Benhind the Scenes at Choice Aquariums

WOliver · 04-15-2008, 10:05 AM

At Choice, we feel healthy specimens are maintained by managing three things;

I.) Water Chemistry
II) Feeding
III) Agression

Under the heading of Water Chemistry it all starts with city water.

Then off to the SpectraPure PSP1000 RO Unit

On the right is the Carbon Filter, which also supports freshwater systems. The waste water from RO production feeds to our Goldfish system on a continous overflow.

Water is stored under constant circulation, 300gal of Tropic Marin @ 1.025 and 300gal of RO

WOliver · 04-15-2008, 10:06 AM

We run nine different systems with the largest and most complex being the Marine Fish System.

The RK2 Skimmer is the heart of the system, and of course the CPU is the brain.

The system monitors temp., oxygen carry (ORP), pH, disolved solids, conductivity (Specific gravity). If the system parameter are off the system will flash yellow alarms, and if significant problems exist the system will tie into the ADT alarm and I will get a call. The system also detects breaking glass and water. If there is a power failure the system also send an alarm and operates long enough with UPS back-up to get a generator on line.

Along with the skimmer, there is a fluidized sand bed, trickle filter, sponge filers and a large optional carbon filter.

The system has redundant equipment like pumps, heaters, and UV, such that if any single unit goes down, the system can continue to operate.

WOliver · 04-15-2008, 10:07 AM

The freshwater side of the house operates basically the same.

With one addition to support the discus system, we use this flash heat unit to ensure water temp is appropriate.

Every aquarium in the store is tied into a system with automated water change and top-off. The exceptions are three displays that are intended as discussion tools to work with customers regarding set-up options.

This is a 180gal reef that is entirely plumbed into the systems

Which basically water change and top-off, that is not to say it shares water with other systems. In fact, every single aquarium can be taken off-line. There are redundant electrical system where isolated lighting, filters, and heaters can be installed, or, with the turn of a valve, put back on-line.

Hope that provides some insight on how we keep our water quality upto snuff.

Wayne