Tank is up and running!

[skirossi]

Hey guys, I've finally got the tank up and running and wanted to share a few pics. The rock has been cycling for the last 4 months in a tub in the back room so I had virtually no cycle, it's been up for 2 weeks now and I'm starting to get a diatom bloom (maybe some red hair algae too) So far for livestock we have 2 green chromis, 5 turbos, a handful of assorted hermit crabs, and some cerith and astrea (i think), and for corals we only have 1 mushroom and a few rocks w/ GSP on them.

The tank is a 40 breeder, I drilled it and put in a glass-holes overflow (w/2 bulkheads) I have 2 over the top returns, one in each corner. I have a 20 high tank as a fuge under the tank. The lights are 4 bulb T-5 retrofit I bought from chadfarmer at the frag swap.

I'll post more pics once the doors are on the stand (I built it myself) and I have the hood finished.

 

[sandalscout]

Hey Chuck,

Since it's a bit slow in here lately, I'll say it again, Looks GREAT! I gotta see it in person, good luck wrapping the hood up, but the hard part is done!

 

[tmcghee]

Very nice Chuck, I especially like the large rock on the left. That thing is big enough that you could put all kinds of corals up there and still have room for a clam. Lots of room, lots of potential.

The red algae may be where you have areas of low flow, is it in the sand down front? Might need one of the powerheads to aim someplace else. Or maybe more grazers, then again it may be just a cycle that will straighten itself out.

Terry

 

[skirossi]

Thanks Matt and Terry. I'm just hoping that big rock won't be too close to the lights and cause problems for corals. I really think the algae is a combination of a bunch of different factors. I think I'm really short on clean up crew since I have less than 15 critters in there. I also think once I order my ro/di it may help too since I'm using walmart culligan machine water right now and I have no idea how clean it is.

What are your favorites as far as inexpensive ro/di units? I'm ready to order just need to figure out which one to get. I can spend up to $150 but the more I save the more livestock I can buy!!!

 

[sandalscout]

I really like my Buckeye system, and the shipping is probably cheaper through them than just about anyone since they are close. They have a value series 75gpd (don't get a 100gpd, most are only 90% discharge) for less than $120.

Alot of people also like AirWaterIce.

If you end up going with Buckeye, let me know, I am probably going to be getting some new filters and membranes soon (as backups) and also want to get their inline TDS meter (and will then have my portable if you are interested in it).

 

[tmcghee]

I've got the typhoon 75gpd from AirWaterIce and have had no problems with it. I don't remember the price, maybe about $150? You could compare them and Buckeye and go with either, they both have good a reputation.

I will let you know that our's is slightly overrated, the manufacturer claim of 75gpd is based on 50psi water pressure. I adjusted my house pressure to 50 and we get about 2 3/4 gph or about 65 gpd. On the other hand, it is a reliable output that hasn't dropped off any in a year of use.

Terry

 

[sandalscout]

Yeah, pressure definetely has something to do with it, I have 75-80 PSI, and I get about 3.5 gallons and hour, or 84 per day.

 

[skirossi]

Thanks for the info guys, I'm leaning towards the buckeye field supply unit. Matt, I'll talk to you about the order at the meeting. I'll definitely be interested in the TDS meter too Matt, thanks!