Devoted Reefer 250

pelphrey · Nov 4, 2016

I need a glass cleaner, may go with flipper again. Any other recommendations?

pelphrey · Nov 4, 2016

Thanks @JustAnt ! Are you running a MJ1200 with the reactor?

@Scarybo thanks! My oldest isn't old enough to help out but she went to the fish store with me today and loved it!

pelphrey · Nov 8, 2016

Quick update on the tank. I seeded the tank with the pond matrix that was in my 20 gallon, after a week I dosed Dr Tims ammonia into the tank up to 2ppm. After another week and no nitrite or nitrate readings I used a bottle of Bio Spira. A few days after the bio spira nitrites were visible on the tests with a slight amount of ammonia. After a few more days ammonia tested zero, nitrites tested zero and nitrates were at about 10. I did 2 5 gallon water changes on the reefer and moved the coral and clowns from the 20 into the reefer.

I tried to move my MP10wQD onto the reefer but the glass was just a little to thick. I couldn't get the wet and dry side to work, so I picked up a MP40wQD. I also picked up an Apex from a buddy who bought someone out of the hobby (I was going to get an apex at some point anyway, glad I have it!). Since this is the Apex classic it does not have WIFI built in, I updated the firmware on an older linksys router I had with DD-WRT so that wireless router now acts as a repeater bridge and the apex is fully accessible from anywhere via fusion.

Aside from that I custom ordered an ATO container, I am still waiting for it to be made and shipped. A few more pieces of hardware and then all funds allocated to the tank will be spent on livestock!

2 Kessil A series mounts are on the tank.

Apex setup, I need to work on cable management a little more! I do have a breakout box I need to see what I can do with it!

Linksys WRT54 "Jail broken" if you will to act as a repeater. Instead of spending $30 plus on a gaming adapter!

revhtree · Nov 9, 2016

Nice job!

JustAnt · Nov 9, 2016

pelphrey said:
I need a glass cleaner, may go with flipper again. Any other recommendations?

I'm using flipper and like it but I struggle to get it to flip

JustAnt · Nov 9, 2016

pelphrey said:
Thanks @JustAnt ! Are you running a MJ1200 with the reactor?

Right now running mj 600 bc guy I bought reactor from sent me the wrong pump but he is sending the mj 1200 so I'll be using that soonish

pelphrey · Nov 10, 2016

JustAnt · Nov 11, 2016

pelphrey said:
I tried to move my MP10wQD onto the reefer but the glass was just a little to thick. I couldn't get the wet and dry side to work, so I picked up a MP40wQD.

This will effect my plans to use 2 mp10's , one on each side. So u will use only 1 mp40?

pelphrey · Nov 11, 2016

@JustAnt Im running one on nutrient export mode at 100% - I'm getting a good wave in the tank, but not nearly enough flow for my liking. Not sure what I'll supplement with. My custom ATO container is being made and I need my ATO and skimmer done before more flow. I know some had luck with the mp10, but I didn't. And I didn't want to risk burning the wet side up.

JustAnt · Nov 11, 2016

pelphrey said:
@JustAnt Im running one on nutrient export mode at 100% - I'm getting a good wave in the tank, but not nearly enough flow for my liking. Not sure what I'll supplement with. My custom ATO container is being made and I need my ATO and skimmer done before more flow. I know some had luck with the mp10, but I didn't. And I didn't want to risk burning the wet side up.

Wow I'm surprised to here you thing you will need even more flow than from 1 mp40

pelphrey · Nov 11, 2016

I got a hammer on the opposite side of the tank that the mp40 is on, it is hardly swaying. Also I have rock rubble on my bare bottom, I expected this one mp40 to move the rubble/coral around. It is not.

JustAnt · Nov 11, 2016

pelphrey said:
I got a hammer on the opposite side of the tank that the mp40 is on, it is hardly swaying. Also I have rock rubble on my bare bottom, I expected this one mp40 to move the rubble/coral around. It is not.

Good info. Sounds like I'm definitely changing plans to get an mp40 but no way 2 mp 40s are in my budget. I'll have to stick with a second pump like mj or hydor as a supplement to mp40

Still no decision on skimmer? I'm leaning toward Nyos again bc it has smaller foot print than my other options like deltec

pelphrey · Nov 11, 2016

I would get a Jebao RW 8 to supplmemt the MP40 if I were you. I have a feeling there with my a gyre 200 series in my tank before the end of the year! Haha

I want the Nyos, I don't want the 120 just because I'd like to have a bigger collection cup. But I know running the 160 24/7 will stripe the system of its nutrients. I could run the 160 on a schedule with the apex, but I think I'd prefer to just run the smaller skimmer round the clock. When we leave for a week I can just shut it off.

JustAnt · Nov 11, 2016

pelphrey said:
I would get a Jebao RW 8 to supplmemt the MP40 if I were you. I have a feeling there with my a gyre 200 series in my tank before the end of the year! Haha

I want the Nyos, I don't want the 120 just because I'd like to have a bigger collection cup. But I know running the 160 24/7 will stripe the system of its nutrients. I could run the 160 on a schedule with the apex, but I think I'd prefer to just run the smaller skimmer round the clock. When we leave for a week I can just shut it off.

Thanks for tip on jebao rw8. My return is a used jebao and it works well

Broadfield · Nov 11, 2016

pelphrey said:
I want the Nyos, I don't want the 120 just because I'd like to have a bigger collection cup. But I know running the 160 24/7 will stripe the system of its nutrients. I could run the 160 on a schedule with the apex, but I think I'd prefer to just run the smaller skimmer round the clock. When we leave for a week I can just shut it off.

I used to run the 120 on my 450 without any issues at all... and that was with a heavy load and running biopellets. Like you, I wanted a bigger cup, so I upsized to the 160.

pelphrey · Nov 11, 2016

@Broadfield I will be heavily stocked months down the road. Would it be better to get the 120 and run 24/7 or get the 160, monitor levels and run the skimmer on an apex schedule if it starts cleaning "to much"? This is the biggest purchase so I'd like to get it as close to right, if possible! Haha

Broadfield · Nov 11, 2016

pelphrey said:
@Broadfield I will be heavily stocked months down the road. Would it be better to get the 120 and run 24/7 or get the 160, monitor levels and run the skimmer on an apex schedule if it starts cleaning "to much"? This is the biggest purchase so I'd like to get it as close to right, if possible! Haha

Not really sure man... but if you are willing to run the 160 on a schedule, then I don't see why you wouldn't just get the 160.

pelphrey · Nov 11, 2016

Been awhile since I've done a water change, plan to test the big three tomorrow or Sunday!

Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate and Phosphate testing completed for the night.

pelphrey · Nov 13, 2016

My ATO container is coming together, can't wait to get the finished product. All white with a clear front viewing panel with gallon markings! Measured to fit to the right of my sump and hold 10 gallons!