So, I figured it's time to tell some of the trials that have happened since the room has been completed (on the inside anyway)
I have, for some reason, had several overflows and floods. I never had these in the house. I don't know if it's I am too busy and not paying attention, the strokes making me forgetful or what. I am thankful we did not put down permanent flooring. The rugs just get shop vac'd and then a fan put on them when they get wet. I am putting in more safety stops to prevent any more flooding.
leaks! I have had several leaks crop up, most of which have been easy to fix. I will NEVER again own another shadow overflow! From now on, if I replace one or get a different tank, I will go with Fijicube. They just work. The one leak I cannot get to stop is from a valve on the water change station. They changed the design on how the o rings are grooved or something and they slip out of place when you tighten them. I am going to pull the whole contraption outside, cut out the valves and go with ones from Mundaka like I had switched to at the store. These things are rock solid, easy to operate and never leak a drop. Yes, they are expensive but it's only 3 valves and worth it. I am using them on the 187 and the 12 footer and they are excellent. I will also return the valves to Lowes I bought for the manifold and buy the good ones for it too.
humidity. I forgot to install a fan and the humidity in the room, while not nearly as bad as I imagined it still enough to mist the window and the mini split is having trouble keeping up. So, I ordered a 6" through the wall fan and I will get an ink bird humidity controller to evacuate the room at a set point. This should fix the issue. I can say though that I doubt I will ever have to run a heater in here.
I already stated the issue with the skimmer. I won't belabor that issue other than to say we figured out the dude gave me the wrong power supply and that's what fried it.
Supply chain issues. This is the MOST frustrating thing of all. So far, the vinyl siding has been 8 months on order and now the homeowner's insurance is screaming at me, I have to wait 3 months for the replacement controller, my frozen food orders have not once this year been complete and I have had three different orders for supplies like plumbing, sand and sheet goods just outright cancelled. The current economy and labor situation really stinks.
That all being said, even though the fried skimmer literally had me wanting to give up, I am happy with the result and how things are progressing. I added two new corals Sunday and am working on a deal for a dozen more soon.
If I could tell anyone any piece of advice and have them heed it, it would PATIENCE. Nothing and I mean NOTHING good happens quickly in this hobby. And secondly, set a goal, take notes and don't keep changing the plan. I did several times, as you know, and it cost a lot of extra time and money that was just senseless. Yes, it probably turned out better, but, that was a risk and expense I wouldn't advise.
