Angry Upgrade 120 to 230 Peninsula!

[AngryOwl]

Just ran a ph experiment.... took a cup of tank water and set it outside with an air pump in it for about 45 minutes. Measured the ph and got 7.85.

Clear conclusion here I need to grab some air from outside. Time to check if anyone has done it with my skimmer!

 

[PSXerholic]

Is my icp from April. https://www.triton-lab.de/en/showroom/aquarium/auswertung-b/icp-oes/56230/ -- You will see elevated aluminum. I had a marine pure brick and since removed it after this test.

Your ebook and thread is why I tried dosing the bacteria!

I dose brs 2 part for alk and cal. I also do 2ml of red sea reef energy daily. I don't dose both parts on the same day though, A one day and B the next. That is it for dosing.

I don't track PH... but I have a apex I'm getting from a local and forum legend on Saturday

Here is the sump. Drain of on the left return on the right. Standard skimmer chamber using the skimz sm161 skimmer. Then we have a Santa Monica algae scrubber running opposite of the tank lights for 7 hours and only running 2 of the 4 lights. That chamber also holds pond matrix and miracle mud (I see no value in this mud, removing it when I switch to the new tank). Then a simple return section where my ATO sensor, return pump, carbon reactor (not running) and dosing lines are.

Edit: I also run pinkie filter pads when I feel like it pretty much lol.

The old test doesn't look too bad.
I would definitely perform another one ideally with ATI to see what the Fluoride levels are nowadays and what all did change in the meantime.
Not having many corals in the tank usually brings up certain traces due to missing consumption.
Bromine was a bit low, I would give that a lift to 85.
Also you need to start dosing Iodide to get Iodine a bit higher, do a daily amount of drops rather then weekly amounts.
Iodine is complex but there is an easy way to deal with it. Just takes a bit of time to find the sweet spot.

Filter system looks good so far from what I see.
Get the new skimmer dialed in and see how it effects the PH.
Skimmer will change the game entirely.
We have usually high Co2 in our houses so be prepared for Co2 scrubbing and use if you can outside air for the skimmer.
It helps to reduce the risk of adapted marine fungus and other weird bacteria outbreaks lie white furry or slimy growth etc.

Keep doing Biodigest biweekly my friend ;-)

Looking forward to the next steps.

 

[AngryOwl]

The old test doesn't look too bad.
I would definitely perform another one ideally with ATI to see what the Fluoride levels are nowadays and what all did change in the meantime.
Not having many corals in the tank usually brings up certain traces due to missing consumption.
Bromine was a bit low, I would give that a lift to 85.
Also you need to start dosing Iodide to get Iodine a bit higher, do a daily amount of drops rather then weekly amounts.
Iodine is complex but there is an easy way to deal with it. Just takes a bit of time to find the sweet spot.

Filter system looks good so far from what I see.
Get the new skimmer dialed in and see how it effects the PH.
Skimmer will change the game entirely.
We have usually high Co2 in our houses so be prepared for Co2 scrubbing and use if you can outside air for the skimmer.
It helps to reduce the risk of adapted marine fungus and other weird bacteria outbreaks lie white furry or slimy growth etc.

Keep doing Biodigest biweekly my friend ;-)

Looking forward to the next steps.

Does anywhere local sell the ATI ICP kits? I'm about to head out on vacation so this would be the perfect time to do an ICP and not have to worry about the 3 week wait lol!

It looks like skimz changed their air intake silencer design. The old design that I have (I bought it in 2017) does not have a fresh air intake option. Lucky BRS supports replacement parts so I can order a new one ($18).

One question I have is if it is counter productive to run an air pump with fresh outside air and leave the skimmer unmodified?

Also, if my issue turns out to be as simple as freakin ph.... ;Punch:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:;Punch

I will pick up some more Biodigest

The journey is really only just beginning now!

 

[PSXerholic]

Does anywhere local sell the ATI ICP kits? I'm about to head out on vacation so this would be the perfect time to do an ICP and not have to worry about the 3 week wait lol!

It looks like skimz changed their air intake silencer design. The old design that I have (I bought it in 2017) does not have a fresh air intake option. Lucky BRS supports replacement parts so I can order a new one ($18).

One question I have is if it is counter productive to run an air pump with fresh outside air and leave the skimmer unmodified?

Also, if my issue turns out to be as simple as freakin ph.... ;Punch:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:;Punch

I will pick up some more Biodigest

The journey is really only just beginning now!

I think FJW or Urban Aquatics have test kits, give them a ring!

I ran always a Co2 scrubber and connected the hose from the skimmer to a ball valve and then to the scrubber. SO you could tie in a T where pumped air feeds the air supply. That is at least something.

 

[AngryOwl]

Two options I'm playing with for the 80/20 and I'm still waiting on design assistance. I've decided it will probably be best and easier to do 2 arms for distributed support. I will then use corner bracing on both sides of each arm and put in an angled cross brace as well. I've decided to use black and the 25 series 80/20.

So now it is coming down to 2 options for me on the profile.
1) 25 x 50mm - with an end load this gives me deflection of 4.1 inches (for those unfamiliar, deflection is basically how much the material will bend under the span and weight) This calculation is for 1 arm and does not take into account the angled cross bracing. Cost per inch .55.
2) 25 x 75mm - with an end load this gives me deflection of 1.5 inches. Cost per inch .78.

Cost difference here is minimal and peace of mind is priceless. Either option will work just fine I think but option 2 has additional peace of mind. With 2 arms potentially only holding 30 pounds each, I should see minimal deflection, most likely I won't even notice it. Total cost for this is looking to be in the $400-500 range which isn't terrible.

Let me know your thoughts!

 

[AngryOwl]

Also an update on the PH of the tank. Yesterday while we were at work the ph went up to 7.71, which is better. However it only stays there for a short period of time. The target is still to bring in fresh air! Here is a shiny graph from apex:

What is cool about this is you can tell exactly when my lights kick on to full power around 10:30-11am... then a slow ramp up and it only hits it's peak right towards the end of the max photo period around 6pm, which ends at 6:30pm.

 

[AngryOwl]

Few updates...

8020 Light mounting arm. I think I will go with 15 series 1.5 x 4.5" profile. I am still debating between that and series 15 1.5 x 3" profile but it comes down to the least amount of deflection. The 4.5" option gives me .22" deflection for a 60lbs end loaded structure; while the 3" option gives me .66" deflection. The cost is about $100 more but I think that it's worth it. I toyed with a dual arm design but it was getting in the $400-500 range.

I ordered some items off BRS which includes a triple stage DI upgrade; I'll be running 7 stages since I currently have a 4 stage... I'll just run an extra carbon block. I also ordered a reactor and sediment filter for my saltwater container.

Apparently Skimz upgraded the air silencer on their skimmers. The old design doesn't include an easy option to hook up an external air line. Looks like I'm going to have to drill though the house to make this happen. I'll also hook up my micro bubbles to run fresh air.

These goodies will arrive just in time before I go on vacation next week. Then we can see what kind of black Friday deals we get for the final touches!

 

[AngryOwl]

Bad news... tank has to be rebuilt. There was a problem with the overflow box where the bracing was getting in the way of installing the box. I figured they could just built a new box but turns out they said the bracing is wrong. Back it goes!

Hoping it doesn't take another 8 weeks because I'd like to set this up before the new year... we'll see...

On the bright side... I came into some funds that will allow me to finish getting all the equipment I need. So now I'm just waiting on black Friday deals to save some cash! Vacation starts next Thursday so it will be easy to wait.

 

[AngryOwl]

Made an update video that talks about the tank issue... this was before I found out it needed to be rebuilt.

 

[AngryOwl]

Video update on the tank going back.

Catchy thumbnail eh?

 

[AngryOwl]

BRS had a great 1 time deal, spend $250 and get a free cat! Amazing, but the cat is a bit sassy.

I was previously using a standard 5 stage RO/DI unit running sediment, dual 1 micron carbon blocks and a mixed bed DI chamber. I was eating through resin pretty quickly. When I turn on my system I flush it for 30 seconds or so and then run it for a minute or two just through the RO filters (bypassing the DI chamber). This is suppose to help save the life of the resin.

Well after watching the BRS investigates, it was clear to go for the separate 3 stage DI upgrade. This unit has a chamber for cation, anion, and mixed bed DI. This proved to be more efficient in their testing. Since I had an additional chamber I bought a 5 micron carbon block because why not? My unit now flows as follows: sediment, 5 micron carbon, (2) 1 micron carbon blocks, a single RO membrane, cation resin, anion resin, mixed DI resin.

Also I reconfigured the tds meter so I now know I'm getting 228 tds from the tap and after the RO stage I'm getting 6 or 7. That's about a 97% rejection rate, not terrible.

Some people will question if running 8 stages is overkill and my response is why question it? You have no idea what is really in your water unless you perform an icp on it. Some water may have low tds but it contains contaminants that eat through resin quicker than maybe someone with high tds. The upgrade is seriously a small expense for complete peace of mind that my source water for my tank is as pure as I can possibly get it. So why question or say it's a waste when you really have no idea? Everyone's a critic...

I also added a reactor with a sediment filter on my freshly mixed saltwater. Let's see how long it takes for it to get filthy. I saw this idea from BRS as well. They implemented it to save how often they need to clean their container. No doubt anyone with a container has seen all the crap that settles out after a few days. This same crap is going into your tank. I'm running a mj1200 to the reactor, easy install for yet again more peace of mind...

Lastly I'm sending in an ATI ICP test. First time using ATI. We'll see if we can find an conclusions to this acro murdering tank. I have low Hope's though. Stay tuned for the results!

 

[AngryOwl]

Feel like I'm talking to myself on here.... lone wolf..er... owl...

I ordered the 80/20 last night. I went with Series 15 1.5x4.5". Today they sent me an email stating estimated shipping date is between 11/29 and 12/6. So it looks like it will be around the 2nd week of December to receive it. Along with a black Friday splurge it will be a busy time with things coming all at once. The tank is getting picked up today so lets hope the turnaround time is quick and aligns with the dates above (I doubt it though). If we're lucky we could have things set up by the end of December. Small steps will be shown in the meantime though.

Updates will go dark for 2 weeks while I'm on vacation. I'm already drafting my next update to discuss my tank disaster while I was on vacation... no good vacation goes unpunished ;Hilarious

 

[Mayerlyn A]

Following, fun read. Thanks for sharing!

 

[AngryOwl]

Following, fun read. Thanks for sharing!

We have life! ;Hilarious

Thanks for reading and following!

 

[Mayerlyn A]

;Shamefullyembarrased

 

[AngryOwl]

Vacation was amazing, thanks for asking everyone! We enjoyed a magical Disney vacation, 7 days in the park and then a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas during my birthday. That was my first cruise and I'm definitely spoiled now. More cruises to come!

But enough about me... lets talk more about me

Before vacation I sent in an ATI ICP test. I got the results back yesterday. Overall I'm not shocked by any of the results and they are mostly positive. Alkalinity is low no doubt but is something easy to fix. When I collected the sample I tested it at 7.3. The results took about 2 1/2 weeks to return and it has been documented that the Alk levels can drop in standing water. This is commonly seen when people make a batch of saltwater and let it sit there over an extended amount of time.

When I returned home I immediately tested the Alk and got 6.4... oops. Something must have increased in growth causing my dosing to be slightly off. I'm working to very slowly increase this to 8.2ish range. Overall I lost a birdsnest frag and my huge christmas monti is almost gone. There were no other issues with the tank while I was gone! I'll put my results at the end here.

Tis the season for deals and steals (black Friday). I've ordered nearly everything I need to get this tank up and running... when I finally get it back ;Shifty I ordered the return pump, light bulbs, SB reef bars, some plumbing supplies, a gyre 250, and a few other miscellaneous items. I still need the remaining plumbing supplies, rock, and sand.

No update on when the tank will be done, I'm trying to track down a timeline!

https://lab.atiaquaristik.com/publicAnalysis/28447

RO Testing. Note: I just upgraded the unit as I previously mentioned. Not worried about these results. But it goes to show the water has high silica, proving the clowns saying my system is overkill are full of ....

 

[AngryOwl]

Equipment is arriving! I have most of everything I need to set the tank up once it decides to arrive. LFS said maybe another 2 weeks or so.

As for equipment I got in the giesemann t5 bulbs. I went with 4 actinic blue, 2 super actinic, 1 super purple and 1 aquablue azure. I also got in the sb reef bars.

For the bulbs I plan on running them in the following order (from left to right I guess?)
Actinic blue
Super actinic
Actinic blue
Super purple
Azure
Actinic blue
Super actinic
Actinic blue

Let me know your thoughts on the bulb order!

Also got my varios 8 return pump and another gyre 250 which I installed on the 120 because why not right?

I plan to purchase some rock on Friday and this weekend I'll try to aquascape and start the cycling process.

Ordered a phytoplankton and copepod cultivating kit that arrives tomorrow... hopefully that keeps me somewhat amused for a few minutes.

Not sure what other updates I'm forgetting... if I'm feeling crazy this weekend I might try to move the 120 over the few inches I need...

 

[AngryOwl]

One thing I forgot.... 8020 had a cyber Monday sale for 15% off everything. So I messaged their support and asked since I placed an order on the 6th that has not yet been fulfilled if they would honor the sales price.

The representative initial tells me the sale does not include the black parts... I kindly tell her she is mistaken and she confirms it's on sale (duh)... she then mentions they won't be able to honor the sale for my order...

At this point there is only 1 reasonable thing to do... I ask her how I can proceed to cancel my order so I can reorder it for the sale price. At this point she let's me know she will need to give me a call after she talks with her manager. Not long after I get a call from her to tell me that my order is 90% complete and if I were to cancel it would take another 4 weeks before shipping. I told her I'm not worried about that at all and have no problem waiting. She tells me she needs to go back to her manager and will call me back...

Few hours later she drops me a voicemail stating they would honor the 15% off sales price This will give me a little over $70 as a refund.

Every cent will be needed for this build!

 

[AngryOwl]

Got a message from the LFS today saying the tank was on the truck today! It arrived at the LFS and on Friday when I go grab some rock I'll be taking the overflow box to ensure it fits properly before delivery this time

Pretty sure I'm going to move the 120 over this weekend. Game plan isn't complicated, take off the canopy, drain the sump, drain the water down to a few inches... then I'll use a crowbar to lift up each corner of the stand and put in some furniture sliders.. then we slide it.

We'll see how that works out...

I'm still debating on if I want to reuse any of my current media to speed up the cycling process but I'm reluctant because of this acro issue;Shifty

 

[AngryOwl]

Going to check on the tank tomorrow to see if it was fixed properly and schedule delivery if everything looks good.

Also got an email tonight saying my 8020 order is being shipped and should arrive on Wednesday! Looking like everything is coming together and we will get some real progress soon.

My order for the phyto and pods is being delayed by FedEx. It was suppose to be delivered yesterday, then it moved to scheduled delivery for today, and now it says scheduled delivery for tomorrow... We'll see about that :mad: on a positive note I messaged the seller and as a precaution they are sending additional phyto and pods in case these turn out dead.

More to come this weekend!