DKoKoMAN’s 305g Basement Reef

[DKoKoMan]

Thanks Mattyb! Ya I’m so glad I went this route instead of the window frame style. Best you can do for lid IMO. Sucks losing fish without a doubt, but in reality transfers are stressful. I’m just glad everyone is doing good now.

[DKoKoMan]

New Toy! I went back and forth on different skimmer options for this build. I initially made up my mind that I was going to purchase the Reef Octopus Regal or keep the cost down and buy the Bubble Magus Curve 9. I searched the internet reviewing the most popular skimmers and what worked for a larger tank.

I ended up purchasing the Vertex Alpha Cone - 200 which is a very nice looking Skimmer. Based on reviews I read this Skimmer is a beast and the external pump allows for good water draw. I put this bad boy in the sump and away it went. It took some time to dial it in but within a day or two it was pulling out dark skimmate. I really like that it is still quiet when running but produces tons of micro bubbles. The acrylic body is very nice and I’m curious to see how the screw off collection cup works out over time.

Photos of the sump and skimmer

[DKoKoMan]

This time around I decided to purchase an ATO to keep the salinity consistent. I was able to manage this manually in my 150g but I’m sure there was a bit of swing happening as I work a variety of shifts. My fear of the ATO was for it to stick on and pump a bunch of water in to the sump causing the salinity to take a dive. I also was pretty worried that it would overflow etc.

I did a bunch of research on the ATO’s on the market and found that many have different fail safes to prevent disaster from happening. I really liked the idea of a magnetic mount optical sensor. I came across the Neptune ATK and was immediately sold (first Neptune product I have purchased). This ATO has a low water optical sensor, a high water optical sensor and a traditional plastic float valve if they fail.

I setup the ATO which was overall pretty simple to install. I did use the included siphon break as the water level in the 5g pail was higher than that of my return pump section. I had to fiddle around a little as the top optical sensor would ever so slightly be covered with water and trigger the 10 min alarm. I have since got it working and other then the siphon valve spraying when the pump turns in it a great unit. The pump itself is quiet, I love that the intake is on the bottom and the pump is compact. It sits upright making it run until there is absolutely no water left in the reservoir. I am temporarily using a 5g pail until I receive my glass ATO container which is around 15g.

Here are a couple photos.



ATK module, simple plug n play.



Magnetic mount with two optical sensors and traditional plastic float. Overall pretty compact but does take a bit of room in your return section.



Compact pump and attached siphon break.

[smokinreefer]

Awesome, I was leaning towards the Neptune for my next ato.
Thanks for the feedback.

Wondering how long the 5g or even the 15g will last you on a tank that big.

[DKoKoMan]

Originally Posted by smokinreefer

Awesome, I was leaning towards the Neptune for my next ato.
Thanks for the feedback.

Wondering how long the 5g or even the 15g will last you on a tank that big.

Funny you mention that! So 5g lasted about 2 days. Im hoping a topped up container approximately 18g will get 7 days for a vacation but not sure if that will work out.

[smokinreefer]

Well it's easy enough to use a temporary container when needed for vacations. Just sit it beside the tank while you're gone.

[DKoKoMan]

Originally Posted by smokinreefer

Well it's easy enough to use a temporary container when needed for vacations. Just sit it beside the tank while you're gone.

Never even thought of that! Thanks for your input.