HI everyone,
Its been awhile since i picked up my RSM 130 off of craigslist. Cleaned that bad boy out and upgraded a few things and finally set the system up to cycle.
Here's a list of inventory on system:
* Original RSM 130
* Upgraded pump (courtesy of Red Sea Max ; great customer service!!)
* upgraded RSM surface skimmer
* RapidLED retrofit dimmable solderless LEDs with manual dimming controller (full spectrum kit: 14 royal blue; 1 red, 1 green, 4 UV ; 7 cool white)
* Eheim Jager 150w heater
* Tunze 9001 skimmer
* InTank media basket
* JBJ Arctica 1/10 chiller ( will need it living in Southern CAlifornia)
* Koralia EVO 1400
* Refractometer
* Tunze ATO ( haven't pulled trigger yet as still deciding on 3152 or 3155 model)
* 30lbs CaribSea Fiji Pink sand
* approx. 40 lbs of live rock (25 lbs live rock thats been dry and sitting in bucket, and 15 lbs of live rock)
I upgraded and installed the RapidLED. The process took me 4 hours to complete and adjust drivers. After completing, i realized i failed to take pictures so i can document and show the process. ( sorry) I like the shimmering effect and brightness of the LEDs, however i will need to adjust the lighting to my liking....they are very bright...also the red and green leds tend to give it a spotlight...will look into it further.
On Sunday, I was able to mix RO water with some Red Sea Coral Pro Salt and tested at 1.026. I added it to the tank and I was on my way. After debating to add sand or rock first, I went ahead and put the 30lbs of sand to create a rough 1 1/2" -2" sand bed. I used a cup to add the sand in so sandstorm wasn't too bad. Not being able to see, i went ahead and just blindly put the rock into the tank. I figured i can start my aquascaping when it clears up or when the cycle is complete.
I put the Intank Media Basket in along with some filter floss and luckily for me, the tank has cleared up pretty good. After reading numerous post, i left out the purigen and CPE. Whats the general consensus on this? Should I wait until my cycle is done before adding these two in?
I have yet to plumb the chiller as temperatures have been somewhat cool but will do so soon.
I haven't installed the Tunze 9001 skimmer also as I will wait until my cycle is done....or should i go ahead and install/run it now?
Speaking of my cycle, woke up this morning and turned off lights (will be off during cycle) and everything looked great. opened up the lid to look and was hit with a very bad foul smell...im guessing the die off from the rock?? Wife doesn't think it was too bad but it was to me. Is this normal and how long should i expect this to last? the whole cycle?
I failed to test water parameters but will do so once i get home. Should have done it when set up for documentation but i was waiting for water to clear.
Again, thanks for all the help and looking forward to posting photos...nearly there.
Its been awhile since i picked up my RSM 130 off of craigslist. Cleaned that bad boy out and upgraded a few things and finally set the system up to cycle.
Here's a list of inventory on system:
* Original RSM 130
* Upgraded pump (courtesy of Red Sea Max ; great customer service!!)
* upgraded RSM surface skimmer
* RapidLED retrofit dimmable solderless LEDs with manual dimming controller (full spectrum kit: 14 royal blue; 1 red, 1 green, 4 UV ; 7 cool white)
* Eheim Jager 150w heater
* Tunze 9001 skimmer
* InTank media basket
* JBJ Arctica 1/10 chiller ( will need it living in Southern CAlifornia)
* Koralia EVO 1400
* Refractometer
* Tunze ATO ( haven't pulled trigger yet as still deciding on 3152 or 3155 model)
* 30lbs CaribSea Fiji Pink sand
* approx. 40 lbs of live rock (25 lbs live rock thats been dry and sitting in bucket, and 15 lbs of live rock)
I upgraded and installed the RapidLED. The process took me 4 hours to complete and adjust drivers. After completing, i realized i failed to take pictures so i can document and show the process. ( sorry) I like the shimmering effect and brightness of the LEDs, however i will need to adjust the lighting to my liking....they are very bright...also the red and green leds tend to give it a spotlight...will look into it further.
On Sunday, I was able to mix RO water with some Red Sea Coral Pro Salt and tested at 1.026. I added it to the tank and I was on my way. After debating to add sand or rock first, I went ahead and put the 30lbs of sand to create a rough 1 1/2" -2" sand bed. I used a cup to add the sand in so sandstorm wasn't too bad. Not being able to see, i went ahead and just blindly put the rock into the tank. I figured i can start my aquascaping when it clears up or when the cycle is complete.
I put the Intank Media Basket in along with some filter floss and luckily for me, the tank has cleared up pretty good. After reading numerous post, i left out the purigen and CPE. Whats the general consensus on this? Should I wait until my cycle is done before adding these two in?
I have yet to plumb the chiller as temperatures have been somewhat cool but will do so soon.
I haven't installed the Tunze 9001 skimmer also as I will wait until my cycle is done....or should i go ahead and install/run it now?
Speaking of my cycle, woke up this morning and turned off lights (will be off during cycle) and everything looked great. opened up the lid to look and was hit with a very bad foul smell...im guessing the die off from the rock?? Wife doesn't think it was too bad but it was to me. Is this normal and how long should i expect this to last? the whole cycle?
I failed to test water parameters but will do so once i get home. Should have done it when set up for documentation but i was waiting for water to clear.
Again, thanks for all the help and looking forward to posting photos...nearly there.