Jim's Nuvo Mini 38

First day of cycle

• Temp Stabilized
• Water level discovered and set
• Filters in
• UV off
• Spin Stream Nozzles in place
• Placed the Ammonia Alert
• No lights.

Added the first dose of SeaChem Laboratories Marine Stability and the tank cycle is under way.

While the cycle is in progress, I'll be installing and configuring my Reef Angel Controller.

 

Not using Reef Angel ATO

After much consideration, I have decided not to use the ATO that is standard with the Reef Angel. It is based on float switches, and does not come with proper mounting hardware for the switches. I have been unable to find mounting hardware that I am comfortable using. If the ATO goes south, it can create real havoc for the aquarium, and in my case our living room. A scenario that I never want to deal with.

I have used the Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155 in the past, and find it to be the best of the ATO systems. It comes complete with it's own pump, and is basically a closed loop system. I especially like the electronic eye for determining the water level. Much more sensitive that float switches which means I will have more consistent water mix. The mounting hardware is also very correct using a magnetic bloc to attach. No danger of it working it's way loose over time.

 

No response from Innovative Marine

I've sent two emails to Innovative Marine requesting purchase information for a spare return pump with no response. I hope this is not an indicator that no one is home!

 

How long ago did you send the first and second emails? I would give them some time.

 

UPS on it's way

Just ordered a UPS to keep the tank alive during power outage.

After much investigation, I settled on the:
[FONT=&quot]CyberPower CP1350PFCLCD UPS 1350VA 810W PFC Compatible Pure Sine Wave[/FONT]

Ordered from Amazon.com for $158. Based on my estimated load, it should provide me with fifteen + minutes of keep alive with the heater on, and twenty + minutes with it off.

 

First email 14 October, second email 28 October.

 

Issue getting salinity correct

I added the Tropic Marin BIO ACTIF Salt in the prescribed dose of 1/2 cup salt per gallon, when mixing the RO/DI water for the tank, but my salinity is barely 1.020 - I have been replacing the evaporated water ( 30 ounces per day) with mixed water, but it is still rising ever so slowly.

I sent off an email to Tropic Marin hoping for the correct dose for mixing - waiting for response.

 

That's weird. Have you tried measuring just 1/2c salt to 1g and see what the salinity of 1g is? If the salinity comes correct for that, then it just isn't mixing in your tank (not to sound obvious).

Are you mixing salt with a heater in the water, and a pump/powerhead to stir?

 

My bad

I received a reply from Tropic Marin regarding the salt to water ratio, and they confirmed 1/2 cup per gallon.

I mixed up three gallons and circulated it overnight, and it read 1.024 - SOO I must have screwed up when mixing. I made the water in four gallon increments - so I must have made a mistake in one of the seven batches I made :-[. Now to correct the problem without overshooting the mark.

I guess the best way is to continue on the path I am on by replacing the 30 ounces each day with mixed rather than straight RO/DI. There be nothing in the tank except the rock and sand. I wonder if it will effect the cycling?

 

ReefAngel controller in place

The ReefAngel controller is in place with it's final program. Really nice to have the ReefAngel Client on my PC talking to the ReefAngel WiFi which allows me to modify most of the controller functions from my PC, and manual control over all ports when needed. I still have to calibrate the Ph probe, but that can wait until tomorrow.

Also installed my Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155 ATO and did the initial level set. Probably have to tweak it a time or two more to get the water level just right. Powering it from the ReefAngel allowed me to put a two minute delay in powering it on after feeding/water change/power on. This will keep it from alarming and possibly adding more water than is needed.

I have also brought my salinity level up to 1.024 which is where I would like it. It will fluctuate a little until I dial in my ATO, but no more wild swings with the once a day top off.

Only remaining equipment is the UPS which should be here Monday afternoon. And perhaps next Friday a couple of fish - If water params are okay.