NEED HELP! Quadriplegic newbie!

[Dmat21]

Hey guys,
As I am closing in on the Finish build of the tank I’m being very indecisive. I’ve been on here before and ask similar questions but again when it’s coming down to buying what I actually need for my lifestyle it’s getting tough for me to make a decision especially everything being pricey I want it to be perfect for me. Whether I need it right off the bat or not. I’m seeking help on what I’m going to need for the future as well so I could just get it all set up and run it as I need to as my tank progresses. i’m shooting for a mixed reef tank. and would love to grow coral. Help please?!

i’m a quadriplegic with impaired hands, and going to be needing help along the way from family. I use my iPad for everything
I know I’m really not gonna be able to keep up with water changes or dosing or testing Manually so I would like to have a fully automated system as hands-free as possible

so far I have the light that I want, drilled 65 gallon tank, sump and refugium setup, return pumps, power heads, rock and sand, heater, salt, protein skimmer

so I was wondering if you could let me know what I am missing for the start up of the tank and what I’m going to be needing for the future as hands-free as possible all I want to do is enjoy the tank and not have 1 million things to keep up with

feel free to send me a big old list that’s not too confusing LOL
thanks in advance!

 

[WIReefer]

I would highly recommend an Apex and trident I love mine, I would look into that it would help out tons and would be great on the iPad! Congrats on the build! Don’t forget to start a build thread!

 

[MERKEY]

Hello and welcome back "sorta"

As @WIReefer said Apex and trident oe some sort of automated brain to control everything would be ideal.

I as well use Apex with the trident and I am pleased over all with it. I do not use it as much as some and definitely not as much as I should but I believe it would do everything you need it to.

Other than that it sounds like you have enough to get a great build started!

Post some pics once you get going!

 

[Dmat21]

I noticed that the apex dosing pump only come with a two-part how do you does the third element with the all in one Apex system

and do I need an auto water top off system?

and what RODI system do you guys recommend

 

[Dmat21]

When do all these websites run big sales?

 

[MERKEY]

I noticed that the apex dosing pump only come with a two-part how do you does the third element with the all in one Apex system

and do I need an auto water top off system?

and what RODI system do you guys recommend

You can hook up multiple dos units that can do your water changes and dosing and some have used it for the top off instead of Neptune's ATK.

Most main manufacturers make solid rodi units. I went with BRS 7 stage as I live off of a well. City water depending on whats in it could get by with a rodi buddy or a 4 stage.

 

[MERKEY]

When do all these websites run big sales?

Black Friday and cyber Monday are very soon!

 

[Dmat21]

I’m confused with everything that I need for the Neptune system I don’t really understand what they all do

 

[MERKEY]

I’m confused with everything that I need for the Neptune system I don’t really understand what they all do

I am unfortunately the wrong person to help with all of the components as I'm still learning on mine. So please forgive me if some of what I am trying to help with is not clear.

I will say you can go step by step and add things as you like.

The Apex module is essentially the brain and you control it from the Apex fusion dashboard. There is a power strip that you plug devices into which then let's the Apex brain control. Let's say you want to run a skimmer. Once you plug it into the power strip the Apex brain can then open that outlet and configure it how you would like it to be run. There are many option from always on to advanced where you can program certain items. There are also helpful preprogrammed items such as skimmers and heaters that have pre programmed schedules to help.

This goes for everything from lights to pumps. Trident is Apex's monitoring unit for the big 3 parameters which most people find helpful. The trident test calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium at different times of the day. This helps the tank stay consistent.

While the trident tells the Apex what the parameters are the Apex can then use that information and command the dos to turn on amd off to keep those levels consistent. This can be adjusted to run as an automated water change as well.

 

[alysak6075]

I noticed that the apex dosing pump only come with a two-part how do you does the third element with the all in one Apex system

and do I need an auto water top off system?

and what RODI system do you guys recommend

You buy as many dosing pumps as you want.

Also get an Automatic neck cleaner for the skimmer, and try to plumb the skimmer drain into a real drain or a container. That way its less work for the people to service the skimmer, goes from once or twice a week to a couple of times a year for the skimmer if plumbed into a drain (more often if container, but still much less of a hassle). An automatic feeder is also a plus I would think.

Auto water changer would work if you can plumb into a drain and a container somewhere out of the way. So dump a bag of sault, make water and do changes from the iPad

 

[PicassoClown04]

As a bunch of people already said, apex and trident are great for auto dosing and testing!

Auto water changes would be pretty great for you, especially since it would be difficult to get the hose all the way to the bottom of the tank to suck the detritus. Are you planning on running sand or barebottom or something else? After the first couple of months you really only need water changes every two weeks or even just once a month. People on here with tanks that are many years old only do a few a year!

I can’t recommend an auto top off enough!!! If you buy one used it won’t be more than $50 and it makes your life so so so much easier!

If you use a cheap pump (not powerhead) you can attach a hose to the end and it will pump water out of the hose! This is 1/2 the concept behind an auto water change system but I use it to fill my ATO (auto top off) reservoir without trying to bend over to dip the jugs in the mixing barrel and making a gigantic mess. Works very well, just turn off the power strip or unplug it when you’re done!

Auto feeder for your fish may be helpful, especially if you’re feeding pellets. It’s really fun to see the fish gather right before the feeder goes off, their internal clocks for mealtime is amazing.

Get one of those grabber things or long aquarium tweezers. They are really great for fighting flipped frags, placing frags correctly, flipping snails, picking up stuff etc etc and since they’re so long you don’t need to stand up or anything to get to the stuff at the bottom of the tank! I like the 15” and longer ones, even though my tank is only about 12” deep. Always get longer than you think you need. Reefdiculous dot com sells really pretty ones, I got mine from her and they are just fantastic. They have nice grippy tips so I don’t accidentally drop whatever I’m holding!

there’s a nice power strip that you can control with your phone so stuff turns on/off automatically at certain times. It connects via an app you can control from your iPad!

I hope this helps

 

[Dmat21]

As a bunch of people already said, apex and trident are great for auto dosing and testing!

Auto water changes would be pretty great for you, especially since it would be difficult to get the hose all the way to the bottom of the tank to suck the detritus. Are you planning on running sand or barebottom or something else? After the first couple of months you really only need water changes every two weeks or even just once a month. People on here with tanks that are many years old only do a few a year!

I can’t recommend an auto top off enough!!! If you buy one used it won’t be more than $50 and it makes your life so so so much easier!

If you use a cheap pump (not powerhead) you can attach a hose to the end and it will pump water out of the hose! This is 1/2 the concept behind an auto water change system but I use it to fill my ATO (auto top off) reservoir without trying to bend over to dip the jugs in the mixing barrel and making a gigantic mess. Works very well, just turn off the power strip or unplug it when you’re done!

Auto feeder for your fish may be helpful, especially if you’re feeding pellets. It’s really fun to see the fish gather right before the feeder goes off, their internal clocks for mealtime is amazing.

Get one of those grabber things or long aquarium tweezers. They are really great for fighting flipped frags, placing frags correctly, flipping snails, picking up stuff etc etc and since they’re so long you don’t need to stand up or anything to get to the stuff at the bottom of the tank! I like the 15” and longer ones, even though my tank is only about 12” deep. Always get longer than you think you need. Reefdiculous dot com sells really pretty ones, I got mine from her and they are just fantastic. They have nice grippy tips so I don’t accidentally drop whatever I’m holding!

there’s a nice power strip that you can control with your phone so stuff turns on/off automatically at certain times. It connects via an app you can control from your iPad!

I hope this helps

do I set up and put in use the Apex and Trident system right off the bat?
I’m going to be doing a sand bottom/crushed coral. As for water top off and water changing that’s different correct?water changes involves in mixing salt? So how does auto water changes work?

 

[Dmat21]

do I set up and put in use the Apex and Trident system right off the bat?
I’m going to be doing a sand bottom/crushed coral. As for water top off and water changing that’s different correct?water changes involves in mixing salt? So how does auto water changes work?

In Apex and Trident doses on its own correct? Why does Neptune sell a separate two part doser?

 

[PicassoClown04]

do I set up and put in use the Apex and Trident system right off the bat?
I’m going to be doing a sand bottom/crushed coral. As for water top off and water changing that’s different correct?water changes involves in mixing salt? So how does auto water changes work?

I would set up the apex and everything ASAP, you don’t really need the dosing liquids until your finish your cycle though so if money is tight from the tank setup it’s totally fine to wait.

Your substrate is good for an auto water change system, you should look into it. It sucks out a # of gallons then pumps in new water

Auto top off replaces water you lose through evaporation 24/7 it’s annoying to have to stay on top of it manually since water evaporates every second. It also keeps your salinity (salt level) stable because water evaporates but salt doesnt, this means that when the water evaporates out the tank water gets saltier. Since the ATO puts fresh water (not salt) back into your tank to replace water lost through evaporation, you salt levels stay stable . Auto water changes pump out saltwater and pump saltwater back in, ATO only pumps fresh water in. They have a sensor so when your water level gets low, it automatically refills it in about 30 second bursts throughout the day

For a water change you will have to mix salt into your water. A cheap $10 Chinese powerhead in a brute trash can/cheap plastic bin keeps your salt stirred into your water so you always have new saltwater ready for your water changes . You will need 2 water storage bins, one for freshwater (RODI for your ATO) and one for saltwater (for water changes).

 

[fishguy242]

hi,agree w all above ,all good suggestions,only thing i can think missing ,ground probe a must,def get a build thread and badge ,so we can help and follow along,happy reefing

 

[Pistondog]

I noticed that the apex dosing pump only come with a two-part how do you does the third element with the all in one Apex system

and do I need an auto water top off system?

and what RODI system do you guys recommend

Tunze 3155 ato is great.
Brs dosing pumps are cheap, $75. I have 4 with a 4 compartment dosing chambers. I've dosed 2 part, vodka, and lately Triton core7.
Add an apex pellet feeder and you're on your way.
Apex allows monitoring and control via iPad. Get a neptune to automate testing if funds allow.
I think this is a great hobby for someone who is physically limited since a large part can be iPad controlled, but it challenges us with the complexity and learning requirements to be successful.
Good luck and let us know how to help your tank