40g Breeder

[NY_Caveman]

Remember, during the cycle and maturing phases you do not really need to run the lights. The only thing to use them would be algae. If you do use them, do so sparingly.

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

Remember, during the cycle and maturing phases you do not really need to run the lights. The only thing to use them would be algae. If you do use them, do so sparingly.

Yeah they'll remain off for now. Things seem to be moving along well without them. Anticipation is a killer lol.

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

Got everything hooked up except gfo/carbon reactor and uv sterilizer. Working on the salinity... ORP?

 

[Rattzreef]

Very nice. I'm looking forward to the day I can say I own an Apex. My RKL is working very well but I'm a tech nerd.. The interface is hands down superior.

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

Tank has been running very steady since Friday. In an attempt to get a good mix of bacteria, I've added copepods, Dr. Tims, Bio-Spira, and API nitrifying bacteria. Saturday I took my newborn over to Vt to the only fish store I'm aware of and we ended up with two black ice ocellaris. Everything is testing like it's ready to rock. Fish look great and are doing awesome. Looks like the stocking has begun... slowly.

I have to say the black starboard is much more pleasing then sand and my flow is up much higher because of the fact. The SPS should love it. Apex setup, Radions on the SPS schedule and my t5's are going to run 10 hours a day. Will work up to that amount of course. Next act of business is to plumb my return through the uv sterilizer and eventually when needed get the gfo and carbon reactors online. Should have Mag/Alk/Calc test kit from Red Sea today or tomorrow.

Don't plan to travel to Vt for fish or corals again. The store is dirty and the staff is lack luster of knowledge, if I'm giving them credit. I'm no expert, but... yikes. Anyone have good recommendations for fish/SPS (R2R supporters preferred or members) to deal with? Will get a picture of the fish after one month of life in the tank. I don't like to jump the gun and i'm not at home as much as i'd like to be.

Still need to work on my cord management. It's painful to open the cabinet. I always see how neat people have them where the controllers are mounted, but I'd like to see behind that where the cords are if anyone is willing. New MP10 driver comes tomorrow so that both can be online with the apex. All for now, happy reefing.

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

Go Vikes!

 

[NY_Caveman]

Beautiful!

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

Thank you, she's a blessing for sure.

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

First addition

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

First water change last night and first issue. Salinity probe reading 37 and refractometer reading 32. Aiming for 35. Will have to figure it out after work. Guessing I should go off refractometer but idk. What is most accurate tool out there?

 

[Deiblerj]

First water change last night and first issue. Salinity probe reading 37 and refractometer reading 32. Aiming for 35. Will have to figure it out after work. Guessing I should go off refractometer but idk. What is most accurate tool out there?

Can’t really go wrong with one of these...

 

[count krunk]

make sure the refractometer is reading correctly (like put some ro/di on it) and I would trust that over the probe and hydrometer 10/10 times

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

make sure the refractometer is reading correctly (like put some ro/di on it) and I would trust that over the probe and hydrometer 10/10 times

I did and recalibrated it just to be sure. Kind of disappointing you can't trust these probes.

 

[Murica]

Can’t really go wrong with one of these...

I've always used this and it works totally fine. Just be sure to rinse it out after and before use so you get accurate readings

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

I've always used this and it works totally fine. Just be sure to rinse it out after and before use so you get accurate readings

I'm going to pick one up in the mean time as a third reading. Go from there.

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

Latest update in the meantime while figuring out salinity. Performed some tests last night and was happy for the most part considering I did my first water change immediately following.

Ammonia - 0 - .2
Phos - .04ppm
Nitrate - through the roof!
Mag - 1100
Alk - 7 (need to see why this is low)
Cal - 450

Aiming for 35 salinity, but will get a hydrometer this evening for a third number. Two fish are doing well, my niece named them, but I refuse to call them by it until they live three months. CUC on order from Live aquaria, red hermits, trochus snails, cerith snails and a cleaner shrimp to start.

T5s are running 10 hours a day and the Radions are on for 7 with a one hour ramp at both ends. Slight diatoms as expected but nothing like previous cycles I've had with only dry rock. Flow seems to be good with the mp10s on the back glass instead of the sides, but I do see some residual sediment building behind the structure, so i'm shopping for one more mp10 to place low and across the back. Picked up a Random flow generator for the return and hope to get the UV plumbed into it this weekend. Cord management still haunts me, but I think I've devised a plan. Will update if it works out. What is everyone using to hold their apex probes?

 

[Bayareareefer18]

First water change last night and first issue. Salinity probe reading 37 and refractometer reading 32. Aiming for 35. Will have to figure it out after work. Guessing I should go off refractometer but idk. What is most accurate tool out there?

Have you calibrated eith 35 ppt solution? Made all the difference in the world for me. Calibrating to 0 with rodi is not doing you any favors

Got a bottle or accurasea on Amazon

 

[Ruben's Reef]

First water change last night and first issue. Salinity probe reading 37 and refractometer reading 32. Aiming for 35. Will have to figure it out after work. Guessing I should go off refractometer but idk. What is most accurate tool out there?

This is what I use and is the best money invested.

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

Have you calibrated eith 35 ppt solution? Made all the difference in the world for me. Calibrating to 0 with rodi is not doing you any favors

Got a bottle or accurasea on Amazon

Yes I am using both RODI and 35ppt solution!

This is what I use and is the best money invested.

Seriously debating one of these. They are great!

 

[Ruben's Reef]

Yes I am using both RODI and 35ppt solution!



Seriously debating one of these. They are great!

I got that one because I use glasses and can't read the numbers on this one.