DeepBlue - Reefer 525 XL Build

[OceanDiver]

Rented a par meter and readjusted my radions. Bumped my intensity to 70. Now my par is around 350 across the middle of my little reef.

also started dosing neonitro.

PO4 is .03
NO3 is 2.5

Both have been 0 for mouths but I noticed my acros losing color. To earlier to tell, but definitely getting more polyp extension

 

[DesertReefer51]

Just read your build thread, thanks for the updates and information. I purchased an XL525 and still in the building stages. I'm trying to gain as much knowledge as possible before the tank goes live. Unfortunately, after the wife agreed to the tank she decided it was time to remodel the house, so I'm stuck with an empty tank on a stand and waiting for the floors and remodel. She is far too strategic for me, I seem to lose every argument.

I've been considering going heavy on the Neptune systems but have read many negative reviews. It's difficult to separate the valid negative comments from those who do not maintain their equipment with regular calibration and cleaning. How has your experience been with the Neptune systems other than the EB8 that failed? I would like to use DOS pumps for ATO & AWC's.

Beautiful tank and thanks again for the updates. Your efforts are keeping my hopes up to one day have a beautiful reef system.

 

[OceanDiver]

any questions let me know...!!!

 

[OceanDiver]

Making progress with NO3 and PO4. Dosing 18ml of Neonitro.

NO3 holding at 2.5-3.0ppm

and

PO4 holding at at .04ppm


Running a little GFO trying to get the PO4 down to .03-.02

Both NO3 and PO4 were both at zero a month ago and the acros were losing color. Everything is rebounding and finally getting polyp extension during the day. Granted not have my angels any more helps.

 

[DesertReefer51]

How have the Neptune systems been for reliability? I've been reading as many reviews as possible as it's a sizable investment. I've read a number of people who were having problems with they're systems failing; connection or equipment. I plan on using the ATK directly from my RODI reservoir and remove the ATO tank that came with the sump and a DoS pump for AWC's. The Apex and additional components will be added in time.

I'm just debating on mixing systems like the Tunze and Neptune or going with just Neptune. I trust the advice of fellow sailors and appreciate the info.

 

[OceanDiver]

How have the Neptune systems been for reliability? I've been reading as many reviews as possible as it's a sizable investment. I've read a number of people who were having problems with they're systems failing; connection or equipment. I plan on using the ATK directly from my RODI reservoir and remove the ATO tank that came with the sump and a DoS pump for AWC's. The Apex and additional components will be added in time.

I'm just debating on mixing systems like the Tunze and Neptune or going with just Neptune. I trust the advice of fellow sailors and appreciate the info.

I have had absolutely no issues and any concerns I had were easily answer here on reef2reef or Neptune's forum. Also, the customer is great as well.

I am Navy Diver and gone alot. So automation is key for me. I can almost go 20 days without my wife having to anything related to the tank other than cleaning the glass and filter socks from time to time. Although I switched to polyfill which is awesome and cheap.

 

[OceanDiver]

Well I am starting to recover from PAR and light intensity issues. I have no idea why I blindly listened to the local fish store before checking here on REEF2REEF. Sadly I lost a few frags but the larger SPS are good as is the rest of the tank. Random, I lost one of my yellow stripe clowns (the male). That I haven't been able to explain. As all the other fish are good healthy and fat.

Tank is stable (todays readings)

Temp: 78F
Salt: 34.8
PH: 8.02
ALK: 8.1
CA: 418
MG: 1340
NO3: 5
PO4: .01

Few pictures in a bit. Gotta do a conference call first.

 

[OceanDiver]

Updated Picture

 

[Retro Reefer]

Not sure how I missed this thread.. beautiful tank!!

 

[OceanDiver]

Not sure how I missed this thread.. beautiful tank!!

Awesome a fellow reefer close by....

 

[OceanDiver]

Tank is going well. I listened to a LTS and had some lighting issues but I think I am finally passed that

big debate now is exhaust fan or whole house dehumidifier

 

[Retro Reefer]

Awesome a fellow reefer close by....

Howdy neighbor dehumidifier is next on my list, Im sure our 40 year old HVAC system will appreciate it.. lol

 

[OceanDiver]

Howdy neighbor dehumidifier is next on my list, Im sure our 40 year old HVAC system will appreciate it.. lol

I have a small unit by itself but thinking hard about a whole house system

 

[OceanDiver]

My humidity in the basement stays between 57-60 Which isn’t bad but it’s only May... LOL

 

[Retro Reefer]

Mine is really bad, when I came down stairs this morning you could feel the moisture in the air, checked humidity, it was 73% ;Facepalm I have 4 tanks, fortunately they are all small but I need to get a dehumidifier asap..

BTW.. thank you for your service!

 

[OceanDiver]

Dehumidifier is working like. Champ. Humidity stable at 51-52. Why better than 65. It took about a week for the house to normalize.

 

[Midrats]

Nice tank Bretzke! I knew you wouldn't be able to stay away

 

[OceanDiver]

This is by far the best one yet....

 

[OceanDiver]

aquatic life T5 coming soon...

 

[Cristy17]

Beautiful tank and excellent build! I wanted to ask you about your cheato in the sump, is there a add on divider you are using? I see suction cups and wanted to see if that is what it was. I want to divide one of my sump compartments to add cheato after the socks and before the skimmer. I dread glueing in an acrylic wall...Thanks in advance!