Phil's 90g SPS dominant reef (aka The Electric Reef Project)

[Big_Als_London]

Re: The Electric Reef Project

Looks great Phil.  I have no idea what colour that mille will be but I am excited to see it grow up.

 

[teebone110]

Re: The Electric Reef Project

Slow and steady and you will get there, nice additions

 

[curiousphil]

The Electric Reef Project

FTS

Monti's and birdsnest

Mille and hammer

End shot

Another birdsnest closup...

 

[umbis]

Re: The Electric Reef Project

Looks great. Love the LED build. Are you planning on sticking with the glass bottom for good?

 

[curiousphil]

The Electric Reef Project

Thanks!  Ya I think I'm going to stick with the bare bottom.

 

[curiousphil]

Re: The Electric Reef Project

Wired up my second heatsink this weekend!  Unfortunately I have a short somewhere in my RB/NW 3up string that I didn't have time to troubleshoot, but I installed it anyways over the side of my tank with no corals.  Will fix it next Saturday morning, it doesn't look horrible.  It's got an OCW and violet string running with about half of the royal blues, so it's giving off kind of an actinic look right now.  I'm just glad to have the whole tank lit now, hardly any shadows left.  My iPhone camera was on the fritz, kept acting like it was going to take a picture and then wouldn't save it!!  So this is the only one I got all weekend, showing the new clownfish up front.


New additions:
-2x Ocellaris Clownfish
-1x Regal Blue Tang (a baby!)
-1x Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse
-1x Green Star Polyp frag


So total livestock list...
~75lbs liverock

-1x Regal Blue Tang (a baby!)
-3x Green Chromis
-1x Blue Eyed Cardinals
-2x Ocellaris Clownfish
-1x Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse

-5x Mexican Turbo Snails
-4x Trochus Snails
-1x Astrea Turbo Snails
-1x Peppermint Shrimp

-1x Acropora millepora frag (green? blue? purple? TBD!)
-1x Montipora danae frag (purple base with green & orange polyps), hitchhiker pink star polyp type things on rock base
-1x Acropora Seriatopora mini colony & 2 accidental frags epoxied to rock (sour apple birdsnest)
-1x Euphyllia parancora frag (branching hammer w/ green polyps)
-1x Trachyphyllia radiata (folded brain, rainbow? green and red)
-1x Briareum sp. (green star polyp)


Next planned activities....
-Fix left light fixture
-Build canopy
-Finish stand (add trim and front door panel)
-Paint them!
-Install RO/DI filter and ATO system (float switch mount already installed in sump)
-Install media reactor for GFO and carbon filtration
-Resume Arduino project (sensors are already mounted in sump, light programming done, need to get LCD screen working, code the data logging module, code the WiFi control and web interface, get the controller wired up to the tank and sensors)

 

[curiousphil]

The Electric Reef Project

I lost a cardinal!  I'm pretty bummed .

No idea what happened to him.  I noticed that he had been a bit shy the last few days and not staying out front with the rest of them, then today I came home from work and found him sucked against the WP-40 powerhead.  Pulled him out and laid him to rest in the trash.

Everything else is doing well though.  Water tests are all coming out normal, corals are mostly happy.  Moved the montipora to a place where the polyps are glowing bright orange and opening up more.


-Phil

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[curiousphil]

The Electric Reef Project

Updated FTS:
[img=1400x1050]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/ECE78126-0C01-4283-8461-5E018948DA9C-8794-0000019C389EAF77.jpg[/img]

Right side:
[img=1400x1049]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/799DA4F2-23AD-4F95-8051-7F99307A1DC1-8794-0000019BCF57A185.jpg[/img]

Left side:
[img=1400x1050]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/75F689BC-2A26-453A-B33F-3F0066BF5AB1-8794-0000019BE04C79DD.jpg[/img]

Birdsnest polyps extending nicely, making the branches look good and fat:
[img=1050x1400]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/2E074537-B60A-42C7-903B-8D207F96DBD3-8794-0000019C1EC4A928.jpg[/img]

GSP opened up and is sprouting new heads almost daily, I have a clear growth edge at the bottom (not really visible in pic but is in person!):
[img=1050x1400]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/A105DF54-1BA3-4F87-AE6A-9456EB78B6FD-8794-0000019C27D476E3.jpg[/img]
[img=1049x1400]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/81E3192D-77F1-485A-BE91-579FF6A05FAD-9061-000001AEA7653703.jpg[/img]

Open brain is getting very fat and the colours are coming back to it:
[img=1050x1400]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/6CE22649-7EFC-45DD-89E0-E74FC6710E0F-8794-0000019C5CDAB253.jpg[/img]
[img=1050x1400]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/EAEC17C6-B0A2-4D2E-91F0-53E64758ADD7-9061-000001B1EB0EF969.jpg[/img]
When I got it, for comparison:

And the hammer is still hanging in!  Several of the polyps are splitting so that seems like a good sign:
[img=1050x1400]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/7E42A98D-2403-4810-AD28-A106A9AC0EBF-8794-0000019C7E1C3721.jpg[/img]

Wish I could get better photos of everything.  The ones I posted are blurrier than I would like, and my attempts to get shots of anything in the back half have turned out in totally blurry failures, not even really worth sharing.... example:
[img=1049x1400]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/AC9D1244-E70B-4C25-BED8-26DA8BC0504F-9061-000001AE85FC3223.jpg[/img]
[img=1050x1400]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/AB1DD99F-2B82-48AA-97B7-B0979BB289EF-9061-000001AEB1663295.jpg[/img]

My iPhone 4s takes great pictures in the light but doesn't do justice to this tank.  Thinking about purchasing a DSLR camera now... damn, this hobby is getting expensive! LOL


On another note, my RO/DI unit and media reactor are out for delivery today, so it looks like I'm in for a fun evening!  Planning to plumb the reactor off a T in my return line.  I also picked up a swing check valve for my return so that I can try raising the water level in my sump a few more inches.




-Phil

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Victoss]

Re: The Electric Reef Project - an SPS dominated 90g mixed reef

Watch out! I think someone put GSP in you tank! Get the blowtorch  ;D

Just kidding but make sure you really want it there, I keep mine off the rocks and on the glass cause I know what a pain it can be in the future. Great tank either way!

 

[curiousphil]

Re: The Electric Reef Project - an SPS dominated 90g mixed reef

Haha thanks Victoss .  I think I'm going to make that island on the left my "free for all" space where I put stuff that spreads fast or is aggressive.  I'm thinking some of adding ricordia (torn on, probably won't add it) and zoas there.

 

[curiousphil]

The Electric Reef Project - an SPS dominated 90g mixed reef

Reactor online! Messy flex pipe plumbing but it works.  I hate wrestling with this stuff...

Phosphates are at 0.66 - now the fun begins!  How low will they go....

[img=1050x1400]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/79285FDB-6FE4-4B7E-904A-3B182EA96429-19166-0000010A6E45B8FD.jpg[/img]


-Phil

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[curiousphil]

The Electric Reef Project - an SPS dominated 90g mixed reef

12 days later and phosphates are down to 0.17.


-Phil

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Boga]

Re: The Electric Reef Project - an SPS dominated 90g mixed reef

Hey curiousphil - on page one, the picture with the probes. What kind of probes you got there? Interested .... if you can develop the subject little bit. Maybe you can open a topic on Controller's page.

You did a great job with everything.

Also suggesting to change the ABS to PVC. If they are not meant for potable use, then they may be toxic. That means uncontrolled manufacturing process, less tested maybe, good for drainage, not good drinking water or for inverts and fish. Some results may show later when toxins accumulate in time. Do you run carbon?

 

[curiousphil]

Re: The Electric Reef Project - an SPS dominated 90g mixed reef

Hey curiousphil - on page one, the picture with the probes. What kind of probes you got there? Interested .... if you can develop the subject little bit. Maybe you can open a topic on Controller's page.

You did a great job with everything.

Also suggesting to change the ABS to PVC. If they are not meant for potable use, then they may be toxic. That means uncontrolled manufacturing process, less tested maybe, good for drainage, not good drinking water or for inverts and fish. Some results may show later when toxins accumulate in time. Do you run carbon?

Thanks for the kind words.  The probes are from Atlas Scientific.  I got the SDS kit which is a bundle of: EC (electrical conductivity) probe for salinity & TDS, pH probe, ORP (oxidation reduction potential) probe, DO (dissolved oxygen) probe, temp probe, and Arduino 'stamps' for each that allow for temperature correction and translation of the raw analog voltage signals into a user readable decimal format.  The stamps also come with code for interacting with them... so it's a great way to jumpstart development.  I am still fiddling with the controller to get it displaying everything correctly, but when I'm further along I will start up a thread on it!  My main issue is that once I've got the display connected, I'm out of pins for hooking up the probes... my planned solution is to use an Arduino Due for the display and connect it via USB to a Mega clone that will do most of the IO functions.  I have all the hardware, it's just a matter of time....

Long term - once I've got the basics working like displaying all my params on the LCD panel, ATO working, relay controlled power bar developed, I plan to make the controller WIFI enabled.  I'll use that feature to publish charts via my web server, and maybe also remotely control functions like the LED settings, pump patterns, and power bar control.  Although... I'm a little wary about doing that for fear of someone hacking in and shutting off my tank!  That would be a sad, sad day.  And my web security knowledge is basically nil, so my system would be at a high risk if I expose those features.


As for the ABS/PVC issue... I plan on moving in August - my girlfriend just bought a house! (Home inspection tonight will seal the deal!!)  I may redo the plumbing at that time, or may not.  Once I'm settled into that house I want to setup a bigger 200-300 gal system.  The 90g is just a baby practice tank .  May turn it into a sump later on.


And to answer your final question, yes I am using carbon.  Just started the other day, actually, when I changed out my reactor media.  I'm running it in the Vertex reactor alongside the GFO - I believe 1 cup of ROX carbon and 1.5 cups GFO. 

Started out with I think 3/4 cup GFO and Carbon (equal amounts) but I didn't adjust the height of the reaction area to have enough room for bubbling.  After it was running for a week, I noticed that there was no longer any water coming out of the output hose... the reactor was clogged.  I emptied it, cleaned it out, and added 1 cup of just GFO.  After another week, that had reduced my PO4 by about 0.5 PPM.  I've read that you don't want to adjust things too quickly, and I'm not sure what's defined as too quickly... so hopefully that'll be OK.  Now that the bulk of PO4 has been removed from my system I figured I should change out the media again, and may as well bump up the GFO a bit.  Also decided to add the carbon back.  That change was done on Monday night.

Things are looking great right now, lots of corraline growth and I'm seeing new branches shooting out of the millepora!  4 'larger' branches (1/2 inch maybe) that were there when I got the frag and about 8 tiny ones!  Groups of 3 or 4 forming around each of the larger branches.

 

[curiousphil]

The Electric Reef Project - an SPS dominated 90g mixed reef

Daytime shot from last weekend
[img=1400x1049]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/1EE719A5-5E29-4A93-840A-F9016E79804D-41464-000002492F19CAD6.jpg[/img]

Night shot from the other night
[img=1400x1050]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/68BCA70E-59AF-477E-8C04-0161729A0DB3-41464-000002492535C10D.jpg[/img]

Fat happy folded brain devouring a New Spectrum pellet that fell onto its mouth
[img=1050x1400]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/83441099-35CE-438D-BDA3-4D37B7A84177-41464-00000248DCC2AD51.jpg[/img]

A nice group shot I like
[img=1049x1400]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/9ECF4CEC-7556-4A42-9B3F-F0731587F61D-41464-00000248E9E7AD35.jpg[/img]

Slowly but surely I'll turn this hammer into something worth talking about....
[img=1050x1400]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/14EFE17B-63E5-4B7B-9B1C-C1E2FB83B958-41464-00000248F515C0C4.jpg[/img]

TRT Sour Apple Birdsnest doing about the same.  Got some corraline growth on the epoxy base now.
[img=1050x1400]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/A6CB8361-8C34-4E37-BEEC-A1E522EFCBC4-41464-00000248FEF122C1.jpg[/img]

GSP thriving, Montipora Danae not so much. Had it lower and was starting to see some tissue loss, so I moved it higher and am now getting better colour again... but I fear for its health.  I figure worst case its something interesting for the GSP to grow over, and it does have PSP on the base that could also thrive.
[img=1050x1400]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/3D72A745-84D1-431B-83D8-36E5CEFE2EE6-41464-000002490A476A3C.jpg[/img]

Millepora - you can kind of see a tiny new branch poking out behind a medium branch on the left side.  This guy slowly went brown on me after being added to the tank - hopefully the lower PO4 will help colour it up again.
[img=1049x1400]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/philly1/Electric%20Reef/384D4D10-02A4-45EF-85B9-420D4FF16060-41464-0000024913BA7299.jpg[/img]

 

[Boga]

Re: The Electric Reef Project - an SPS dominated 90g mixed reef

Thank you very much for the probe info. I got gold for free. Ouch for $$$! Certainly I will consider the pH and salinity monitoring. I have to learn about ORP and DO. I already solved the temperature probe. Can’t wait to get back on my Arduino project. I think that you should have enough pins on Mega to sustain everything. Web interface would be awsome and I won’t be worried about hacking. If someone would be able to hack your WIFI, they will be looking for bank accounts and passwords rather than shuting down your tank. Anyway there is going to be a lot of code lines and water changes before we can talk again about this, right?



ABS/PVC - This is what I found. The lack of information bothered me while ago, too.

ABS is governed by ASTM D3965
PVC by ASTM D1785
CPVC by ASTM F441

Only the last two specs call for NFS Std. #61, which controls the contaminant content in the above materials (material purity, manufacturing process, testing, etc). Example of checks include testing for metals (Cu, Pb, Hg) or other toxic components at various pH.

Bassically ABS may have contaminants and the material is OK as long as it meets the mechanical properties. I did not research for recycled ABS.

PVC suppliers must proove mechanical properties plus contaminant max level.

I could not find any references in regards to the bacteria inhibitors or something like that.

 

[curiousphil]

The Electric Reef Project - an SPS dominated 90g mixed reef

Thanks for that info on ABS/PVC controls!  That is helpful. 

We certainly do have many lines of code and tons of water changes before continuing our automation discussions .

Especially since... we got the house last night!  So I have one more timesink in my life now.

 

[GirDance]

Re: The Electric Reef Project - an SPS dominated 90g mixed reef

If you are seriously concerned about hacking (which is actually harder than you may think if you have a properly configured router with firewall enabled) you can always upgrade to a business class router. 

These routers are designed so that nothing other than what you have allowed through will go through - all ports are blocked except the specific ones you are using. 

The problem with them is that they are a configuration nightmare if you are unfamiliar with web security - you would probably have to hire a techy to preconfigure and install it for you.  They're also huge... Our cisco 800 series is the size of a PS3.

 

[curiousphil]

Re: The Electric Reef Project - an SPS dominated 90g mixed reef

I'm not seriously concerned about hacking in that sense.  Moreso in the sense that if I expose my site to the web and use a weak password system to hide the "admin" console, and then if I link the URL in a sig on ReefCentral or something, someone will get curious and see if there is a way to bypass my password and get to the admin portion of the site.

 

[curiousphil]

Re: The Electric Reef Project - an SPS dominated 90g mixed reef

Hehe, as a nice sign of confirmation that I went the right direction with my lights... I've just learned that AI released a new product called Hydra that uses nearly the same selection and amount of diodes as my DIY fixture!  8)  They finally put in some XTE's and went full spectrum.

So what's new with me.... I'm building a spectrometer based off the spectralworkbench.org kit so that I can start tweaking my light levels.  If I can't get the lux/par measured... at least this is a step in the right direction to making sure my spectral output is more or less correct.  Work on the controller is also progressing - I'm really excited to get my sunrise/sunset cycle and moonlights working.

Moved a few corals yesterday - raised up my slimer and green(still unconfirmed!) mille, and moved the purple bonsai down a bit.  The red monti cap is doing awesome!  I can see the white edge getting thicker and sprouting new baby polyps almost every day.  The green monti caps are also starting to take off, with the growth edges glowing a nice bright green.  Sad news for the red digi and sunset mille though.... my clumsy hands managed to snap a part off of each.  The still unknown possibly 'incredible hulk' acro is starting to open up its polyps more.  My snails bludgened some of the zoas I picked up at Fragfest so I've had to fasten those down better.  Acan brain is growing new flesh around the edges that's coming in as a gorgeous bright orange.  Folded brain is getting ridiculously fat - it's come sooo far from the white skeleton I brought home a few months ago!  One of the three 'sides' had completely lost its tissue and I figured it was a lost cause.  That side is now maybe 1/2 full of pink and green flesh, and has sprouted 3 new mouths!

I've got a WP-40 wavebox and a WP-25 coming in... and a new cleanup crew on Friday so I can pull out those damn Mexicans... exciting times!  I'm thinking I'll put the wavebox under the overflow box and have the WP-25 opposing it on the other side.  Will probably pull out the Koralia and put it to use elsewhere, we'll see.  Well that's about all for now - pics later if I remember.