jaggedfire

Really? Even after agreements?

I have a box running on a 135 I am looking to sell to upgrade. I can send photos this evening if you like.

Thank you for taking the time to spell all this out Tim and sharing with us.

Tim, these are awesome. I found much more success when I stepped back and set cruise control on the tank after learning the ropes. I am trying my hand at a temp FOWLR right now in situ while the reef tank is rebuilt. Which brings me to another question....

What is the expected life span of a standard silicon-glass tank? Provided it has lived it's life on a stable stand and not a lot of scrapping done on the corner radiused silicon seal.

I know many tanks don't see this kind of posh life of long term stability, but the bigger question is, what will the the ultimate failing point of a long term system be provided it has long term consistent and competent care (read: no human mistakes or induced crashes).

My guess at ranking:

1. human error(h.e.) (miss calibration and mucking with things)
2. excessive nutrient import (feeding, h.e.)
3. power outages and heat
4. equipment failures

Just another idea up for discussion. Sorry to hijack Tim.

Unfortunately Tim, no.

He is super active and not nearly as aggressive as the Velvet's. I got him as a package and will probably be paring down this load to a more docile tank. This is why I was looking for a better description on him so as to decide to keep him in this group.

Or maybe a Cortez damselfish....

I am leaning towards a three-spot damsel, but can find limited info on this one.

About 3-4 inches long now.

Mostly active, swimming all over and semi-aggressive.

Mostly dark-grey body with two black spots on the posterior ringed with a brilliant blue.

He is a little off color (spots) a bit as he just made a big move and is bickering with the velvets.

THANKS!

Guy actually stood still for a moment....on the bottom.

Hole saws for glass?

It is 3/8 in glass, but is the bottom panel at the corner and on the bottom of the panel. I am afraid this experiences to much stress to risk. Unless I went with the original plan of running a brace along the bottom?????

Any input on this? Reseal and brace vs replace?

Still open? Im needing some hole saws for the tanks.

Well, I needed to update this. I ended up getting the glass all back together. Leak tested for 4 weeks. De-prioritized and moved off to the side while I changed jobs....Just to move again and loose all my SPS/LPS coral.

After the move, I found a chip in one of the bottom floating panels in the corner......so I am rebuilding... again. Anyone know what Binswanger (or better company!) charges per sq/ft of 10mm or 3/8" glass plus drilling of 2 or 3 holes? Or can I possibly reuse this panel?

I have having to come to terms with the fact I may never get this tank back before having to move on .....but I will try. Building up a 50" tank one panel at a time by yourself is difficult, at least with the perfection I am expecting hoping for.

TIA

PM sent

When did you need it by? I have ~20 gal RO/DI now, can have another 20 ready by later tonight. I dont have much salt on hand though. Maybe enough for 20-25gal. Im in kyle also.

HTH

I am super partial to the YEKT as they have great personality. Lost mine with the tank crash awhile back. My kiddos like the dottybacks and blennies too.

If any of those 3 decline I would love this. I work about 3 miles from NW Hills and can gladly lend a hand as well. Good to hear all the softies are escaping the Reaper!

The new house has ~40 psi...not working so well with my 75GPD system. Looking for a (75-150) booster pump to help this out. If it is a higher output pump I will snag another membrane kit.

Thanks all.

If this falls through Id be interested.

RBTA's galore....and Im not even close to ready Kudos Paul for the generosity!

Have you decided on source for more rock for the new tank? You have to share your saltwater stocking list with us too!

Something is def off...that much actual bbs would bring the tank up to around 20dkh assuming ionic balance. Have you tested the solution directly? Possible crossed with a BRS mag solution? I feel your pain.

I was just trying to understand how much actual (dry) bbs was being added. Earlier it was stated 6 cups to maintain...i am guessing this is diluted, but to what degree?

Just to make sure its covered, is dkh or meq/l confirmed for units for your calculations. Using JDiecks calc online with your tank size and additions point to meq/l calc and addition...~32tsp baked b.soda.

What is your fish load currently? I battled low alk forever along with red hair algae. It wasnt until I finally got all my light cycles/dosing timed that I got it under control.

Is there possibly a cryptic zone here?

Wow, cool of you to drop in and join Paul. I read the entire thread this weekend on the road...twice. Lots of detail and great story to follow. This is a dream build...in our own back yard here in ATX. And Ching joining in....awesome! Cant wait to see more!

I had read about Red Sea Coral Pro salt doing something similar after a fellow reefer was having issues. I haven't had an issue, but have seen it happen. The official reply from the vendor was along the lines of 'mix the bucket first'. Seems the high calcium carbonate and other compounds weren't dissolving fast enough or at the same rate, thus precipitation out of solution. This would happen too if Mg levels were lower too, right?

As a data point, I would test Alk, Cal, Mg at this stage to see what is happening.

I know most people kill these off. How invasive are they, really? I wish I had a small tank to experiment (and time)!