My slow 135g build

[framerguy]

Aquanotes is a software program that goes with the Neptune controllers so you can set up everything from the computer and monitor parameters, changes and patterns. I hope it works!

[JoJo]

Thanks Greg. it'll be a while before i'm ready for one of those, i guess i'll just have to use my thread to keep track of the parameters for now.

Jack sent me the tracking # on the RO unit, its scheduled to be here on monday, not that i'm ready to hook it up yet. i still have to run a supply line from the front of the house to the rear, where the fish room is located.

since its the weekend, there's a better chance of me getting someone to help me take the tank out of the wall. i was planning on testing it outside but since there's chances of rain, i'll set it up in the garage so i can see if the grounds wet after its filled. is it better to have water moving around during the test or just fill and let it sit? also should i put silicone on the bulkhead gasket for extra sealing?

[JoJo]

i forgot we're going to the HARD ROCK casino this afternoon, i'm still hoping to get some work done on the tank.

[JoJo]

we're back from Hard Rock, only lost $10 total!

still no answer on the silicone huh? i guess i'll put the bulkheads in without the silicone for now. my dad's coming to help me take the tank out of the wall, so the leak test should start shortly

[Dentoid]

JoJo, is there a casino in St Pete now?

[Woodstock]

I did not use silicone with my four bulkheads. I just used new bulkheads (with new seals) and tightened with the special bulkhead wrench.
Good luck with the leak test!!
Sorry, I'm not very strong so I wouldn't be much help.... but I make a great supervisor

Don't forget to take photos of the process!!

[JoJo]

finally got the tank out of the wall & the bulkheads installed (with a bead of silicone around the gaskets, thanks SAS). i finished siliconing around the overflow, so i'll let it cure for say...48hrs, then start the test leak.

[JoJo]

48hrs is starting to seem like forever! the RO unit should be here tomorrow, so while the leak test going on i'll be working plumbing the RO supply line.

[okiejaco]

Looking good jojo. I will be tagging a long.

[JoJo]

glad glad to have you aboard

[BarbMazz]

Originally Posted by JoJo

Thanks Greg. it'll be a while before i'm ready for one of those, i guess i'll just have to use my thread to keep track of the parameters for now.

JoJo, an easy way to keep track of your parameters is to keep a composition notebook by your tank with a pen clipped to it. I'm doing that until I have my ACJr hooked up. I just made headings at the top of the page for each thing; temp, salinity, Ca, pH, mg, Alk, ammonia, nitrIte, nitrAte. Then on the side I mark the date each time I test and mark in the values for the things I've tested for. I've got two pages filled already. If I do something different I make a notation... I make a note of TO amts, feeding, what I fed, amounts, and if I've noticed something, too. It takes me just a second and it's a pretty good record to look at!

[JoJo]

thats a good idea Barb. Nikki just emailed me her Excel spreadsheet for her tank parameters. i have a computer next to the tank area, so i may just utilize it.

[BarbMazz]

Originally Posted by JoJo

thats a good idea Barb. Nikki just emailed me her Excel spreadsheet for her tank parameters. i have a computer next to the tank area, so i may just utilize it.

There ya go! I do my testing in the basement so my computer isn't there. I don't wanna do 2 steps.. writing it down and entering it into the computer!
Lazy!
Since you're set up the way you are that sounds like an EXCELlent idea.

[JoJo]

i just noticed the bunny is gone, what happened?!?

[Craig Manoukian]

Waiting with great anticipation JoJo!