Claic's 30 Reef Revival: ~Growth Shots~ 1-3-2011

the film is typical protein build up... you can try pointing your koralia upwards to break it up and allow your HOB to pick up the protein. Nothing to really worry about!

So did you get the dKH fixed? whats the level at now

 

No, I have no idea how to lol.

Its still off the charts was waiting on a response in this forum before starting to try things on my own.

 

First Sump!

So I got my first sump tonight! I got this sump and overflow with a 15 gallon fuge for 50 dollars. I have to pick up the fuge on Monday.







This is the sump cleaning!







I am going to bleach clean it the tonight and tomorrow and then Monday when I pick up the fuge I am going to set it all up! I'm really excited! I think I am going to pick up a protein skimmer too from a LFS depending on what they have at the moment.

Few questions, should I keep the bioballs or switch out for live rock? Also, how many GPH high should I buy my pump?

Thanks.

 

Depends on what the overflow is rated for. I think you would be safe with a pump that is a max of 375 gph at a head of 4ft. Use the charts to figure out which pump should be used. You can always plumb a 't' in your plumbing that has a valve connected to it so you can just dial down the flow that is making it into your DT. I would say screw it to the bioballs and put LR in the entire wet/dry as long as the rock stays under the waterline. I would also buy a filter sock hanger attachment kit to put on the side of the wet/dry where the water enters it instead of using the normal plates and pads. I can explain in person when I am back in town.

 

that is REALLY REALLY weird that it is that high... r u sure your doing the test right because 20 is abnormally high!

 

Day 17

Nothing new with the tank but I am sooooo excited to finally set up my first sump and fuge! I want to attach my DIY spinning head to my return and I really don't know how I am even setting that up but tomorrow I am buying all the plumbing, protein skimmer, pump, and fuge needs.

Expect a huge update tomorrow!





This is my sump drying out and allowing the bleach to evaporate for use tomorrow!





Tank Parameters

Temperature - 79.1
Salinity - 1.024
pH - 8.2
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 0
Calcium - 340
Phosphate - 0
dKH - 10

Again, if anyone can tell me if they think I have cycled already I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

 

wow! everything came out looking BRAND new! great job! I will be checking this thread for updates, cant wait!

 

well man if the ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites have all spiked and then zeroed your good... and i see your dkh has come back down to normal! looks pretty good!!!

 

Day 19

Well the bulk head for the hole in my sump still hasn't come in yet but I did go ahead and build my plumbing and I finally finished my DYI spinning powerheard return!

The pump I bought is called Supreme Classic and it pumps at 500 GPH.

Here are some pictures:

This is the piping I had to do so that I could hook up the sump/return to my tank. The end is capped with a union.



This is the DYI Powerhead/Return I made thanks to Rickets Reef vids. Thanks again!



This is the pump I just got. I have tested this in my bathtub/shower and it does spin and no leaks!





This is the mess I have sitting in my living room until I can finally set this bad boy up!

 

Tank Parameters

Temperature - 78.4
pH - 8.2
Salinity - 1.025
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 0
Phostphate - 0
Calcium - 360

Just to make sure my tank has cycled I dropped in a deli shrimp to see if that causes my parameters to flux.