TMC ATO and general maintenance queries

[guyhives]

Hi there, I have a RedseaReefer 250 and have just set up a TMC ATO but the thing won't stop beeping and no amount of fiddling with the height of the sensors will stop it.

It seems the pump in the RO does not stop in time and so goes above the sensors so it starts beeping instead of cutting out. If left the beeps finally go off when the tank water evaporates to below the sensor and then the ATO fills up again.....followed by MORE beeping etc etc. It's driving me insane. The return from the ATO goes directly into the return section of the sump where the sensors are so I cannot understand why this is happening. Any answers would be so appreciated. Many thanks.

Whilst here can anyone tell me what a calcium reactor does exactly. I have a TMC 1000 Pro skimmer, media reactor, UV steriliser, Ozone generator, 2x Hydra HD26, TMC 6000 return pump. I'm so wanting to simplify cleaning filter socks every day, TBH the whole thing is getting me down. I have been told that the Triton method is far simpler and less maintenance required. What is the opinion here?

Thanks again.

 

[guyhives]

Hi there, I have a Redsea Reefer 250 and have just set up a TMC ATO.

I used to keep marine fish 30 years ago and dived back in recently (6 months ago) only to find that the equipment and needs required seem to have multiplied tenfold!

I have a TMC 1000 Pro skimmer, 6000 return pump, media reactor, UV steriliser, Ozone generator, 2x Hydra HD26 and have just set up the ATO and AC reactor.

Generally I'm so wanting to simplify cleaning filter socks every day, TBH the whole thing is getting me down in terms of maintenance and water tests etc. I was/am so excited to achieve anything like what you guys seem to achieve but do you all spend as much time as this (1-2 hours a day)?

My question is is there a simpler solution (apart from giving up) to keeping a low maintenance marine tank?

Would a calcium reactor help keep parameters more stable?

My tank/sump seems to evaporate water like there's no tomorrow.

I have been told that the Triton method is far simpler with chaeto and fuge and less maintenance required. Can anyone enlighten me here?

I really don't want to throw it all in as I do enjoy it at times but the above is all just getting to me and I am not finding many moments to just sit back and watch/admire.

Thanks again.

 

[GoVols]

I split my maintenance per days of the week with some days off just sitting back and enjoying the reef.

An cal reactor is no better than pump dosing. You still need to test to make sure it stays dialed in with your alk and calcium levels.

I do run an Alkatronic paired up with a GEO cal reactor, but I sill feel better testing behind it at least once a week.

If your not up for testing, then this hobby would not be the right call.

 

[motortrendz]

So for me in my sump I have a 2 different size sponge pads to collect large particles. I have a spot for filter socks. But I only run them once in a while to help polish the water if I get alot of floating particles. Maybe a few days a month. I have a carbon reactor that I change out the media once a month. And a calcium reactor that maintains my alk, calcium and magnesium. that's run with a peristalic pump to ensure the proper drip rate and a ph controller to maintain the right level of ph and material breakdown within the reactor. As far as daily maintenance I spend maybe 15 min... I clean the glass, dose my additives(red sea trace colors and vodka) and feed my fish. 2x a week I test alk. And every 2 weeks I test everything.