Ace25's 75G Build Thread

Yup, sold my black Civic Si a couple weeks ago. I have one of those Hanna Phosphate meters now but didn't realize they didn't come with the reagents so I have those on order. Who knew you could spend $200 on a meter and it isn't even usable out of the box. Would have been nice if they could have at least thrown in a sample 10 pack of reagents to get you going. I am working 4 10's now and have Fridays off. Feel free to stop by any time after 6pm M-Thur or usually anytime Fri-Sun for the summer.

Have a new Apogee MQ-200 PAR meter coming as well, shipped today and will be here on Tuesday. Got a cheap "Spectrometer" today to check out my light spectrum... kinda wish I didn't know what I do now.. running T5HO Actinics on an Icecap 660 is a VERY bad idea I just found out. Turns your 420nm spectrum into a 550 or so output peak, which is the worst place to have a peak in the PAR spectrum as it really only promotes algae growth.
 
Nice, I would have sold you my meter...I dont really use it much. I think the last time I used it was with you. If you cant wait until the test regents come, LMK and I will bring a few by....It will probably measure "zero" like you saw on mine. I have been spending alot of time in Solvang at the new Touch. Opening soon, I will take you there for a free meal(he owes me big time). I would definetly like to rent the PAR meter some time, thinking of some solar tubes for the new setup(would like to know the numbers before I cut a few holes in the roof). I have some T5's and halides lined up as well....so many options, so little time.
 
Ya, I am very curious as well on the Solartubes and will be measuring Guillos tubes on Wednesday next week. He is definately getting good growth on his SPS corals with it, so they do put out light intensity similar to MH lights, but you really must use T5 actinics to balance the light as well as boost the 440nm spectrum. He ordered 6 5' Geismann actinics to put on his tank and should be coming any day now. Then his tank will really look good, right now with his 6x 18month old Ebay actinics it really isn't doing much for the coloring of his corals.

The PAR meter will definately be available to borrow. Obviously not something I will be using on a daily basis. After I test Guillo's tank, Flomojo is going to test his, but it only takes a day to find out all the information you need. The new meter does Logging as well, so you can stick the sensor in the water and leave it the entire time the lights are on to get your daily light index (DLI) which is another important factor I recently learned about.
 
Couple quick photos. Was trying to get a good one of the sweeper tentacles on the Merulina (1st pic) but my camera just can't take pics fast enough it seems. Pics taken under Actinics only.

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Flower Petal Monti - took a frag from it today
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Closeup
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Toadstool starting to get big
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wohooo impressed with photos very very beautiful :) specially with Merulina good luck :)
 
sigh, my desire to design and build a usable sump, make stuff out of pvc and have a nice reef tank is making this thread hard on my soul. what glue do you stick the frag plugs in the rock with?
 
No, I take the coral or plug I want to glue out of water, put a bubble of it on the bottom and dip it real fast in the water for about 2 seconds, then do another spot of glue and put in place. Hold for 30-60 seconds (hardest part) and they stick pretty good, but not 100% turbo snail safe.
 
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