Shaun's 2000 Litre (530 USG) Living Reef & Red Sea Max S 650 LED Design & Build

[ScottR]

Good luck bringing the nitrates down. Most people think big tanks are easier for controlling nutrients but I find it quite the opposite. But that’s a massive reactor. Did you fix the crack?

 

[SPR1968]

Good luck bringing the nitrates down. Most people think big tanks are easier for controlling nutrients but I find it quite the opposite. But that’s a massive reactor. Did you fix the crack?

Theyre sending a replacement part direct from Deltec in Germany Scott, should be here early next week

The principle is fairly straight forward, it’s basically contained carbon dosing but in a controlled environment

For anyone interested the instructions and guide is below

https://www.theaquariumsolution.com/sites/default/files/downloads/NFP%20Operating%20Instructions.pdf

Mine will be semi automatic control, using the P1 Pro doser to add the vodka and a Kamoer FX STP2 to feed the water.

Ive spoken with the guys at DD and the critical part is controlling the feed water into and thus out. To much will crash the system of the reactor. You basically feed it, then start with drops of tank feed water every few seconds and then over a period of weeks, months increase the flow by about 25% every week or so and vodka as needed

The idea is that the anaerobic bacteria consume the carbon and nitrate (turning it to nitrogen gas) as it flows through, and the output is zero nitrate water in a slow but continuous process

The target flow rate is between 43-86ml/minute eventually once matured and this is to turn the tank over once every 14-28 days. We needed a continuous and accurate feed water system and hence the FX STP. Trying to use water from a standard pump or manifold can’t guarantee the accurate flow and that’s what I wanted to try and solve the issue once and for all with a target nitrate of around 5

And then I can recommence my addiction to adding more fish! Lol

 

[SPR1968]

I’ll tell you what, I’ve just re started vodka dosing and it works like an absolute dream. 200ml every 20 minutes for 2 hours

The only problem is I can’t remember anything In the morning, I might need to adjust the doser!

 

[GBRsouth]

I’ll tell you what, I’ve just re started vodka dosing and it works like an absolute dream. 200ml every 20 minutes for 2 hours

The only problem is I can’t remember anything In the morning, I might need to adjust the doser!

You may need flow restriction on your beer can hat with straws!

 

[SPR1968]

Someone asked me if ATM Colony works so here’s an example with pictures

Day 1, life.....

1 year later....

 

[Nobbygas]

I’ll tell you what, I’ve just re started vodka dosing and it works like an absolute dream. 200ml every 20 minutes for 2 hours

The only problem is I can’t remember anything In the morning, I might need to adjust the doser!

Reminds me of the time I went on a Whisky Diet. I lost three days !

 

[ScottR]

Someone asked me if ATM Colony works so here’s an example with pictures

Day 1, life.....

1 year later....

Can I borrow a yellow tang? I see a goldmine in there. Not long before we call them golden tangs. Beautiful tank as always.

 

[SPR1968]

Can I borrow a yellow tang? I see a goldmine in there. Not long before we call them golden tangs. Beautiful tank as always.

No! Lol

And thank you, your kind words might just get you anywhere, but not anything, and certainly not a ‘golden tang’!

 

[SPR1968]

You can see a few of the tang gang here

 

[ScottR]

You can see a few of the tang gang here

Stunning reef Shaun. I thought my 500L felt large... But this a public aquarium WITH SKILLS!

 

[SPR1968]

Stunning reef Shaun. I thought my 500L felt large... But this a public aquarium WITH SKILLS!

Thanks Scott, it is rather big, and those side shots make it look even bigger! Lol

Thing is though, I don’t really have much to do, other than ‘monitor’ both systems

 

[ScottR]

Thanks Scott, it is rather big, and those side shots make it look even bigger! Lol

Thing is though, I don’t really have much to do, other than ‘monitor’ both systems

I love side shots too. It condenses 90% into one. But still beautiful. I guess you’re at prime lighting time in the UK. Hottest coral pic?

 

[SPR1968]

I love side shots too. It condenses 90% into one. But still beautiful. I guess you’re at prime lighting time in the UK. Hottest coral pic?

Oh you tease you! Lol

Ok, I’ll do a picture show as I find them.

 

[ScottR]

Oh you tease you! Lol

Ok, I’ll do a picture show as I find them.

It’s not like you have to look for them.

 

[SPR1968]

 

[ScottR]

Cute Duncan’s.

 

[najer]

One of the main reasons people think yellow tangs are nice is because they have never had a yellow scopas?!

 

[PanchoG]

You can see a few of the tang gang here

Simply beautiful.

 

[SPR1968]

Simply beautiful.

Thank you Pancho!

 

[SPR1968]

The S650 has 4 Hydra 26 lights which are now around 5 years old, and in the last week 3 of the power supplies have blown, the third of them last night, so I’m expecting the 4th to go and have ordered another ready

I was sat yesterday evening, ok slumped, having sampled a glass or two of refreshments, when I noticed all the lights were out on the S650, and it must therefore be late, it was also very quiet

I walked up to it and noticed the water level in the display had dropped and the sump was full, so I thought I knew I should have changed the pump but it wasn’t a year yet so I’d been leaving it!

Anyway I put the spare pump in, which only takes a few minutes, pressed the power switch, and nothing happpend, which caused my brain all sorts of confusion....

Ive got an RCD unit on the S650’s plug, and for the first time in nearly 5 years it had tripped. The power supply of the Hydra had obviously tripped it, which is worrying if you might be away.

Anyway, for anyone with ageing Hydra‘s it might be worth making enquiries about power supplies. Were I get them from said they sold a load of them last weekend