The 120 update
Things are progressing nicely. Did a bunch of work on it the last 2 days so I figured I would give an update. Its been challenging trying to run 2 tanks on 1 apex. I needed to do it though because I wanted to see what kind of amperage draw I was getting with both tanks running. They are on a 15 amp GFI circuit and when everything is on at the peak of the day including heaters in both tanks, I draw about 7 amps so I am good.
The 120 has had water in it for a month now and the cycle is complete. I did a 50% water change this morning as my nitrates were at 10, so I am hoping that brought it down a bit but I haven't checked it yet (letting things settle). Phosphates were at .16 before the change as well. I added some chemi pure elite to my sump and some carbon after the water change so hopefully the phosphates will come down. Also picked up 5 trochus snails, 5 cyriths, and 1 conch as the diatoms are starting to bloom. I sure do hate the uglies but I guess every tank has to go through them a bit.
I went with 2 Radion xr30w pro's for lighting. I got the WXM for the apex and had a bit of trouble linking them up but I think I finally have it. Now I just have to figure out what program and time length to use so I don't get unwanted algae. I really do like it, some of the colors you get with it are amazing.
The stand I built is working out well. The doors are attached by magnets so they can be completely removed for maintenance. The electrical cabinet is off to the left. I put it on a heavy duty drawer slider so I could slide it out for ease of cleaning pumps and what not. I labeled all the cords so I know exactly what to unplug and where to plug it back in. The only thing that is not complete is the Tunze ATO as I am still trying to figure out how I want to program it in and how big and where to put the reservoir
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Cord management is the bane of my existence. I don't know how people keep their cords nice and neat and still be able to do maintenance. The sad part is with all those cords there its still not done. The brain of the apex is on the other side of the tank as I still have to run the little tank with it.
Underneath Ii have the trigger emerald 34 sump. the water drops in from my reef synergy overflow with a bean animal drain system, through 2 filter socks, then into the skimmer compartment. I decided on the skimz oval skimmer as it fit the best in the compartment.
then it goes through my refugium, some more mechanical filration, through the carbon and chemipure to the Vectra return pump. I am actually not all that happy with the Vectra. Some of the plumbing on it is a little goofy (they use British pipe not standard) and it doesn't communicate with the apex at all so some of the cool features on it I cant use. When it comes time to replace it (unless the add some better features) I think I will go with an apex ready DC pump.
For cleaning I designed the hood to flip back. Also the rails that the radions are sitting on I designed so I can push them all the way to the back of the tank so I can get in the tank and scrub everything easily. I have 2 Neptune WAV powerheads that I am still trying to figure out how to program.
there is also a side door on the stand for ease of getting to the return pump. That's about it for now. Its still a work in progress Hope you enjoyed and Happy reefing!