Sorry for all the newbie questions, you guys are great. Following
@tbrown suggestion on my filling for the first time.
This is a few part question and may take a few minutes to understand fully, it took me 1.5 hours to type it out and get an understandable flow LOL, this is more guided towards @tbrown but the group is welcome to add tips. I'm working and insomnia is strong lately.
QUESTION 1: CONFIRMATION OF MATH / DOSING - I have a
60 gallon tank (without sump) based on dimensions.
60 gallons to liters = 227 Liters
Salt being used:
Red Sea Coral Pro Salt
FOR SPS/LPS Corals @ salinity of 1.023 (33.0ppt) =
36.0grams/liter OR (1.6lb/5 US gal)
Math time: depending which dosing option that I use.
Grams: 227.0L times 36.0G = 8172.0 TOTAL GRAMS OF SALT INTO TANK
Pounds: 60/5 = 12*1.6 = 19.2 POUNDS OF SALT INTO TANK
QUESTION #2 Do I need to take account for the sump volume, although i have a 20G sump, I only plan on having around 9 inches of water height to meet my skimmer requirements?
@tbrown mentioned that he gets the water to a point where it's not quite overflowing to the sump, mixes the water until clear, adds the sand and rocks, then tops off (without the return pump running) until the sump is at the "full off" level that he wants, then he kick on the return pump and checks his running level and adjust his ATO point.
SO, with that being said. Does that mean once my water is clear after mixing the salt but not longer than 4 hours, I then add
RODI ONLY into the main display causing activation of the OFB/siphon into the sump. I assume I continue until I reach the level (9 inches) that i want when all pumps are off (power loss).
QUESTION #3 - Brings us on the topic now of
flooding. Is the flow of events correct?
1) Return Pump failure: Water will begin to backflow back into the sump in addition water will continue to poor into the overflow box until the water level is just below the slits on the HOB OFB. Then flooding is dependent how much water is in the sump? (i plan to drill a small hole at the end of my return line for a siphon break and i do have a check valve in place) is all of this correct?
2) Lost siphon at HOB: Water will continue to pump from the sump into the main tank until sump is empty, once the sump is empty a loud grinding noise will be heard. I assume MAIN TANK FLOODING is dependent on sump volume? so if i have 9 inches of water in the sump, then during a siphon break 9 inches of extra water will go back into the main tank? if I have the ability to add 9 inches of water then i wont flood during a lost siphon event? is this correct?
I think I spent enough time trying to get a few of my questions out before I make my water and salt and get this thing going
I think these really are my biggest questions up to this point that I need absolute confirmation on before I pull the trigger. Online videos are helpful but I have been gathering so much information my brain is feeling overwhelmed and would like to stick with you folks as those hard hitting real time questions.
Hopefully you guys can answer every one of my points. As always, be safe and chat soon!
