Keep an extra light bulb or two of the kinds that you use. It will save you heartache!
Lights
Keep an extra light bulb or two of the kinds that you use. It will save you heartache!
Unique Use of a Metronome
Calcium reactors can be a great way to maintain Calcium and Alkalinity, but it can be a challenge getting them initially "dialed in." There are 2 variables - pH of the effluent and drip rate. Controlling the pH in the reactor is relatively simply with a controller and good regulator. Determining the optimal drip rate, making tiny adjustments and verifying that rate can be a bit tougher.
I found an easy way to monitor and adjust drip rates using a metronome (available free in the Android Market)
Instead of doing timed measurements (measuring how many mL of effluent drip into a container per given time), it's much easier and faster (seconds) to simply time the drops using the metronome.
1 drop = 0.05 mL
1 mL = 20 drops
For example - Using the above standard, if your your dripping at 2 drops per second, you're adding effluent at a rate of 6 ml per minute. (Note, 20 drops/mL is the standard used in Pharmacy however drop size varies based on tubing size. It's best to initially measure your output and calculate drop size.) Regardless of your actual drops/mL, this provides a consistent method of measurement allowing for tiny adjustments to be made without tedious timed measurements.
I use an app called Mobile Metronome (Android Market) that allows you to either simply "tap" the beats per minute (drip rate) on the screen. It then instantly tells you the drops per minute (DPM) or; you can set a specific DPM and it sounds out the cadence allowing you to easily mirror the drop rate to the metronome "clicks".
Either way - it's very simple to get an accurate measurement.
Last edited by CalmSeasQuest; 09-21-2011 at 08:40 AM.
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man. - George Bernard Shaw
You mentioned that you're using an app... what are you installing this app on? Are you using it with your controller? If so, what controller?Originally Posted by CalmSeasQuest
It's a free app available for smart phones. I use an Android phone (Epic 4g) but I would assume there are similar apps for Apple users as well.
No controller integration - just an simple way to confirm the amount of effluent you are adding to your tank
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man. - George Bernard Shaw
Moving fish and coral
I recently moved a short distance away and had to take down and reset my tank rapidly. I didnt want to make new water and reaclimate everything so I put all my tank water and live rock in buckets. Here is the point. I didnt have bags and rubberbands to move fish and coral. I went to the local Martins Supermarket and bought Ziploc disposable tupperware. These are fantastic. Not only can you catch your fish in them along with dipping water out, but the lids form a tight seal. I plan on buying more to take to my local fish and coral provider based on how well these performed.
Carbon and Bacteria Dosing Can Quickly Clog Filter Socks
When dosing bacterial additives and/or a carbon source (especially if dosing both) keep an eye on any mechanical filter media such as felt filter socks. The rapid increase of bacteria in the water column can quickly clog filter socks.
I had an instance where the plastic rim of a large filter sock was near the edge of the sump. When the filter sock became clogged due to MB-7 and Vinegar/Kalk ATO, it began pouring onto the floor. This happened rapidly as the filter sock had been changed the prior day.
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man. - George Bernard Shaw
CR Sponsor
Here's one for those deciding where to place their tank...
Assess the possible locations, ideally determining at least two suitable locations. Then go against your instincts and place your tank in the second most desirable location.
You will fully realize the importance of this decision some months later when you inevitably decide to install a larger tank, which can then be placed in the favored location without having to tear down your current tank in preparation for the the new build.
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man. - George Bernard Shaw
CR Member
This is the best advice I've seen so far! LOL
Thanks Becky! - That sounds like a "been there, got the T-shirt" kind of response
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man. - George Bernard Shaw
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