CalmSeasQuest

This is something that's very seldom talked about. Very cool idea!

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Originally Posted by MizTanks

This is something that's very seldom talked about. Very cool idea!

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Thanks Jamie,

We spend so much time and energy creating an ideal environment for our livestock, we often overlook simple things that can place us and our families at risk. I've had 2 power strips spontaneously catch fire from a saltwater splashes (one was a Apex EB8.) Thankfully I was standing there (I was the cause) when both events happened. I hate to think what might have occurred if it had happened and I wasn't standing there. A fire would have surely occurred and involved my home.

Since then, I've tried to take every precaution possible including,

• Covering/sealing electrical outlets that are in proximity to the tank
• Independent, auto-resetting, GFI equipped circuits
• Metal, commercial grade outlets with independent circuit breakers.
• Power strips mounted high
• All cords with drip loops or enclosed in cable chases
• All unused individual outlets covered with safety plugs

Simply having hundreds of gallons of saltwater in my living room is enough to worry about - I don't want to also have to worry about a cheap power strip resulting in a fire.

In addition to the Apex EB8s which will manage all the devices that need to be controlled,

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/...-smartslot.jpg
1400VA UPS for critical systems (controller, water movement and emergency heat)

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/.../TowerGFCI.jpg
All circuits will be protected by an auto-resetting GFCI

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/...LitePS6020.jpg
Trip Lite all metal commercial, 20 outlet power strip will power all the non-Apex items

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/...t/WireDuct.jpg
Cabling will be run in 2.25" cable chase

Going to be a slick set up.

Progress continues albeit, slowly.

I spoke w/Steve at GLA - They are behind largely due to the weather. They plan on starting on my tank and sump this week. Delivery should be less than 2 weeks away.

I've been working through how to handle GAC and GFO. I wanted fluidized reactors with small footprints that can be easily plumbed using the manifold. Perhaps most importantly, as these require frequent maintenance, I was looking for the easiest-to-service options. I decided on a pair of the the Vertex RX-U 2.5L

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/...-reactor-b.jpg
These will run ROX0.8 and BRS HiCap GFO.

I've been torn between using a Kalk reactor or large still-well. I've decided to use 40 gallon brute which will be located next to the saltwater station. This removes more equipment from the cabinet, lessens maintenance and allows for the addition of vinegar to the ATO Kalk if desired.

I've also started acquiring livestock - The Mid Michigan Swap was a great success and I picked up more then 40 SPS and Acan frags. I also placed large orders with Pacific East Aquaculture and found some stunning Acans at Mr.Coral. All combined there are more than 100 new additions to the grow out tank en-route.

I had time to un-box and inspect the Vertex media reactors.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/...l/DSC_3829.jpg

My initial reaction is that of disappointment.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/...l/DSC_3822.jpg

Both units were received from BRS having been opened with the seals broken

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/...l/DSC_3832.jpg

The top O-ring on one unit is damaged, the O-ring on the other unit was badly twisted.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/...l/DSC_3835.jpg

Although difficult to see in the photo, the section where the downtube and O-ring mates with the top-lid is badly scarred which, if left unpolished, I imaging would quickly destroy the O-ring.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/...l/DSC_3837.jpg

One unit was supplied with a spare main O-ring (seen in the bottom of the right unit) whereas the other contained no spare.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/...l/DSC_3834.jpg

My greatest disappointment is the overall design of the unit. I was willing to pay a premium for these as I had hoped they would provide the simplest/fastest cleaning and media replacement. The downtube O-ring has to be engaged 4 times for each cleaning and media replacement as both the top lid and top diffuser plate must be removed over the very tight-fitting O-ring on the downtube. It's very tedious to do. Based on the fact one O-ring was received damaged and the other twisted - Even with proper lubrication, it will seemingly result in a very short life and far too-frequent O-ring replacement.

I'll reach out to BRS and see how they and Vertex will handle the issues before determining if I keep these, or return them and choose alternate reactors.

Just heard from GLA, the tank is being built today and might be delivered as soon as this Sunday. :) I'm also having the back of the sump blacked out to minimize light leakage from partially un-skinned section of back of the stand.

RX-U 2.5L problems - I finally got a hold of BRS, they are shipping 2 replacement reactors. I also called Proline Aquatics (Vertex distributor) hoping to get a few replacement O-rings. They said they had none to sell currently as they needed them for warranty replacement. Apparently there as a manufacturing defect in some reactors where the O-ring channel was cut too shallow, resulting in a very tight fit and the O-ring being quickly destroyed.

Hopefully the replacements on the way from BRS won't be part of the defective group.

The Apex AFS and Crossover Diet finally came in...

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/...l/DSC_3841.jpg

I also wanted to clarify the Vertex media reactor open-box issue. BRS told me that they were opening and inspecting all the Vertex reactors as many had shipped without the unions. They were also kind to advance ship replacement reactors.

Thanks BRS!

Geezzz just when I think I'm getting a handle on this build you go and throw me a curve ball. Now I gotta research what a Crossover Diet is-lol! What a learning experience your builds are for me. Thanks!

Ha comes with the AFS auto feeder for APEX. It is a dry food they sell. Crossover means formulated to feed coral and fish. I tried it when I got my feeder but went back to New Life Spectrum.