Jimbo’s CDA 250

[Jimbo327]

With the Trident working again, I finally have some Ca and Mg readings.

Ca 480ppm
Mg 1200ppm

I would like to run my tank at Ca 440 and Mg 1400. I'll just let the Calcium fall naturally, and will dose Magnesium Chloride. I used the BRS supplement calculator, and I would need 3.5lbs of Magnesium Chloride to raise Mg from 1200 to 1400. That's a lot of Magnesium Chloride! I thought the 4lb bag of MgCl to make my 2-part will last me a long time, but I'm already going to use up most of it on just raising the tank Mg level alone. Hmmm...I'm going to need way more MgCl than I thought.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-calculator/reef-magnesium-calculator

 

[DanK.Reefer]

Once the levels are were you want them then its just dosing to maintain what is lost/consumed. I may be wrong as I havent done any calculations but 3.5lbs sure seems like a lot of suplement.

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[Jimbo327]

Yeah, I thought I had made a mistake, but I double checked with another calculator...and it's 3.5 lbs.

I'm going to need to buy the commercial 50 lbs bag of Mag Flake (MgCl) for de-icing snow, no more food grade premium. And also going to buy epsom salt (MgSO4) which I can get easily at Target. That should last me awhile, and saving a lot of money in the long run.

 

[DanK.Reefer]

Wow that is a lot. I am still curious as to how much you will consume once things settle down.

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[Jimbo327]

I dumped in 3.5lbs MgCl yesterday, and the Trident is reading 1390ppm Mg. Right on the money!

 

[DanK.Reefer]

nice

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[DanK.Reefer]

by the way that microscope I told you about on Amazon is a piece of crap. I wound up buying this other one on ebay for $25. Ebay item number 175765081955 is for a used swift m3500. These microscopes go for like $500 new the listing showed that he sold 23 and had 2 left of which I just bought 1. Just in case you were interested in getting a lab grade microscope for a good price.

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[Jimbo327]

You definitely scored for $25...I think shipping is probably more than that. LOL.

I actually got lucky on a great deal for a digital microscope w/ stand that plugs into your laptop via USB. I can take photos and videos easily. When I'm done, it stores inside a small shoe box. I don't think it is as easy to use as a scientific microscope as your eyes can track faster, but it works well for what I need it for.

 

[Jimbo327]

One thing about starting a reef tank...there is no shortage of things to do. You fix 1 thing and find 2 more things that can improved upon (and add it to the list). I have to remind myself to not be overwhelmed as I do a lot of DIY, and sometimes the lists gets longer than you can finish them. I just have to work on 1 thing at a time...and keep making small steps.

I wanted to build something for the Trident to sit on, and out of the way. I modified the shelf as split level so the Trident can fit. I even put a hole in the shelf so the tubing and wire can be hidden.

 

[drexel]

I think if you raised mag to 1300-1400 that would be plenty. I honestly think it’s better to shoot for ranges than specific numbers, this goes for every major parameter. Also, certain foods and additives will have specific elements too. The phyto (EasyBooster) I dose contains magnesium and potassium and I haven’t dosed magnesium in 3+ years in my main system, so there may be other ways of adding traces. Calcium is tied to alkalinity, so your target number may affect your alk stability/range, so give yourself a little buffer with your target number. If your calcium is 380-500, stuff will be growing just fine.


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[drexel]

One thing about starting a reef tank...there is no shortage of things to do. You fix 1 thing and find 2 more things that can improved upon (and add it to the list). I have to remind myself to not be overwhelmed as I do a lot of DIY, and sometimes the lists gets longer than you can finish them. I just have to work on 1 thing at a time...and keep making small steps.

I wanted to build something for the Trident to sit on, and out of the way. I modified the shelf as split level so the Trident can fit. I even put a hole in the shelf so the tubing and wire can be hidden.

View attachment 112647 View attachment 112649

Looks good!


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[Jimbo327]

The target is just something to aim for. I know there will be a wide range since the demand is based on living things. But all the new technology is definitely making it easier to achieve stability like never before.

It is nice to be able to see how the tank parameters are trending and make adjustments when it's falling out of the range. I really geek out on the reef technology/equipment as much as the coral/fish in the tank.

I've never used a APEX before, but after using it for a month, I don't think I would run a reef tank without one anymore. It just makes everything so much easier. And I'm sure I haven't scratched the surface of automation and programming.

 

[Bck2hobby]

morning,
Good idea on the shelf and the way you ran your wiring/tubing.
Out of the box, what can you plug and go using the apex?

 

[Jimbo327]

I think the standard package is the Head control unit, 4 probes (pH, ORP, salinity, temp) and the EB382 outlets. So each EB382 has 8 outlets and can be programmed to turn on/off. If temp too hot, turn X and Y off. The probe output is charted, so you can see how your pH fluctuates over the course of a day. If you want to feed, you can program a feed mode, where multiple pumps/power head can be shutdown for certain minutes before turning on automatically after set time expires.

I do say that there is a learning curve on programming. It really helps if you know some basic coding. If you don’t know any coding at all, you will need to learn, copy/paste from others, but it can be done with some trial and error. Neptune also have a good forum to ask for help.

To me, the magic really happens when you add some of its accessories. I’m in love with the Trident and DOS doser for stability. I also use the ORP to control my ozone. I’m already thinking of adding another DOS and MXM module.

it is pricey, but the used pricing is often half the new retail. Just have to be patient and wait for people getting out of the hobby or selling their used extra stuff.

 

[DanK.Reefer]

You definitely scored for $25...I think shipping is probably more than that. LOL.

I actually got lucky on a great deal for a digital microscope w/ stand that plugs into your laptop via USB. I can take photos and videos easily. When I'm done, it stores inside a small shoe box. I don't think it is as easy to use as a scientific microscope as your eyes can track faster, but it works well for what I need it for.
View attachment 112645

The crazy thing is that the shipping was free. I dont know how they make money like that but you wont catch me complaining unless the item doesnt work...LOL

 

[Bck2hobby]

thanks for the Apex explanation

 

[Jimbo327]

No problem. It is intimidating at first, but when you start to use it, it's pretty easy to figure out.

Like I'm still a newbie with an APEX, but if you ever need help, I can definitely try to.

 

[Jimbo327]

When my return pump is off, the siphon is not breaking. I've already drilled a hole in the loc-lines right below the water line...but I think the hole is too small. Perhaps, running all 1" return line before changing to 3/4" loc-lines is not helping. There is too much flow back into the sump.

 

[DanK.Reefer]

swing gate valve the siphon break is more of an emergency backup incase these fail.

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[Jimbo327]

I'm planning to start stocking more fish, and I think I'm going with a more unconventional approach (or some may call it lazy approach). My process is basically putting fish in a 10 gal QT tank for about 7-8 days and dose a few select chemicals.

• Prazi Pro
• Ammonia control
  • Prime
  • TurboFritz or equivalent dentrifying bacteria to make sure no ammonia
  • Sponge filter
• Metroplex
• Kanaplex
• Biokos Proto Pro (Have not been released yet)