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#1
09/02/2007, 08:31 PM
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August NTOTM...PurpleUP's TOPLESS BC14
Ughh Ummm,
Many thanks to those of you who voted my little BC14 NTOTM. The voting was soooooo incredibly close that I think it could easily have swayed in one or two other directions. Junkitu and Victoria, your tanks are top-notch. Clearly the best I've seen since I've gotten into this hobby, so I GREATLY appreciate being recognized here. I initially got into nano reefing because one of my business associates convinced me that I just "had to have one for my office." So I bought his old one (that he couldn't care for). It didn't take too long before I topped off with unfiltered tap water for 2 weeks straight, and you know what happened after that... TOTAL ANNIHILATION. From that point on, I dedicated myself to the boards and the empirical knowledge that comes from it. And now, I can finally redeem $1500 in lost coral. I've committed my life to 24hr reef maintenance. Seriously. I work at home in between tank cleanings. Here are a few specs: LIGHTING:. Coralife Hang-On 150W 20,000k HQI – the hang-on mount allows for me to have an open top, while giving me accessibility to the tank at all times. (on from 10am to 7pm) Coralife 1W Moonlight – the snake-arm curls out of the way by day so it won’t cast a shadow onto the corals beneath. (on from 7pm to 2am) PUMPS:. 2 X Rio 90s – placed on opposite sides of the tank to create desirable water chaos Maxi Jet 1200 – replaced stock pump Hydor Flo (rotating water deflector) – to vary water flow SKIMMER:. CPR Backpack Protein Skimmer – some people argue that skimming is not necessary for nano tanks, but because I keep so many corals I don’t want to take any chances. This one is the largest one that could fit in the 2nd chamber. It skims like there's no tomorrow! AUTO TOP-OFF SYSTEM:. ATO – This has become the most essential add-on to my tank. With 2 fans running 9hrs/day on an open-top HQI lit system, water evaporates soooo quickly. The 5gal freshwater reservoir is replenished weekly with Kalkwasser to maintain my calcium, dKH, and pH. The ATO sensor has been placed at the bottom of the 3rd chamber just above the main Maxi Jet pump. Today, I added a ball valve to close the return when necessary, so I don’t have to turn the system off every time I do water changes or adjust salinity. SUPPLEMENTS:. Reef Solution by EcoSystem – 2ml added daily PurpleUp by CaribSea – 3.0ml added to 3gal of saltwater at every water change Lugol’s Iodine – ½ drop added once per week Live Phytoplankton – 2ml fed once every other day Instant Ocean Salt – for regular water changes Premium Reef Crystals Salt – used once per month WATER:. Only RO/DI water from the same LFS, EVERY TIME. They give 20 gallons FREE every visit! PARAMETERS:. Ammonia: 0 Nitrates: 0-5 Phosphates: 0 pH: 8.4 Calcium: 400-440ppm Alkalinity: 9-10dKH Salinity: 1.025—1.026 Temp: 78º - 80º maintained by constant home A/C set @ 76º and 2 Honeywell Air Fans LIVESTOCK:. Whoa. Too much too many to mention! and it changes every visit to the LFS! Stay tuned for a few pics! I'll post more throughout the month. Thanks again for voting my petite little topless and sexy BC14 as Nano Tank of the Month!!! Last edited by PurpleUP; 09/02/2007 at 08:58 PM. |
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#9
09/02/2007, 10:53 PM
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cd77, I've been trying to create just the right formula. I've been using a little less than 1 teaspoon of Kalk per gallon of top-off, but I'm not sure that's enough. I still have to supplement with Turbo Calcium. Next time, I'll be increasing the dosage to 1 full heaping teaspoon per gallon. BTW: That stuff is COSTLY!!!
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#13
09/02/2007, 11:10 PM
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Wow -- sounds like you're tank is consuming a LOT of calcium given your rapid evaporation and additives.. but it's definitely worth it from what I can see
 Stunning -- I won't even bother asking what it cost you to get to that point -- but I sure wish my LFS gave me 20 free gallons of RODI when I visit.. I pay $1/gallon plus a $10 deposit for each 5 gallon jug. Like you I too work at home, and having just started I'm finding my job coming second to reefkeeping I've honestly considered ditching my current lifestyle and working minimum wedge at the LFS just for the discount and to play with all the goodies. Again, a beautiful display you have there -- I can tell you put a lot of thought and experience into the diversity of life and aquascaping. Awesome!
__________________
-Chris |
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#15
09/02/2007, 11:25 PM
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Yeah, she's a little over dressed for Monterey Bay Aquarium isn't she? You'll have to wait 'till Halloween for another shot, but in the meantime I've got something even better for you...
COCO, come show us whatchu got!!!  1 month ago, he lost one of his heads but as you can see, it's growin' back BIGGER and better than before!!! |
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#25
09/03/2007, 06:47 PM
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"I've honestly considered ditching my current lifestyle and working minimum wedge at the LFS just for the discount and to play with all the goodies. "
cd77, Catch 22. If we quit our day jobs, we also lose the means to buy corals! What a dilemma. |
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