This little Piggy went shopping

G Santana · Jul 20, 2020

I have waited over 20 years, and in the last few months I have read, reread and learned alot about new reef techniques and processes and equipment.

I dusted off old equipment and my old tank and am almost ready to begin again.

I built my own calcium reactor based on the experiences of folks who have been reefing in my absence.

My reactor cost me significantly less than a store bought unit.

Further research led me to build my own dual stage regulator. Again I used information gathered here and on another site, I bought a used regulator for $50, and all the fittings at swagelok for about $200.

G Santana · Jul 20, 2020

And then several shopping sprees.
I am waiting on delivery of my Milwaukee PH controller and the CO2 tank.

bsn_rn_cen · Jul 20, 2020

What size tank do you have?

G Santana · Jul 20, 2020

I also looked at protein skimmers and their high prices and decided to use the one I built 20 plus years ago. I couldn't find the venturi valve so I ordered a new one and will be using my Model T to skim my tank. It worked well yrs ago, and I don't see why It can't again.

G Santana · Jul 20, 2020

bsn_rn_cen said:
What size tank do you have?

The tank is 4'10" x 24" x 24" roughly 120 gal or so

bsn_rn_cen · Jul 20, 2020

Nice. I cant wait to see it set up. I wish I was crafty enough to build my own equipment.

G Santana · Jul 20, 2020

bsn_rn_cen said:
Nice. I cant wait to see it set up. I wish I was crafty enough to build my own equipment.

As far as skimmers go, I am lucky enough to live a few blocks away from a plastics company, I took all the measurements to them and I glued it together. It's not difficult and it has lasted over 20 years lol still holds water, I tested lol
If I ever need to add a reactor for some reason, I will build it as well. The prices for a plastic tube are really crazy.

bsn_rn_cen · Jul 20, 2020

There is a lot of crazy pricing in this hobby unfortunately..

G Santana · Jul 20, 2020

Powerplant

G Santana · Jul 21, 2020

Today's deliveries.
I am waiting till the middle of August to start my cycling, that way by September I can begin. I want to have the heat of the summer behind me when I begin.

G Santana · Aug 17, 2020

Received a free skimmer minus the pump and a few pieces but after a few weeks all the pieces are here

fishguy242 · Sep 18, 2020

sweet ,asm trooper ,easy to clean!! is that a g 3

G Santana · Sep 18, 2020

fishguy242 said:
sweet ,asm trooper ,easy to clean!! is that a g 3

It's the asm g1x. It's in perfect shape, the only things missing were the pump and two gaskets.

fishguy242 · Sep 18, 2020

i love them,but recommend dc octo's to people ,not even sure if made anymore

but i have min ten and extra pumps

..lol,also have the octo's they are tried and true and easy to get parts if needed

G Santana · Oct 21, 2020

Getting closer to launch.
I ran my electrical lines, hung my lights, purchased frame and netting for lids.
One set back, I cracked my sump, my fault, I drilled the tank without issue, while fidgeting with the bulkhead, I cracked it. Bonehead move.

Today it was raining test kits.
I started with a slew of Salifert test kits and one Hanna.
I plan on updating to a few more Hanna but I will do those over time.

Plus stocking for QT got Prazipro and awaiting Copper and a couple others.

Now I feel like a water treatment center and a fish veterinarian lol

Now to order an RO unit and fill the tank.
Like I said very close!!!