. Never had something so Yellow and Contrasting in my tank.
The Blue Gomezie is pretty cool too. Read up that it grows very slow.

 

[Wally.B]

I can breathe a bit Easier.

Turbo's are really polishing tank. (Leaving only Spots of Coraline Algae Behind )

Total reversal in just a week!!

I really needed a few snails, since after my rebuild I didn't restore any.

HERE IS PROOF (It was teamwork. Turbo's, Magaritta and Astrea Snail)

https://youtu.be/Wroj0yzsgRA

You tube video is 1 minute Timelapse using Web CAM with Night Vision.
On same area where as Photo Above.

 

[Wally.B]

I have PERFECT Lighting (For these SPS frags) BRS TV Video

Well some luck.

BRS TV just put out a investigative video on Ideal Lighting for Corals (Specifically some SPS details)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62_FdPutmAQ

What is Absolutely Great is their Setup is almost exactly the same as my tank.

Two MH LIghts (250W), and Two T5's (Coral Plus and Blue Plus).
I do have the LED but it's more for accent/off peak our viewing.

What they show with their measurements is almost exactly the same as when I did my Par readings in my tank (shown in post above).

Their recommended PAR Target is around 250-350 PAR. Their measurements show some higher spots nearer the Lights and at the bottom where more reflection on glass occurs. (I didn't know about the lower spots having more reflection near the glass. Reflection Angle makes this happens)

I am running my lights at around 14" for more spread. Their experiement was done at 6 (to not spill light over tank, but I can spill for better even distribution, since my Lights over tank are in Sump Room, behind wall)".

Plus I am currently running my lights at 150W, but can go as high as 250W in the future with a flip of a dial on the Switchable ballast.

So things look very promising, and I need to stay on the low side, till these corals acclimatize and grow up.

 

[Wally.B]

I am making some Small adjustments to my Lighting Schedule after viewing that Video.

I also have slightly changed the Weekly Schedule (Further Cutbacks on Additives, plus one new one I missed AF Build)

Even though there is a reduction overall, it is spread out to give me something to (drop) daily.

Sundays will be maintenance day (ie Algae Scrubber, pumps, Skimmer, etc)

 

[Wally.B]

LIGHTING SCHEDULE (Acclimatization)

Very small adjustments, but here is the lighting schedule for next while.

I found out I had an T5 Actinic bulb, so I replaced it with a Blue Plus.
The other T5 is a Coral Plus.

I actually raised the lights 1/2" inch more for more even spread.
Now Lights are 14" above waterline.

I like to stagger the different bulbs, since it adds variety to all day viewing.
In general the PAR Level RAMPS UP and DOWN.

 

[JonezNReef]

Awesome stuff. I just read your entire thread and though most of it is over my head I love the DIY involved in this and the amount of detail in both the project itself as well as the documentation of it all. I will be following along your journey

 

[Wally.B]

Hey Jonez,

Welcome along for the ride. Hoping this time it won't be another Rollercoaster of Terror.

I document in detail for myself, however when folks like you chime in the encouragement helps to detail more so.

I find it strange when I look at the # of view this thread is getting, every time I post, that I don't get a Hello from folks once in a while.
If people want to be silent viewers I'm perfectly fine with that.
Maybe a PM to say they are along for the ride is another way. Doesn't really matter, since I will continue my personal log regardless.

I never posted a picture of How This Tank is situated. Behind the wall as seen in the Sump Room Photo.

The Tank is in my Office wall, in front of my Desk where I work and spend Hobby time.

I will share another Project I have brewing in back of my Mind.

I get a feeling with all the Automation I'm putting in, I will be left with little to do (Feed Fish, Clean Glass, Fill Bottles). PERFECTLY FINE WITH THAT.

So the project will be an Advanced (Fun) Reminder Robot, which will sit on my desk and Interact with me, fish, even watch the tank.

It's a COZMO AI Robot, that has a Programming Toolkit that you can program to do anything, with built in Vision, Speech, Intelligence.

It was a Christmas Gift Toy for Kids. They enjoyed for a bit, but now collecting dust.

This project is along way away....

 

[JonezNReef]

I know how you feel about people posting as that happens with me too. I think more people are into the high dollar fancy equipment over the DIY stuff. Personal I love the DIY things and get blown away by what some people come up with. I use my thread as more of a personal reference and documentation too.

Looks like you are on the right track for a great tank. And the cosmos thing looks interesting

 

[Wally.B]

I know how you feel about people posting as that happens with me too. ....
.... I use my thread as more of a personal reference and documentation too.

Yes, this thread is for my Documentation. I lose track of Tank Photo's, since I take too many, and they just get backed up with all other Family Photo's.
Reef Central Thread is best for history archive since I only post the milestones, and make effort for the Photos for posting.

I still need to tune up my Photo skills. I see folks taking photo's with Iphones that look better than what I get with my SLR.
Even took a SLR course and learned an bit to improve Tank Photos (but I still never get those great Closeups, with Polyps in high detail).

I am going to try this.

I picked up this used (S95 Camera with IkeLite Scuba Housing). Great Price ($110 for both) since it has a broken button (Flash...which I would never use). Plan is to use on next snorkelling vacation, since last vacation we got one of those Zip-Lock Baggie kind of Vacuum sleeves for Iphone. (Not a single picture came out).

Might work for some better photo's, since I won't be struggling with the whole Tank Glass Problem.

I'll be going into the Tank (Literally) for these photos.
Too bad Cozmo isn't a remote submarine (waterproof)

 

[Wally.B]

Water Parameter Tests (After a couple of Weeks) of Stable Automation (Water Changes/Dosing).

So here are the Steady State Numbers on Water Tests.

All great. Nitrate could be lower, but better than in the past which was 5-10 range.

I can tell things are different from the past.
Water kind of look ultra clear, with a sparkle.

Corals Frags are not fading to brown. Even the ones I got weeks ago.
Some brightening up (pinks), other darkening their pigmentation (Purples).
Every Frag is glowing green with Phosphoresce under Actinic, or UV light.

I do have one VERY OLD original Digita Coral. Not as Red as you see in Stores or other folks tanks. Maybe needs time to recover after months of abuse.

I am really happy with the setup and automation at this point.

Looking forward to some growth, where they Frags will have a chance to show what they can do.