15 Alk too high?

[KStatefan]

I personally hate that thing! Yes it works, but it's so cumbersome to use.

I would not want to use it for everyday checks but I use it everytime I do complete water test. For quick test I use the Hanna.

 

[Jon's Reef]

Sounds good. Wont lie my tank is one from my freshwater days which i cleaned after taking everything out. So there is no return or whatever for a sump. Im running HOB skimmer and filter. Is there another way for me to get a sump with this type of tank?

When adding the salt just try to add it in small amount. You could even just put it into the hob skimmer/ filter. If some gets into the sand it will eventually dissolve, but it is easier to just add it slowly.


Yes, you can use one of these for draining the water out of the tank:

Aquarium Overflows

Bulk Reef Supply - Saltwater Aquarium Supplies for Reef Tanks

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I would recommend one with the auto priming pump.

For putting the water back use one of these:

Inflow Kit with Return Jet

CPR's Aquarium Inflow Kit contains everything you need other than a pump to return water to your tank. Kit includes: 3/4" Return Jet 4 feet of 3/4" ID Tubing 1 plastic hose clamp

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I would suggest using one of these sensors on the return pump. Just plug the return pump into this and put the sensor above your water line in your display tank. You only want it to trip if something bad happens and the tank is going to overflow. For example if the siphon the overflow broke and did not restart:

Smart Level Security

Prevent overflows or equipment from running dry! Using a tiny optical sensor, AutoAqua's Smart Level Sensor will cut power to the outlet when the sensor detects a change in water level. The plug & play design requires no difficult programming and the magnetic attachment makes placement and...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

If the return pump turns off, it will pull water back through the return line, so you may want to add a "check valve" to the return line.

Then for a sump there are many out there. Something like this is a good start:

Reef Sump 15

Ice Cap’s Reef Sumps combine solid build quality and practical features at a price point that any hobbyist can appreciate. Providing a simple, open design with ample space for your return pump and skimmer, as well as adjustable baffles with holders and a built-in ATO reservoir, Ice Cap sumps...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[GpixL_]

When adding the salt just try to add it in small amount. You could even just put it into the hob skimmer/ filter. If some gets into the sand it will eventually dissolve, but it is easier to just add it slowly.


Yes, you can use one of these for draining the water out of the tank:

Aquarium Overflows

Bulk Reef Supply - Saltwater Aquarium Supplies for Reef Tanks

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I would recommend one with the auto priming pump.

For putting the water back use one of these:

Inflow Kit with Return Jet

CPR's Aquarium Inflow Kit contains everything you need other than a pump to return water to your tank. Kit includes: 3/4" Return Jet 4 feet of 3/4" ID Tubing 1 plastic hose clamp

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I would suggest using one of these sensors on the return pump. Just plug the return pump into this and put the sensor above your water line in your display tank. You only want it to trip if something bad happens and the tank is going to overflow. For example if the siphon the overflow broke and did not restart:

Smart Level Security

Prevent overflows or equipment from running dry! Using a tiny optical sensor, AutoAqua's Smart Level Sensor will cut power to the outlet when the sensor detects a change in water level. The plug & play design requires no difficult programming and the magnetic attachment makes placement and...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

If the return pump turns off, it will pull water back through the return line, so you may want to add a "check valve" to the return line.

Then for a sump there are many out there. Something like this is a good start:

Reef Sump 15

Ice Cap’s Reef Sumps combine solid build quality and practical features at a price point that any hobbyist can appreciate. Providing a simple, open design with ample space for your return pump and skimmer, as well as adjustable baffles with holders and a built-in ATO reservoir, Ice Cap sumps...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Thanks, but how would I connect the sump to the tank if there are no holes?

 

[GpixL_]

When adding the salt just try to add it in small amount. You could even just put it into the hob skimmer/ filter. If some gets into the sand it will eventually dissolve, but it is easier to just add it slowly.


Yes, you can use one of these for draining the water out of the tank:

Aquarium Overflows

Bulk Reef Supply - Saltwater Aquarium Supplies for Reef Tanks

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I would recommend one with the auto priming pump.

For putting the water back use one of these:

Inflow Kit with Return Jet

CPR's Aquarium Inflow Kit contains everything you need other than a pump to return water to your tank. Kit includes: 3/4" Return Jet 4 feet of 3/4" ID Tubing 1 plastic hose clamp

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I would suggest using one of these sensors on the return pump. Just plug the return pump into this and put the sensor above your water line in your display tank. You only want it to trip if something bad happens and the tank is going to overflow. For example if the siphon the overflow broke and did not restart:

Smart Level Security

Prevent overflows or equipment from running dry! Using a tiny optical sensor, AutoAqua's Smart Level Sensor will cut power to the outlet when the sensor detects a change in water level. The plug & play design requires no difficult programming and the magnetic attachment makes placement and...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

If the return pump turns off, it will pull water back through the return line, so you may want to add a "check valve" to the return line.

Then for a sump there are many out there. Something like this is a good start:

Reef Sump 15

Ice Cap’s Reef Sumps combine solid build quality and practical features at a price point that any hobbyist can appreciate. Providing a simple, open design with ample space for your return pump and skimmer, as well as adjustable baffles with holders and a built-in ATO reservoir, Ice Cap sumps...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Plus I cant really spend $230 more. For now is the HOB skimmer and HOB filter ok?

 

[IslandLifeReef]

Thanks, but how would I connect the sump to the tank if there are no holes?

The link that was provided for the external overflow replaces the need for holes. Your return just needs to hang on the back as well.

 

[GpixL_]

The link that was provided for the external overflow replaces the need for holes. Your return just needs to hang on the back as well.

Ohhh ok. But I really dont (at least now) have an axtra $400-$500 for this.

 

[IslandLifeReef]

Plus I cant really spend $230 more. For now is the HOB skimmer and HOB filter ok?

A ten gallon tank, some plexiglass, reef safe silicon and imagination are all you need for a sump. You can even go bigger if you want. You could probably do it for under $100.

 

[X-37B]

I personally hate that thing! Yes it works, but it's so cumbersome to use.

Its super easy if you have a 500ml plastic cylinder. Its all I use. You can also use a cheap plastic swingarm and check with the TM hydrometer. The swingarm will be off but if you know what 1.0265 is using the TM then whatever the swingarm reads at the TM reading it does not vary.
Been doing this along time and I will never use a refrac. I have one but it give varying result all the time.
Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[GpixL_]

A ten gallon tank, some plexiglass, reef safe silicon and imagination are all you need for a sump. You can even go bigger if you want. You could probably do it for under $100.

I see what you mean and will def look into it. But the external by itself is like $200. Is that really needed or is it ok to start without it? (the sump)

 

[IslandLifeReef]

Ohhh ok. But I really dont (at least now) have an axtra $400-$500 for this.

No need to buy an expensive piece right now. Here is a link to something you could make or purchase.

Easy overflow

You can go without a sump, but a sump makes everything easier.

 

[GpixL_]

No need to buy an expensive piece right now. Here is a link to something you could make or purchase.

Easy overflow

okok

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

Thanks, but how would I connect the sump to the tank if there are no holes?

Don't go down that road right now I use to have a sps tank with HOB and no proper testing, just practice right now learn the chemistry and worry about upgrading equipment later when the ideas start clicking.

Hob filter and skimmer is fine trust me just clean your equipment and stay on top of weekly water changes, im doing mine right now..

 

[GpixL_]

Don't go down that road right now I use to have a sps tank with HOB and no proper testing, just practice right now learn the chemistry and worry about upgrading equipment later when the ideas start clicking.

Hob filter and skimmer is fine trust me just clean your equipment and stay on top of weekly water changes, im doing mine right now..

Ok thanks. I ordered mag and salinity tests again and they are coming today. Should I retest and see what to do about the water or see if I can buy the RODI and clear out the entire tank? That will be harder but im fine to see if I can.

 

[homer1475]

Don't go down that road right now I use to have a sps tank with HOB and no proper testing, just practice right now learn the chemistry and worry about upgrading equipment later when the ideas start clicking.

Hob filter and skimmer is fine trust me just clean your equipment and stay on top of weekly water changes, im doing mine right now..

+1

 

[GpixL_]

+1

So should I test alk and mag and see if I can do something about it? Or spend the money and restart

 

[homer1475]

I was once told a long time ago.......

Take this hobby as keeping water, not whats in the water(fish, coral, etc). The better you keep your water, the better the inhabitants will do.

Water is the basic of this hobby, without proper water, you cannot keep whats in the water thriving.

And thats why I am starting there with you.

Think this may have gotten lost in the post frenzy this morning.

No truer words have ever been spoken. IMO

 

[GpixL_]

Think this may have gotten lost in the post frenzy this morning.

No truer words have ever been spoken. IMO

So ur saying empty it?

 

[GpixL_]

So ur saying empty it?

Well let me check if I can spend the $70 but lets pray. How would I get it from the sink to the tank?

 

[IslandLifeReef]

Well let me check if I can spend the $70 but lets pray. How would I get it from the sink to the tank?

You will probably be happy that you change the water. You can get it from the sink in 5 gallon buckets. It will be a pain, but the problems you will avoid later will be worth it.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Instant Ovean reef crystals

Mixed into tap water or purified fresh water?