29 Gallons of Eye Candy

[kevgib67]

ESHOPPS skimmer showed and fits very well. Bubbling up as I would expect. Very happy so far. Report back after break in period and some weekly maintenance.

Got a new glass cleaner. Not very strong magnetic however. We shall see if it lasts.

Here’s some photos of the backend.

I highly recommend the Tunze or Flipper glass cleaner, much much better. I have both. There is a video on YouTube comparing the different magnet cleaners that determines which is best.

 

[themcnertney]

It’s a Wonderful thing.

 

[themcnertney]

Light schedule I decided on.
Actinics 11am-11pm
Whites 1pm-9pm
Moon LEDs 24/7.

 

[themcnertney]

Skimmer was filling up pretty quickly this morning before work. I didnt have time to dump the cup, so I killed the pump. I dont think it would have overflowed by the time I came home, but I wasnt taking the chance.

Figuring this is part of the break in period.

 

[themcnertney]

Skimmer is back on line and has been running for over 24 hours. Collecting pretty well. I think in a couple of weeks Ill have that thing dialed in and changing it out when I do Water Change Wednesday.

For the record, those who don't know me, or those who might recall...

I don't dose.
I don't test water parameters.
I check salinity every couple months (maybe longer) or so with a refractometer.
I change 20% water every week called Water Change Wednesday.
I use good RODI filters from Spectrapure.
I run a high quality salt.

Some out there may not agree with my method and all is good. I am not in anyway saying this what should be done. This works for me and has for many years. When I notice things going south, water change.

 

[themcnertney]

This evening I will top off the freshwater bucket to the top so I can determine how much water I lose over the course of one week. I also need to get on the electrical organization. This will require drilling some holes in the new stand, again.

 

[themcnertney]

My plan is on Water Change Wednesdays to do 20% water change, fill auto top off bucket, clean inlet pump filter sponge, dump and clean skim mate collection cup.

 

[themcnertney]

I did check salinity just now and running pretty low.
1.020
Ill have to work on bumping that up very slowly to 1.024-25.

 

[themcnertney]

Got the electric buttoned up. Its okay. Might replace the GFCI with one that is wired.

 

[Northern Flicker]

How's your finger?

 

[themcnertney]

How's your finger?

Haha, its doing well. Feels like the aftermath of a bad stove from playing basketball. The bumps are still there and I still have some bruising, but the swelling is gone and movement of the fingers are pretty close to a complete fist.

Glad I went and got some antibiotics.

 

[themcnertney]

I used this on mounting the power strips to the inside of the cabinet wall.

They fell down.

Any other suggestions rather then drilling holes in the stand and or using a glue?

 

[7of9]

I used this on mounting the power strips to the inside of the cabinet wall.

They fell down.

Any other suggestions rather then drilling holes in the stand and or using a glue?

I haven’t had good luck with any of the mounting tapes, unfortunately.

 

[themcnertney]

I haven’t had good luck with any of the mounting tapes, unfortunately.

Think I’ll have to find some tiny screws and use the masking tape method to mount them.

 

[themcnertney]

Clowns seem to be happy in the new, much much smaller aquarium. One week in and I’m happy how things are going. Need to get some eye candy soon. Figure at the one month mark that will happen

 

[themcnertney]

I have had this thought of concern since starting this tank. The clownfish. They lived 5 years in a 55g and 10 years in a 220g. They are now being contained to a 29g.

I want to add two more fish to the tank. So that each of my kids can have there own fish. I concerned with the aggressive behavior of the clowns, might not be an issue, I don't know?

A thought that had recently crossed my mind is to add sand.

Go with a goby and shrimp pair. I had this in my 55g and loved it.

I have not bought sand for over 10 years. Not even sure where to begin? And should I, or should I leave it bare?

UGH !!!

 

[themcnertney]

Im also contemplating doing the LED upgrade to either the Steves LEDs or a CoralLife LED hood repalcement (I like this idea)

Most if not all future coral I want to do, will likely be under LEDs. I think this will be a hard transition for any coral I integrate.

 

[themcnertney]

I’ve updated the first post with specs that I will continue to revise as the build evolves.

 

[themcnertney]

Well its Water Change Wednesday.

Unfortunately, I don't plan to do a water change until the 1 month period.

I did clean the skimmer cup and filter sponge (which I located in the middle chamber as the water overflows the first chamber, and before the skimmer).

Interestingly, I assessed the ATO bucket and found that barely any water has evaporated. Maybe like 1/2 gallon? I have been opening the front and rear access panels of the lid to help with water build up. Still, very little water loss.

 

[themcnertney]

Going through a pink/red cyano bloom.

I gather its partly due to using some dry rock and not all live rock from the 220. The water was used, needed updated RO/DI filters, which I have done, but still brought older water over from the 220 as well. I am scrubbing with a brush and turkey baster daily. Just have to keep fighting it.

Might step up and do a water change this week, rather then wait to the one month period.