Steve's 180 of Madness
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OP
OP
Speaking of mud, I need to order some, but too cold. Will be in FL Mid December, so will just get me some then lol.That's what I'm doinglol
The steveopora seems a likely contender for survival.
Mud was the best buy I've had for the tank so far. Still thankful for that tip.
Nate Chalk
7500 Club Member
OP
OP
Every time I go to FL. So 3-4 times per year. Not really needed, but I have access to it, so do it lol. I would say 1-2 times a year is good to get some diversity back. Doesn't take too long for things to level out and remove some of the diversity you added.
Stang67
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Do you mix the mud in with your sand bed or just put it in the refugium? Never used it before and interested in trying.
OP
OP
I just dump it in the sump and mix in with old mud /sand mix lol. Tank is cloudy for a bit, but corals all seem to love it and go nuts with PE when I do it.
OP
OP
Haven't updated in a while.
Tank is fine and new algae scrubber is working like a charm. The tangs love the algae from it, so I just am recycling most it.
Scrubber is on for 12 hours at night and is allowing me to dose less ammonia and po4 to keep nutrients in check. I know, it seems like I should not run a scrubber or a fuge, but I think that having the algae does other things than just nutrients. I have also tried to run no fuge and no skimmer cup and things didn't like it. Even though it helped me keep nutrients detachable, tings just did not respond well long term. Weird, but it is what it is.
All in all, I think you need to have everything you can for life in a tank, even algae. Heck, there is some cyan in a low flow spot in the sump, but I could care less. It is part of the ecosystem.
Tank is fine and new algae scrubber is working like a charm. The tangs love the algae from it, so I just am recycling most it.
Scrubber is on for 12 hours at night and is allowing me to dose less ammonia and po4 to keep nutrients in check. I know, it seems like I should not run a scrubber or a fuge, but I think that having the algae does other things than just nutrients. I have also tried to run no fuge and no skimmer cup and things didn't like it. Even though it helped me keep nutrients detachable, tings just did not respond well long term. Weird, but it is what it is.
All in all, I think you need to have everything you can for life in a tank, even algae. Heck, there is some cyan in a low flow spot in the sump, but I could care less. It is part of the ecosystem.
OP
OP
First off, my Secret Santa was awesome. They got me 2 bottles of 2 part and a mystery tackle box that was full of items I will use. Wonderful job on their part and it is much appreciated.
The tank is on autopilot and haven't done much to it. Automation is nice, but I do miss the "work" that had to be done prior. But it gives me time to do other things and actually enjoy the tank when I want.
In that other time, I have been getting my Yaks redone. Like seriously redone and prepping for a Bahamas trip this summer (weather permitting).
The Old Town is done and ready for this go around to FL, as I am leaving this Friday morning to head down there. The Hobie should hopefully be done tonight, and then all the other odds and ends to get sorted with fishing gear should be done Wednesday. That is my goal, but I do have a day buffer and will more than likely need it lol.
For the Old Town, here is the list. This thing is only lacking gas power to be on par with most offshore boats 30' or larger lol.
The Old Town s 100% ready to go. Hope to have the Hobie doe this evening.
Old Town List of stuffs. (Some already on it, but went through it all to make sure it was all good and applied a ton of corrosion inhibitor where it was needed, greased what was needed and made sure all safety items were in the yak.
- Serviced 55lb thrust bow mount trolling motor with GPS/Spot Lock
- Checked LED NAV Lights
- Added LED Headlights (20w LED Pods)
- Pedal Drive Serviced
- Added 2x 12" Red LED strips into foot area for "night light" and no bugs
- Upgraded my GPSMAP® 743xsv to latest software and added my FW charts to it
- Updated Garmin LiveScope (Yes I have LiveScope on a Yak)
- Changed all 6 switches for accessories to lighted switches
- Built some outriggers/stabilizers using PVC and dock bumpers. Do not really need them, but nice to have the added stability and buoyancy if the waters get rough.
- Rewired boat to have full harness with waterproof quick disconnects for all items. Harness has different wire colors for all items and the small dry box used as a fuze box holder has a printed/laminated wire diagram now glued inside of it
- Instead of the dead mans switch for the trolling motor being if the remote gets wet, I added a real dead mans switch with a lanyard and wired it into a 100 amp relay that the trolling motor power runs through. So now it has 2 fail safes if I flip or fall out.
- Installed another 100ah lithium battery in the Craftsman VersaStak box I used for a battery box. This involved taking the battery apart, removing the lithium cells and the BMS from the case on both batteries, ditching the cases and the filler in the cases (most lithium batteries have a smaller set of guts than the case, as they make the cases to normal battery size and add rubber in the areas around the dead space), then put those cells and both BMS into a DIY battery case intended for solar power. The new case is water proof, and allowed me to keep the batteries BMS separate, as it has 4 terminals on the outside. I just used a short piece of wire to tie the batteries together.
- Replaced the automatic scupper plugs with practice foam golf balls, so they are lighter and float if dropped.
- Made an anchor light from a piece of PVC, screw union, and an old anchor light housing. Added an LED bulb to it for less power draw and more brightness. one end of the screw union is attached to the kayak where it has a shallow water anchor mount already installed and the other end is on PVC that goes up 6' with the light on top and my flag just below it. Screw the pic end to the other end and it is a quick install/remove. Then just plug it into a port on the back of the yak.
- Added a bilge pump on a float and a switch (I still plan to keep the manual one I always carry)
- Changed out the rudder pin, so it was not a plastic one. I used a stainless bolt with nylon washers and a nylock nut, so I could adjust the tension on the rudder and not have to use the knob at the handle to adjust tension that way. This should allow for the boat to track where I put it without using the rudder while operating the trolling motor.
- Added a Garmin GMR18-HD radar unit. And built an expandable pole for it that puts it 9' in the air. 9' should give me 5-7miles range depending on the seas and all of that, per Garmin. When collapsed, it is only 3' tall and sits in a rear rod holder I never use.
- Got a 6w (as opposed to 3w) VHF marine radio to attach to my PFD. I also have 2x more of them for th other yaks, if needed. They have all been tested and all three have private 2 way technology, so we can chat between yaks and not interfere with any channels. They are also GPS location/Flashing light beacons.
And since everyone loves pics, here are a few. Ignore the mess. I am working on this thing in a garage attached to my barn that has my motorcycle in it, tons of tools and other junk lol. Plus, in a hurry, I just throw stuff on the floor. Will clean it at lunch time today, so I can get the Hobie in and get it all upgraded. All lights in little garage turned off for pics.
Headlights and Bow Lights
Anchor Light
My favorite mod so far. The red lights to see with no bugs lol. Ha, You can even see the lighted switches.
The tank is on autopilot and haven't done much to it. Automation is nice, but I do miss the "work" that had to be done prior. But it gives me time to do other things and actually enjoy the tank when I want.
In that other time, I have been getting my Yaks redone. Like seriously redone and prepping for a Bahamas trip this summer (weather permitting).
The Old Town is done and ready for this go around to FL, as I am leaving this Friday morning to head down there. The Hobie should hopefully be done tonight, and then all the other odds and ends to get sorted with fishing gear should be done Wednesday. That is my goal, but I do have a day buffer and will more than likely need it lol.
For the Old Town, here is the list. This thing is only lacking gas power to be on par with most offshore boats 30' or larger lol.
The Old Town s 100% ready to go. Hope to have the Hobie doe this evening.
Old Town List of stuffs. (Some already on it, but went through it all to make sure it was all good and applied a ton of corrosion inhibitor where it was needed, greased what was needed and made sure all safety items were in the yak.
- Serviced 55lb thrust bow mount trolling motor with GPS/Spot Lock
- Checked LED NAV Lights
- Added LED Headlights (20w LED Pods)
- Pedal Drive Serviced
- Added 2x 12" Red LED strips into foot area for "night light" and no bugs
- Upgraded my GPSMAP® 743xsv to latest software and added my FW charts to it
- Updated Garmin LiveScope (Yes I have LiveScope on a Yak)
- Changed all 6 switches for accessories to lighted switches
- Built some outriggers/stabilizers using PVC and dock bumpers. Do not really need them, but nice to have the added stability and buoyancy if the waters get rough.
- Rewired boat to have full harness with waterproof quick disconnects for all items. Harness has different wire colors for all items and the small dry box used as a fuze box holder has a printed/laminated wire diagram now glued inside of it
- Instead of the dead mans switch for the trolling motor being if the remote gets wet, I added a real dead mans switch with a lanyard and wired it into a 100 amp relay that the trolling motor power runs through. So now it has 2 fail safes if I flip or fall out.
- Installed another 100ah lithium battery in the Craftsman VersaStak box I used for a battery box. This involved taking the battery apart, removing the lithium cells and the BMS from the case on both batteries, ditching the cases and the filler in the cases (most lithium batteries have a smaller set of guts than the case, as they make the cases to normal battery size and add rubber in the areas around the dead space), then put those cells and both BMS into a DIY battery case intended for solar power. The new case is water proof, and allowed me to keep the batteries BMS separate, as it has 4 terminals on the outside. I just used a short piece of wire to tie the batteries together.
- Replaced the automatic scupper plugs with practice foam golf balls, so they are lighter and float if dropped.
- Made an anchor light from a piece of PVC, screw union, and an old anchor light housing. Added an LED bulb to it for less power draw and more brightness. one end of the screw union is attached to the kayak where it has a shallow water anchor mount already installed and the other end is on PVC that goes up 6' with the light on top and my flag just below it. Screw the pic end to the other end and it is a quick install/remove. Then just plug it into a port on the back of the yak.
- Added a bilge pump on a float and a switch (I still plan to keep the manual one I always carry)
- Changed out the rudder pin, so it was not a plastic one. I used a stainless bolt with nylon washers and a nylock nut, so I could adjust the tension on the rudder and not have to use the knob at the handle to adjust tension that way. This should allow for the boat to track where I put it without using the rudder while operating the trolling motor.
- Added a Garmin GMR18-HD radar unit. And built an expandable pole for it that puts it 9' in the air. 9' should give me 5-7miles range depending on the seas and all of that, per Garmin. When collapsed, it is only 3' tall and sits in a rear rod holder I never use.
- Got a 6w (as opposed to 3w) VHF marine radio to attach to my PFD. I also have 2x more of them for th other yaks, if needed. They have all been tested and all three have private 2 way technology, so we can chat between yaks and not interfere with any channels. They are also GPS location/Flashing light beacons.
And since everyone loves pics, here are a few. Ignore the mess. I am working on this thing in a garage attached to my barn that has my motorcycle in it, tons of tools and other junk lol. Plus, in a hurry, I just throw stuff on the floor. Will clean it at lunch time today, so I can get the Hobie in and get it all upgraded. All lights in little garage turned off for pics.
Headlights and Bow Lights
Anchor Light
My favorite mod so far. The red lights to see with no bugs lol. Ha, You can even see the lighted switches.
Stang67
KEEP CALM AND REEF ON
Partner Member 2024
Midwest Reefer
Reef Pumpkin Carver
Ohio Reefer
R2R Secret Santa 2023
My Tank Thread
I have no idea what I am looking at or what any of that is but it is impressive none the less. The only thing I can hear in my head right now is Eddie Murphy in the movie 48 hours singing Roxanne by the Police. Have fun be safe.First off, my Secret Santa was awesome. They got me 2 bottles of 2 part and a mystery tackle box that was full of items I will use. Wonderful job on their part and it is much appreciated.
The tank is on autopilot and haven't done much to it. Automation is nice, but I do miss the "work" that had to be done prior. But it gives me time to do other things and actually enjoy the tank when I want.
In that other time, I have been getting my Yaks redone. Like seriously redone and prepping for a Bahamas trip this summer (weather permitting).
The Old Town is done and ready for this go around to FL, as I am leaving this Friday morning to head down there. The Hobie should hopefully be done tonight, and then all the other odds and ends to get sorted with fishing gear should be done Wednesday. That is my goal, but I do have a day buffer and will more than likely need it lol.
For the Old Town, here is the list. This thing is only lacking gas power to be on par with most offshore boats 30' or larger lol.
The Old Town s 100% ready to go. Hope to have the Hobie doe this evening.
Old Town List of stuffs. (Some already on it, but went through it all to make sure it was all good and applied a ton of corrosion inhibitor where it was needed, greased what was needed and made sure all safety items were in the yak.
- Serviced 55lb thrust bow mount trolling motor with GPS/Spot Lock
- Checked LED NAV Lights
- Added LED Headlights (20w LED Pods)
- Pedal Drive Serviced
- Added 2x 12" Red LED strips into foot area for "night light" and no bugs
- Upgraded my GPSMAP® 743xsv to latest software and added my FW charts to it
- Updated Garmin LiveScope (Yes I have LiveScope on a Yak)
- Changed all 6 switches for accessories to lighted switches
- Built some outriggers/stabilizers using PVC and dock bumpers. Do not really need them, but nice to have the added stability and buoyancy if the waters get rough.
- Rewired boat to have full harness with waterproof quick disconnects for all items. Harness has different wire colors for all items and the small dry box used as a fuze box holder has a printed/laminated wire diagram now glued inside of it
- Instead of the dead mans switch for the trolling motor being if the remote gets wet, I added a real dead mans switch with a lanyard and wired it into a 100 amp relay that the trolling motor power runs through. So now it has 2 fail safes if I flip or fall out.
- Installed another 100ah lithium battery in the Craftsman VersaStak box I used for a battery box. This involved taking the battery apart, removing the lithium cells and the BMS from the case on both batteries, ditching the cases and the filler in the cases (most lithium batteries have a smaller set of guts than the case, as they make the cases to normal battery size and add rubber in the areas around the dead space), then put those cells and both BMS into a DIY battery case intended for solar power. The new case is water proof, and allowed me to keep the batteries BMS separate, as it has 4 terminals on the outside. I just used a short piece of wire to tie the batteries together.
- Replaced the automatic scupper plugs with practice foam golf balls, so they are lighter and float if dropped.
- Made an anchor light from a piece of PVC, screw union, and an old anchor light housing. Added an LED bulb to it for less power draw and more brightness. one end of the screw union is attached to the kayak where it has a shallow water anchor mount already installed and the other end is on PVC that goes up 6' with the light on top and my flag just below it. Screw the pic end to the other end and it is a quick install/remove. Then just plug it into a port on the back of the yak.
- Added a bilge pump on a float and a switch (I still plan to keep the manual one I always carry)
- Changed out the rudder pin, so it was not a plastic one. I used a stainless bolt with nylon washers and a nylock nut, so I could adjust the tension on the rudder and not have to use the knob at the handle to adjust tension that way. This should allow for the boat to track where I put it without using the rudder while operating the trolling motor.
- Added a Garmin GMR18-HD radar unit. And built an expandable pole for it that puts it 9' in the air. 9' should give me 5-7miles range depending on the seas and all of that, per Garmin. When collapsed, it is only 3' tall and sits in a rear rod holder I never use.
- Got a 6w (as opposed to 3w) VHF marine radio to attach to my PFD. I also have 2x more of them for th other yaks, if needed. They have all been tested and all three have private 2 way technology, so we can chat between yaks and not interfere with any channels. They are also GPS location/Flashing light beacons.
And since everyone loves pics, here are a few. Ignore the mess. I am working on this thing in a garage attached to my barn that has my motorcycle in it, tons of tools and other junk lol. Plus, in a hurry, I just throw stuff on the floor. Will clean it at lunch time today, so I can get the Hobie in and get it all upgraded. All lights in little garage turned off for pics.
Headlights and Bow Lights
Anchor Light
My favorite mod so far. The red lights to see with no bugs lol. Ha, You can even see the lighted switches.
OP
OP
OP
OP
Got back from FL and it’s supposed to be super cold. Want to go back now lol.
Brought back 2 gallons of macro (mostly fish food) and a ton of zoas.
Was a decent trip and got some food for us also.
Offshore was choppy, but we caught some mahi and some little tunny (false albacore). Little tunny is good eating of done right. Ended up with a ton of sheepshead inshore on the yaks.
pics of some of the fishes. Zoas and macro pics to come later.
A couple little tunny and a mahi.
one of the sheepshead
and my new toy I got while down there.
Brought back 2 gallons of macro (mostly fish food) and a ton of zoas.
Was a decent trip and got some food for us also.
Offshore was choppy, but we caught some mahi and some little tunny (false albacore). Little tunny is good eating of done right. Ended up with a ton of sheepshead inshore on the yaks.
pics of some of the fishes. Zoas and macro pics to come later.
A couple little tunny and a mahi.
one of the sheepshead
and my new toy I got while down there.
We have a totally different sport fish we call a sheep's head on this coast. These are all terminal males. Female are all pink.
Stang67
KEEP CALM AND REEF ON
Partner Member 2024
Midwest Reefer
Reef Pumpkin Carver
Ohio Reefer
R2R Secret Santa 2023
My Tank Thread
Need to come to Cle I am telling you. Sheep's, perch and walleye baby. Ps here's our sheep's.
Nate Chalk
7500 Club Member
I still remember going to Erie with dad. Side hooking a massive sheep. Took forever to get it in the boat. Heavy as a rock.Need to come to Cle I am telling you. Sheep's, perch and walleye baby. Ps here's our sheep's.
Then next time the rod snapped down. Same feeling only when we get it to the boat it's a massive walleye. Dad fell out of the driver seat scrambling for the net.
Fish Ohio on the wall mounted.
Sun up , sun down. Limited out . Onto perch jiggin
Nate Chalk
7500 Club Member
So ready for zoa pics. Jealous sounds awesome collecting all the macros.Got back from FL and it’s supposed to be super cold. Want to go back now lol.
Brought back 2 gallons of macro (mostly fish food) and a ton of zoas.
Was a decent trip and got some food for us also.
Offshore was choppy, but we caught some mahi and some little tunny (false albacore). Little tunny is good eating of done right. Ended up with a ton of sheepshead inshore on the yaks.
pics of some of the fishes. Zoas and macro pics to come later.
A couple little tunny and a mahi.
one of the sheepshead
and my new toy I got while down there.
Mahi mmmm
Stang67
KEEP CALM AND REEF ON
Partner Member 2024
Midwest Reefer
Reef Pumpkin Carver
Ohio Reefer
R2R Secret Santa 2023
My Tank Thread
When I was a kid dad took us out on a charter. I must have been 10 or 12ish. Everyone chipped in 5 bucks and whoever caught the biggest fish that day got the pot. Yeah it ended up being me and it was a giant sheepshead. I took dad out to lunch with my winnings.. Dad's make some great memories for sure.I still remember going to Erie with dad. Side hooking a massive sheep. Took forever to get it in the boat. Heavy as a rock.
Then next time the rod snapped down. Same feeling only when we get it to the boat it's a massive walleye. Dad fell out of the driver seat scrambling for the net.
Fish Ohio on the wall mounted.
Sun up , sun down. Limited out . Onto perch jiggin
Nate Chalk
7500 Club Member
Dad's boat wasn't special. Maybe 10 ft tri bottom . Was rotted to heck.
He chopped it in half and welded it back together. Hill billy rigged but it worked. He's since gotten into bass fishing moving to SC. Now his boat would tip over on a bad day at Erie
I have a similar memory on a charter boat....
My dad also used to take me bass fishing on lake Okeechobee for my birthday. Dads do make some great memories for sure.
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