Suzanne May 180 Gallon Reef Build

[Peppie]

So Eric is going to work on my plumbing on Friday. YIPPY!

To prepare to test the plumbing.. I started filling the tank with RODI water since it is supposed to take several days.

I want to make sure the RO DI unit is working correctly..
I have it hooked up but it is only getting about 35 PSI. It seems to be making water faster than waste water...so something probably isn't right? I have a 100 GPD barrier reef model.... I probably got about 40 gallons or so in under 2 hours.
I looked at the TDS and it says going in my tap is at .45-.60 going out it started at 0 and as time went on it is now up to .07.

So is it me..or is that backwards..shouldn't it take longer especially at the lower PSI? Am I missing something?

I am not sure what is up with the ro/di, but if you start a thread in the equipment forum someone will be sure to help you out.
I do know you will get much better results if the water pressure is up around 65-70

 

[NC2WA]

better results if the water pressure is up around 65-70

and also saves on the membranes..

 

[suzannemay]

Updates for today...posted about the RODI in the equipment forum so hopfully can get some help there..
I shop vaced out the overflow. The last guy who owned the tank for some reason loaded up the overflow with rocks..all that is going to do is build up debris that I don't want in the tank and mess with my chemistry.

Once I figure out the RO DI thing then I can get more water made..or I suppose I can just use the chemical treatment options..

I really want to get cyclin...

 

[suzannemay]

Eric has done a lovely job. So we got water in. Sump full. Tried the pump...whhhaaa waaaaa..no go. So Eric is taking it back to OBD to see if he can fix it. If not I get to spend more money..

But on the good side..the floor didn't cave in.. the in plumbing, overflow pipes and sump do not leak.

 

[NC2WA]

Suzanne,

Eric will do you right...I had a faulty/leaky bi-value which is corrected for me...

 

[suzannemay]

Woot woot.. pump in plumbing in..no leaks lookin good! Now to drain the tap water and start aquascaping! Hmm something dramatic is in store I think..
So let's think.. What rock to use.. probably base rock? OR is it worth it getting man made live rock? Things to ponder.

How did you do your aquascape?

 

[pandora32]

I just bought a bunch of rock and stacked it up...lol. That was almost 4 years ago. Havent bought new rock since, even with it going in 3 different tanks. Started in a 55g and just transffered into a bigger tank until it got into my current tank. Just took this pic a few minutes ago

 

[pandora32]

Dont look at my sandbed...lol

 

[suzannemay]

So what salt is best?
I would assume I add RO/DI water to tank then the appropriate salt and mix.
Then add sand, base rock and start the cycle.. Maybe a singleton LR and some dead shrimp.?

Only thing running is Pump and 40's? Or do I even need the 40's running during cylce?
No lights no skimmers or carbon filter.

Should I set the fuge up as well or add that later?

So many questions.. sorry.

 

[NC2WA]

Suzanne,

So what salt is best?

I am going to give you the "it depends" answer..

Do you plan on having more corals than fish or fish than corals??? If the former (and are SPS heavy) then I would suggest something like Reef Crystals, Tropic Marin, or some type of salt that does not need to be buffered. Meaning you want the Calcium, Mg, and Alk to be realitively high. If the latter, than simple Instant Ocean (IO) is sufficient. I have been using IO for years and have no issues, but then again, I have more fish than corals, and the corals I do have (LPS) seem to do fine.

I would add sand, add all of your live rock (base and cured rock), a shrimp if you desire and then WAIT, and WAIT for several weeks until the tank is cycled.

 

[pandora32]

I just use IO for my tank. No problems. Its better imo if you mix the salt before you put it in the tank.

 

[sedrostyle]

I used coral pro from the start. I now use io reef crystals. I will be going back to coral pro tho. I liked it better.
I needed less salt to make .026 water.

I weigh it.

 

[pandora32]

What were your ca alm and mag levels with the coral pro salt?

 

[vlangel]

When I aquqscape, I picture a mountainous desert landscape. Its kind of like a 3d painting where the dominant objects should at the third and two thirds section of the tank. That helps me design good composition. Of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder and its not wrong if its pleasing to you!

 

[suzannemay]

Thanks everyone. I hope to start to get this going this weekend. I have to finish my research on the nitrogen cycle..

I plan to be more coral than fish.. I will look into Coral pro or Reef crystals. Than I need to go to the store and buy a bunch more stuff..rock, salt and sand.

 

[suzannemay]

Rocks rinsed and awaiting aquascaping.. WP_000425 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Controller and lights still being assembled and configured. WP_000427 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Sand in. Skimmer and pump running..buckets filled with RODI..for water changes. MP40's running. WP_000426 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
When will this sand settle..? I hope it will be clear by tomorrow?

 

[pandora32]

It will clear up. Give it a couple days. Put a sponge down in the sump along with a filter sock or 2. These will help to filter out some of the "dust" from your water. Did you rinse the sand before you put it in? Looks good to me so far.

 

[Peppie]

I always like seeing "The Cloudy Tank Pic" It means rock-scape pics are soon to follow.

Nice rock BTW

 

[myindoorocean]

I'm planning on doing my rockscaping first then adding sand around the rock. Pros and cons to that anyone?

 

[pandora32]

No cons. The sand being put in after is how i do it. It fills in around the bottom of the rocks. I do it mainly because i have a jawfish and an engineer goby, both like to go under the rocks and the last thing i need is my rocks falling over into the glass.