Jim's Nuvo Mini 38

No i like it I agree 100% Thats why I asked!

 

This is a great thread and you all are going to make me spend a grand, lol. UPS are great just remember not to unplug if you want to conserve energy in an outage since most don't startup again without wall power if you do.

 

Do you think a controller is a necessity, what can you control on the light fixture? Would you go with another controller based on your experience? How's the ATO? Pics of install if any, thanks.

 

I'm not sure about your "Would you go with another controller" statement. If you mean would I choose another brand, then cost and features are always a consideration. I am fortunate enough to have the skills to modify and program the Reef Angel. It might not be the best choice for someone without computer skills.

IMHO an ATO is one of the best investments towards the stability of your aquarium. It keeps the salinity within a specific range, which provides more stability for your critters. The one I chose has yet to be affected by snails and other critters - a very important feature.

Unless you have the time every day to attend to the needs of your aquarium, I think a controller is necessary. A controller allows me to run the tank with minimal intervention.

• Programmed the dawn/dusk lights for a specific time/interval.
• 14K lights programmed for a specific time/interval.
• Time interval for feeding.
• Skimmer and bio-pellet reactor to be off during feeding and water changes, and a one minute delay after start up to allow the water level to stabilize.
• ATO off during feeding and water change.
• MP40 off during feeding and water change.
• Main pump off during feeding and water change.
• Control the temps at which the heater is on/off - and a fan if it becomes necessary.
• Moonlight timing and intensity.
• Not in use yet, but if needed, Calc and Alk dosers.
• Which of the above get shut down if the temp reaches a specified level and an email notification when it does.
• Ability to monitor the tank parameters from my computer, and change them on the fly from the computer.

Most of us don't have the time each day to attend to the above items. And consistency with the timing is very important to the health of the aquarium.

 

New pump for CPR Aquatic Nano Reactor

Received the MaxiJet 400 replacement for the Rio+ 90 in the CPR Aquatic Nano Reactor. The connection to the reactor is a match, no mods necessary. I'll do the swap with my next water change.

 

Well, I was wrong about the match. Had to add several layers of PFTE tape to get a snug fit.

 

Hermit crab to the rescue

I don't know if anyone else has observed this behavior. One of the hermits (mid size) fell off a rock and was upside down struggling with no success to right itself. One of the large hermits strolls over grabs the corner of the shell, rights it and strolls off.

In all my years of keeping aquariums, I've never seen one of my critters come to the aid of another.

 

Ive seen them fight over a shell, but not that. Very cool to watch.

 

Bio-pellets Nano Reactor Surprise

It's been 10 days since I installed the CPR Aquatic Nano Reactor with bio-pellets and I am really surprised at how much my tank has cleaned up.

About a week after I installed it I ended up with a large amount of white skimmate in my protein skimmer, and all the algae on the back of the tank also had a white dusting on it - not sure what that is all about, but it was a one time event.

I skipped a week on water changing to allow the bacteria on the bio-pellets to develop. But after my water change on Saturday, the tank has gone squeaky clean. All of the really ugly algae on the back of the tank is gone. I only have to empty my protein skimmer once a day, and it's producing more in the way of desirable skimmate. Before it was twice to three times a day.

I have increased my light cycle up to 9 hours a day from 7 with no algae outbreaks. The original light green algae on the LR is still there, but not as intense as it was. I'm starting to see more of the pencil eraser size spots of coralline algae on the rock. I'm also feeding Phyto Feast daily with no impact. Before, every time I added it, the algae increased - so I stopped feeding.

Articles I have read indicate that it takes four to six weeks for the bacteria to develop on the bio-pellets. But it appears that they have arrived early in my reactor.

I will continue to monitor, but so far it looks like I'm one of the lucky one's who have had positive results using bio-pellets

 

Bad Boy Flame Angel

Well it appears the Flame Angel I got is a nipper. Corals, clam, other fish, crabs. Now I have to catch him and return him to the store.

Heavy sigh - Very active, but always hungry no matter how much I feed.