Not My First Tank but My First Build Thread
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OP
OP
Thank you very much! I have had many tanks in the past and this one I wanted to take my time and do it the way I always dreamed.
OP
OP
I cleaned my probes, 2 of my 4 heaters and 1 of my 2 return pumps last night with Sicce Pump Clean and was very pleased with how it worked. Admittedly, there wasn't much buildup on the equipment but after an hour of soaking everything came right off.
Unfortunately, my ph probe must have drifted because it dropped from 8.2 to 8 after cleaning and recalibration.
Unfortunately, my ph probe must have drifted because it dropped from 8.2 to 8 after cleaning and recalibration.
OP
OP
The 6 pin cable came in so i am completing the DDR conversion on my Simplicity Dosing Containers as described in the thread Apex DOS DIY level switch
I cut the cable in half
which gave me 2 cables and attached 2 wires to the green and black
as per the pinout
Then crimped on the pins and inserted into the receptacle
I connected the cable to the DOS and modified Simplicity containers and it actually worked!
I cut the cable in half
which gave me 2 cables and attached 2 wires to the green and black
as per the pinout
Molex Pinout | Molex Wire | Sensor 1 | Sensor 2 |
Pin 1 | Black | 1 White | 1 White |
Pin 2 | Brown | 2 Blue | |
Pin 3 | Red | 3 Yellow | |
Pin 4 | Orange | 2 Blue | |
Pin 5 | Yellow | 3 Yellow | |
Pin 6 | Green | 4 Red | 4 Red |
Then crimped on the pins and inserted into the receptacle
I connected the cable to the DOS and modified Simplicity containers and it actually worked!
OP
OP
I only have the 1 cable with 2 containers connected right now but will be adding another DOS later on for Tropic Marin Part C which is why I made the 2 cables. You can see the DDR Tile circled on the right and the 2 optical sensor switch's bottom left that I renamed Cal_Lo and Alk_Lo
OP
OP
The worst part of the whole project was crimping those darn tiny pins on the wires. I'm glad the kit I got came with so many extra pins because my hands are just too big to work with those little things.
OP
OP
All set up and configured, now I just have to clean up the wires/tubing in the back
OP
OP
I've been on vacation so I haven't done much to the tank but I'm back now and have started plumbing in the UV Sterilizer. It took me a long time to figure out how I wanted it mounted so it would be easy to access and look decent with the rest of the setup. I got a pair of Neat Aquatics Pentair Smart UV Sterilizer Mounting Clamps V2 for mounting the sterilizer and I finally decided to hang it on the side wall. Unfortunately, there was no stud in that location and I didn't feel comfortable using drywall anchors so I attached a mounting plate to the wall and screwed it into the 2 closest studs and attached the mounting clamps to that.
I could have used a piece of plywood for the mounting plate but decided to go with PVC Board for as it should stand up to water better. I cut 2 pieces of the 5.5" wide board to length and edge glued them together to make a plate wide enough.
I also put a small ledge on the bottom of the plate for the UV Sterilizer to sit on and support most of the weight.
Now I just have to wait on some fittings I ordered so I can finish the plumbing.
I could have used a piece of plywood for the mounting plate but decided to go with PVC Board for as it should stand up to water better. I cut 2 pieces of the 5.5" wide board to length and edge glued them together to make a plate wide enough.
I also put a small ledge on the bottom of the plate for the UV Sterilizer to sit on and support most of the weight.
Now I just have to wait on some fittings I ordered so I can finish the plumbing.
OP
OP
Well, my fallow period is up and I moved my paltry 4 fish out of quarantine and into the DT. The Wrasse immediately hid before I could get a pic but the Clowns and Comet seem happy.
OP
OP
My Wrasse came out
OP
OP
Thank you! I believe it is a Ruby Longfin
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OP
OP
My Neptune Trident started acting weird so I submitted a ticket back in January and a little over a month later finally received my replacement as it was still under warranty. Not sure why it took so long other than they didn't have any replacements to send me but all's well that ends well I guess. Still a little disappointed in the delay.
OP
OP
I finally got my UV Sterilizer plumbed in and should be turning it on later today after I'm comfortable there are no leaks. Not happy with its location but it's the best I could come up with without messing up the aesthetics too badly.
Still have to mount the ballast and clean things up.
Still have to mount the ballast and clean things up.
OP
OP
Since my QT tank was empty I picked up a Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto) and a Canarytop Wrasse (Halichoeres leucoxanthus) at my LFS, The Ark.
Not very good pics as I took them while acclimating as per Acclimation Methods. I plan on using Jay Hemdal's 2023 Quarantine Procedures as previously I either didn't medicate or medicated probably too much. These 2 look fairly healthy so tomorrow or the next day I will start with copper then Prazi.
Not very good pics as I took them while acclimating as per Acclimation Methods. I plan on using Jay Hemdal's 2023 Quarantine Procedures as previously I either didn't medicate or medicated probably too much. These 2 look fairly healthy so tomorrow or the next day I will start with copper then Prazi.
Gumbies R Us
Certified Noob
Love the royal gamma!Since my QT tank was empty I picked up a Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto) and a Canarytop Wrasse (Halichoeres leucoxanthus) at my LFS, The Ark.
Not very good pics as I took them while acclimating as per Acclimation Methods. I plan on using Jay Hemdal's 2023 Quarantine Procedures as previously I either didn't medicate or medicated probably too much. These 2 look fairly healthy so tomorrow or the next day I will start with copper then Prazi.
OP
OP
Thanks! When I had the disease in my DT I lost my last one so now that the DT has been fallow for 3 months I wanted to get another.
Jdm18honda
New Member
Great build very well put together
OP
OP
Thank you very much!
OP
OP
Since I am still ramping up the Copper level in the QT I decided to add a Yellow Watchman Goby that I picked up Yesterday from my LFS.
I hope to add a Pistol Shrimp to the DT later with hopes of it and the YWG pairing up. I haven't decided which shrimp but am leaning towards a Candy Stripe Randall's Pistol Shrimp as I believe they stay smaller, 2 Inches or less, and should be less likely to disturb the tank. My only concern is that I would like to add a Hawkfish, Falco or Longnose, and I don't want the shrimp to become lunch. I need to do a little more research.
I hope to add a Pistol Shrimp to the DT later with hopes of it and the YWG pairing up. I haven't decided which shrimp but am leaning towards a Candy Stripe Randall's Pistol Shrimp as I believe they stay smaller, 2 Inches or less, and should be less likely to disturb the tank. My only concern is that I would like to add a Hawkfish, Falco or Longnose, and I don't want the shrimp to become lunch. I need to do a little more research.
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