Topic of the Week: DIY

[143MPCo]

Ok, you all need to learn to flip your pic's before posting them... getting a bad kink in my neck from tilting my head so much... lol... jk

 

[Vaiodude]

Lol

 

[J062682l]

That's my stand !!

Third coat done and plumbing laid out !

 

[Brinkfish312]

We are wanting to set up a Kalkwasser setup to maintain our levels; I've watched a video on how to diy the reactor/doser/container, seems easy enough, but I'd like some advice on how to diy some type of controller or monitor. Of course, we don't want the pH getting out of control, but how do you know how much per day, or drips a minute, and such that will keep all of your parameters in check? I was told by my LFS not to use one without at least a pH controller, but I do not want to spend the $$. There has to be a better way. I've seen it used as ATO, but how do you know when enough is enough? Your help is much appreciated!

 

[Brinkfish312]

Thanks for the input....

 

[seagull18]

I'm not a DIY type of guy. I'd rather put in a few extra OT hours at work and buy something I know will work. However I'm amazed (and a little bit jealous at times) of the things you guys/gals are able to do. I like threads like this. It gives me the chance to enjoy the many accomplishments and new ideas so many of you bring to the table.

 

[sassAwrasse]

We are wanting to set up a Kalkwasser setup to maintain our levels; I've watched a video on how to diy the reactor/doser/container, seems easy enough, but I'd like some advice on how to diy some type of controller or monitor. Of course, we don't want the pH getting out of control, but how do you know how much per day, or drips a minute, and such that will keep all of your parameters in check? I was told by my LFS not to use one without at least a pH controller, but I do not want to spend the $$. There has to be a better way. I've seen it used as ATO, but how do you know when enough is enough? Your help is much appreciated!

Although I don't know much about a Kalkwasser setup, I just looked up a few sites for info on a diy controller or monitor. Haven't really seen anything. Most of the sites said that it will take a couple weeks to figure out your usage and exact dosing amount.

Here are some sites that seemed to have some decent information:
DIY Kalk reactor/auto top off combo
Kalk reactor, pH monitor, dosing pump - The Reef Tank
Saltwater and Reef Aquarium Supplies - Bulk Reef Supply (search kalkwasser videos)


Sorry that I can't be of more help...

 

[smb2415]

custom hot water heater

custom heater using circulation from hot water heater. 1yr, working flawlessly, cost to operate next to $0

design


heater coil in sump


heater/temp and fan/humidity controller

 

[sassAwrasse]

That's pretty freckin' cool!

 

[smb2415]

Thanks Sass! Im enjoying not paying to heat 800g and the added benefit of instant hot water everywhere in the house.... no more waiting for the shower to warm up.

 

[Reef Junky150]

Made some new magnet veggie clips out of some old mag floats and old clips in my aquarium junk drawer. The suction cups were a pain so off with them and out with the glue.

 

[treemanone2003]

I've done a couple stands myself, one for a 75g an the other for a 55g. The 55g are attached but no clue where the 75g may be.

Electrical is way outta my league so I did purchase a DIY from Kraze.

 

[treemanone2003]

And then there was this "In case it breaks" containment box.

It was "required" by my landlord in order to set up my 40 (that is now empty) for just that purpose. Now I think we all know it looks great on paper, but in theory would only work if the bottom fell out. Hey, it got me a tank .

 

[Windy]

Your vertical supports should be under your top framing members, not stuck to the side. You get very poor support that way.

 

[Fish_BowLisha]

I had a simple air driven skimmer I made out of a soda bottle, air stone and magnets for a while.

Diagrams please?

 

[firstlight10]

I got the idea from Reef Builders then modified it to my needs. I'm not currently running it but I'll try to find photos.