First build attempt. Wish me luck.

[NPD_289]

Just to keep you guys updated. I filled both tanks and flushed them out. What TDS should I be looking for. I'm getting about 40 after RO/DI.

Ideally, you should be getting 0 tds.

 

[Malifry97]

Just to keep you guys updated. I filled both tanks and flushed them out. What TDS should I be looking for. I'm getting about 40 after RO/DI.

You should have 0.00 Thad bad that you are at 40. That is SKY high. I would suggest getting new media and membranes for the unit

 

[birdman1989]

You should have 0.00 Thad bad that you are at 40. That is SKY high. I would suggest getting new media and membranes for the unit

That is what makes me worry. This is a brand new unit.

 

[btmedic04]

You should be getting 0 tds from the rodi. Are you testing tds from the containers after it passes through the rodi?

Also check and make sure all seals are good and all canisters, filter media, resin and membrane are fully seated and installed properly

 

[Malifry97]

You should be getting 0 tds from the rodi. Are you testing tds from the containers after it passes through the rodi?

Also check and make sure all seals are good and all canisters, filter media, resin and membrane are fully seated and installed properly

+1

 

[birdman1989]

Yes, I'm testing the containers after. I've checked the tightness and verified my seals are tight. I'm hoping my pressure is just too low and the booster pump will help.

 

[btmedic04]

My rodi runs at about 42-44 psi and after the ro membrane, I'm looking at 4-5 tds. What I would do is check the output water directly collected from the line and see what that TDS is. If its 0 or close to (accounting for container contamination,) then you know your rodi is fine and you just have to clean your storage containers

 

[birdman1989]

I purchased a booster pump and some new resin. The water I have should be good enough to do the tanks initial leak check and cleaning. Here is my newbie question of the day. How high of a water level do you recommend in the back by the overflow pipes?

 

[birdman1989]

Wow, November was a heck of a month. Ongoing complications with my leg, the wife having surgery, and finding out my four legged companion of 8 years has cancer. I'm just now getting to where i can finally put the finishing touches on this tank to start the cycle. I've missed uploading a couple photos of my aquascape, so I'll update you on that first.

With all the ideas the wife and I had with the aquascape, this was the one that stood out to us the most. A semi raised reef with a solid backing. We used the STAX rock because that gave us the most freedom with the end result. On the left we have an arch that split into the back and center. On the right we have an arch that ends is almost a table. For the center we have an island with a swim through. The scape itself took 3 weeks to plan, silicone, modify and clean.

I'm mixing salt water right now. We replaced the cartridges in the RO/DI and it seems to have fixed my problems. The radeons are now attached. I believe I have everything lined up and ready to start my cycle in the next day or so. I'll probably wait about a week once water is in and settled to add my bacteria. I'm looking for any newbee advice to starting my first cycle. Thanks guys for the help.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Sorry to hear of lifes' challenges. The tank and rockwork looks Real Nice !!!
Prayers to you during this Holiday season !!!

 

[birdman1989]

I'm sorry to announce everyone. I'm going to need a few days. Today I made the decision to put my oldest dog Loki down. He has been by my side for 8 years.

I'm sorry that I couldn't give you more time with us. Thank you Loki for giving me so much happiness through the years.

 

[birdman1989]

I'm not sure if this is okay here. I just needed to tell someone.

 

[SMSREEF]

I’m sorry for your loss of Loki. It’s so hard to lose such an important part of the family.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Sorry for your loss of what is truly a family member

 

[Malifry97]

Sorry for your loss.

 

[Joseph Disalvo]

God speed sir, see you in the other side of the rock

 

[btmedic04]

I'm sorry for your loss :( and of course this kind of thing is ok to bring up here. If you need someone to talk to, we're all here for you bud!

 

[birdman1989]

I'm back at it everyone.

I have to say thank you to everyone on here who sent me well wishes for the loss of a loved one. You guys are awesome and it really makes me feel like R2R is more than just a couple people with tanks, but a family.

So water is in the tank and cycle has started. Results so far are as follows:
Ammonia: 0.25
Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: 0
Its been going for about a week now. When should I start seeing changes in chemistry?

 

[Paulie069]

Wow, November was a heck of a month. Ongoing complications with my leg, the wife having surgery, and finding out my four legged companion of 8 years has cancer. I'm just now getting to where i can finally put the finishing touches on this tank to start the cycle. I've missed uploading a couple photos of my aquascape, so I'll update you on that first.

With all the ideas the wife and I had with the aquascape, this was the one that stood out to us the most. A semi raised reef with a solid backing. We used the STAX rock because that gave us the most freedom with the end result. On the left we have an arch that split into the back and center. On the right we have an arch that ends is almost a table. For the center we have an island with a swim through. The scape itself took 3 weeks to plan, silicone, modify and clean.

I'm mixing salt water right now. We replaced the cartridges in the RO/DI and it seems to have fixed my problems. The radeons are now attached. I believe I have everything lined up and ready to start my cycle in the next day or so. I'll probably wait about a week once water is in and settled to add my bacteria. I'm looking for any newbee advice to starting my first cycle. Thanks guys for the help.

Dude sweet stuff you got going on. I to am starting a new tank and I’ll be asking so many questions about it the people here r gonna get sick of me. Lol

 

[birdman1989]

Dude sweet stuff you got going on. I to am starting a new tank and I’ll be asking so many questions about it the people here r gonna get sick of me. Lol

Hey man, don't sweat it. Everyone here helps out a lot. Feel free to just post whatever questions you may have