Texas 180 half hex tank

[Monster reefer]

Update time!

Ok in the past almost month I have been useing rodi water have not had a die off of any fish

I added some corals to the tank as well but they are not as happy I think it could be the lights I'm running them for 9 hours 50% on the kessils and the other LEDs we on a 10 hour sunrise sun set setting. I'm not sure if I should make the tank more blue or whiter. For the kessils.

I have also added 3 Lyretail anthias and 3 clowns.
I still need more anemones lol

 

[Monster reefer]

Here is an update on the aquarium
I hate all the green crap all over my tank.

 

[PSXerholic]

Hi Texas neighbor, if you want that friggin Auschwitz for invertebrates looking like a Reeftank, contact me!!!

Check out my tank, link in the signature.

 

[PSXerholic]

@Monster reefer ,
People Pm me already, not waisting my time on your tank.
Well, I'm willing to help you if you fully commit to follow my advice and we will apply the PSX method for your tank.

You won't follow any lame advice by others in the meantime, and we will report and communicate everything here in your thread.
Before I can help you, please go ahead and give me a full description of the tank and what you do and what you have concerning filtration and equipment.

It will not be very expensive!!!!! But requires maybe a small investment to get you, what you need!

Are you ready ????

 

[Monster reefer]

I've gone through lots of ups and downs with the aquarium in the beginning of the year.
I just changed my lights from MH to LEDs about 2-3 months ago.
I'm running 4 kessel 160w
2X 48" ecoxotic 420 actinic led stip
2X48" ecoxotic 20k led strip the 4 are connected to a one touch ecoxotic lighting timer.
The aquarium is 7' X 2' X 2'
I have a 2" drain pipe, 2 1/2 in returns one on either side of the aquarium

 

[PSXerholic]

I've gone through lots of ups and downs with the aquarium in the beginning of the year.
I just changed my lights from MH to LEDs about 2-3 months ago.
I'm running 4 kessel 160w
2X 48" ecoxotic 420 actinic led stip
2X48" ecoxotic 20k led strip the 4 are connected to a one touch ecoxotic lighting timer.
The aquarium is 7' X 2' X 2'
I have a 2" drain pipe, 2 1/2 in returns one on either side of the aquarium

Man, apologizing upfront here, lol. Being german, I might sound rude sometimes, so ignore that and keep moving !

Well, that's not much concerning your tank. I wish you would explain the filtration like you do explain your light!!!
Honestly the light is not of concern at all. But won't help you either at the minute.
It will take babysteps and some time, with contimous improvement to get this water-reservoir back on track.

So explain the entire filter equipment, from overflow back into the tank. Be precise on what equipment is installed. DIY is not a problem, I build most of my stuff by myself.
Pictures are appreciated to support your description. As well what additional reactors you use such as GFO, Carbon, pellets whatever.
Also important is to know, how you refill your tank, ATO, manual, source of water etc.

IF you want me to write a crapload of infos and spent time for you to resolve your issues, I strongly expect the same efforts from your end.
Don't believe you can go into a forum ask what to do, and get the magic liquid that makes it all pretty my friend, lol.

So, keep writing............................. ;-)

 

[PSXerholic]

Btw, do you still have the MH?

 

[Monster reefer]

Btw, do you still have the MH?

Yes but I can not get the power compacts to work.

For the filtration system I'll start inside the aquarium.
The tank drains with a 2" Pvc pipe that is "T" at the top of the aquarium.
I'm also running an apex to control my temp and lights

All water is then forced through a sponge filers in the the sump. I have a small CPR aquatic protein skimmer.
Left hand side of the sump is a smart pond 1200gph submersible pump.
Right hand side is a aqueon 608gph pump
Both return into the aquarium on on the left one on the right. 1/3" pic pipe "T" in side the tank to cover the most movement of the aquarium.

Right side pump

Left side pump

Drain pipe

 

[PSXerholic]

Ok, so.....
no skimmer?
no socks?
no GFO?
no carbon?
What is the return flow in GPH as per pumps?
Any flow pumps in the tank?

 

[Monster reefer]

CPR aquatics skimmer. (1st picture) not sure what it's rated for.
No socks
no GFO
No carbon
The return lines are about 3' from the pumps. Not sure what the flow is in the aquarium

I have inside the aquarium Hydor Korallia Pump and Controller Package -
Includes 2 x Koralia 3rd Gen 1350GPH Powerheads and 1 x Smart Wave Pump Controller

 

[PSXerholic]

All right.
I do see a bunch of issues that would need to be resolved over the next few months.
All minor but heavily influencing.

The biggest one is you do not have efficient waste and nutrient export which is the biggest issue.
First step is what you need to apply my method, is an excellent skimmer.

Not sure what your budget allows, but wondering about the excellent control system and Kessils which are pretty expensive, and on the other side a lack of sufficient equipment investments on the important items you would need.

So here is what you need first:
A Lifereef 24inch skimmer incl. pump or at least a good oversized Reef Octopus skimmer incl. pump.
Nothing else.
Check out local forums and local Facebook groups for used equipment if budget is tight.

Also you need to buy yourself "Mesh" filter socks with a 200 micron mesh. Those are cheap and you need to build them somehow into your barreltype sump.
Start then watch out for 2x MAG 9.5 or 1x MAG 12 return pumps. Recommend them new and not used.
The pumps you have need to be replaced with something that is rated for 1200GPH - 1400GPH with sufficient head pressure.
Not necessary now, but look out for a potential deal in soon future. I got those for around $45-60 on sale at Big AL's.

So this is the first thing.
We cannot do anything without the skimmer.
The skimmer you have at the minute would not work, and the method will kill your tank then.

What you have right now is killing the tank already ;-)
How do you do top off water replacement?

-PSX

 

[Bunnee911]

Where is the collection cup for your CPR Backpack?

 

[Bunnee911]

Oh I see it

 

[Monster reefer]

My budget for the aquarium is super tight right now, I can make my own diy skimmer with a small pump an a lot of air flow. I have a lot of pic from my fish room build laying around.

Also I know one of the pond pump is rated at 1200gph at 6'
The other one I think came with the aquarium when I bought it. So I used it.

Water changes and top off. Every 2-3 days I top off the aquarium with rodi water. Water changes are 5-10 gallons every 14 days.
The kessil lights are one 50% blue/white for 9 hours. Controlled by my apex but I don't have the controller lines for the apex, yet.


Here are some full sump pictures
Left side

Right side

 

[PSXerholic]

I'm sorry my friend.
The importance and the success is depending on the skimmer.

A small pump and something that looks like a skimmer won't work with my method.
This method is so powerful it would just kill your tank then, as you do it already at the moment.

Try to keep the tank alive as far you can and text me when you found a used Reef Octopus or Lifereef skimmer.
Without that, there is nothing we can do on a tank that size.
DIY skimmer won't be effective enough, especially not with a small pump.
The skimmerpump has to be more powerful as all your return pumps together.

Let me know if figured something out, and good luck, you need it ;-)
Don't wait too long, not much time left.

PSXerholic
-Andre

 

[Monster reefer]

I'll start looking around for a good skimmer. Should I try and find one for 200 gallons or bigger?

 

[PSXerholic]

I'll start looking around for a good skimmer. Should I try and find one for 200 gallons or bigger?

Awesome !!!
That's really the most essential and actually the only costly item you need.
The others are peanuts.

Minimum rating will be 200 at least. Remember to seek out to Reef Octopus or best a Lifereef skimmer. Make sure pump comes with it.

Check Craigslist, local Facebook groups and forums etc.
You might find a good deal locally for a pre-owned.

-PSX

 

[PSXerholic]

How do you do top off water replacement?
What water do you use and how is it prepared for Top off and new saltwater for Water changes?

 

[Monster reefer]

For top off I use a7 stage rodi unit in my garage connected to a 100 gallon holding tank that supplies my fish room sump for its top off water as well.

I use a bucket and add it to my sump.
And for water changed I use the same rodi water mix salt in a bucket match the temp and salinity to the aquarium.

 

[Monster reefer]

Comparing skimmers

1) Reef Octopus Classic 150 INT Protein Skimmer
Up to 210G
Cost: $229.99

2)
Bubble Magus Curve 7 In Sump Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer w/ Bubble Plate
Up to 240G
Cost: $299.99

3)
NYOS QUANTUM 160 Protein Skimmer
Up to 250
Cost: $499.99