Randy's Tank and Learn Thread

[Pod_01]

Not meaning to hijack the thread...

Hmmm… Randy did hijack his own thread so I think we can continue ….

Anyways I have GFCI outlet on the way, will install it ASAP.
But this grounding probe has me thinking and I would not mind if there was a write up on proper use / implementation of one etc…

The only item in my tank with full AC power is the Titanium heater, the rest are 24V DC return pump and 12V DC skimmer pump in the sump. Display has no wires going in…

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The short answer is everything on GFCI.

I also want to (and do) use grounding probes for a couple of reasons, but they are not as critical as the GFCI.

Bean is putting together a more detailed write up.

 

[fandaga]

I really appreciate the advice in this thread - sorry to hijack as well. I did reinstall the gfci on my frag tank last night. I might get the courage to put it back on the DT once I think about it some more and why it was triggering.

 

[GuppyHJD]

I remember a few years ago thinking I was going to "set the tank up right" in terms of electrical connections, but then there were people swearing by grounding probes, and others swearing that they were worse, actually, and so the end result is I did nothing. The terrible news about Miamireef has me rethinking that strategy. Is there a good writeup that is current prevailing wisdom about what should and should not be done?

Not meaning to hijack the thread...

I had the same dilemma,bought the probe and then read it made things worse

 

[Vested]

Those of you that have bought gfcis can you send links? Especially if there are any gfci adapter plugs that are reputable. @BeanAnimal thank you for all the info!

 

[tripdad]

How goes the anemone saga? Is it staying put?

 

[Kingsley_Reef]

The short answer is everything on GFCI.

I also want to (and do) use grounding probes for a couple of reasons, but they are not as critical as the GFCI.

Bean is putting together a more detailed write up.

I just want to add went to the electric supply today and picked up gfci for my setup they make gfci with a audible alarm so when it trips it makes a loud buzzing sound to let you know “hey tanks probably off somethings wrong” thought this be a great application

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

How goes the anemone saga? Is it staying put?

Yes, I’m quite pleased it seems to be staying on the top of the island. Perhaps the flow is more to its liking now. :)

 

[bureau13]

It’s in the 300 range, I think.

Ugh. I don't think I can get it that high in my tank. I have a pair of ocellaris clowns that just hang around the gyre pump at the back/top of the tank. Would love to have them in an anemone, but if I'm lucky I'm getting half that at my highest rock point (curse of the deep tank I guess).

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Was out shopping today. Saw these cute little ocellaris clowns and wondered what
mine would do if they saw these interlopers
floating by their anemone. lol

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

AWC Calibration

Frequent readers may recall my salinity continually drifts down. Not I know why.

I calibrated the flow in and out from my two BRS 50 mL per min pumps that were in the same timer.

I ran it for 28 minutes and collected the output from each.

Added water: 1413 g ~ 1377 mL = 49.2 mL/min

Removed water: 1651 g ~ 1609 mL = 57.5 mL/min

My choices are use them on the same timer and use 57.5/49.2 x 35 ppt = 41 ppt for the new salt water

Or put them in different timers with less time for the outgoing water.

Neither is foolproof, but I’m leaning to higher salinity new salt water. Less risk of a serious issue from one stopping for some reason. Drawback is potential calcium carbonate precipitation in the 41 ppt.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Clowns/Magnifica

All three clowns still live in the anemone and it seems to be doing fine after my last flow adjustment. It still move around the island top a bit, but has neither moved down the sides nor detached.

 

[rishma]

Clowns/Magnifica

All three clowns still live in the anemone and it seems to be doing fine after my last flow adjustment. It still move around the island top a bit, but has neither moved down the sides nor detached.

The anemone has colored up so much. Amazing.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The anemone has colored up so much. Amazing.

Yes, I think it’s probably at or close to its final color and I’m happy with it. :)

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Electrical Safety

I installed the seven new grounding probes today. Display, ATO, AWC, and the four sump compartments. I also made sure no cord connections are on or near the floor of the basement fish room.

Everything is on a GFCI (several different units) and the only thing that won’t cut out if a GFCI trips are the two low
Voltage (12 v max) dc powerheads (Tunze stream eco 6105) which have the built in ability to switch to my 12 v battery if power goes out.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Manny the Mandarin

He tells me he is eager for a spouse! Hopefully soon. :)

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

some coral pictures

 

[Kingsley_Reef]

some coral pictures

Looking good Randy

Curious on what your nutrients have been lately?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Looking good Randy

Curious on what your nutrients have been lately?

I haven’t measured them in a while, but my expectation is that phosphate is around 0.3 ppm and nitrate in the 5-10 ppm range.

 

[picea]

This might seem silly, but how do you decide when do you decide to pull algae out of your fuge, vs adjusting the lighting, vs just feeding more? Feeding assorted frozen foods three times a day and still getting a 0/0 reading on nitrates and phosphates with my hannah checkers. Still dialing things in before I go crazy on corals, but just trying to get a sense of how to find that balance.