What equipment to buy next
- Thread starter marino420td
- Start date
marino420td
Premium Member
I'm a little surprised that no one suggested supplemental lighting. I haven't decided whether or not I will add actinic supplemental lighting yet.
As far as the live rock, I like the amount I have. Not a lot in the the main tank but I have more in the sump. Here is a picture of my tank. I like to openess (sp?) provided by having less rock in the display.
These pictures were taken before the bulk of the clean up crew was added. Also before the closed loop completed.
I am very new to a large sps system so I know very little about calcium reactors and the different brands. Any suggestions would be appreciated on this topic.
Auto top off is going to have to be a priority as I can't continue to add RO manually everyday. Please share ideas and/or pictures of your ATO systems. Anyone know a good DIY ATO system?
Since many of you suggested more flow, I guess I need to address it as well. I really thought I was doing something with the closed loop I just added. I really want a clean looking setup without a lot of pumps in the tank. Can I just get a larger pump for the CL to address this?
Keep the suggestions and advice coming. I need all the help I can get. Thanks.
As far as the live rock, I like the amount I have. Not a lot in the the main tank but I have more in the sump. Here is a picture of my tank. I like to openess (sp?) provided by having less rock in the display.
These pictures were taken before the bulk of the clean up crew was added. Also before the closed loop completed.
I am very new to a large sps system so I know very little about calcium reactors and the different brands. Any suggestions would be appreciated on this topic.
Auto top off is going to have to be a priority as I can't continue to add RO manually everyday. Please share ideas and/or pictures of your ATO systems. Anyone know a good DIY ATO system?
Since many of you suggested more flow, I guess I need to address it as well. I really thought I was doing something with the closed loop I just added. I really want a clean looking setup without a lot of pumps in the tank. Can I just get a larger pump for the CL to address this?
Keep the suggestions and advice coming. I need all the help I can get. Thanks.
Wiskey
New member
For an autotopoff I just use a Kent float valve, that goes to a holding tank above the sump, gravity feed, no electronics. The Holding tank is 4 gallons for my 50G tank, so if something fails it won't drop salinity too low. The holding tank is 15 gallons for my 125 G tank.
I think it cost me $15 at most to setup.
Whiskey
I think it cost me $15 at most to setup.
Whiskey
Frankysreef
Active member
I made my autotop off from plans on reefcentral, I use a relay, a transformer from a cell phone and a float switch, 16 dollars in parts.
I would also highly recommend a calc reactor, but you could get away with just dripping kalk to start off with. When the corals get bigger get a reactor.
I would also highly recommend a calc reactor, but you could get away with just dripping kalk to start off with. When the corals get bigger get a reactor.
Depends on your schedule and the budget for your schedule. You really don't need a calcium reactor until you have a calcium demand.
If your plumbing can handle it, I would replace the Little Giant with a Sequence Dart. I used to run 2000 gph on my 150 but upgraded to 6000. I see a significant improvement. I am a believer that flow is only second to light in importance. If you can't replace it, I would look at Tunze's.
You can live without a controller if you never had one. Once you buy one you can't. My Neptune Jr went on the fritz and I immediately had to put another on my credit card. (Upgraded to Neptune 3)
The neptune 3 can use 2 pH probes, I use it to control the pH on my calcium reactor.
It controls my lights
It logs temp and pH, I hooked it up wireless to my home computer.
Handles heating and cooling
Can be hooked to various alarms including a leak sensor
It can e-mail problems to me.
Its just sweet.
Mike
If your plumbing can handle it, I would replace the Little Giant with a Sequence Dart. I used to run 2000 gph on my 150 but upgraded to 6000. I see a significant improvement. I am a believer that flow is only second to light in importance. If you can't replace it, I would look at Tunze's.
You can live without a controller if you never had one. Once you buy one you can't. My Neptune Jr went on the fritz and I immediately had to put another on my credit card. (Upgraded to Neptune 3)
The neptune 3 can use 2 pH probes, I use it to control the pH on my calcium reactor.
It controls my lights
It logs temp and pH, I hooked it up wireless to my home computer.
Handles heating and cooling
Can be hooked to various alarms including a leak sensor
It can e-mail problems to me.
Its just sweet.
Mike
Frankysreef
Active member
Question about the controller... will it email when the power goes out? Or are u just screwed?
My tank is very stable , so this is my main fear. I have battery powered air pumps on the system now....
My tank is very stable , so this is my main fear. I have battery powered air pumps on the system now....
marino420td
Premium Member
As far as my closed loop is concerned, it is constructed of 1 1/2" pvc. I had to reduce it down at the input and output of the pump. I also reduced the outlets that go into the tank. How much flow will this type of setup handle?
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