DangerDave’s 160 gallon reef in wall build

[DangerDave]

So i’ve had a PH problem since it started getting cold, and the ventless heater in the garage is started coming on.

I’ve run a CO2 scrubber, with good results st first. Once it got real cold and the heater started running almost constantly, I couldn’t get the PH over 7.85 durning the day. The lowest it dropped to 7.6. I see a difference in the corals when this happens.

I added a fresh air line to the CO2 scrubber, but still can’t get it over 7.9 during the day. So I started insulating the tank so I can turn the heat down to a level the fresh air line and CO2 scrubber can handle.

I insulated the sump last night with 2inch foam.

I’m gonna work on the tank itself this weekend. I hate not being able too see the sump running when I enter the room. [emoji53]

Dave

 

[DangerDave]

PH is over 8 two days in a row with the garage heater off, woohoo! I also added a few new corals last night.

And a $6 (tiny) mushroom, ricordia I think...

Dave

 

[DangerDave]

So with the temp keeping just above freezing, the heater is only on when I go out there. The PH is keeping from 7.9 to 8.1.

To celebrate ([emoji23]) I’ve added a few more inhabitants.

This is my little Euphelia corner...

Dave

 

[DangerDave]

 

[DangerDave]

I’m really excited. I found what I think is a tiny little euphyllia growing. I’m not sure if it came on a frag, or if it was from one of the corals. This rock was originally on a plug. I removed it from the plug (the rock had a frag on it) and glued it to the reef rock. When I moved the coral, the frag came off the rock, i just left the rock and glued the frag where I wanted it.

I can’t remember which frag was on it. I hope it grows out, I‘m excited to see what it is.

Dave

 

[DangerDave]

I can’t look at this elegance coral enough....

 

[914joe]

Nice job and awesome equipment list you have Danger... Tagging along Thanks for sharing

 

[Matt1997]

Very nice. Any recent full tank shots?

 

[DangerDave]

Nice job and awesome equipment list you have Danger... Tagging along Thanks for sharing

Thanks Joe!

 

[DangerDave]

Very nice. Any recent full tank shots?

Thanks Matt. I'll post one today. I've been trying to get a good one, but I'm about as far from a photographer as you can get!

 

[DangerDave]

I have this one, it’s from last week. The light shining from the windows across the room comes up in pictures, I’ll try for a new one once the sun goes down today.

 

[Zonly1]

Looks great! Are you still using the Kessil AP700's? If so, what do you think of them? I'm still looking for lighting for my 210. TIA!

 

[dbraun15]

Coming along nicely...really like the softie/LPS coral choices...any show fish you're going to add down the line?

 

[DangerDave]

Looks great! Are you still using the Kessil AP700's? If so, what do you think of them? I'm still looking for lighting for my 210. TIA!

Thank you! And yes, I'm using two AP700s and really like them.

Dave

 

[DangerDave]

Coming along nicely...really like the softie/LPS coral choices...any show fish you're going to add down the line?

Thank you dbraun15. I definitely am, but I'm not sure yet in what I want. Too many great options...

Dave

 

[DangerDave]

Hi all! Just a quick update and some recent pics.

Last week I began dosing 2 part, the auto water changes could no longer keep up. I also tried red sea’s reef energy 2 part as a supplement to feeding. Not sure if this is doing anything, but my little brain is telling me that the corals look better.

Here are the pics...

 

[DangerDave]

I put a frag rack in the back, I hate it. I have a frag tank being delivered Thursday, so I’ll be able to take it down.

Dave

 

[vinny110]

nice, I also bought the LR45. Did you get (3) 4' sock holder and 2 (7') sock holder? Just curious...Because my order came with one of each...

 

[DangerDave]

nice, I also bought the LR45. Did you get (3) 4' sock holder and 2 (7') sock holder? Just curious...Because my order came with one of each...

Vinny

Yes, I received the correct parts for the 4 & 7 inch sock holders. It also came with a perforated plate if you wanted to use a sponge type pre-filter. I also received LEDs, which I didn't expect. It did not ship with the heater holder or refugium section cover as was advertised. He said he would work it out and I expected the heater holder sent, but it never came. Turned out not to be a big deal, the heaters I used had holders with them and the refugium section has an algae reactor in it.

Either way, it worked out great. The only thing I would do different, would be to lower the shelf I put it on to allow for more room to work on the algae reactor. It's really tight as is.

How do you like it so far?


Dave

 

[vinny110]

Vinny

Yes, I received the correct parts for the 4 & 7 inch sock holders. It also came with a perforated plate if you wanted to use a sponge type pre-filter. I also received LEDs, which I didn't expect. It did not ship with the heater holder or refugium section cover as was advertised. He said he would work it out and I expected the heater holder sent, but it never came. Turned out not to be a big deal, the heaters I used had holders with them and the refugium section has an algae reactor in it.

Either way, it worked out great. The only thing I would do different, would be to lower the shelf I put it on to allow for more room to work on the algae reactor. It's really tight as is.

How do you like it so far?


Dave

Thanks for the response Dave. I am currently doing a new build for an 64.2 gallon tank (rimless) and got the LR45 for the ideal sump. I contacted support for more holders and waiting for reply. Still awaiting my tank, ordered the synergy shadow overflow as well. Gonna be a nice build, replacing my red sea reefer 250. Please feel free to see my progress on R2R and on instagram. Happy Reefing Dave