Innovative Marine EXT 200 Peninsula Build...

[Sean Clark]

What's the interior width of the stand? The IM tech specs says 25". Is that exact? I plan to get a 20g high standard tank for my ATO and want to make sure it fits. The 20g high is about 24.5" wide.

There are 27 inches free clearance on the inside of the stand with the exception of where the door latches are (I think this is where IM is getting the 25 inches from). Those could easily be removed or relocated if they happen to be in the way of your ato. You should have no problem fitting the 20g high tank.

 

[Sean Clark]

Critters; my pod population has exploded over the last week. They are everywhere now.

 

[ninjamyst]

There are 27 inches free clearance on the inside of the stand with the exception of where the door latches are (I think this is where IM is getting the 25 inches from). Those could easily be removed or relocated if they happen to be in the way of your ato. You should have no problem fitting the 20g high tank.

Thanks for measuring! Now I just need to wait for the $1 gallon sale.

 

[Sean Clark]

Thanks for measuring! Now I just need to wait for the $1 gallon sale.

I do love those dollar/gallon sales. I have my ATO in the basement. Just a brute trash can hooked up to my rodi with and auto refill. Saves space in the cabinet.

 

[Sean Clark]

Lighting detail / PAR maps

This has taken a lot longer than I expected. I wanted to ensure accurate results so that meant that I had to spend a lot of time at every single measuring point.

I first had to build a grid on the tank to use as a reference to locate the PAR meter. Then I had to allow the reading to settle once I located the meter at a measuring point. I allowed five minutes per location/per intensity level measured. I then took ten measurements, removed the high and low values, then averaged the remaining eight values to provide the most accurate values that I am able to with the equipment that I had available at the time.

I took all of the measurements with the flow on.

This process took about 45 minutes for each of the PAR measurement points; measuring at 50%, 75%, and 100% lighting intensity.

I used masking tape to build a basic grid on the tank to help me locate the PAR meter within the tank.

I only wanted to make meaningful measurements. I settled on 30 points within the tank. I feel that this provides plenty of information to place corals and have a good idea of what values everything is at.

I took measurements at my rock level which is about 7 inches from the bottom and at mid tank which is about 14 inches from the bottom. The tank is only 21 inches, so these levels represent the lower 1/3 and mid 2/3 ratios in the tank. You will be able to see this in the photos below.


This was taken with a yellow filter.

And no filter. This was not set to the manual settings that I used to test though.

Theses are the settings that I used to measure the PAR. No red or green channels were used. The color wheel was set to my normal daytime setting. I only adjusted the intensity to see how the PAR changed. (This only shows 50%, I did not see that it was necessary to post every setting for every test)

And here are the results for the rock level...

I will post the mid tank level values tomorrow. I wanted to get some content out after my delay from the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

[ninjamyst]

I run AP700 too and run mine at 90%.

 

[Sean Clark]

Here are the mid tank PAR measurements. These were much harder to take mainly because I had to sit there and hold the sensor still hovering in the water; which gets really old, really fast.

50% mid level

75% mid level

100% mid level

 

[Sean Clark]

And here is my current lighting schedule:

I have the lunar cycle on as well. This is more for me than for anything else so that I can still see in the tank late at night.

Here is a link showing it play through the schedule:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/5g8H3DZD6UVvU2Zz6

 

[Sean Clark]

And here is my current lighting schedule:

I have the lunar cycle on as well. This is more for me than for anything else so that I can still see in the tank late at night.

Here is a link showing it play through the schedule:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/5g8H3DZD6UVvU2Zz6

 

[Mjl714]

Great documentation, nicely done.

 

[Sean Clark]

Great documentation, nicely done.

Thanks

 

[Sean Clark]

September 7 ICP test results:

I did start dosing Iron. Apparently I need to increase the dosing. I can only assume that the coral that is in the tank is Iron deficient and is absorbing all of the Iron that I have been dosing.

This time I sent in two samples just to see how they would compare against each other. Here are the results from the second sample:

The two samples are very close, but I did find the information interesting to look at. Both of the samples were taken at the exact same time and location.

 

[Nick Steele]

Be careful with icp analysis. They have a bad rep at having inconsistent numbers. I would stick with ati or triton for testing.

Although I got two test for free at rap and have used one so far. Took over 3 weeks to get my tank water test back and till this day don’t have my rodi numbers.

 

[Sean Clark]

Be careful with icp analysis. They have a bad rep at having inconsistent numbers. I would stick with ati or triton for testing.

Although I got two test for free at rap and have used one so far. Took over 3 weeks to get my tank water test back and till this day don’t have my rodi numbers.

I have the same thoughts on ICP results. I have been doing them for a long time but do not rely on them solely. I will say that they have been very consistent from my experience. I also would not use them to go chasing numbers. The variability between two test is part of what I was trying to show here, while at the same time if my calcium is 394.76 or 394.84 it really doesn't mater. I can use that data to compare to my manual testing results. It's really no different than asking a friend to look at your color wheel to interpret what color they think that it is.

I did four Iron tests last night after receiving theses results. I still have no idea what my Iron level is. So for me, the ICP results are the only way to measure some elements.

People preach that you shouldn't dose anything that you are not testing for. The last time I checked, you couldn't buy a Molybdenum or a Manganese test at the fish store. You can buy supplements for them though.

I am curious why you stated that you would stick with ATI or Triton for ICP testing. The implication that I got from that statement was that you find those test to be superior in some way. Would you share why that you feel that way? Or correct me if I am wrong for coming to that conclusion.

 

[Nick Steele]

There are quite a few reports of outlandish results from Icpanalysis. Searches on here and google will show what I’m talking about.

If you are happy with them that is good and keep going.
I for one Wasn’t happy that my results took over 3 weeks and still don’t have an rodi reading after 2+ months. I gave up trying to figure out why and will use my last test soon and also send an ati test out with the same sample water to compare.

 

[Sean Clark]

There are quite a few reports of outlandish results from Icpanalysis. Searches on here and google will show what I’m talking about.

If you are happy with them that is good and keep going.
I for one Wasn’t happy that my results took over 3 weeks and still don’t have an rodi reading after 2+ months. I gave up trying to figure out why and will use my last test soon and also send an ati test out with the same sample water to compare.

I have not had the same experiences with them that you have with the delays. I personally do not have any preference where my test results come from so long as they are consistent. From my experience the results have been consistent.

I did have one RODI test that never posted results. I attributed that to me following the instructions. The instructions for the tank sample states to place the sticker with the sample ID number on the vial. The instructions for the RODI sample states to place the sticker on the bag. Normally I just put the stickers directly on the vials. The one time that I followed the instructions printed on the sticker, I did not get any results. Probably because my sample was lost due to the sticker being on the bag and not on the vial.

I am only posting theses test results in an attempt to be fully transparent and allow people to follow along with the good and the bad. Using a third party to validate my levels is the best way to show impartiality.

Perhaps in the future I could use other services like ATI and Triton just to see how the different services compare. I may do that for October.

 

[Nick Steele]

Yeah consistency is best practice!

Anyways nice tank build you have going!

 

[Sean Clark]

Vacuuming the sand for the first time. I probably should have done this sooner. It took a bit for the top layer to break up. A little cloudy but nothing to nasty came out of the sand.
I just start a syphon into the sump and run it into a filter sock. I went through four socks as I worked my way through the sand bed. I use 100 micron Seachem filter socks; but they are older and have been washed, so I am sure that they are more like three or four hundred microns by now.

While I was doing this I decided that I should add a bit more sand. It is pretty thin in some locations. This could be due to flow so when I add more it may just thin out again. I guess we will see.

 

[Sean Clark]

The two outliers for these two test were Phosphorus and Rubidium, I have no idea what Rubidium is or its effect on a reef tank but it along with Phosphorus seems to not track well with theses redundant test. Can anyone tell me what Rubidium even does?

 

[Sean Clark]

A few things for today:

I neglected to include the light fixture height over the water in my lighting post. The lights are 12 inches from the water surface to to bottom of the lights.

I have received several request for equipment breakdown; so here is a mostly complete equipment list with the product website, as well as where I purchased everything from.
I tried to include everything that I used, but I am sure that I missed something.

Equipment	Brand	Model	Product Website	Purchased From
Tank / Stand	Innovative Marine	Nuvo EXT 200 Peninsula	https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/EXT-200-Peninsula-Aquarium-w-APS-Stand-White-p238807260	https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/EXT-200-Peninsula-Aquarium-w-APS-Stand-White-p238807260
Hood / Side Cabinets	Innovative Marine	Nuvo APS Fusion 20 Peninsula	https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/APS-Aquarium-Stand-Fusion-20-Peninsula-White-p222128438	Marine Depot (Now BRS)
Sump	Trigger Systems	Triton44-v2	http://www.triggersys.com/ts/triton44v2/	https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/triton44-v2-sump-trigger-systems.html
Skimmer	Nyos	Quantium 160	https://www.nyos.info/en/abschäumer-pumpen/abschäumer/quantum-160	https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/quantum-160-skimmer-up-to-250-gallons-nyos-aquatics/
Return Pump and Backup	Skimz	L160 Leopard Pump	http://skimz.sg/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=191	https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/leopard-l160-circulation-pump-4220-gph-skimz.html
UV Sterilizer	Pentair	Smart UV 40 Watt	https://pentairaes.com/smart-uv-sterilizers-31295.html	https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/emperor-aquatics-smart-uv-40-watt.html
Display Lights	Kessil	AP700	https://www.kessil.com/aquarium/saltwater_AP700.php	https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/ap700-48-led-aquarium-light-kessil/
Sulphur Denitrator	Korallin	S1502 Biodenitrator	https://korallin.us/europe/	Marine Depot (Now BRS)
Degassing Chamber	Pacific Sun	DC-2 (115.00 euros)	https://pacific-sun.eu/shop/calcium-reactors/degassing-chamber-for-calcfeeder-reactors/	https://pacific-sun.eu/shop/calcium-reactors/degassing-chamber-for-calcfeeder-reactors/
Dosing Pump	Ecotech	Versa VX-1	https://ecotechmarine.com/versa	https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/versa-peristaltic-dosing-pump-ecotech-marine.html
Ozone Generator	Ozotech	Poseidon 200	http://ozotech.com/poseidon/	https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/sear...QVImfrqB17J0&method=and&isort=score&view=grid
Ozone Air Pump	AquaClear	AquaClear 20 Air Pump	http://usa.hagen.com/Aquatic/Aeration/Air-Pumps/A846	LFS
Alkalinity Testing	KH Guardian	KH Guardian Pro Controller	http://khguardian.com/product.php	http://khguardian.com/product.php
Alkalinity Control	KH Guardian	AIM Module for Apex Interface	https://premiumaquatics.com/products/kh-advanced-interface-module-aim-open-box-return.html	https://premiumaquatics.com/products/kh-advanced-interface-module-aim-open-box-return.html
Aquarium Controller	Neptune Systems	Apex 2016	https://www.neptunesystems.com/apex-2016/	https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/apex-controller-system-neptune-systems.html
Apex Add-Ons	Neptune Systems	eb832 (Second Energy Bar)	https://www.neptunesystems.com/products/expansion-modules/energy-bars/	https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/energy-bar-832-apex-1link-power-eb832-neptune-systems/
Apex Add-Ons	Neptune Systems	FMM / ATK (Auto Top Off)	https://www.neptunesystems.com/products/expansion-modules/atk-2/	https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/apex-atk-v2-automatic-top-off-kit-ato-atk-neptune-systems/
Apex Add-Ons	Neptune Systems	PM1 (KHG - AIM interface / Sulfur reactor ORP probe)	https://www.neptunesystems.com/products/expansion-modules/phorp/	https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/a...erature-i-o-expansion-module-neptune-systems/
Apex Add-Ons	Neptune Systems	ORP Probe for Sulfur Reactor	https://www.neptunestore.eu/eng/neptune-systems-orp-redox-electrode-double-junctio.html	https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/double-junction-lab-grade-orp-probe-neptune-systems/
Apex Add-Ons	Neptune Systems	ASM (PAR meter)	https://www.neptunesystems.com/pmk-par-monitoring-kit/	https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/apex-pmk-par-monitoring-kit-neptune-systems/
Apex Add-Ons	Neptune Systems	Temperature Probe (Air temp)	https://www.neptunestore.eu/eng/neptune-systems-temperature-probe.html	https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/apex-temperature-probe-neptune-systems/
Apex Add-Ons	Neptune Systems	*Trident (SOLD 9/19/2020)	https://www.neptunesystems.com/products/expansion-modules/trident/	https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/apex-trident-alk-cal-mag-monitoring-device-neptune-systems/
Apex Add-Ons	Neptune Systems	AFS (auto feeder)	https://www.neptunesystems.com/automatic-feeding-system/	https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/apex-afs-automatic-feeding-system-neptune-systems/
Apex Add-Ons	Neptune Systems	Solenoid Valve SV-1	https://www.neptunesystems.com/fmm-accessories/#	https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/apex-fmm-solenoid-valve-sv-1-neptune-systems/
Rock	Marco Rock	Reef Saver Shelf Rock	http://www.marcorocks.com/products/shelf-rock/	https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/marco-reef-saver-shelf-aquarium-dry-live-rock.html
Rock	Marco Rock	Reef Saver Pedestal Rock	http://www.marcorocks.com/products/natural-top-pedestal-rock/	https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/marco-reef-saver-pedestal-aquarium-dry-live-rock-natural-top.html
Sand	Reeflowers	Pearl White Sand 55 Lbs	https://reeflowers.us/collections/sea-salts/products/pearl-white-sand	https://www.chewy.com/reeflowers-pearl-white-aquarium-sand/dp/265058
RODI Automation	AquaticLife	Barrel Buddie Smart Water Level Sensor Automatic Filler/Refiller Controller System	https://aquaticlife.com/products/copy-of-auto-shut-off-float-valve-1-4-inch
RODI System	Bulk Reef Supply	7 Stage PRO Plus 150 GPD Water Saver RO/DI System	https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/7-st...ver-ro-di-system-bulk-reef-supply-bundle.html	https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/7-st...ver-ro-di-system-bulk-reef-supply-bundle.html
RODI Add-Ons	Bulk Reef Supply	Triple DI Saver Kit	https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/trip...in-and-tds-meter-bulk-reef-supply-bundle.html	https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/trip...in-and-tds-meter-bulk-reef-supply-bundle.html
RODI Storage Container	Rubbermaid	Brute 32-Gallon Gray Plastic Trash Can with Lid	https://www.rubbermaidcommercial.co...ers/brute-vented-containers/?sku=FG263200GRAY	https://www.lowes.com/pd/Rubbermaid...w0wyawlD43EwQUiumoMaAnDWEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
RODI Storage Wheels	Rubbermaid	250-lb Black Plastic Trash Can Dolly	https://www.rubbermaidcommercial.co...ccessories/brute-dolly-black/?sku=FG264000BLA	https://www.lowes.com/pd/Rubbermaid...250-lb-Black-Plastic-Trash-Can-Dolly/50147608
4x8 PVC Board	Royal Building Products	1/2" x 4' x 8' White PVC Panel	https://www.royalbuildingproducts.com/	https://www.menards.com/main/buildi...8-c-13411.htm?tid=-5821158222333244600&ipos=2
Stand Lighting	Kessil	A80 Tuna Blue	https://www.kessil.com/aquarium/saltwater_A80.php	https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/a80-tuna-blue-saltwater-aquarium-led-kessil/
Refugium Lighting	Kessil	H80 Tuna Flora	https://www.kessil.com/aquarium/horticulture_H80.php	https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/h80-tuna-flora-led-refugium-grow-light-kessil/
Skimmer Neck Cleaner	Vertex	Vectra Engine with 160mm Lid	Out of business	https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/vertex-vectra-engine-universal-cleaner-unit.html
Battery Backup	CyberPower	PR2200LCD - UPS - 1980 Watt - 2200 VA	https://www.cyberpowersystems.com/product/ups/smart-app-sinewave/pr2200lcd/	https://www.cyberpowersystems.com/product/ups/smart-app-sinewave/pr2200lcd/
Ceramic Boilogical Media	CerMedia	MarinePure Biofilter Block (8 x 8 x 4)	https://www.cermedia.com/product-details/	https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/marinepure-biofilter-block-8-x-8-x-4-cermedia/
Backup Heaters	Cobalt	Neo-Therm Heater 300 Watt	https://www.cobaltaquatics.com/collections/heaters-1/products/neo-therm-heater
Heat Exchanger	Brazetek	55 kBTU Titanium Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger	https://www.brazetek.com/bt-stx-55-b-1-titanium-heat-exchanger
Heat Pump	Grundfos	Alpha2 15-55SFC/LC	https://product-selection.grundfos....number=99163972&custid=GMA&tab=variant-curves
Heat Pump Controller	Inkbird	PID Temperature Controller IPB-16S	https://inkbird.com/products/ipb-16s
Acessory Pump	Current USA	eFlux DC Flow Pump 3170 GPH Model 6011	https://current-usa.com/eflux-aquarium-dc-flow-pump-with-flow-control-3170-gph/