note to self

[Scoobaman17]

Note to self:

Move the automatic feeder away from the tank next time you start to clean the algae off the tanks walls. !

 

[Aquarist007]

Re: note to self

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14782571#post14782571 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Scoobaman17
Note to self:

Move the automatic feeder away from the tank next time you start to clean the algae off the tanks walls. !

good point---three things I insist on doing myself daily

feed the fish
top up due to evaporation
dose with two part b-ionics

these three task keep me constantly in tune and aware of what is going on in my system. Sure they could be all automated but I feel I would lose some control over the operation of my reef system and lose some of the fun of reef keeping

 

[Scoobaman17]

Yeah today was a first for me. I am reaching over my tank and looking through the front of the tank to see where the left over algea is so I can scrape it off and then suddenly............my autofeeder swims or should I say "drifts" by. LOL

 

[jbird69]

Re: Re: note to self

Re: Re: note to self

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14782613#post14782613 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
good point---three things I insist on doing myself daily

feed the fish
top up due to evaporation
dose with two part b-ionics

these three task keep me constantly in tune and aware of what is going on in my system. Sure they could be all automated but I feel I would lose some control over the operation of my reef system and lose some of the fun of reef keeping

This is a great point. I added a ATO and also a 1/2 gallon overflow resevoir to my skimmer. I swear every 4 days I here my aqualifter sucking air because time has gotten away from me and the ATO has run dry. My skimmer overflow can get stinky when left to fill up too.

Theres something to be said about manual maintanance.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Re: Re: Re: note to self

Re: Re: Re: note to self

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14782871#post14782871 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jbird69

Theres something to be said about manual maintanance.

And there's a corollary for automation - don't automate something you don't understand.

(I mean that with the kindest of intentions! IME too often newcomers get wrapped up in how the latest gadget will make their tank more awesome, when they're overlooking opportunities to really learn how they, as reefkeepers, can make their tank more awesome.)

 

[Scoobaman17]

The only things I have automated are the lights, auto top off which alarms me when the water in the freshwater reservoir is low, and one auto feeder. The feeder is set to once a day and I do the other feedings when I'm home.

No matter what though, before work and after I get home from work and school I look my tank up and down inside and out. I watch my tank more then I watch TV. Plus I have a very nice alarm system called my girlfriend Kim which calls me whenever she thinks somethings going on with the tank. LOL

 

[Aquarist007]

Re: Re: Re: Re: note to self

Re: Re: Re: Re: note to self

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14784058#post14784058 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by der_wille_zur_macht
And there's a corollary for automation - don't automate something you don't understand.

(I mean that with the kindest of intentions! IME too often newcomers get wrapped up in how the latest gadget will make their tank more awesome, when they're overlooking opportunities to really learn how they, as reefkeepers, can make their tank more awesome.)

good point--you guys with 10-15 or more years in this hobby had to learn without the use automatic gadgets and probably learned the basics of reef keeping as you did without.
PaulB reminds me of this everyday on here

 

[chris4869]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14782845#post14782845 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Scoobaman17
... and then suddenly............my automated swims or should I say "drifts" by. LOL

OMG I laughed so hard on your remark. :lol:

I'm the king of laziness. If it can be automated, I'll automate it.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14785608#post14785608 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chris4869
I'm the king of laziness. If it can be automated, I'll automate it.

And see I'm the opposite; I'd rather have a hand on everything. The only thing I automate is the lighting. Everything else is hands on.

 

[Paul B]

I just sit and watch the tank because I have a staff of Supermodels who take care of it.
I brought them home from the last Victoria photo shoot I worked.

:bounce1: :dance: :bounce3: :dance: :bounce1: :bounce3:

 

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14785752#post14785752 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sisterlimonpot
And see I'm the opposite; I'd rather have a hand on everything. The only thing I automate is the lighting. Everything else is hands on.

just keep your hands off me---I don't mind tag team posting with you--but that is as far as it goes :lol: :rollface: :lol:

 

[EverettReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14785752#post14785752 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sisterlimonpot
And see I'm the opposite; I'd rather have a hand on everything. The only thing I automate is the lighting. Everything else is hands on.

No return pump? No powerheads for in-tank circ? No heater?

 

[Korrine]

LOL the only things automated in my tank are heater, ph, skimmer pump.

That's it. Yes I even turn the lights on/off by hand.