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#1
10-26-2011, 05:52 AM
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The controller
I didn't really end up doing too much shopping for a controller since for some reason the Apex by Neptune Systems was always my favourite. In fact I wasn't even looking at controllers until I saw this one come out in the blogosphere. After careful consideration I decided to go for the "Lite" model, since I had no desire to monitor ORP. At the time I didn't see any need for the varible dimming ports on the full model, but now I'm kicking myself as I'm thinking LED lighting will be in the future, and it would be nice to have dimming control. Although, I can purchase a separte variable dimming module which will provide this for me. I ended up purchasing it for my own Christmas present for Christmas 2010. I ordered it from TB Aquatics in the US, and they kindly sent it express at no extra cost, so that I'd get it in time for christmas! A few months later I purchased the WXM module for it so I could also control my Vortech powerhead (at the time I only had one). Controller, Dosing pumps, EcoSmart's, battery backup and WXM:  Last edited by cwatkins; 10-31-2011 at 09:13 PM. 
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#2
10-26-2011, 05:53 AM
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The dosing regime
I dose both Ca, Alk and Mg using Randy Holmes-Farley's instructions Calcium and Alk are dosed automatically using BRS dosing pumps. I use 1.5 gallon plastic food grade jugs from Industrial Plastics in Surrey. Both Ca and Alk are dosed at the same rates, so I fill and empty the jugs at the same rate as well. I dose Ca and Alk every two hours (alternating) for 10 minutes. This equats to 6 times per day (Alk) and 6 times per day (Ca). Each dose is 1.1ml/min x 10 minutes = 11.1ml, which equats to 66.6ml per day of both Ca and Alk. I dose Mg during each water change, and I test using a Elos Mg testing kit. Calcium I purchase this in the form of Anhydrous Calcium Choloride (94-97%) from Ocean Aquatics. It comes in bags of 1Kg for under $5. I mix 2 cups of the CaCl pellets to RO/DI water, and it makes 1 gallon. Alkalinity I purchase this from Costco in Bellingham in the form of Baking Soda. It comes in a really large bag for relatively cheap. The bag is so large it looks like it may last me a few years. I take 2 and 1/4 cups of Baking Soda and bake it on a clean cookie sheet for a couple hours at 300-400 degrees F. Then I mix it with RO/DI water and it makes 1 gallon. Magnesium I purchase this from BRS in a ready to mix bag of Magnesium mix, specifically formulated for 2-part dosing. This ensures the ions are correct, etc. It mixes with RO/DI to make 1 gallon. The BRS dosing pumps and the Food safe containers from Industrial Plastics:  Last edited by cwatkins; 10-31-2011 at 09:13 PM.
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#3
10-26-2011, 05:54 AM
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Post 7 - The inhabitants
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#4
10-26-2011, 05:56 AM
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Post 8 - The corals
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#5
10-26-2011, 05:57 AM
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FTS Shots
Latest FTS - October 2011:  FTS - October 2010:  FTS - February 2010:  Last edited by cwatkins; 10-31-2011 at 09:24 PM.
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#6
10-26-2011, 05:58 AM
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Other Photos
Deep water Zoa's and Paly's:  Recently Split Toadstools:  Last edited by cwatkins; 10-31-2011 at 09:24 PM.
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#7
10-26-2011, 06:02 AM
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Post 11 - Reserved
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