SUMP PICS
 

So I had a skimmer that I borrowed from my friend T.diddy Chris which was an Alpha cone 170, I figured it would be plenty enough to accommodate my tank.

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/...psz2amixzx.jpg

After running the Alpha for a few weeks, I found that it would just overflow for no reason and bubble level controls are over-sensitive. I really didn't like it. So I decided to shoehorn the bbk 250 in there.

At first I was worried about the skimmer might be too big for the system and could possibly have an inconsistent output, but soon after all my concerns were alleviated. The skimmer is running like a champ and I couldn't be happier.

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/...psor523pmq.jpg

Sump area isn't nearly as clean as Wardog but I did gave a honest effort.

Hooked up both brs dosers.

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/...psmlbmn7lz.jpg

After trying out the bulk chemical from JL I must say I am not too happy with the mix...I am all for buying local and support local but when it comes to the quality of product I am putting into my tank, I want the best, period!

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/...psakvjjvvo.jpg

This is mixed from my calcium batch, as you can see the brown stuff is all the residue settling on the bottom of the bottle. I have mixed up BRS stuff and its crystal clear. I am not chemist so I don't know if the byproduct on the bottom matters but either way I don;t feel comfortable putting it into my tank. I will reflect my findings to Jeff and pretty sure he will step up and source out better stuff.

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/...psg3i2uzei.jpg

Installed a new toy to try-out. Thanks Peter. Vertex skimmer neck cleaner. Yes, I am like to automate as much as I can.

Looking good. I have installed a neck cleaner for my BK Mini180 and it works like a champ, just find the blade to be a little too long so I'm having issues removing it from the sump... I'm thinking to somehow redesign the sump to accommodate this.

I am ordering you some bulk stuff from BRS shortly, need anything else? free shipping 175 :)

Well, in that case where is Jesse...lol I'll look tonight. Thanks buddy.

Been battling a good level of phosphate. my ultra low range was reading at about 0.1 ppm a few weeks back, so I decided to do a water change and start my phosban reactor with rowa. To my surprise, the reading went down for about a day and shot right back up. I was scratching my head thinking WTF. The following week and a half, I did 2 more water changes and triple the amount of rowa media, finally got a handle on it. last test was 0.022 and I'll do more testing to make sure I stay on top of it.

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/...pswh337hk0.jpg

You know you are in trouble when your meter reaches the max number...:sad: I am just kidding, that's not the highest it goes up to but still bad.

Fail
 

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/...ps85be3bx6.jpg

Thought I give it a try but.....the very next day...fak

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/...pspk88d0pl.jpg

Sorry to hear. IMO, these are a 9 in 10 die kind of fish. I would never buy one unless it came from an established tank. Even then, super sensitive. Mine lasted 3 months downgrading to a 115g tank.

Sump looks pretty damn good to me Rich. Too bad about the bulk chemical, I was gunna use that stuff, but now I'm not sure.

Sorry to hear about the fishy!

Full tank shot

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/...pslwppudjp.jpg

Got some frags from a few good friends. Thanks very much guys.

Fish list so far,

-Pair of breeding black ice clowns
-Pain in the butt damsel
-Royal gamma
-3 fire fish

Clean up crew

-5 trochus snails (Thanks Jess)
-2 cleaner shrimp
-2 fire shrimp


I will get another Achilles. That is the one fish I want in the tank.

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/...psulmmi8ti.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/...psqe2zsjiv.jpg

Ya I know, I guess I am gullton for punishment. One more please...

You got water in your tank yet!? ...... just kidding. :mrgreen:

I was pretty disappointing when I mixed it up. I was told that they are pharmaceutical grade but probably farm animal pharmaceutical grade. I hope Jeff can bring in better stuff or maybe it makes no difference, it could just be me, anal retentive.

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/...pslwppudjp.jpg

take a look the two rock structures. Right island is an animal doing a certain action, left island is a well know cartoon character.

right answers on both get a free frag, ricereef is not allow to join the contest.