Thursday, October 14, 2010

STILL UNDECIDED

I really don't know if I should do the change over to the new sump system ;-)

It seems to be a real catch22 - do it now and the redo it all again in 4 weeks.

Or choose not to and then run the risk that it does not work as it is supposed to and then have the potential chaos to put a stop-gap in place to keep things running.

There is still additional drilling etc needed - and this can only be done after the change - I would prefer to do that now whilst all tools are at hand.

Guess that answers my own question . :-)

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

PREPARATION FOR MOVE

I am getting things ready for the future move to our new place.

I have identified - what I think is a nice spot for the tank - this is a large covered patio.

The tank should be visible from all sides and shielded from the elements nicely.

I have also constructed a sump that will fit in the cabinet and as a result a remote sump will not be required anymore. This makes for a much neater and cleaner appearance.
I have not fitted it as yet - I am debating whether to wait for the move - or to do it now to ensure it functions correctly and then disassemble it all again when we move.

Decisions,decisions.

Happy Reefing



Tuesday, September 21, 2010

PROBE CALIBRATION OUT ?

I refer to the salinity variation experienced as per my post below.

I have since re-calibrated the salinity probe and whilst the readings are closer to what I would expect it is still little out of whack.

I will double check with a spare hydrometer that I know is 99.9% accurate.

Happy reefing !


Friday, September 17, 2010

UPDATE !!

I upgraded the firmware on my Profilux II a while ago and battled to reconnect via the RS232.
This resulted in me being unable to use old sensor calibration data and had to do all afresh.
I guess in the process the maximum on time of the auto top-up was shortened to a few seconds.
This meant that the top-off timed out before all evaporation could be replaced.
Due to a busy schedule I only picked up on it a number of days later when the return pump started sucking in air.

I immediately made the required corrections and slowly added fresh water to correct sump level.

All went relatively well - but noticed that salinity sits at 30 instead of 50 . I am a bit perplexed about this. Could not figure out how this might have happened.




Wednesday, September 15, 2010

CLAM LOSS !!!

I am sad to report the loss of my squamosa clam.

I have had this specimen with me for a number of years and early last week was still well.

I have been battling phosphate in my tank and use phosguard(Seachem) in a fluidized container.

I am unsure as to whether this brought the sudden demise on......................

I will miss it :-(



Monday, September 6, 2010

THE MOVE IS ON !

Funny in a way I guess ;-)

But as I eventually get the picture up - I also need to say that the house has been sold.

This means that within the next month or so - thoughts of re-locating the tank will start filling my mind.

I do not look forward to it - is always a lot of hard back breaking work.

And there is always the risk that something might go wrong.

Also the tank is so damn heavy and a bugger to move due to it's shape . It must be turned on it side to go through any doors.

Wet hands and a slippery glass wheel is essentially what we are dealing with.

I have done this a few times now - so will add some of my tips and experiences here.

Hope somebody can find some use from it.

Happy reefing until next we meet.

Hilton