My First Build ever...and need some direction

[Marz]

Is there any issue with the egg crate not getting any flow and causing algae? I have seen others that use PVC as pillars to support the DR. I have been playing with the scape out of the tank and I think I have found something I like. I have to get it wife approved mind you and then I can piece it together. Also, I may use acrylic rod to hold the pieces just in case.

 

[Marz]

Ok, so I think I may have made my first "stupid" purchase. I bought a vertex refractometer and I don't believe it has the ATC - is this important? Also, where can I purchase Pinpoint calibration fluid near Vaughan, ON?

Thanks everyone...yet again.

 

[Boga]

Ok, so I think I may have made my first \"stupid\" purchase. I bought a vertex refractometer and I don't believe it has the ATC - is this important? Also, where can I purchase Pinpoint calibration fluid near Vaughan, ON?

Thanks everyone...yet again.

Do you have a model number?

An ATC refractometer keeps the calibration during the year round ("cold and hot seasons").

For a refractometer that does not have Automatic Temperature Compensation, you have to verify the calibration more often and apply corrections accordingly or recalibrate a few times per year. Calibration takes few minutes, but is annoying.
Examples:
During the winter season your room is at 21 deg C: you do one calibration.
During the summer season, your room is at 26 deg C and you have to re-calibrate or apply a correction to the reading.

If you want to read more here is a good article:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-12/rhf/index.php#6

 

[Marz]

I can't find a model number on it anywhere. It has a 20 (degree) on the top of the meter...not sure if that helps. Thanks I will read that post.

 

[Duke]

i think your good to go, i use a no name one thats 8+ years old. just get a bottle of fluid from the coral reef shop or im sure canada corals carries it.. most higher end salt stores will and if not they should have some to check it with till you find some. vertex makes good products, even if it was a temp calibrated one.. you would still want to check it now and then.. cant see hot and cold seasons affecting it indoors in your house.

 

[Boga]

I think 20 deg is C is the conversion temperature on the scale SG to PPT.

After you get the calibration fluid you can check the salinity with the refractometer at different temperatures, now and in six months. If you read the same salinity, then you may have an ATC refractometer.

 

[TORX]

... cant see hot and cold seasons affecting it indoors in your house.

Tell that to my wife. 76-82 in the winter and 66-70 in the summer...in my house. Utility companies love me.

Sent from my SGH-T989D using Tapatalk

 

[unibob]

I always thought the auto temp was for the water you were testing. Does this ever matter? Will 61 degree saltwater still read fine or do you need to heat to what you are going to be using at, sorry for hijack.

I always test right before I add to tank so always same temp, just curious and always thought that's what the ATC was meant for.

 

[Petercar (RIP Dec 2017)]

the milwaukiee refractometer is temp controlled.  just put a few drops on the sight glass and it reads temp and salinity

 

[Marz]

You guys are great btw. Thanks for all the information and suggestions. And hijack away as I get to learn things when others ask questions.

On a separate note Bill emailed me to tell me it was ATC! I will update this thread with my list of stuff that I have acquired and then hopefully I can really get my build going!

 

[Jewel]

Good to hear, what type of substrate have you gotten?

 

[Marz]

So...I thought I would update with my "Hardware List" - A big thanks to everyone for keeping me straight (well kinda skewed really). Let me know where I may have done better, or things that I could add. As my Dad always says (when he is spending my money ), "in for a penny in for a pound" - lol. Hopefully, I can take pictures of my "build" as well as get help when I measure all parameters.

Nuvo 30G (but you all knew that) with stand and Skkye 18" light - their customer service has been great so far btw.

ATO (IM) - got a good deal
Protein Skimmer (IM) - found a good deal online
Jebao WP10 - will be used in the tank (group buy from here)
Koralio Hydor 425 - will use this for mixing saltwater (will use in tank until Jebao comes in)
Eheim 100W heater - seems too long for my sump - any suggestions appreciated was thinking cobalt but wow they aren't cheap.

Vertex Refractometer (with ATC..lol)
Marine API Test kit (this is just until the tank cycles then will get Salifert once fish are added)
Marine Digital Thermometer - will need to get something better and then I can use for my mixing
TDS Meter - purchased online from "Deals and Steals" forum - Thanks teebone110

Instant Ocean Reef Crystals (200g)
Carib Sea Seaflor Aragonite (40lb) - special mix
Marco Rock 34lb - yes I know I should have more, but I want to keep it simple AND it will be a FOWLR for awhile...patience...patience.

I am however looking for suggestions for a power bar with timer (I have 3 plugs for my light) as well as for the Heater.

Still to get - Saline test solution, mixing bucket, and at some point tank for QT...AND I still have to do a leak test.

And that about does it...pockets are lighter and more grey hair

 

[Jewel]

What type of ATO did you purchase? Now that you're ready, Git er done. Fill the tank and get it cycling, You are being patient? LOL Fish only for awhile is a good idea, that way you'll cycle and you'll build beneficial bacteria up and when you're ready, you can research coral choices. Sounds good so far.

 

[Marz]

I got the Innovative Marine ATO Hyrdrofill Aqua Gadget. Pump and controller/sensors.

I wanna git 'er done, but haven't had time to "fill 'er up" for the leak test as I have been jammed at work. I am aiming for this weekend.

 

[Jewel]

Do you relise that you have 93 post on your thread and not one drop of water in your tank, I'm impressed with the patience almost as much as Poseidons 100 plus posts on a new tank choice before finding the right one, but in honesty P did have a lot of trouble along the way.  Just kidding here.

 

[Marz]

I need to do 8 more posts to beat Poseidon then! The first lesson in fight club...I mean SW...Patience

 

[Jewel]

Funny you say you don't have time, I have only ever done one leak test and that was on a 150 GL tank, I've always been in too much of a hurry to Git er done,  And I am just kidding D, Looking forward to some pics.

 

[Marz]

My kids keeping riding me about this too! so all's good

 

[Jewel]

I was gonna mention as far as Timers go, I use 3 Noma Digital timers for my lights but I will soon be hooking up my Reef keeper Controller for this, You should look into a Controller, More people are using them now, wouldn't you want your tank to email you when something was wrong. Just a thought, You can find them used on line like I did, Save some bucks and you wont have to buy timers or power bars.

 

[curiousphil]

Since you are being so patient and taking the time to plan and do everything right.... I read an article AFTER I started up my tank that was quite interesting.  I'll share it here.  Basically it recommends to add fish *after* corals.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-01/eb/index.php

TLDR version: