This little Piggy went shopping

[G Santana]

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]

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

 

[bsn_rn_cen]

What size tank do you have?

 

[G Santana]

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]

What size tank do you have?

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

 

[bsn_rn_cen]

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

 

[G Santana]

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]

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

 

[G Santana]

Powerplant

 

[G Santana]

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]

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

 

[fishguy242]

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

 

[G Santana]

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

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

 

[fishguy242]

i love them,but recommend dc octo's to people ,not even sure if made anymore ;) but i have min ten and extra pumps:p..lol,also have the octo's they are tried and true and easy to get parts if needed:)

 

[G Santana]

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!!!

 

[Weasel1960]

Looking good on the progress, watching for more updates.

 

[fishguy242]

hi,sump glass ,or acrylic?

 

[G Santana]

hi,sump glass ,or acrylic?

Glass. I already found an inexpensive replacement on Facebook marketplace.
I cracked a 30 gallon long and found a 40 gallon breeder for $40

 

[G Santana]

Went to Home Depot today to get paint for my wife, wound up with this for my test kits. Fits every thing I have a need for.

 

[G Santana]

After 25 years of my tank sitting in the basement I finally water tested her and she's holding like a champ