Evolution of my 30g tall

GrimReefer · #1 03-16-2007, 05:46 AM

thanks doug, i appreciate that.

I got my Tunze Osmolator top-off installed, and I received my Sunpod today!

i love the sunpod so far, the LEDs are beautiful. the LEDs on my lunar light were never bright enough to be seen with ambient light in the room. and the white LEDs allow for a more gradual light cycle.

I modified the bracket on the Osmolator. I cut off the lower portion (about 7 inches!), and glued the sensors in a custom configuration (the osmolator uses an optical sensor for control, and a float sensor for backup). I also purchased a kalk reactor with this setup. I'll post a pic when I actually get kalk in it.

The next step is a Reefkeeper 2. It will monitor temperature and pH, control my heater, fans, and MH lamp based on temperature... run my lights on timers, and run my flow pumps on cycles. I'm stoked on this gadget, it looks awesome! I can't possibly think of another way to upgrade my equipment after this point (although i'm sure i'd be open to suggestions :P ). After I've got my temperature under safeguard, I'll start stocking my acros.

Doug · #2 03-17-2007, 12:01 AM

Looking good. As I await my 30,s drilling, your thread keeps me interested.

I agree about the Osmolator. I think my friends has been running great for about 3 yrs. now, except for the pump replacement from being direct in kalk. Look forward to seeing the sps added.

michika · #3 03-19-2007, 03:50 PM

That looks really good!

GrimReefer · #4 03-21-2007, 02:13 AM

here's my kalk reactor in the top-off bucket.

taking pics under the new halide is going to take some getting used to...but here's a few shots.

one of my more recent additions; zoas and protopalys. i really like this rock.

elegance coral. the pic does not do it justice. it's one of the most fluorescent corals i've ever seen.

my reefkeeper 2 is in the mail. it might seem like just an expensive toy, but it's more for my peace of mind. after i got the sunpod, and before i had a fan, my temp went up 4 degrees in two hours. then the fan i had was too powerful and dropped my temp 8 degrees below normal. then i forgot to turn my fan back on the next day. a temperature controller is a definite necessity for my tank with the new lighting.

i'll probably post some more pics of the elegance coral under LEDs later tonight.

demon666 · #5 03-21-2007, 02:56 AM

tank is looking great........ how does that little kalk reactor work?

GrimReefer · #6 03-21-2007, 03:03 AM

thank you. the kalk reactor is a complex piece of equipment (sarcasm). fresh water is pumped into the bottom where the kalk powder sits, and flows out near the top. it saves the pump from sitting in kalk, which shortens the life. and i can basically put as much kalk into the reactor and not worry about dosage or powder being pumped into the tank. as long as there's kalk in there, a saturated solution comes out.

demon666 · #7 03-21-2007, 03:11 AM

kool a neat little peice of equipment

demon666 · #8 03-21-2007, 09:32 PM

love the elegance coral!!!!!!!!!!! wouldnt mind getting one myself.... are they hard to take care of???? what are its requirements?

michika · #9 03-21-2007, 09:41 PM

How do you keep your sand so pretty and white?

GrimReefer · #10 03-21-2007, 09:47 PM

they have a mixed reputation as far as ease of care goes. they should be fed every so often, are tolerant of different lighting conditions, but are extremely delicate. apparently most losses can be attributed to poor handling or placement (abrasion from shipping or rockwork).

so far, so good.

michika, i periodically stir my sand and pick out smaller shells and bits of rock. there is very little detritus on/in my sandbed, which i attribute to good flow and small sand grade (sugar size).