Shallow 80g SPS Build

Leishman · Sep 5, 2019

Just borrowed the local reef club's PAR meter...... Display 150-200 higher than the frag tank! Same bulbs in both fixtures, common sump. @ATI North America unit is crushing the no name frag tank fixture. Lowered the frag lighting 6" and lower another 6" next week.

No wonder the SPS in the frag tank look nothing like those in the display!

Leishman · Sep 10, 2019

Reefpuck · Sep 11, 2019

Really nice build...just read through a bunch of it. Had a question...how is the polymorph plastic holding up on your aquascape? Did it get covered in corraline algae and blend in well with the tank as it matured? Thinking of using it on my new build in a few weeks.

Leishman · Sep 11, 2019

Reefpuck said:
Really nice build...just read through a bunch of it. Had a question...how is the polymorph plastic holding up on your aquascape? Did it get covered in corraline algae and blend in well with the tank as it matured? Thinking of using it on my new build in a few weeks.

Holding up well. Can't really see it as I covered it in a sand/gravel/super glue gel mix to hide it.

Reefpuck · Sep 11, 2019

Leishman said:
Holding up well. Can't really see it as I covered it in a sand/gravel/super glue gel mix to hide it.

Awesome... much appreciated!

Leishman · Sep 17, 2019

Finally had the time to set up my @AVAST Marine Ca Reactor

The two chamber set up is so easy to get running. I seem to remember my set up on the old 400g system was a PITA to dial in. Not this one.

The unit is shipped with two reaction chambers, a tiny DC feed pump and an effluent flow restrictor. The pH probe (not provided) is inserted into the base of the primary chamber, next to the already mounted re-circulation pump.

The three variables, bubble count, pH and drip rate are cut to just pH management with the Apex, or any other pH controller. The drip rate consistency is achieved through a hydroponic flow restrictor. The flow is constant at low and high pressures. I will be measuring the effluent flow rate over the coming weeks/months to see if there is any restrictive build up that need to be cleared out.

I initially unhooked my two part doser and set the pH in the reactor at 6.50-6.55 My system is small, and at this low pH my dKH jumped by 1.2 overnight. Thankfully I was at the low end of my range, so no harm done. I tested every 12 hours for the next two days and settled in at a pH range of 6.95-7.00 to maintain a dKH of 8.3 I know this is relatively high for a Ca Reactor, but my display is only 80g.

Not sure when this will hit the market, or what the price point will be. All I can add is that I am a huge fan of its simplicity and function.

Leishman · Sep 17, 2019

Update on the Vibrant - this stuff is in the final phase wiping out my bubble algae. Last dose went in last night.

F-Aptasia (old style logo bottle) arrived today. Looking forward to eradicating some of these little monsters tonight.

Good times ahead thanks to @UWC and @Frank's Tanks

K.miller · Sep 17, 2019

That CA reactor sounds awesome. I remember when i had my big system and had a reactor George made i was always messing with it. Not saying it was because George made it i just think that was the nature of older units. Makes me not want to get one for the new system ( once the need arises) but with as easy as this once sounds i may change my mind

Leishman · Sep 19, 2019

Not reef related, but I finally got my hands on some Ovi-O’s

Raege · Sep 24, 2019

Hi Just ran thru your thread very nice looking tanks! The use of the polymorphic plastic is awesome.
One last note your avatar is awesome Go Chiefs Go Hanson brothers

Leishman · Sep 25, 2019

Updated video. Notice the bubble algae has been decimated by the Vibrant from @UWC

Leishman · Sep 25, 2019

Cant paste link from YouTube :mad:

Leishman · Sep 25, 2019

Leishman · Sep 25, 2019

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Fudsey · Sep 25, 2019

Looking good ! ! !

Leishman · Oct 7, 2019

After 17 years of use, my RO unit blew. Sounded like a pressure washer!

Leishman · Oct 15, 2019

Decided to bring back a frag of my old Euphyllia paradivisa (AKA Branching frogspawn) from my office tank. I’d forgotten how nice of a coral it is. Grows like weed too.