AlexKilpatrick

If you look at the feeding mode on the vortech, it doesn't shut it off completely. Instead, it just kind of goes to an very slow spinning state. One danger of shutting off the vortech via the aquacontroller is that a snail could crawl in there while the pump is completely off. Also, I had a problem with shutting off my vortech via the aquacontroller in that it would forget the master/slave setup and I had to do a hard reset of them.

I do think it is really lame that the vortechs don't remember a simple setting like night mode through a power-off. That should not be complicated for them to retain, and for all the other stuff the do, you would think it would be a simple addition.

I expect they will support the vortechs on the ACIII as well. Functionally, they seem pretty similar, and there a ton of them out there. I am sure it will be an add-on module, though, since I don't see any wireless capability in the Apex or ACIII.

I ran several tests on port 80 and it is blocked.

As a last resort how would I go about this?

Thanks guys for you help,

Dave-

Port 80 will be blocked by your router by default. However, I assure you that Time Warner Austin (at least in my area) is not blocking port 80. I run webservers for testing on machines in my house all the time. You have to do the port mapping thing on your router, or it will show up as blocked on any test you run.

For GMail, if you log into your gmail account and go to settings if will show you what you need to use for SMTP server, etc. One thing to note is that you usually want to login as <yourGmailName>@gmail.com, not just <yourGmailName>

I turn off my skimmer as part of the feeding cycle. The main pump turns off for 5 minutes and the skimmer turns off for an hour. I was doing that to allow things to circulate (specifically reef-roids) without being skimmed out. Anything left after an hour is fair game for the skimmer.

With respect to the Vortechs -- I just read they have opened up their wireless API. In the future, you will be able to program the type of wave via an Aquacontroller.

You don't set up port forwarding on your mac (or pc) It is set up on your (probably wireless) router. Your router holds the external address that you would connect to when you are outside your network. It needs to pass the packets to your Apex.

This should be described in your manual. I would be glad to stop by and give you a hand.

You can also try Gmail. I have used gmail as an SMTP server for other things and it works great.

Also, I Time Warner Austin is not blocking port 80 inbound. I can get into my APEX from anywhere.

I'm still a little fuzzy on the chemisitry, but my understanding is that raising alkalinity reduces ph swings. So, it should be a self-correcting problem.

Well, my dKH is still only around 6-7. BulkReefSupply says you need to keep the spike below .2, and I am below that.

I just got the dosing set up with my controller, so I can dose small amounts throughout the day (actually night). I think that will help.

For those of you ordering dwarf ceriths, they are really tiny. The biggest ones I got were about 1/2" long and about 1/4" wide. They seem to be good workers, but if you buy five of them you will probably never see them again.

The hermit shells were really tiny also.

CRMike fits with what I have heard as well. These kinds of corals are almost impossible to frag. It isn't like a fragging mushrooms, leathers, or SPS. You can't really frag bubbles, brains, or other LPSs either.

If you are interested, I will gladly take it off your hands for what you paid for it.

Correction. It is a 1/3 HP. 1/3 is more than 1/4

I bought a new DC-8 (power block) for my Apex, but I got the wrong one. The one I accidentally bought is for the Aquacontroller III (and older, I believe) It is this one:

http://www.marinedepot.com/Direct_Connect_8_Module_Monitor_Controller_Accessories-Neptune_Systems-NS3353-FITEMOAC-vi.html

Willing to sell for cost ($150) and you can save on shipping.

I also have a Cyclone Chiller for sale. I believe it is 1/4 HP, but I am not 100% sure. I had it on a 120, and I bought it one step up from the recommended size for my tank. It is the same model as this one:

http://www.marinedepot.com/Aqua_Logic_Trimline_Cyclone_1_4_HP_Less_Drop_In_Aquarium_Chillers-Aqua_Logic-AL2133-FICHDICQ-vi.html

There is a problem with it, though. It chills ok, but the compressor cycles on and off about every 10 minutes. It may be an easy fix, but I I don't want to mess with it. It has been used for a few months, but has been sitting in my garage for a few years. I can set it up in a bucket if you want to come out and verify that it actually does chill.

$150. As is. No promises. You can check it out however you want when you come out, but once you take it home it is yours.

Well, I have 400 in my 3 gallon pico. It is just a big bucket of emerald crabs, with a little bit of water. No algae problems, though.

Non-sequitur -- how did you get Nassarius? That was the main reason I wanted to order from them, but the webpage said they were out.

How did everything turn out for everyone? All my stuff survived and is doing great.

My hermits were DOA but all the snails seem to be making it. I ordered 50 dwarf cerinths and I think he sent about 100. I put them in a cup in a tank and about half of them have climbed out. I also got some fuzzy chitons, which haven't moved but are firmly attached to the rock they are on.

Shaving brush (macro) made it just fine, of course. I think I would be fine ordering snail through regular priority mail in the future.

Wow. I had no idea.

It was a nice big store, though.

are you still planning to meet at 2222/Mopac?

I can host pickup all day if I can get the stuff from Mark. I'm at 360 & 2222 (roughly)

The other issue is that those corals are adjusted to being out of the water everyday. It might be an acclimation thing.

Also, you can go to that tracking page and set up an email notification for yourself so you will know when the shipment arrives at Mark's house.

I was planning to just pick up my stuff at your house. I can come over any time that is convenient.

Was Austin Aquariums the place behind Northcross Mall? I always liked that place, and never understood the hate. What was up with that?

Wouldn't you get little ripples of water in the overflow that would make it hard to see? It seems like even in the best case it would be harder to see things in this kind of tank than a regular tank.

In the middle east the swimming pools are kind of like this. The water is level with the ground and overflows into a grate along the edge of the pool. Those look really good, but I don't like this for aquarium design at all.

A few years back there was a guy named Roger who I thought was the owner of AquaTek. Did it get sold?

Does Gallery of Pets (Duval and 183) still sell saltwater? I used to go there years ago but haven't checked them out in a while. There was also a place called Partners up in Round Rock.