OK! Enough chat...Starting a 1000g+ Reef
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jnarowe
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Ben,
I know I am a bit embarrassed by that purchase but I really felt I needed it much sooner than I could build it, and in fact, it is exactly made how I would have done it myself, with the exception of the twist-lock lid.
The quality of the stirrer is excellent and my observations of it's performance vs. the Deltec are as follows:
I bought it because I didn't like the design of the Deltec because the Deltec is not sealed and therefore has an air pocket at the top. I had read a lot about reefers trying to avoid air contact with thier kalkwasser. I also opted for the taller version with the errant thought that would provide more capacity.
The reality is that the stir bar method doesn't allow you to put any more kalk into the unit because at an increased depth, it can no longer be effectively stirred and turns to glue. I ended up having to remove much of the kalk in order to get it to function properly.
My assumption was that the variable speed stir bar would be a benefit over the Deltec, but in fact, the Deltec has a much more steady consistent stirring action. Also, with the stir bar, it can get thrown off at too high of speed. Not too big of a deal as you just have to lower the speed and re-position it over the center.
I was on the fence too for a while but I think both are very good quality devices. Performance is good with both and by buying the Barr, I don't have to include myself in the Deltec Borg Collective.
I know I am a bit embarrassed by that purchase but I really felt I needed it much sooner than I could build it, and in fact, it is exactly made how I would have done it myself, with the exception of the twist-lock lid.
The quality of the stirrer is excellent and my observations of it's performance vs. the Deltec are as follows:
I bought it because I didn't like the design of the Deltec because the Deltec is not sealed and therefore has an air pocket at the top. I had read a lot about reefers trying to avoid air contact with thier kalkwasser. I also opted for the taller version with the errant thought that would provide more capacity.
The reality is that the stir bar method doesn't allow you to put any more kalk into the unit because at an increased depth, it can no longer be effectively stirred and turns to glue. I ended up having to remove much of the kalk in order to get it to function properly.
My assumption was that the variable speed stir bar would be a benefit over the Deltec, but in fact, the Deltec has a much more steady consistent stirring action. Also, with the stir bar, it can get thrown off at too high of speed. Not too big of a deal as you just have to lower the speed and re-position it over the center.
I was on the fence too for a while but I think both are very good quality devices. Performance is good with both and by buying the Barr, I don't have to include myself in the Deltec Borg Collective.
jnarowe
New member
well, the page has been there for a long time, but i am adding the equipment profile to answer some common questions. I am also finding out that I never took pictures of some important stuff like the breaker sub-panel etc. I know I am just giving myself more work, but I think it adds value to the web site.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10163516#post10163516 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
Ben,
I know I am a bit embarrassed by that purchase but I really felt I needed it much sooner than I could build it, and in fact, it is exactly made how I would have done it myself, with the exception of the twist-lock lid.
The quality of the stirrer is excellent and my observations of it's performance vs. the Deltec are as follows:
I bought it because I didn't like the design of the Deltec because the Deltec is not sealed and therefore has an air pocket at the top. I had read a lot about reefers trying to avoid air contact with thier kalkwasser. I also opted for the taller version with the errant thought that would provide more capacity.
The reality is that the stir bar method doesn't allow you to put any more kalk into the unit because at an increased depth, it can no longer be effectively stirred and turns to glue. I ended up having to remove much of the kalk in order to get it to function properly.
My assumption was that the variable speed stir bar would be a benefit over the Deltec, but in fact, the Deltec has a much more steady consistent stirring action. Also, with the stir bar, it can get thrown off at too high of speed. Not too big of a deal as you just have to lower the speed and re-position it over the center.
I was on the fence too for a while but I think both are very good quality devices. Performance is good with both and by buying the Barr, I don't have to include myself in the Deltec Borg Collective.
No need to be embarrassed.
Your other builds are impressive in their own right.It's interesting the point you make about taller versions with the mag stirrer not being particularly more effective. I hadn't thought about that. Seems like they wouldn't bother selling 'em if they didn't work, though... weird! I guess I will go with the Deltec since it's fairly close price-wise and it is fun to Assimilate.
Ben
Are you also monitoring your Mg levels ? IIRC a low level of Mg can cause erratic and hard to maintain Alk levels
. I just threw some dolomite into our reactor to try to help keep the levels up. But I run the current reactor a bit high to adequately melt the dolomite though, I think (it takes a lower PH to melt than even the large media does to start).
jnarowe
New member
Ben,
Can't remember his name right now, but the Barr guy tried very hard to convince me to get the smaller unit. In fact he had a small one sitting around that he was will to give me a special deal on, but I insisted on getting the larger one.
Tom,
My Mg levels are always fairly high at between 1450 and 1500 ppm. I have never had to add it since I started my reef, but I will test for it today as my salt inconsistencies may be lagging that as well. Thanks for the reminder!
Can't remember his name right now, but the Barr guy tried very hard to convince me to get the smaller unit. In fact he had a small one sitting around that he was will to give me a special deal on, but I insisted on getting the larger one.
Tom,
My Mg levels are always fairly high at between 1450 and 1500 ppm. I have never had to add it since I started my reef, but I will test for it today as my salt inconsistencies may be lagging that as well. Thanks for the reminder!
jnarowe
New member
Some things to make note of:
1. The CBB has been eating the smaller aiptasia in the grow-out tank so that is definitely good news. I am going to wait a few more days and see if he can finish off a medium sized one, and then pop him into the display.
2. I deployed a Nguyen Maxi-Jet 1200 mod in the grow-out tank today and let me just say, it is freakin' unbelievable. I can't even guess as to how much flow, but I am quite sure it's well over 2000 gph. In fact it turned the tank into a whirlpool.
3. I tested the tank and water change water today also and got the following results:
Tank:
Mg: 1440ppm
dKh: 8.6
Ca: 430ppm
Water change:
Mg: 1200ppm
dKh: 7.6
Ca: 255ppm
So the tank is in OK shape but again bizarre results from the water change tub. Last test the dKh was below 3.0 and the Ca was above 350ppm. So this salt is very different bag-to-bag and a bit troubling right now.
Otherwise, tank is looking sweet. I am very happy with coral growth and color, as well as the health of the fish.
1. The CBB has been eating the smaller aiptasia in the grow-out tank so that is definitely good news. I am going to wait a few more days and see if he can finish off a medium sized one, and then pop him into the display.
2. I deployed a Nguyen Maxi-Jet 1200 mod in the grow-out tank today and let me just say, it is freakin' unbelievable. I can't even guess as to how much flow, but I am quite sure it's well over 2000 gph. In fact it turned the tank into a whirlpool.
3. I tested the tank and water change water today also and got the following results:
Tank:
Mg: 1440ppm
dKh: 8.6
Ca: 430ppm
Water change:
Mg: 1200ppm
dKh: 7.6
Ca: 255ppm
So the tank is in OK shape but again bizarre results from the water change tub. Last test the dKh was below 3.0 and the Ca was above 350ppm. So this salt is very different bag-to-bag and a bit troubling right now.
Otherwise, tank is looking sweet. I am very happy with coral growth and color, as well as the health of the fish.
jnarowe
New member
So, Sherman has swapped tanks out and decided not to include some animals from the old one...
So I now have a Sebae Clownfish, 2 cleaner shrimp, 1 coral banded shrimp, and some kind of a pincushion urchin in acclimation. I guess all of these present a risk on some level, but they have been model citizens in his tank so I will give them a try rather than have them perish at an LFS. The urchin will go into the overflow, and the rest into the display.
He also has some other stuff available to local reefers like some nice leathers including a very bright green mushroom leather (Tyree I believe), xenia, and blue damsel etc.
So I now have a Sebae Clownfish, 2 cleaner shrimp, 1 coral banded shrimp, and some kind of a pincushion urchin in acclimation. I guess all of these present a risk on some level, but they have been model citizens in his tank so I will give them a try rather than have them perish at an LFS. The urchin will go into the overflow, and the rest into the display.
He also has some other stuff available to local reefers like some nice leathers including a very bright green mushroom leather (Tyree I believe), xenia, and blue damsel etc.
sherm71tank
Premium Member
I'm sure they will be very happy!!! You know you have it bad when #1 you are trying to GIVE a coral away that looks like this:
![url]](/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2F%5Burl%5Dhttp%3A%2F%2Freefcentral.com%2Fgallery%2Fdata%2F500%2F43852neon_leather_001.jpg%5B%2Furl%5D&hash=c1e5402b85de63b862baded4d5cab33f)
#2 You CAN'T!!!! Man I have some picky friends!!!!
#2 You CAN'T!!!! Man I have some picky friends!!!!
jnarowe
New member
Hop: yeah Sherman is cool for sure...I'll pay him back in booze and chicks! :lol:
And about that leather, it is indeed nice but I don't need those in my tank. They grow like weeds, get huge, and don't taste very good, judging by the fact that your scribbles won't touch them!
BTW, I have been seeing some posts in skimmer threads discussing SCFH, LPM, etc. vs. wattage and while I don't want to start any flame war, I just want to point out that my skimmer runs at 120W and pulls 212 SCFH...now that's no evidence of superior skimming, because you also have to use the air efficiently, but it does show you can get a high volume of air at a low wattage.
Sherman's DIY Becket runs 90+ SCFH at 76 watts, and is extremely quiet.
And about that leather, it is indeed nice but I don't need those in my tank. They grow like weeds, get huge, and don't taste very good, judging by the fact that your scribbles won't touch them!
BTW, I have been seeing some posts in skimmer threads discussing SCFH, LPM, etc. vs. wattage and while I don't want to start any flame war, I just want to point out that my skimmer runs at 120W and pulls 212 SCFH...now that's no evidence of superior skimming, because you also have to use the air efficiently, but it does show you can get a high volume of air at a low wattage.
Sherman's DIY Becket runs 90+ SCFH at 76 watts, and is extremely quiet.
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jnarowe
New member
Interesting Thread: When Good LFS's Go Bad
jnarowe
New member
tank room was a bit of a mess this morning with beer bottles and shot glasses...we had the Rogue Old Crustacean last night...and wow, what a bang! Greg also came over and the three of us talked reefs for a few hours. Sherman and I are working Greg towards turing his cichlid tank into a reef tank.
Too bad Don couldn't come over!
The sebae is keeping to the West end of the tank, well away from the maroons. It seems to be hovering over the hammer, which is interesting because that hammer was in his prevous tank a few months ago.
The CBB appears to be doing well. It has tried to socialize with the other fish but they apparently couldn't care less. The maroon has chased it off, and I saw it orient its spines towards the sebae in an interesting defensive move. No wounds on any of them so that looks good. The reef is doing well but I am definitely having a bown algae event that has me a little worried. Corals continue to grow nicely.
Too bad Don couldn't come over!
The sebae is keeping to the West end of the tank, well away from the maroons. It seems to be hovering over the hammer, which is interesting because that hammer was in his prevous tank a few months ago.
The CBB appears to be doing well. It has tried to socialize with the other fish but they apparently couldn't care less. The maroon has chased it off, and I saw it orient its spines towards the sebae in an interesting defensive move. No wounds on any of them so that looks good. The reef is doing well but I am definitely having a bown algae event that has me a little worried. Corals continue to grow nicely.
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