The OFFICIAL Classroom Reef Build Thread!

[Gary Majchrzak]

First, I purchased the Aquariumplants.com electronic CO2 regulator. It doesn't use a needle valve, but an electronic solenoid to dispense CO2. It's highly controllable, accurate, and plays nicely with the AC3:

Scott- which model electronic reg did you get... is it the battery backup model? Any deals out there you should be PMing me about ?

 

[Conesus_Kid]

Scott- which model electronic reg did you get... is it the battery backup model? Any deals out there you should be PMing me about ?

No battery backup here, although you could probably rig one since it uses a DC transformer. One of the things that I like about it is that it stops delivering CO2 immediately when power is cut.

It's the analog model. It was $189.99 from Marine Depot, so no crazy deal. IMO, it's worth the extra $40 you'd pay over a brand new Milwaukee regulator w/ solenoid and bubble counter.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

IMO, it's worth the extra $40 you'd pay over a brand new Milwaukee regulator w/ solenoid and bubble counter.

yep- a no brainer. Thanks!

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I promise!

I promise!

one last question about that regulator, Scott:

know how a solenoid doesn't draw enough juice to (sometimes) trip the circuit on the AC? Does the electronic reg ever have this problem (to the best of your knowledge/research)?

 

[Conesus_Kid]

one last question about that regulator, Scott:

know how a solenoid doesn't draw enough juice to (sometimes) trip the circuit on the AC? Does the electronic reg ever have this problem (to the best of your knowledge/research)?

No need to limit your questions; it's all about learning new things!:reading:

I have this regulator plugged into outlet #8 in the DC8. I'm drawing a blank on the specific names of the types of relays, but you probably already know that #4 and #8 allow you to use devices like this that don't draw much current, (meaning that it will turn them on/off). My understanding is that if you try to use something like this in the other DC8 outlets, you have to couple it with a higher draw device, like a powerhead or light bulb.

When I first set it up, I was relying on the AC3 to shut off the CO2 when the effluent pH hit 6.6. It did so reliably for a couple of weeks until I fine tuned things.

That being said, this regulator is so consistent and controllable, that I don't need to rely on the Aquacontroller to shut it off. Since I've had it dialed in, my effluent pH range has been 6.78-6.88. Most of the time it hovers right around 6.82. My pH 6.6 CO2 shutoff has become a failsafe, rather than something I'm relying on to maintain appropriate effluent pH.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I really don't mind answering them!

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

thanks

and Happy Father's Day!

 

[Conesus_Kid]

Right back atcha, Gary!

Hope it was as relaxing as mine!

 

[Conesus_Kid]

Some updated pics...

Some updated pics...

It's been awhile, so I thought I'd put up some quick cell phone pics I took today:

 

[Conesus_Kid]

 

[Conesus_Kid]

 

[Conesus_Kid]

Here's a brief video since the fish are camera shy:

 

[DustyReefer]

I really like that tennenti tang, along with the rest of the tank

 

[Capt_Cully]

Where'd you get that honeycomb looking oral on the bottom? That's an interesting coral I was just discussing yesterday. I have one similar. Different coloration. Posted it on the SPS forum. No one knew what it was. No one else had it.

 

[Conesus_Kid]

Mark-I thought it was some sort of favia or favid, but I'm not sure. I can't remember exactly who it was, but I got it from a generous reefer who set up a frag tank at my last open house a few years back.

 

[rogergolf66]

Where'd you get that honeycomb looking oral on the bottom? That's an interesting coral I was just discussing yesterday. I have one similar. Different coloration. Posted it on the SPS forum. No one knew what it was. No one else had it.

It's an LPS of some kind

 

[tmz]

Great project. Nice to see the growth from beginning to now. I just re skimmed the whole thread.

 

[Capt_Cully]

It's an LPS of some kind

Is it hard or is it in fact an LPS? Mine is definitely an SPS, but not sure if its a Montipora sp.

 

[Capt_Cully]

Top left

 

[tmz]

Two guesses:

Pasammocora haimeana:

http://coral.aims.gov.au/speciesPages/species_metadata/0332/view#

http://scleractinia.gi.free.fr/coraux_pages/s_o_fungiina/famille_des_siderastreidae/page2.htm

Goniastrea columella:

http://coral.aims.gov.au/speciesPages/species_metadata/0933/image#

 

[Conesus_Kid]

Yeah, that's definitely a different coral than mine.