Another JBJ 45 build!

[Tahoe61]

The alk value should be rechecked. What are you using for SW?

The alk value is easily fixed, you can adjust it and then monitor the parameter more closely when you add corals.

 

[Doob]

The alk value should be rechecked. What are you using for SW?

The alk value is easily fixed, you can adjust it and then monitor the parameter more closely when you add corals.

SW as in saltwater? The salt is tropic Marin pro reef. I did recheck and got the same result. Eps test kit. My 10 gallon (omega sea premium salt) checks at 10dkh.

I checked everywhere in town for calcium and magnesium tests, but could only find api calcium. I'll report the result back when I get home.

What do you recommend for adjusting ALK?

 

[Doob]

Also, what are proper methods of disposing of the test samples afterward? These chemicals seem to be rather harsh.

 

[Doob]

Calcium is 520 ppm. Checked twice.

 

[Doob]

Just realized that the false back of the tank bows from the weight of the water. Must be normal. Anyone else notice this?

 

[Doob]

Everyone is doing well and enjoying the increased real estate.

QT set up, clean up crew is out for delivery right now!

Algae has died off for the most part, and I've been looking for my first coral.

 

[Doob]

I did a 5 gallon water change last night. Had my windows open for a few hours this afternoon before doing my testing. Alk is still low, 7dkh, ph still 7.9, and my calcium actually went up to 540! So, based on my crude understanding, the water is supersaturated with calcium, cause a reduction in carbonates, and I need to dose something to raise the ALK and balance these 2 out? Yes, that was a question haha.

 

[Doob]

Well I think I've found the cause, the lfs gentlemen has always put a capful of "replenish" in my Rodi water when I pick it up. He said it replenishes essential minerals taken out during filtration, I've never given it much thought. I read the bottle today and it's mostly calcium carbonate. So that'll come to an end. In the meantime I picked up some seachem reef carbonate. I plan on dosing 5ml twice a day until ALK reaches 11 or so. Or less if calcium starts to drop.

 

[Doob]

5ml twice a day. ALK is up to 8.5 this morning. Calcium is 500. And my ph is rising.

 

[Doob]

New arrivals.

Zoanthid/mushroom frag. That's as much as they could tell me at the lfs.

 

[Doob]

Doob: it helps cycle the tank better and faster. Two weeks to adding fish. I have their other tests nd I like them very accurate. But I was going to ask you if you don't have test kit how do you know it's the phosphates are high?
Keep those lights off

How's your tank coming?

 

[Doob]

 

[MermaidTail]

Water cleared!

This looks killer! Awesome work!

 

[Doob]

They opened up fast!!

 

[BoneXriffic]

Ewww that bowing looks scary...im sure normal. But scary. Ive been looking into these for an upgrade and following your build closley....i was confused on how the skimmer and ato works on these tanks. I see the skimmer but wheres the ato? And is it specific for this style tank?

 

[Doob]

I'm using the Autoaqua smart ATO micro. It works very well. The ato Resevoir is below the stand, it comes with a submersible pump. The censor is in the middle section of the back "sump" area, where the return pumps are and the only section of the tank where the water level varies. The water line from the pump can be placed anywhere in there back, or even in the display area for that matter. I can take pictures for you if you'd like.

The skimmer (Aquamaxx hob-1) has an intake and return pipe, the intake is in the first chamber, which also houses the overflow and media basket. The output goes into the second chamber. Normal water flow goes between chambers 1 & 2 UNDER a baffle, the skimmer is carrying water over the baffle.

The sides of the "sump" are the same. 2 overflows, each side has a chamber 1&2, then flow over a second baffle into the center "return" section.

It's a great tank IMO, I'm a noob but I highly recommend it.

Still have a micro bubble problem, but I've designed a diffuser that I'll be making tomorrow at work, so that should be all fixed up soon.

 

[Doob]

Ewww that bowing looks scary...im sure normal. But scary. Ive been looking into these for an upgrade and following your build closley....i was confused on how the skimmer and ato works on these tanks. I see the skimmer but wheres the ato? And is it specific for this style tank?

Also let me know if you want more pics or have questions about it!

 

[BoneXriffic]

Thanks a ton. As my ideas progress i may be in contact. Keep up the great tank build!

 

[BlueRay33]

Good looking QT, I am setting one up as well. What type of power head is that? Also, what type of bubble/filter?

 

[HeulittSalmi]

I'm looking into the same build once I save up enough, college isn't helping. But how much do you think you've spent on your tank overall?