HybridAZN's 180 gallon build

[hybridazn]

So another picture-less update lol

I've been holding off on this update because well, I'm slightly embarrassed. Zeovit was a huge mistake and I shouldn't have even messed with it. It's just not for me, the reactor couldn't keep up with helping keep nutrients down and my nitrates shot up to over 20. A few of my sps pieces took a big hit but are holding on, while others look unscathed. I'll take some pictures maybe this weekend.

So after I made the decision to pull zeovit I went made the decision to go back to what worked in the past. No more fancy systems or anything of the sort, I'm going back to my roots lol (minus the 2 part, I'm sticking with my CaRX)

So here is the start of it, I made a run to my LFS

Ditching the Aquaforest reef salt and going back to red sea coral pro. Slowly bumping my alk back up to where I used to keep it and using nopox to keep nutrients in check.

It's been about 2 weeks since I made the switch and things are already looking better in the tank. I'm really tired of fighting the tank and I'm hoping this does the trick. I actually thought about tearing the tank down and bailing, that's how frustrated I was.

Pic of sump currently (No zeovit reactor)

Another update will be coming shortly.

 

[GoVols]

Hybird,
Nothing to be embarrassed about. You gave it your best shot and went back to what you know what works for your reef.
I'm a tinker bug too but my reef has been in a sweet spot.
Love the "Blue Bucket" but going back to the RPM because it mixes to the parameters that my reef likes and keeps the ABC+ power in balance with out needing to dose up the "Blue Bucket"while mixing.
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I tried to show your cal reactor method on the S 400 thread but (lol) seems to be, that the nudi conversation wants to keep going on.

 

[hybridazn]

Hybird,
Nothing to be embarrassed about. You gave it your best shot and went back to what you know what works for your reef.
I'm a tinker bug too but my reef has been in a sweet spot.
Love the "Blue Bucket" but going back to the RPM because it mixes to the parameters that my reef likes and keeps the ABC+ power in balance with out needing to dose up the "Blue Bucket"while mixing.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I tried to show your cal reactor method on the S 400 thread but (lol) seems to be, that the nudi conversation wants to keep going on.

I used rscp for years, but switched because of the lower alk needed for a zeo system. Now I can bump it back up and the higher levels of all him rscp are perfect for me again.

Lol I did see that, most ppl don't run CaRX so they don't feel the need to discuss it. The initial cost of it is pretty scary, really if you think about it depending on reactor size it could cost you $500-$800 just to gather the equipment.

 

[GoVols]

I used rscp for years, but switched because of the lower alk needed for a zeo system. Now I can bump it back up and the higher levels of all him rscp are perfect for me again.

At least you learned something and the Red Sea salts are hard to beat.
If you read the Polish test guy's results. It makes it two times in a row, that those Red Sea salt mixes rose to the top.

 

[prsnlty]

I used rscp for years, but switched because of the lower alk needed for a zeo system. Now I can bump it back up and the higher levels of all him rscp are perfect for me again.

Lol I did see that, most ppl don't run CaRX so they don't feel the need to discuss it. The initial cost of it is pretty scary, really if you think about it depending on reactor size it could cost you $500-$800 just to gather the equipment.

Yep, cost and space requirements for me. But I am interested in it [emoji2]

 

[GoVols]

Yep, cost and space requirements for me. But I am interested in it [emoji2]

Jackie,
Have you seen how Hybird runs his cal reactor?

 

[prsnlty]

Jackie,
Have you seen how Hybird runs his cal reactor?

Yes, I watched both videos

 

[prsnlty]

Sorry for the short comment I was driving. I had to go to my so-called local lfs to pick up some Mexican turbos since LiveAquaria didn't have any in stock.

Nice setup!

I have ad the opportunity to buy everything but the CO2 bottle (didn't want to ship it) for $400 from someone who used to be a member on here by the name of tigerdragon. I almost did it until I measured everything to see if I could fit it and it would not fit. Since my system is out in the main part of the house and as it is I have limited room because it's taking up a good portion of the room, I really don't have any place to put one even alongside the tank. At one point we thought to turn the bedroom behind the 180 into a fish room however we tend to have too many people come visit us at a time when they do and have needed 2 guest rooms. So for now that idea kind of bit the dust.

 

[GoVols]

Sorry for the short comment I was driving. I had to go to my so-called local lfs to pick up some Mexican turbos since LiveAquaria didn't have any in stock.

Nice setup!

I have ad the opportunity to buy everything but the CO2 bottle (didn't want to ship it) for $400 from someone who used to be a member on here by the name of tigerdragon. I almost did it until I measured everything to see if I could fit it and it would not fit. Since my system is out in the main part of the house and as it is I have limited room because it's taking up a good portion of the room, I really don't have any place to put one even alongside the tank. At one point we thought to turn the bedroom behind the 180 into a fish room however we tend to have too many people come visit us at a time when they do and have needed 2 guest rooms. So for now that idea kind of bit the dust.

I'd like to give his method a go too, but I'd have to plumb and move the chiller/heater into the garage.

I would not have any low ph issues with it. I open my windows at least once a week to get any CO2 out.

During the cold of winter and hot of summer:
I open the windows with one small fan blowing out, turn on all ceiling fans, leave the temp on the ac thermostat alone but switch the main units blower from auto to on.

If my ac unit totally bites the dust. Then, I'll consider buying a new unit with a built in EVR.

 

[prsnlty]

I'd like to give his method a go too, but I'd have to plumb and move the chiller/heater into the garage.

I would not have any low ph issues with it. I open my windows at least once a week to get any CO2 out.

During the cold of winter and hot of summer:
I open the windows with one small fan blowing out, turn on all ceiling fans, leave the temp on the ac thermostat alone but switch the main units blower from auto to on.

If my ac unit totally bites the dust. Then, I'll consider buying a new unit with a built in EVR.

That's what I miss about being in the northern states like you guys are. I mean even if it's hot during the day you can open the windows at night and runs fans if it's still a little warm. Being in Florida no such luck with that lol Even if it's not raining it's now humid and you can't breathe! My favorite time of year here is November through March. The reason being is because I can either open the house up during the day or at night. Sometimes if I'm lucky I can do both. But that tends only last for about two weeks in the beginning and two weeks at the end of that time period. I haven't been able to open my house up at all since the beginning of May. When I lived here before in the late 70s I don't ever remember it being humid like it is now or nearly as hot. However I lived in Clearwater on the coast so that may have made a difference. Now I'm 30 minutes in land.

 

[bif24701]

So another picture-less update lol

I've been holding off on this update because well, I'm slightly embarrassed. Zeovit was a huge mistake and I shouldn't have even messed with it. It's just not for me, the reactor couldn't keep up with helping keep nutrients down and my nitrates shot up to over 20. A few of my sps pieces took a big hit but are holding on, while others look unscathed. I'll take some pictures maybe this weekend.

So after I made the decision to pull zeovit I went made the decision to go back to what worked in the past. No more fancy systems or anything of the sort, I'm going back to my roots lol (minus the 2 part, I'm sticking with my CaRX)

So here is the start of it, I made a run to my LFS

Ditching the Aquaforest reef salt and going back to red sea coral pro. Slowly bumping my alk back up to where I used to keep it and using nopox to keep nutrients in check.

It's been about 2 weeks since I made the switch and things are already looking better in the tank. I'm really tired of fighting the tank and I'm hoping this does the trick. I actually thought about tearing the tank down and bailing, that's how frustrated I was.

Pic of sump currently (No zeovit reactor)

Another update will be coming shortly.

Tried AF reef salt once. Hated it, everything was off. Not the numbers but every thing in the tank looked poor. I'm and IO guy.

 

[hybridazn]

That is def another downside of a CaRX, the amount of room it eats up is a lot. Luckily I built my stand to be nice and roomy underneath so I was able to find room for both the reactor and 2nd chamber. And my 20lb co2 tank fits snugly behind my stand and is hidden quite well.

Tried AF reef salt once. Hated it, everything was off. Not the numbers but every thing in the tank looked poor. I'm and IO guy.

I feel its a decent salt, but for the price it should have been better. It honestly reminds me of a quicker, cleaner mixing IO. The alk levels are perfect for a ulns system but calcium is too low. I don't feel like I should have to dose my salt to reach the levels that I want and that they advertise.

 

[GoVols]

That is def another downside of a CaRX, the amount of room it eats up is a lot. Luckily I built my stand to be nice and roomy underneath so I was able to find room for both the reactor and 2nd chamber. And my 20lb co2 tank fits snugly behind my stand and is hidden quite well.



I feel its a decent salt, but for the price it should have been better. It honestly reminds me of a quicker, cleaner mixing IO. The alk levels are perfect for a ulns system but calcium is too low. I don't feel like I should have to dose my salt to reach the levels that I want and that they advertise.

Hybird,
When you run the Coral Pro mix.
What do you shoot for and hold the big 3 at, in your main display?

Thanks, Freddie

 

[prsnlty]

That is def another downside of a CaRX, the amount of room it eats up is a lot. Luckily I built my stand to be nice and roomy underneath so I was able to find room for both the reactor and 2nd chamber. And my 20lb co2 tank fits snugly behind my stand and is hidden quite well.



I feel its a decent salt, but for the price it should have been better. It honestly reminds me of a quicker, cleaner mixing IO. The alk levels are perfect for a ulns system but calcium is too low. I don't feel like I should have to dose my salt to reach the levels that I want and that they advertise.

+1 Even their pro bio is like that. Plus with every box I got of it the numbers were different sometimes very different.

 

[bif24701]

That is def another downside of a CaRX, the amount of room it eats up is a lot. Luckily I built my stand to be nice and roomy underneath so I was able to find room for both the reactor and 2nd chamber. And my 20lb co2 tank fits snugly behind my stand and is hidden quite well.



I feel its a decent salt, but for the price it should have been better. It honestly reminds me of a quicker, cleaner mixing IO. The alk levels are perfect for a ulns system but calcium is too low. I don't feel like I should have to dose my salt to reach the levels that I want and that they advertise.

I was impressed with the mixing and levels but my tank did not take well too it. I have used other salts on sales and not had those effects.

Would like to give RSCP a try, the 200g bags look nice if the price is right.

 

[hybridazn]

Hybird,
When you run the Coral Pro mix.
What do you shoot for and hold the big 3 at, in your main display?

Thanks, Freddie

I aim for these

Alk- 9- 9.5
Cal- 420
Mag- 1350

+1 Even their pro bio is like that. Plus with every box I got of it the numbers were different sometimes very different.

Agreed, at first I was going to grin and bear it because the alk is where I wanted it to be for zeo, but honestly I couldn't recommend that salt.

I was impressed with the mixing and levels but my tank did not take well too it. I have used other salts on sales and not had those effects.

Would like to give RSCP a try, the 200g bags look nice if the price is right.

What other salts have you used? I'm guessing your tank took a turn for the worse when using AF salt because of the lower parameters. It's always good to use a salt that helps you maintain or achieve the levels you want to keep.

 

[bif24701]

I aim for these

Alk- 9- 9.5
Cal- 420
Mag- 1350




Agreed, at first I was going to grin and bear it because the alk is where I wanted it to be for zeo, but honestly I couldn't recommend that salt.



What other salts have you used? I'm guessing your tank took a turn for the worse when using AF salt because of the lower parameters. It's always good to use a salt that helps you maintain or achieve the levels you want to keep.

The lower levels I wanted. My corals just looked very unhappy immediately and continued until I changed it with IO

I've used :
IO
RC
Seachem Reef
Salinity
AF
HW Reefer

 

[hybridazn]

I believe IO and RC both have elevated levels of the big 3. Alk for instance is at 11 for IO and 13 for RC. Def a big swing from the 7dkh I got from AF Reef

 

[GoVols]

I believe IO and RC both have elevated levels of the big 3. Alk for instance is at 11 for IO and 13 for RC. Def a big swing from the 7dkh I got from AF Reef

Hybird,
I've used the regular IO for most of my reefing life. I used to have to dose up the cal and mag while mixing it but your spot on with the 10 - 11 alk.

I love that the Red Sea "Blue Bucket" mixes spot on the what Red Sea says it does.

But, I will be going back to the Fritz RPM because it's a great mix and it mixes to where I keep the big 3 at and I can just keep humming along with the Red Sea ABC+ powder while dosing Colors C & D.

The honey spot for my reef at 1.025sg is about:
Cal: 430 - 440
Alk: 8 - 8.5 dkh
Mag: 1400 - 1420

And the RPM mixes right to those #'s.

 

[bif24701]

I believe IO and RC both have elevated levels of the big 3. Alk for instance is at 11 for IO and 13 for RC. Def a big swing from the 7dkh I got from AF Reef

Oh, I had to increase that ALK before I added it. Put that's ok.