Gilroy 425g Build Thread (All Apex, all the time)

[Terence]

Yesterday I got a shipment from Amazon. I wanted to create a cool "button-box" with huge industrial like buttons and then use it for some common things I do in the Fish Cave like cleaning the skimmer, switching the water over, etc. Here are some pics of it being put together. I will of course connect this to the breakout box. I will have more updates when I figure out exactly what the buttons are going to do.

The whole thing (5 buttons and the enclosure) was just $17 on amazon. Search for uxcell for many different options.

 

[Shane39]

I was reading trough and saw that you got a reef octopus 300int skimmer. I'm debating between that same skimmer and a bubble King super marine 250. So I was wonder how over the long term you liked your skimmer.

 

[Terence]

I was reading trough and saw that you got a reef octopus 300int skimmer. I'm debating between that same skimmer and a bubble King super marine 250. So I was wonder how over the long term you liked your skimmer.

The Reef Octopus skimmer I have is a great value. Especially with the low cost of the neck cleaning mechanism and the availability of the neck extensions. It also has an auto-off float switch for the skimmer cup that automatically shuts off the skimmer. Another great feature. This switch mounts nicely in the lid and could also be connected of course to an Apex.

Now the skimmer has not been with an issue. I did have the pump fail on it. However, this was one of the first skimmers to use the first VarioS pumps off the line. Also, my general philosophy on products is that they should be of quality (I think the VarioS pump is a great pump), but also that all products can and do fail and the key thing is the support after purchase. Having a solid US-based distributor is key for any product and this showed when I contacted CoralVue about my pump. They immediately sent out a new one with a return-label for the faulty one. Great service.

Now this is not to take anything away from the BK. I know many that are using them and they are an incredible skimmer. I just could not justify the cost-bump to get a similarly sized BK as the RO.

 

[Terence]

So I have always been a sucker for plating montipora. Yes, I know, it can get to be a weed in the tank and block light from other corals, etc. However there was nothing more impressive to me than sculpting my own montipora with different colors and having it all scroll round and round.

So, with that said, what "ultimate" plating montis should I put in this beast? There is no down the bright red and purple ones are nice, the leng sy one is super famous, and I love the blue-polyped one I once had.

I "borrowed" the image below, but it exemplifies what I love about these corals.

So what do you say?

 

[Damion]

They grow so fast, they're kind of a pain imo.

 

[justingraham]

I like them

 

[Terence]

Yes, I know that. But I unlike some other bothersome corals, and if placed correctly, they are much easier to keep in check.

I just think the shapes and colors really make a reef tank.

I am considering mounting them on magnets on the back glass.

 

[gettaReef]

I really like the magnet idea, but a tidbit of advice: make SURE you put the magnet in the exact place you want it (now and thinking about the future and how big you will let them get). The montis will grow to the glass in no time, and start growing up the glass

 

[Terence]

I really like the magnet idea, but a tidbit of advice: make SURE you put the magnet in the exact place you want it (now and thinking about the future and how big you will let them get). The montis will grow to the glass in no time, and start growing up the glass

Great tip, thanks!

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Yesterday I got a shipment from Amazon. I wanted to create a cool "button-box" with huge industrial like buttons and then use it for some common things I do in the Fish Cave like cleaning the skimmer, switching the water over, etc. Here are some pics of it being put together. I will of course connect this to the breakout box. I will have more updates when I figure out exactly what the buttons are going to do.

The whole thing (5 buttons and the enclosure) was just $17 on amazon. Search for uxcell for many different options.

Can't wait to see what you have going on with this!

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

So I have always been a sucker for plating montipora. Yes, I know, it can get to be a weed in the tank and block light from other corals, etc. However there was nothing more impressive to me than sculpting my own montipora with different colors and having it all scroll round and round.

So, with that said, what "ultimate" plating montis should I put in this beast? There is no down the bright red and purple ones are nice, the leng sy one is super famous, and I love the blue-polyped one I once had.

I "borrowed" the image below, but it exemplifies what I love about these corals.

So what do you say?

Bro I am a sucker for Monti Caps as well!

Not sure how "plating' this monti is but it's called Starburst!
These are a few shots from our members I pulled up real quick.

 

[Terence]

^ WANT

 

[Terence]

Part of my love for marine aquariums is all the geeking out I get to do with new methods, technology, and gear. It's what keeps my interest piqued ongoing.

In that spirit you will likely see me change up some things and take some different directions along my journey.

One of those change-ups looks to be coming soon. I can't yet say what it is just yet, but it should exciting for all to see.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

^ WANT

You and me both! They used to be hard to come by but I believe is readily available with certain vendors! If I find some I'll let you know!

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Part of my love for marine aquariums is all the geeking out I get to do with new methods, technology, and gear. It's what keeps my interest piqued ongoing.

In that spirit you will likely see me change up some things and take some different directions along my journey.

One of those change-ups looks to be coming soon. I can't yet say what it is just yet, but it should exciting for all to see.

Curious!

 

[justingraham]

Curious!

Yea me too I have gotten some great ideas from Terrance already

 

[Damion]

Speaking of new stuff, When are the Apex fluid meters coming out (fmm) ? You know, the inline flow meters? I hope they have a 1/4" version for RO applications as well... I looked on the website and can't find any info.
Update: I just found your thread with you talking about the fmm and ato stuff... Sounds like things are shaping up and on their way...

 

[monkiboy]

Speaking of new stuff, When are the Apex fluid meters coming out (fmm) ? You know, the inline flow meters? I hope they have a 1/4" version for RO applications as well... I looked on the website and can't find any info.

check out the reefbuilders neptune video from macna

 

[Terence]

Speaking of new stuff, When are the Apex fluid meters coming out (fmm) ? You know, the inline flow meters? I hope they have a 1/4" version for RO applications as well... I looked on the website and can't find any info.
Update: I just found your thread with you talking about the fmm and ato stuff... Sounds like things are shaping up and on their way...

I will soon have an FMM running on this aquarium. Going to run the 2" sensor on the drain first and see what kind of error I get from the air in the line - see if it is constant or not. If it is not an accurate number, thats fine, because the key metric is that it is precise and consistent and then I can simply have my alerts based on the relative number. I will probably do a simple bucket-time test to see what the error is.

I could put one on the return side and probably will. There will be some loss in flow but I do have some additional power to go on the pump - currently at 71%. It will cost me a few watts, but not enough to care about I don't think.

Stay tuned.

 

[Damion]

You might need to put a bypass on the drain as well, if the fm ever got stuck (like they all eventually do In salt water)...
(I have an idea for the bypass)