Frag tank build out

McAllyn · Mar 20, 2014

Well, got the 50 frag running, everything was looking good. (NO, I didn't break it!!!) Moved some "test pilot" zoas over to see how things are going, and to get my LEDs dialed in. Over the last couple days , they started getting sickly, not opening, etc. Mind you, just did a water change Tuesday night, things went fine. Broke out all the test kits to see what's up:

Temp: 80 (touch higher than I like, but ok)
SG: 1.023 (low... how'd that happen!?! Water mixed was 1.026)
Ammonia: 0
Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: .25 on Red Sea Pro test
Phosphates: .11 (Holy crud!)

Stopped testing tank at this point and followed that trail. Checked Brute: .09 (ARRGH! It's leaching!) Checked directly from RODI: .05 (Oh great, membrane is shot)

Priced a membrane for my Maxxus and found out I can get an entire new SpectraPure refurbished unit for the same price as a membrane and DI cartridge. Looks like I'm buying Critter water until my new unit gets here.

Meanwhile I'm vinegar bathing both Brutes to test again to see if the water was just contaminated.

Mac

Dowtish · Mar 20, 2014

What test kit are you using to test p04?

McAllyn · Mar 20, 2014

Hannah phosphate. Read someone recommended using the phosphorus reagent as it's more reliable, but don't have that.

Mac

Dowtish · Mar 20, 2014

I honestly dont think your p04 results are the reason for the zoas not opening up.

Hanna checkers can be off by 0.5 either way. But even at 0.11 that really isnt bad enough to be an issue IMO. Its a new tank, there is whole lot more going on biologically than we can test for. The best way to start a frag tank up is to use all the water from your DT that you can.

McAllyn · Mar 20, 2014

Yeah, I thought about the assumed variance on the Hannahs. Was hoping that was it, since it's sort of an "easy" fix.

FWIW, I used 20g from the 90 to the nano, then 20 from the nano to the 50. Also, most of the rock came from the nano as well.

Mac

Dowtish · Mar 20, 2014

McAllyn said:
Yeah, I thought about the assumed variance on the Hannahs. Was hoping that was it, since it's sort of an "easy" fix.

FWIW, I used 20g from the 90 to the nano, then 20 from the nano to the 50. Also, most of the rock came from the nano as well.

Mac

well either way, keep up with WC's and get that membrane changed. I am super guilty for not changing my own membrane out. I have a brand new one sitting there now for 8 months. Do as I say, not as i do!:bounce:

novajohn01 · Mar 20, 2014

Just got my new Ro/di unit if u need to borrow it

McAllyn · Mar 21, 2014

Thanks, John, but we ordered a new SpectraPure last night. In the meantime, I work just up the road from the Critter, so I'll just grab a couple jugs every couple days until the unit gets here. That'll give me time to vinegar bath both Brutes, both heaters, and my mixing powerheads to make sure there's no incidental contamination.

Mac

And Chris, do I need to come help you test your RODI to see if you're ready for that membrane? I'm pretty sure we could figure out how to change it, there's always YouTube

Dowtish · Mar 21, 2014

McAllyn said:
Thanks, John, but we ordered a new SpectraPure last night. In the meantime, I work just up the road from the Critter, so I'll just grab a couple jugs every couple days until the unit gets here. That'll give me time to vinegar bath both Brutes, both heaters, and my mixing powerheads to make sure there's no incidental contamination.

Mac

And Chris, do I need to come help you test your RODI to see if you're ready for that membrane? I'm pretty sure we could figure out how to change it, there's always YouTube

My TDS meter says Zero, so thats why i really havent done it yet.... and I know how to do it, Ive just got a million other things going on at the house right now, so it hasnt been priority. Tilling the whole back yard tomorrow and spreading top soil....1/2 acre...Yay!