Soulpatch's 150 SC build

[JonezNReef]

Thats true. Ive been considering switching from RC because Ive had some really inconsistencies with it but so many choice and opinions out there its hard to choose. Also had to justify switching to something more expensive. I wouldn't be going through half of the salt you are in a month so it would be a little easier on me but we will see.

 

[mav3rick478]

Have you considered Coralife salt? I switched after I used up my bucket of RC, got tired of adding MG during water changes. There's a thread somewhere that shows test results of different salts and Coralife seemed better than RC and IO as far as consistency for the same price point. 200 gallon box at DFS is about $45. I've done couple water changes now with it and no ill effects of switching.

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[soulpatch]

The problem is that most other salts strongly warn against storing it. That is my current issue as I keep over 75 gallons mixed. If I have both mixing containers mixed then I at over 100 gallons mixed....

I might message a few companies and talk about my situation to see what they say. Enough people do AWC that there has to be other salt options...

 

[mav3rick478]

So even with the water mixed and constantly flowing it goes bad in your containers?

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[soulpatch]

Most salt mixes say not to leave in a container even with mixer running for extended periods of time

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[mav3rick478]

Interesting because isn't the ocean in constant motion but I guess in your water containers there's nothing filtering the water.

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[soulpatch]

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[JonezNReef]

Nice!

 

[texdoc77]

Most salt mixes say not to leave in a container even with mixer running for extended periods of time

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I also run an AWC about 1% per day and use the HW Marinemix for this exact reason. I make up about 55 gallons a month and it sits in a 55 gallon drum with a powerhead about 2/3 of the way down pointing more down to keep salt from gathering on the bottom when I mix it initially. It has a tight fitting lid with metal ring clasp and though it is not air tight, there is very little chance for outside contaminants. It will sit for up to a month though.

 

[soulpatch]

Tex - Perfect. I like how the hw marinemix mixes and how the salt doesn't attract moisture and clump like reef crystals does.

Guessing I just found my new salt mix to move forward with...

 

[texdoc77]

Hey, not sure if you saw it or not, it was gone pretty quick, but there was an Australian Tusk on DD this afternoon.

 

[soulpatch]

I saw but i have my qt tanks full now and need to recoup some money after surgery, calcium reactor, and my drone

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[soulpatch]

So as of last night my bristletooth tang and blue throat trigger have made ti through TTM. I will be dosing with Prazi this weekend as a final measure of being safe with these guys. I thought I had some but need to order some more. I am excited to get them in the tank and see them swimming around.

All corals are over the bad salt experience in my tank. I have some who are not to the level they were at prior to th bad salt BUT no more recession or closed corals. All in all it stunk and I lost some real beautiful acans. I will rebuild though. HAHA

Some maintenance items upcoming. I need to order in some more bulbs for my t5 setup. I also need to stock pile some salt. I am hoping some deals will be there on black friday...

 

[soulpatch]

The trigger and tang made their way into the dt last night. They went through full TTM with 2 rounds of prazi during that and a final one following TTM. The tang is already in love with the tank and the trigger is still figuring out which space is his. He likes to hand by the top of the tank.

I have new bulbs coming in as it is about time for them to be swapped out. I can probably get another month out of current ones but better safe then sorry I guess. I am still not running my Kessils and really thinking of trying to flip them for a strip LED setup to get the shimmer... I wouldnt need it for PAR as the T5 handles that but the shimmer is nice to have. I will have to research options...

I still need to set up the calcium reactor but after my corals losses my calcium is still holding steady so it would be a waste right now to start it. Probably something to get setup but not going until this winter as I restock corals and such.

I am now getting the itch for the next lineup of fish to order in and put through QT. Not quite sure what all I want yet. so thoughts on stock are more then welcome. I want activity in the tank. Here is what I currently have:

bristletooth tang
blue throat trigger
2 clowns
mandarin
2 pj cardinals
melenarus wrasse

I was thinking some gobies and a blenny but they are fairly inactive. I will probably try a tusk again next year but other then those I am at a loss fishwise on what all to get...

 

[JonezNReef]

Awesome! Glad your fish made it through TTM and into the DT this time. You will have to get some pics of them in there new home.

 

[Rython]

I've learned a lot from following your build thread. Thanks for sharing!

 

[texdoc77]

I am now getting the itch for the next lineup of fish to order in and put through QT. Not quite sure what all I want yet. so thoughts on stock are more then welcome. I want activity in the tank. Here is what I currently have:

bristletooth tang
blue throat trigger
2 clowns
mandarin
2 pj cardinals
melenarus wrasse

I was thinking some gobies and a blenny but they are fairly inactive. I will probably try a tusk again next year but other then those I am at a loss fishwise on what all to get...

A midas blenny is actually pretty active, or what about some anthias?

 

[sayitfast]

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My favorite inhabitant for sure...

 

[soulpatch]

A midas blenny is actually pretty active, or what about some anthias?

I will probably look to get a tailspot again. Not Super active but my last one would come sit in my hand as I fed the tank.

I've thought about anthias as well or perhaps some firefish to add to the motion in the tank.

 

[soulpatch]

Hey Tex thanks for the heads up about the HW Marine working good for the AWC. I am not seeing any percipitation or such in the holding tank. It looks to be doing great. Added benefit should be no more brown sludge from RC as well.

Hopefully BRS puts it on super sale again for this black friday.


As to my equipment. I listed my 2 Kessils I had in the canopy. I am going to add a Reef Brite XHO LED strip to my setup and some Neptune lunar LEDs. I had a dead spot in the center of my tank with the Kessils that irritated me and would have needed to put the third I recently sold to fill it. But thinking about it there is no reason to have roughly 1200 in lighting for accent and shimmer when a 350 strip does the same and ensures full coverage.

I have been on a selling mission recently as my old sump, dosing gear, kessil, and gyre are all gone. These last 2 kessils will probably be it for quite a while as I am not sure what else I could sell or want to add.

Livestock - I placed an order from someone on here for some frags. I have another Oregon tort, Strawberry Shortcake, and a couple other cool looking acros. Excited to get them in.

I will be placing an order again here shortly for some more fish. Going to get a couple gobies and a blenny I believe in the next order. Will also add an ultra clam or two to the mix. Been keeping my eye on divers den to see what appeals to me as well. I would still like to add a PBT or a Blonde Naso but we shall see. Also thinking of a small school of anthias. Who knows what will catch my eye.