I've started creating the modular pieces that will hold many of the Frags. They will either "key" into the existing rockwork, or be shaped to trace the outline of the pillar bases (i.e low light chalices.) This allows me to pre-build most of the coral modules rather than having to place individual pieces using forceps. I'm hoping to create these same-species grouping in a way that they will grow together, creating ribbons of Acans, Favia and SPS that will consume the tank in color.

I've removed the 2nd Tunze 6025 from the left side of the tank. All that remains is a single 6015. I've found it takes very little to move the entire water column in a long/narrow tank. A single 6015 does so nicely. I may add another 6015 at some point in the future to create an alternating current or a bit of turbulence, but for now theres a nice flow in the tank.

I've also been thinking about my initial dosing plans and believe I've found a better way. My concern is ALK/Ca and trace mineral depletion in such a tiny tank so densely stocked. I initially planned on 2 part and Kalk dosing using peristaltic pumps controlled by the Apex. While I may still add Kalk to the ATO to support overnight pH, the salinity creep resulting from the required amount of 2-part in tank with only 7.5 gallons would require frequent manual removal of water to allow the ATO to reduce salinity. A recent trip to the Tropicorium got me thinking....

The Trop maintains 50,000 gallons of densely stocked tanks using only water changes (City water, no dosing, skimmers, carbon or GFO.) My problem is this tank is in my office. I have no RO/DI at the office, so all water has to be hauled from home. I also have limited maintenance facilities and I travel quite a bit. All of these mandate a simple water change method. Here's what I came up with...

I'll use 2 BRS Top-Off pumps (50ml/min) controlled by the Apex. The daily sequence is as follows;

  1. The Apex will turn off the Osmolator ATO
  2. One pump will remove 1 quart of tank water and discard it into a 7 gallon bucket hidden behind my desk.
  3. The other pump will then replace 1 quart of fresh saltwater from another 7 gallon bucket with a heater and small circulation pump.
  4. The Apex then turns the Osmolator back on.

Safeguards include the peristaltic pumps remove and replace a very precise quantity of water. The ATO makes sure water levels are maintained (evap) and salinity is tracked by the Apex and will turn off the pumps and/or the Osmolator should a problem arise and alert me via email and text.

This eliminates the salinity creep problem, creates a system that will run for 28 days without intervention providing for a gradual, 100% water change every month. It also simplifies water transport as I'll only have to haul 5 gallons of RO/DI water every week (to keep both the saltwater and ATO tanks full.)

I think it should work well