Fish building/man cave build!

[dantimdad]

I'm on my third marriage... it might be me.

 

[dantimdad]

Fixed a gurgling sound from the UV sterilizer return.

Put the stand light on an Alexa outlet.

Put the power head in the sump on an Alexa outlet and setup a routine to run every 4 hours for 15 minutes to keep detritus from settling and let the skimmer pick it up. I found that running it all the time the skimmer acted like it was starved or something.

Moved the AWC can into its place and ran the wires for the heater and power head. I also ordered the proper lid for it and it came in. Just have to figure out how to run the wires so the lid fits on correctly. I might just drill a hole and print a cord ferrule like a desk would have.

The GHL 2.2 Maxi is supposed to be here tomorrow. I can't wait to have the AWC setup and calibrated. I have 20 gallons of water ready to go.

I need to change out the cartridges and DI resin on the RODI unit today. Getting 1ppm into the tipoff container.

 

[dantimdad]

That’s better.

 

[That Crusso Kid]

I'm on my third marriage... it might be me.

Never. I'll vouch for you. It'll cost you but I'll do it.

 

[dantimdad]

I finally got the Doser to connect.

I had to turn off my vpn, uninstall and reinstall.

Now, to figure out calibration and setup the AWC!

 

[That Crusso Kid]

Why are you running a VPN? It’s not like anyone cares what you’re doing on your computer/TV’s.
Oh, wait, it’s so no one will know it’s you going to those naughty, naughty sites.

I finally got the Doser to connect.

I had to turn off my vpn, uninstall and reinstall.

Now, to figure out calibration and setup the AWC!

 

[dantimdad]

Why are you running a VPN? It’s not like anyone cares what you’re doing on your computer/TV’s.
Oh, wait, it’s so no one will know it’s you going to those naughty, naughty sites.

I have found that I get a ton less spam and attempts on my accounts since I started using one.

I think everyone should.

 

[dantimdad]

I got the unit calibrated and the programming for AWC setup!

It runs for a tad over 3 minutes every 2 hours equaling 2 gallons a day.

I will let it run until morning and check salinity.

It is a bit loud. But, for 3 minutes at a time I can handle it and having do water changes for me, it'll be well worth it.

I also setup my ATO with a weak talk solution and will start keeping tabs on alk.


I will say that I need a better mounting solution than what I am using for the doser right now.

 

[dantimdad]

Oh I forgot. I hooked up the media reactor about two weeks ago and UV sterilizer about a week ago, I also started changing floss every other day.

I noticed micro bubbles and found the source. It was the return line from the UV about 1/2" above the water line and putting the bubbles directly into the return pump. Fixed that by adding to the hose.

My tank has never been this clear! Very pleased.

 

[That Crusso Kid]

I also setup my ATO with a weak talk solution and will start keeping tabs on alk.


I will say that I need a better mounting solution than what I am using for the doser right now.

I’m not going to comment on your weak talk solution. Just too easy.

Pics of the doser mount please?

 

[That Crusso Kid]

Oh I forgot. I hooked up the media reactor about two weeks ago and UV sterilizer about a week ago, I also started changing floss every other day.

I noticed micro bubbles and found the source. It was the return line from the UV about 1/2" above the water line and putting the bubbles directly into the return pump. Fixed that by adding to the hose.

My tank has never been this clear! Very pleased.

Very cool you figured the bubble issue out!

What kind and how many watts of UV?

 

[dantimdad]

Very cool you figured the bubble issue out!

What kind and how many watts of UV?

I am using a Vectron Titan 550. I have used Vectron units for years and never had one fail. They perform way above what their wattage would suggest. This one is 15 watts.

I always buy them from here (great service):

15 Watt TMC Vecton Titan-5 UV Sterilizer- Professional Grade Full Service

Original Authorized Dealer of the premium TMC Vecton Titan-5 UV sterilizer clarifier line. Highest UVc per watt than any other UV on the market and best $ per watt compared to other brands. Full service with all replacement parts available.

www.americanaquariumproducts.com

The mount is just a couple 3d printed shelf brackets and the unit is velcro stamped to it. I am designing something in TinkerCAD today that will hold it much better.

 

[That Crusso Kid]

I am using a Vectron Titan 550. I have used Vectron units for years and never had one fail. They perform way above what their wattage would suggest. This one is 15 watts.

I always buy them from here (great service):

15 Watt TMC Vecton Titan-5 UV Sterilizer- Professional Grade Full Service

Original Authorized Dealer of the premium TMC Vecton Titan-5 UV sterilizer clarifier line. Highest UVc per watt than any other UV on the market and best $ per watt compared to other brands. Full service with all replacement parts available.

www.americanaquariumproducts.com

The mount is just a couple 3d printed shelf brackets and the unit is velcro stamped to it. I am designing something in TinkerCAD today that will hold it much better.

I how did I know you were running a Vectron? Gee, I wonder...

 

[dantimdad]

So after 12 days of the AWC, the salinity is dead on 1.025. I am impressed!

Here are some observations:

1. I should have bought a second container the same as the one I am using so I don't have to stop the schedule while mixing more water. I am about to remedy it as soon as Tractor Supply gets more.
2. I wish I would have started this way earlier in my reefing.
3. The GHL doser/app combo is super easy to setup. Just make sure you aren't using a VPN or pause it while using the app.
4. I would not try this if I didn't have a way to drain the waste water directly. Using a waste bin would be a huge hassle. I will, however have to rinse the driveway off every week if it doesn't rain. lol

 

[That Crusso Kid]

So after 12 days of the AWC, the salinity is dead on 1.025. I am impressed!

Here are some observations:

1. I should have bought a second container the same as the one I am using so I don't have to stop the schedule while mixing more water. I am about to remedy it as soon as Tractor Supply gets more.
2. I wish I would have started this way earlier in my reefing.
3. The GHL doser/app combo is super easy to setup. Just make sure you aren't using a VPN or pause it while using the app.
4. I would not try this if I didn't have a way to drain the waste water directly. Using a waste bin would be a huge hassle. I will, however have to rinse the driveway off every week if it doesn't rain. lol

It surprises me not that you’re loving the AWC.

 

[dantimdad]

It surprises me not that you’re loving the AWC.

In all honesty, I didn't think I would get it to work. lol. Yes, I know, and IT guy that is hesitant with technology.

Next up, setting up my other doser for all for reef.

 

[That Crusso Kid]

"In all honesty, I didn't think I would get it to work. lol. Yes, I know, and IT GEEK that is hesitant with technology.

Next up, setting up my other doser for all for reef."

There, I fixed it for you. No charge.

 

[dantimdad]

Switching it up to 32gallon brute cans. I already had one. Picking up the other tonight.

Should get two weeks out of this setup and be able to just swap out cans since they will both be on can dollies.

I made a good deal on some extra titanium heaters so I will have plenty. I notice a lot of people don't keep their water heated for AWC once it's mixed but, keeping everything stable is the aim so I am going to.

Getting peppermint shrimp, bali green slimer and a toadstool from my buddy at Alien Reef.

Also might be meeting a guy whilst visiting family tomorrow near Montgomery and getting a different toadstool.

After that, I am going to just let stuff settle in a while and grow.

Oh, the containers came in for my dosing setup.

And I have the new 77mm DSLR lens filter setup coming from Orphek and my buddy who is a CPP is going to teach me to take better photos soon. Yes, Yes, I know, I have tried before but this time I am going to buckle down and get better at photography. My public deserves it! LOL!

Meanwhile, I have upped the power to 65% at the 5 hour peak and UV to 70%. Will keep going to weekly 5% until I reach 90% intensity and 100%UV. If that doesn't seem to be enough I will add light bars or possibly a couple a160we to fill in.

 

[That Crusso Kid]

Switching it up to 32gallon brute cans. I already had one. Picking up the other tonight.

Should get two weeks out of this setup and be able to just swap out cans since they will both be on can dollies.

I made a good deal on some extra titanium heaters so I will have plenty. I notice a lot of people don't keep their water heated for AWC once it's mixed but, keeping everything stable is the aim so I am going to.

Getting peppermint shrimp, bali green slimer and a toadstool from my buddy at Alien Reef.

Also might be meeting a guy whilst visiting family tomorrow near Montgomery and getting a different toadstool.

After that, I am going to just let stuff settle in a while and grow.

Oh, the containers came in for my dosing setup.

And I have the new 77mm DSLR lens filter setup coming from Orphek and my buddy who is a CPP is going to teach me to take better photos soon. Yes, Yes, I know, I have tried before but this time I am going to buckle down and get better at photography. My public deserves it! LOL!

Meanwhile, I have upped the power to 65% at the 5 hour peak and UV to 70%. Will keep going to weekly 5% until I reach 90% intensity and 100%UV. If that doesn't seem to be enough I will add light bars or possibly a couple a160we to fill in.

Exciting things happening for you and I, for one, am happy to see the system coming along.

The different schools on heating or not heating water for AWC's both have merit. I think it depends on how much water is changed and the placement of the fill line. I can see advantages to both but, against my better judgment, would agree with you and lean towards matching the tank temp with the AWC water.

Looking forward to watching your tank grow out. And I would be remiss if I didn't say that I am also looking forward to seeing better photographs.

Happy Saturday!

 

[dantimdad]

Exciting things happening for you and I, for one, am happy to see the system coming along.

The different schools on heating or not heating water for AWC's both have merit. I think it depends on how much water is changed and the placement of the fill line. I can see advantages to both but, against my better judgment, would agree with you and lean towards matching the tank temp with the AWC water.

Looking forward to watching your tank grow out. And I would be remiss if I didn't say that I am also looking forward to seeing better photographs.

Happy Saturday!

They are on their way. I took some preliminary shots before my buddy gets here and the filters really do help the color. However, the photos themselves are awful. Hopefully he can help.