Snake's 75g build thread

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siptang

Guest
carbon dosing??!? whew... you got balls man.
I'm too scared to do them after looking at all the horror stories and experiencing a few close calls myself.
But yes, kalk should do what you are intending. (raise ph slowly and maintain alk at a desirable level)
 
E

eric b 125

Guest
Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/880#post_3524572
From my readings and others reporting IO is more consistent than RC. RC is noted quite a bit with numbers all over the place. Depending on designer salts some are just cleaner than others. Take ESV for instance. You will get consistent mixes between batches since you measure the components yourself. What other salt offers that?
Hmmm. If that's the case, maybe I ought to look into this further. I've never really studied salt mixes much which is a shame since it's the very basis of the chemistry in our tanks. If I'm going to be running a Ca reactor I really wouldn't need RC over IO anyways, and if what you're saying is correct, and IO is more consistent then I will save a few bucks a case. What kind of salt do you use Shawn? I wonder where I can find a good study to read on salt mixes...
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Over on RC theres tons of threads. General consensus is and has been with the readings of ReefCrystals being all over the board. Most that use that manufacturer use the regular IO numbers more consistent.
All salts regardless are going to have some drawbacks some way shape or form. A lot of people like salts for different reasons or traits. I'm personally going to start my system initially with IO but will switch over to ESV. Yes a bit more mixing and leg work some might considerbut super clean mix. After the initial fill it will be ESV. I can mix to my exact liking and parameters where no others allow that luxury.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Siptang http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/900#post_3524597
carbon dosing??!? whew... you got balls man. last time I checked. ;)
I'm too scared to do them after looking at all the horror stories and experiencing a few close calls myself.
But yes, kalk should do what you are intending. (raise ph slowly and maintain alk at a desirable level) Nothing really to be scared about. If there aren't people willing to take a little risk, it doesn't seem like the hobby advances. Even though this is a calculated risk that has been done by hundreds of other people...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric B 125 http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/900#post_3524620
Hmmm. If that's the case, maybe I ought to look into this further. I've never really studied salt mixes much which is a shame since it's the very basis of the chemistry in our tanks. If I'm going to be running a Ca reactor I really wouldn't need RC over IO anyways, and if what you're saying is correct, and IO is more consistent then I will save a few bucks a case. What kind of salt do you use Shawn? I wonder where I can find a good study to read on salt mixes... I have used IO for years now and I haven't had problems. I have used a lot of other brands and mixes in the past and I always keep going back to IO. Besides, you're right. If you are using a calcium reactor, the additional calcium, alkalinity and magnesium in RC might be unimportant.
Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/900#post_3524634
Over on RC theres tons of threads. General consensus is and has been with the readings of ReefCrystals being all over the board. Most that use that manufacturer use the regular IO numbers more consistent.
All salts regardless are going to have some drawbacks some way shape or form. A lot of people like salts for different reasons or traits. I'm personally going to start my system initially with IO but will switch over to ESV. Yes a bit more mixing and leg work some might considerbut super clean mix. After the initial fill it will be ESV. I can mix to my exact liking and parameters where no others allow that luxury. Agreed. I see ESV, but it's out of my price range for the time being. I can get a box of IO for pretty cheap from the LFS.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Lots of stuff going on. I got a tank care package in from a friend and got a bunch of goodies. I'm happy. He gave me some stuff like filter socks, a new 400w heater, some powerheads, some smaller pumps, a phosphate reactor, some food, some carbon, and just an assortment of other stuff. He also gave my daughter some toys and things. Thanks. ;)
This weekend, I have a plan! Friday night and Saturday will be fun filled with all things aquatic!
1. I'm going to clean the kitchen table off and tape it up with painters tape to outline the footprint of the tank.
2. Start building the base rock "base" using zip ties, epoxy etc. I'm going to attach PVC couplings to the bottom of the rock so that it will be lifted off the sandbed so that flow can get to all corners of the tank.
3. Start pulling some live rock and zip tie and epoxy as quickly as possible - getting at least one side of the tank done. I might have to break this project into two days.
4. I want to replace the carbon pillow with the new phosphate reactor and put carbon in it - so carbon can have a direct flow. I want to replace the quilters batting that I have now with the filter sock that was given to me. Just trying to get a little done at a time.
5. I want to turn in some soft corals and LPS corals at the live fish store for credit toward some sps frags.
6. start saving money for an order at Harry's frags. (maybe $20 a week or so)
7. Start buying the wood to make the side cabinet.
8. Get another LED light from lowes for the refugium.
9. get off of here and start doing it. LOL
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
I'm giong to keep that huge green nepthea that I have growing. I might frag off a couple of stalks to get store credit, though. I'm going to keep my six line wrasse for sure. And any SPS frags that are still alive in the tank.
The yellow tang I might switch for having a school of them. I'm probably going to turn in my tomato clowns, even though they are finally getting some really nice color. I don't really know beyond that. Any suggestions? I'm not really into fish, more corals. But, I know that my wife likes fish and so do any guests that come over.
 
sweatervest13

sweatervest13

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric B 125 http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/900#post_3524702
I'm the same way. I figure, though, that if I'm going to go SPS dominated then I ought to add some fish to give movement to the tank.
I like fish just fine, but definitely more of a coral guy too. I could never have a FOWLR setup though.
Seth... I am reading your SPS thread over on the big site now. It has a lot of great tips and advice. I am about half way through it. Nice work!!
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Lol. Sweater, just trying to get some additional information. There is a lack of many opinions on this forum and i tend to trust opinions of people who have done it before me. Glad that you are enjoying the read. I really need to go back and reread a lot of what they suggested. I think the tank is coming along really well though and i have taken a lot of their advice.
In fact, because i have taken a lot of their advise, my tank has become a lot more stable and i have been correcting a lot of problems.
I really do want an sps dominate system all nice and grown in by next year. Just takes a little time, effort and knowledge.
 
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siptang

Guest
Reasons why I don't mess with carbon dosing.
1.) if ain't broke, don't fix it. If your parameters are in check and nitrate at zero, no reason to go further. Ask Nissan from here.
2.) easy to OD or easy to make a mistake and it will crash your tank. Hundreds of people succeed yet more has failed.
3.) Causes algae bloom (white cloudy, brown algae ask Rick)
you have softies and a new tank I just don't see it buddy lol.
that's just what I'm thinking.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
The vinegar is mostly for lowering the pH of the kalkwasser solution. 1tbsp of acetic acid isn't going to cause much of a fuss by any means. There are people out there that say you can get up to 45mL or 3tbsp of vinegar to one tbsp of kalkwasser. One tablespoon of vinegar shouldn't be but a drop in the bucket. Also, by mixing it into the solution of kalkwasser, you are actually making calcium acetate. The carbon (acetate is CH3COO) is used by the bacteria to help break down waste. I don't feel like it is enough to cause problems. I'm not going to up the dose or anything - just kind of a controlled experiment. I have been testing my water every night before bed to see what has been going on - and I have also been observing my system more. So far, no cloudy water at all... and in fact, my little brown SPS frags are now turning colors. :D
I agree - it's not for everyone. It's just something that I have never done before, and I like to play around with different things.
My LFS agreed to keeping my livestock in a tank there for $1/day. I'll probably go ahead and give em' to the LFS for about a week, maybe two, while I reaquascape my tank and let things settle.
 
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siptang

Guest
Ahhh I'm learning new things. I will follow your notes and see how things turn out for you. We pretty much have same foot print (You 75g, me 72g)so it should be pretty much similar. Are you using any particular vinegar with this experiment?
sent from under the sea using my awesome galaxy note 2.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Only the finest white distilled vinegar wally world has to offer. :)
Should be pretty similar. Did another drip today. We will see when i get home. My wife is home all day so she can call me if something doesnt look right.
I didnt test my ca and alk last night but i have every intention to this evening.
 
S

siptang

Guest
Okie doke. Keep us updated.
sent from under the sea using my awesome galaxy note 2.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Siptang http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/900#post_3524874
Okie doke. Keep us updated.
sent from under the sea using my awesome galaxy note 2.
Well, I tested my parameters yesterday and well,... nothing. IT didn't bring up calcium or alkalinity like I thought it would. Not even a little bit. I might try 2tbsp kalkwasser to 1tbsp vinegar and dose and re-test. I guess I just have to keep on keeping on. It seems like kalkwasser might just stabilize calcium and alkalinity and not raise it... we will have to see.
Quote:
Originally Posted by novahobbies http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/900#post_3524917
WOW, that new light looks fantastic!
Thanks. I like it too. Well worth the $500 it took to obtain it. :D
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
I.spilled.coffee.o.my.keyoard.
I.have.to.go.to.the.dollar.geeral.to.get.aother.oe.tomorrow.
sorry.that.i.wo't.e.ale.to.post.for.a.little.while.
 
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