My 90 Gal mixed reef from start to finish

[bfsaunde]

This is what I used on my current tank and it was easy to install. https://www.amazon.com/Two-Little-Fishies-ATL5455W-4-Inch/dp/B000256764

 

[FishGuyBri]

This is what I used on my current tank and it was easy to install. https://www.amazon.com/Two-Little-Fishies-ATL5455W-4-Inch/dp/B000256764

Thanks- that looks perfect.

 

[FishGuyBri]

And now the microbubbles! There are so many!!!!

 

[FishGuyBri]

 

[bfsaunde]

Sorry, I posted the wrong valve. This is a what I used.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CJIAUDI/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Steadyreef42]

Great build . I love the style of your stand!

 

[FishGuyBri]

Great build . I love the style of your stand!

Thanks!! My LFS in Ft Myers built it!

 

[FishGuyBri]

Does anyone have any ideas on this code for ATO??

 

[bfsaunde]

Does anyone have any ideas on this code for ATO??

I don't have a salinity probe on my APEX but I have seen several posts where experienced APEX users warn against using the salinity reading to trigger events other than an email or alarm. If you are going to trigger an event, or in this case prevent an event such as top off, I would also program a virtual that would send you an email or text message if the salinity is too low or high. This could prevent your return section pump from running dry.

 

[bfsaunde]

BTW - Have the micro-bubbles cleared up?

 

[FishGuyBri]

BTW - Have the micro-bubbles cleared up?

Thanks @bfsaunde- I'm noticing the same thing. The salinity probe is way too finicky, I've changed it to a much simpler code without salinity probe. Microbubbles are less but still present. Skimmer still overflowing but way less. I'm working out of town again this week and plan on updates with pictures.

My other half decided to start a 55 gallon African cichlid tank too so we really jumped back into aquarium life.

Two big mistakes I've made so far: 10 gal QT is too small and I should have done water change this week and didn't. Thankfully I have someone that will do it for me tonight..

 

[bfsaunde]

I had an African Cichlid tank when I was much younger. It was a 125. I think I had it up for about 3 years before I moved and had to take it down. It's great that you are both into aquariums. I traveled for about 14 years in my previous job. I had to have pretty much everything automated. I sometimes miss traveling for work, but for the most part don't.

 

[FishGuyBri]

I had an African Cichlid tank when I was much younger. It was a 125. I think I had it up for about 3 years before I moved and had to take it down. It's great that you are both into aquariums. I traveled for about 14 years in my previous job. I had to have pretty much everything automated. I sometimes miss traveling for work, but for the most part don't.

I traveled for two years then stopped, got transferred to Florida and now I'm traveling again. I've got apex and two IP cameras to take some of the anxiety away lol

 

[FishGuyBri]

Alright so update- one chromis in QT is dead. He was bullied then committed suicide in the filter uptake :-( now the biggest chromis is bullying the other guy, so I put in extra hiding spaces for him. Mean fish! My sump bubbles are down, but still quite a bit of them. I think due to my straight down pvc pipe. I plan to add a small 45 elbow to see if that calms it down a little. Skimmer is still overfilling, but at a much slower rate. Heading out tomorrow to get some egg rats to raise it about an inch, I think that will make the final adjustment.
Cycle is super slow-I'm ghost feeding but not much, so I just now hit 0.25 ammonia, lets see what happens next!
Microbubbles are also down.

Yes, yes. You experienced reefers were right. Again. Take your time, let things go. The sea wasn't built in a day! I am loving how this hobby is really making me grow patience!

As a second note, the spouse in the house has decided to take on a 55 gallon cichlid tank. Together but separate? I need a second job.... haha

 

[Pongo]

If you get any vibration noise from that skimmer, a silicone pot holder or two stacked together make a great way to raise it up an inch or two and dampen any noise at the same time.

Also, if those chromis are too big to get through the holes, egg crate might make a good divider for the QT tank.

 

[FishGuyBri]

If you get any vibration noise from that skimmer, a silicone pot holder or two stacked together make a great way to raise it up an inch or two and dampen any noise at the same time.

Also, if those chromis are too big to get through the holes, egg crate might make a good divider for the QT tank.

Dude two great ideas. Thanks! Using both...

 

[FishGuyBri]

So I've had a cycle, although small. Ammonia hit 1, now 0 and nitrite 0 and nitrate 20. Added some ammonia and within 24 hours was 0. I'm going to switch my chromis from QT to DT this weekend and get some new fishies for my QT. Maybe a coral as well, something hardy.

 

[FishGuyBri]

 

[dbl]

Not sure if you've seen this, but you can pick up some great deals tomorrow to get you started - coral wise that is.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/southwest-florida-frag-auction.286210/

 

[FishGuyBri]

Not sure if you've seen this, but you can pick up some great deals tomorrow to get you started - coral wise that is.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/southwest-florida-frag-auction.286210/

I did! I want to go but can't, have a work engagement. But I'm a member and will be hopefully able to go in the near future. It's literally right around the corner from me.