Nice update! Glad you skipped the ugly phase, it's such a bummer. I use Vibrant to sort of skip such a thing, but you still need grazers.Still not done with the build...... [emoji20]
Here are a few updates though (Pics to come)
1. Tank is doing very well. Zero ugly phase!. Display doesn't look any different than the last shots I posted. I'm very happy with the rockwork.
2. Purchased and installed "Holy Grail " lighting system - Giesemann Spectra. Saving up for 2 x Reefbrite XHO bars (already have dimmer). Absolutely incredible light!
3. Ran LDPE tubing for all dosing and water change tubing. Have been feeling uneasy about its use since installation - not because it's not working, but I'm dreading the frequency of replacement!. I'm currently outfitting my DOS and FX-STP for HDPE (RODI) tubing. Will begin installing once all parts arrive. DOS is currently performing a 4 g daily water change.
4. Decided to implement a kalkwasser reactor in my setup. Installed reactor in water storage closet. Initially set it up with PMUP, but am not confident about its dosing volume consistency. Going to use FX-STP that was initially installed for calcium reactor, and purchase another FX-STP later....
5. Still need to organize powerhead and lighting wiring. Need to install some wire mounts and purchase and install blue wire loom for lighting cords. Will probably wait until I have Reefbrites installed before buttoning this up....
6. Still haven't set up coral QT yet.... Found a busted seam on tank I was going to use originally.... Sourced a new 60 g cube, which is taller than I wanted, but I like the additional water volume. Will plan plumbing system in next few days. Won't be as nice as the display plumbing, but will stick to the grey/red/white theme here.
7. Current Display stock list-
a) Pair of 6 yr Snowflake Oscelaris
b) 2.5" Acanthurus pyroferus (Lemonpeel Tang)
c) 2.5" Ctenochaetus strigosus (Kole Tang)
d) 2.5" Gramma Loreto (Royal Gramma)
e) 1.75" Ecsenius stigmatura (Tailspot Blenny)
8. Current QT stock list -
a) 1.5" Acanthurus tristis (Eibli Mimic Tang)
b) 4" Siganus magnificus (Magnificent Foxface)
c) 5" Zebrasoma rostratum (Black Tang) - display centerpiece.
9. On wishlist
a) small Acanthurus triostegus
b) small pair Oxycirrhites typus
c) various small fish to hide in rockwork
10. Money was burning a hole in my pocket and I purchased 2 x Eclectus mushrooms. One yellow and red, and the other bright orange. Managed to get a Red Devil shroom thrown in for free. My brother will hold these for me until my coral QT is ready to go.
Going to stick to all mushrooms first- this will make QT much easier. Also going to purchase WWC OG Bounce, Kali Kid Black Mamba Bounce, and Kali Kid Juggernaut Bounce. Then I'll move on to Zoas next.....
11. Installed Kessil H380 over refugium. I was originally worried that I was going to have a deal with a hot pink beam eminating from my open stand at night, but the light is much cooler than I expected. Gives a very neat look to the inside of the stand when it's on.
12. Pulled the Algae Barn Chaeto out of QT, and placed in the fuge (been in there 100 days or so). I think I'm just now getting to a point where there are enough nutrients in the system to support its growth. Once it gets to an appreciable size, I anticipate it will buffer my nightly pH drop which will be nice.
That's all I can think of for now......
Be good!
I thought you were going mostly SPS, I must have you confused with another build thread. Any plans for Acropora sp.?
Your lighting is my holy grail as well. The LED strips for pop and fill PAR coming in at a lower angle on either side are crucial. Looking forward to seeing pictures once it's fully installed! I would have done the same with my setup, but I would have needed 6-8 250w Radiums (330w), over both tanks (5280w total). I didn't want to install high volume fume extractors to remove the heat so I went with LED/T5 instead.
I'm deciding on lime reactor versus still reservoir myself. Fully planned on a still 100g reservoir because that's what Randy HF recommends, but it's really tempting to save space and potentially CaOH if I mix in too much every time versus just dissolving it over time like the reactor.
Why do you think LDPE would need much more frequent replacement? High pH causing degradation or something?
We want pics! Thanks for the detailed update!