Equipment Update

So just to update you folks who are tracking my progress in the move. After my last update, I had to rethink how I am going to set up the whole system. How big did I want my sump to be? What about the grow out tank? What pumps am I going to use? Am I going to control any of this?

Well, one of the questions was recently answered because I ended up pre-ordering the Reef Keeper Elite. I figured that I needed to automate my system as much as possible to remove hassle and redundancy. You can read about the RKE here..

Next came a question on how to setup the lights. Having a 3′ deep tank, I am not getting as much light reflection as it needs. So to upgrade on that thought, I ended up getting 2 LumenMax reflectors. These things are huge, and span 22″x22″x8″. That would leave me with enough space in the middle to fit a single MH to illuminate a 20K 250W bulb. I will have VHO’s, but not on my display tank. I think they will be overkill. Furthermore, I will incorporate some moonlights, to stimulate spawning seasons. It would be neat to see some corals spawn in captivity. My old reflectors will be used for the prop tank. Never waste good equipment.

As for the pumps, I am leaning towards either a Reeflo Dart or Snapper. It will be the link from the sump to the prop tank. Also, I am going to use a mag 5 or 7 for a waterchange pump. It will be linked with the RKE to create seamless waterchanges.

The next thing on my agenda is to purchase a storage vat for the livestock. I am leaning towards a Hagen made pond storage vats. They are made out of very thick plastic and are durable. My goal is to keep the livestock for about 3-4 weeks in it, so it doesn’t leech anything into the water. I do not know if it is food grade (my guess is no), so I don’t want to take chances with it. Also, I will be designing a sump and the prop tank this week. Should be able to finish up the drawings this weekend. The work on them will be done one week before I move.

So hold on folks… T-3 weeks