Its been a while since my last update. Everything is coming along nicely. I received updated water test results below, the samples were taken 4 weeks after my last water change. I am planning to dial back the Calcium Reactor just a bit. This is more over my preferred alkalinity versus the calcium or magnesium readings.
I am also going to post a link to my nest came for a few days if anyone wants to see the tank live. I use the nest came on my phone whenever I am away to ensure everything is running properly. The Ecotech Reeflink is very helpful with that as well. Lights come on at noon!
Questions about your return. If you could explain this to me (new to SW since Aug '17).
Planning a new 120g drilled DT 72 x 18d x 20h to replace the current undrilled 48 x 12d x 20h (hob overflow to sump).
Double-side viewing like yours (a divider between dining room & living room)
In your first tank, and this one, there seems to be two holes for the return. On the same side of the overflow.
The first tank looked like a loop in front of the overflow, but I couldn't see where the filtered water was going. I would think you want to pump fresh away from the overflow drain. So wondering why?
On your current, there's two holes for the return to either side of the middle overflow. I can't see where the fresh filtered water is being sent. Would like to.
I get making two holes for the return - a regular (silenced) and an emergency.
Since I'm having the holes made (guy charges 20$ per hole) I thought one input - to the upper right or left, would be sufficient.
Is it worthwhile getting a total of 4 holes made, instead of 3?
Thanks. Awesome setup, wish I had your budget! Also surprised you went acrylic versus glass - I've read lots of pros & cons - I always thought that being able to repair scratches on acrylic a big plus, and no silicone joints makes it so much nicer.
No problem, I will take some photos of the plumbing this evening and explain how I have it setup!
I do not have an emergency drain, but the top of the tank is molded to the teeth of the overflow. I have little worry about the 2.00" bulkhead clogging up. I am pushing roughly 1,100 GPH which is well below the zero pressure rating for a 2" bulkhead.
There are 2 .75" returns on opposite ends of the overflow. As I mentioned the teeth of the overflow are molded to the top of the tank which would prevent any crustaceans or fish from splashing over. The overflow also has a cover to prevent anything from falling in and causing havoc.
I don't worry about the returns being too close to the overflow since the two Vortech MP40's are turning the tank about once every 2 minutes or less.
I haven't been blown away by the Ecotech AB+ SPS program with the Radion's. My previous SPS tank was very successful under the Radiant Color program and I decided to revert back to what was already working for me. I also removed my mechanical filtration from the sump as a trial. Given the skimmer and refugium are having no problems controlling the nutrient levels, my goal is to allow plankton and some particulates to remain suspended longer for the corals to dine on.....we'll see!
Updated growth shots....most of the growth has been at the base of the corals and thickening branches. From what I have read it seems to be a result of the brisk flow in the tank coming from the 2 MP60's I run at 60% intensity in Nutrient Transport mode 24/7.