RuralReef 2.1

[Boomboy]

what is that in the impeller it looks like glue to me, but that cant BE!!!!

[BlueAbyss]

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=53138

What I've done is taken the impeller out, flipped all of the little flaps one way (so they all point in the same direction), wrapped it about 6 times with fishing line (4 lb), and then wove a pattern around them anchored in the middle of the original wrap. Simple and reversible. No glue either, the start of each of the 2 pieces of fishing line is tied and the other end heated with a lighter and stuck to itself.

Check out the link above if you're interested in the pump. I tested it in saltwater and it works great... I actually modded it because it didn't produce very fine bubbles in fresh water I forgot that saltwater acts differently.

[BlueAbyss]

I've decided that since I have a 10 gallon set up and ready to go (with some rock in already), that tank will become my contest tank. So... should I start a new thread, or rename this one and merge the two threads (I have some discussion going on about the 10 gallon in another thread) or...

Suggestions? CHRISTY WHAT DO I DO?!?

[BlueAbyss]

I am now entering the 10 gallon unlimited category, to level the field (at least one other person is in this category). Also, because I have the tank set up already, with rock, water, and sand. And a hermit crab FTS on the first page... and I'll post it here also, for posterity (and since I haven't changed post #1 yet)...


Anyhow, a quick rundown of what will happen this month... Starting with lighting! I have three 70 watt MH ballasts coming, should be here in a couple weeks, the bulb was shipped today, all I'll need is a socket and reflector (security light) and I'm good to go. I'll be starting with only one. This should give me enough light for LPS, softies, and macros.

I should have some more rock in by the end of the month also. Well, hopefully. I'll soon enough need test kits for calcium, mag, and alk... and good supplements for these three, I'm sure. I am using Instant Ocean after all...

[BlueAbyss]

There's life in them there rocks!

I did a closer inspection today (well, closer than usual... the tank is pretty boring so far LOL), and noticed some growth... sorry the rock look dirty, I just picked up a turkey baster today
Red fuzzy patches...



Green hairs growing from within the rock (better not be Bryopsis)...


And 'pods of some kind on the glass... tiny little white thing in the middle of the pic. I wouldn't have noticed them but saw that they were moving...


So things are moving along. Ammonia, still 0. Nitrate, also 0 (even with light feeding). I need my lights

[BlueAbyss]

Just going to list todays test results for my own reference...

Salinity 35 ppt
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
pH 8.3
Calcium 340 ppm
Phosphate 0 - .25 (inconclusive, below .25)
Magnesium - not measured
Total Alk - 3.5 meq
Carbonate - not measured

[BlueAbyss]

2 of the 4 metal halide ballasts came in today I'm heading to Can Tire this afternoon for some electrical supplies. Should have the light wired and ready to go some time tonight. I shall soon be in need of some more rock and some livestock, and a calcium supplement. Probably a mag supplement also.

[BlueAbyss]

Light is wired! Plugged in, and fired up with no questions asked... I'm now burning in the bulb (have been for about 3 hours). Fired up really purple, and faded to a nice bluish white... I think I like 14K metal halides I'm also monitoring tank temperature to see if I will have problems.

[BlueAbyss]

Well, in last nights burn in the tank temperature rose to around 81, from 80, over a 6 hour period. I haven't decided if I'm happy with that yet, but I'll try to get pics while the lights are on today so you can see the difference in the lighting.

[BlueAbyss]

Alright, new pics! Tank temps are okay with the light on a 10 hour photoperiod (rises 1 degree F over the 10 hours, not bad at all), so that's what I've been using. I may reduce the photoperiod (I've noticed some green algae growth), but do I ever love MH!