LITTLE BLUE| IM30L (picking up pieces after the crush)

[A Little Blue]

3 hours ago, specore said:

Somehow I have a feeling you'll end up with two 360x's 🙂

 

It's a safe prediction. However, I need to prioritize my reefing budget as I have plans to invest in serious automation. Going to be away from home quite a bit next year so some measures are necessary to keep reef tank alive.

[specore]

1 hour ago, A Little Blue said:

It's a safe prediction. However, I need to prioritize my reefing budget as I have plans to invest in serious automation. Going to be away from home quite a bit next year so some measures are necessary to keep reef tank alive.

Apex...or something else?

[A Little Blue]

On 12/2/2018 at 2:36 PM, specore said:

Apex...or something else?

I’m thinking Apex with their dosing pumps for auto WC. Can’t decide between regular or EL? EL would save me some $$$ that I could use for future upgrades such as Trident ALK/Ca/Mg monitoring... IDK.

 

 

 

And some new page close up pics:

1st pic shows something fuzzy on rainbow monti, no clue what it was. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[specore]

A used classic is a great option, especially if you have an Ethernet connection near the tank. 

 

Photos look great too.  

[A Little Blue]

4 hours ago, specore said:

A used classic is a great option, especially if you have an Ethernet connection near the tank. 

 

Photos look great too.  

They come up on used market in my area from time to time. I don’t have Ethernet anywhere close. Also, I am not sure if Classic can support Trident. 

I have %15 off and no interest from one of on line stores so I was thinking NEW. 

Pics taken with new lens so I can’t take credit for that. 👍

[specore]

4 hours ago, A Little Blue said:

They come up on used market in my area from time to time. I don’t have Ethernet anywhere close. Also, I am not sure if Classic can support Trident. 

I have %15 off and no interest from one of on line stores so I was thinking NEW. 

Pics taken with new lens so I can’t take credit for that. 👍

No, classic won't support Trident.  Also IME pain in the butt to connect with a wireless bridge as well.  If I were in the market I would probably go EL and just add the VDM and salinity modules when/if I was ready. 

[A Little Blue]

1 hour ago, specore said:

No, classic won't support Trident.  Also IME pain in the butt to connect with a wireless bridge as well.  If I were in the market I would probably go EL and just add the VDM and salinity modules when/if I was ready. 

I have heard that EL has some limitations in contrast to top of the line version. Not sure if that’s relevant or not to what I intend to use it for but from what I have read, it should be sufficient enough. Trident is something I will definitely look into as an upgrade. THX👍

[specore]

14 hours ago, A Little Blue said:

I have heard that EL has some limitations in contrast to top of the line version. Not sure if that’s relevant or not to what I intend to use it for but from what I have read, it should be sufficient enough. Trident is something I will definitely look into as an upgrade. THX👍

I think the main thing is no port for a salinity probe and no variable dimming ports.  Both can be added as a module though. 

[A Little Blue]

5 hours ago, specore said:

I think the main thing is no port for a salinity probe and no variable dimming ports.  Both can be added as a module though. 

Not sure if that is even a big deal or not.... Honestly, this whole "automation" capabilities are somewhat overwhelming. Especially since I don't have any experience with Apex or similarly complex tools. 

[specore]

5 minutes ago, A Little Blue said:

Not sure if that is even a big deal or not.... Honestly, this whole "automation" capabilities are somewhat overwhelming. Especially since I don't have any experience with Apex or similarly complex tools. 

I don't use the salinity probe.  However, the variable dimming ports allow Kessil and DC pump control.  So you'll probably want those at some point, but can find used VDM modules for $75 or so. 

[A Little Blue]

5 minutes ago, specore said:

I don't use the salinity probe.  However, the variable dimming ports allow Kessil and DC pump control.  So you'll probably want those at some point, but can find used VDM modules for $75 or so. 

Salinity probe is non issue. I like my Milwaukee which makes it super easy to test on the spot with repeatable accuracy. 

Good to know about inexpensive 2nd hand option. If I would have gone with two 360x kessils then I'm not sure if I would really need that vdm unit. Maybe for various pumps or top off IDK?? ...... I'll have to look into it as I am just exploring this whole Apex business. Lol

[specore]

1 minute ago, A Little Blue said:

Salinity probe is non issue. I like my Milwaukee which makes it super easy to test on the spot with repeatable accuracy. 

Good to know about inexpensive 2nd hand option. If I would have gone with two 360x kessils then I'm not sure if I would really need that vdm unit. Maybe for various pumps or top off IDK?? ...... I'll have to look into it as I am just exploring this whole Apex business. Lol

Yeah, and if you like the Kessil controller the Apex control isn't necessary.  I do like the Apex control for the Varios return pump though, as I can fine tune it rather than use the 5 set speeds on the stock Varios controller. 

[A Little Blue]

14 minutes ago, specore said:

Yeah, and if you like the Kessil controller the Apex control isn't necessary.  I do like the Apex control for the Varios return pump though, as I can fine tune it rather than use the 5 set speeds on the stock Varios controller. 

I do get that part. Just not sure if I need that much tweaking to get results. I guess what I need is basic live monitoring, adjustability/corrections from a far, auto WC, safeguards and Alk/Ca/Mg autopilot if trident really works as promised. 

[A Little Blue]

Christmasy update:

Pipefish still alive. 

Smaller Urchin, not so much. 

Lost one frag for unknown reason. 

Two dead mini frags, came back to life after several weeks (or months....who is counting). 

New Kessil 360X is hanging along with 2XA160 on ghetto diy bracket. 

Set at %65 max. 

Wars began as frags keep on growing. 

Neptun/DOS arrived as well as Secret Santa surprise box. 

Will update soon. 

 

 

[specore]

1 hour ago, A Little Blue said:

Christmasy update:

Pipefish still alive. 

Smaller Urchin, not so much. 

Lost one frag for unknown reason. 

Two dead mini frags, came back to life after several weeks (or months....who is counting). 

New Kessil 360X is hanging along with 2XA160 on getto diy bracket. 

Set at %65 max. 

Wars began as frags keep on growing. 

Neptun/DOS arrived as well as Secret Santa surprise box. 

Will update soon. 

 

 

Santa did good 🎅

[A Little Blue]

17 hours ago, specore said:

Santa did good 🎅

He did great. I got old Hanna (ppm type) but this one is better. No more conversions. On day to day bases, I usually use Elos KH test bc it's quick. For more precised nr, RedSea.

Ring turned out to be an amazing chewing toy for my dog. 

[A Little Blue]

Skip to next paragraph for quick update as this might bore you. 

First impressions and thoughts about Neptune System. 

So I was sold on Neptune’ ease of use and features, well..... It turns out there is a lot to learn, bunch of things you can screw up if you don’t know what you’re doing and a long initial setup process. I wouldn’t call it either user friendly or confirm claims that anyone could set this up within 15min out of the box. 

I do have to say that Neptune’ support is very responsive and helpful. They troubleshoot my unit remotely and held my hand while trying to pinpoint issues I had with initial setup and DOS dosing unit. Overall, I believe there is a potential and benefits that come with Neptun system. But I would be cautious to trust your livestock, investment and hard work with automation and convenience that this product is capable of. Failing technology is less common than say... human error but it sure could happened. With that in mind, I plan on slowely integrating Neptune to my system so I can learn how to use it safely without overcomplicating things unnecessary. 

What will I use it for........?

Those who follow this build and know a bit about my approach to reefing should know that I neglect water changes (once every month or two 3-4g). Second most neglected is testing water chemistry (Testing only for Alk, Salinity daily). Ammonia, Phosphates, Nitrites, Nitrates? I have no clue. I haven’t test those in this tank EVER. 

And lastly, my goal is to achieve stability with minimum amount of effort and maintenance. 

So I am hoping that Neptune can fill the void in my shortcomings. Dosing 2part to achieve basic stable chemistry, automatic water changes, monitoring, critical alerts and possibly, remote access in case of an emergency. 

Never really cared what my PH was and now I see it all the time 😞

 

 

Update:

Kessil 360X is growing on me. 

I might have to write a short review to go a bit more in depth. Set at %65 intensity and between %5-25 color. Purple at %70 peak, red at %20peak, green at %8 peak. 

Additional A160 unites are set to %70 peak and %15-20 color. 

Replaced ChemiPure, carbon and rinse off bio-spheres.

Moved few corals to Q-tank to reduce clutter in the main tank. 

Q-tank had some flatworms problem. It was addressed and I am happy to report that flatworms seem to be gone. 

Q-tank became kind of a dump for frags that didn’t make it and less favorite corals. Surprisingly, some of those “dead” frags came back to life. 

Q-tank needs a bit of TLC. I haven’t change water or clean it since I have set it up. Coralline and GSP are slowely taking over that tank. Return pump/line needs some vinegar bath as I noticed significant reduction in flow. 

No new corals, fish or inverts. 

Also, no new disasters, pests or issues. 

So far so good. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[specore]

26 minutes ago, A Little Blue said:

Skip to next paragraph for quick update as this might bore you. 

First impressions and thoughts about Neptune System. 

So I was sold on Neptune’ ease of use and features, well..... It turns out there is a lot to learn, bunch of things you can screw up if you don’t know what you’re doing and a long initial setup process. I wouldn’t call it either user friendly or confirm claims that anyone could set this up within 15min out of the box. 

I do have to say that Neptune’ support is very responsive and helpful. They troubleshoot my unit remotely and held my hand while trying to pinpoint issues I had with initial setup and DOS dosing unit. Overall, I believe there is a potential and benefits that come with Neptun system. But I would be cautious to trust your livestock, investment and hard work with automation and convenience that this product is capable of. Failing technology is less common than say... human error but it sure could happened. With that in mind, I plan on slowely integrating Neptune to my system so I can learn how to use it safely without overcomplicating things unnecessary. 

What will I use it for........?

Those who follow this build and know a bit about my approach to reefing should know that I neglect water changes (once every month or two 3-4g). Second most neglected is testing water chemistry (Testing only for Alk, Salinity daily). Ammonia, Phosphates, Nitrites, Nitrates? I have no clue. I haven’t test those in this tank EVER. 

And lastly, my goal is to achieve stability with minimum amount of effort and maintenance. 

So I am hoping that Neptune can fill the void in my shortcomings. Dosing 2part to achieve basic stable chemistry, automatic water changes, monitoring, critical alerts and possibly, remote access in case of an emergency. 

Never really cared what my PH was and now I see it all the time 😞

 

 

Update:

Kessil 360X is growing on me. 

I might have to write a short review to go a bit more in depth. Set at %65 intensity and between %5-25 color. Purple at %70 peak, red at %20peak, green at %8 peak. 

Additional A160 unites are set to %70 peak and %15-20 color. 

Replaced ChemiPure, carbon and rinse off bio-spheres.

Moved few corals to Q-tank to reduce clutter in the main tank. 

Q-tank had some flatworms problem. It was addressed and I am happy to report that flatworms seem to be gone. 

Q-tank became kind of a dump for frags that didn’t make it and less favorite corals. Surprisingly, some of those “dead” frags came back to life. 

Q-tank needs a bit of TLC. I haven’t change water or clean it since I have set it up. Coralline and GSP are slowely taking over that tank. Return pump/line needs some vinegar bath as I noticed significant reduction in flow. 

No new corals, fish or inverts. 

Also, no new disasters, pests or issues. 

So far so good. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm with you on pH...although I have to admit 8.2 is awesome!  Did you calibrate the pH probe?  Can't get mine over 7.9 🙂  Anyhow pH is more for the people running calcium reactors and CO2

 

And you'll learn to trust it in time.  Mine has not failed once in 10 years.  If there is an issue it is with my programming, which is why it is important to test new coding.  

[mitten_reef]

@A Little Blue, your photos are top notch.  keep them coming!

 

Tank is looking great. 

[A Little Blue]

11 hours ago, micoastreefing said:

@A Little Blue, your photos are top notch.  keep them coming!

 

Tank is looking great. 

Thanks. Getting a hang of it. Could use few lens extension macro rings and decent stand. 

 

[A Little Blue]

I was thinking about short review of new Kessil 360X but when you gab BRS why bother?

 

[WV Reefer]

On 12/19/2018 at 11:10 AM, A Little Blue said:

Thanks. Getting a hang of it. Could use few lens extension macro rings and decent stand. 

 

Gorgeous pictures.  🙂

[A Little Blue]

38 minutes ago, WV Reefer said:

Gorgeous pictures.  🙂

Ohhh thanks. 😘

Two things that I’ve learned about reef photography,

it’s not easy and some corals love camera more than the others. 

[WV Reefer]

12 minutes ago, A Little Blue said:

Ohhh thanks. 😘

Two things that I’ve learned about reef photography,

it’s not easy and some corals love camera more than the others. 

I keep saying that “I need to pull out my real camera.”

 

 

 

But I need to pull out my real camera. 😄

[A Little Blue]

22 minutes ago, WV Reefer said:

I keep saying that “I need to pull out my real camera.”

 

 

 

But I need to pull out my real camera. 😄

That’s what I kept saying to myself. 

It paid off. With a bit of frustration and few hundred crappy pictures later, I am sold. 

You should try it. I’m not much help as a novice but I can share what I’ve learned (not much). 🤣😂🤣