For those of you familliar with the original thread, this is a continuation of the original Reef Diary started on my 55gallon system. Most of the livestock and equipment here came from the original system. Nonetheless, I will give a bit of detail on the old equipment still in use, as well the new upgrades.
The original 55 gallon Perfecto reef ready tank was replaced with a 75 gallon All-Glass reef ready tank. The corner overflow setup of the original 55g tank was a bit intrusive and I really like the back mounted overflow on the 75. The larger footprint also makes it much easier to hide the overflow.
The Lighting unit was also upgraded from a 260w Power compact unit to a 492w HQI/PC combo. The improvement in both the growth, and coloration of the corals has been awesome.
The two 270 gph rated Aquaclear 50 Powerheads were both replaced with 850 gph rated Hydor Koralia 3 Water circulation pumps, raising the flow rate by nearly 1200 gph.
The Skimmer, a Coralife Superskimmer 125, is still in operation, but is slated for replacement providing everything goes according to plan. The Superskimmer, though it has served me well, is planned to be replaced by an ASM G3 some time hopefully this summer.
The Sump, another piece carried on from the previous system, is also slated for replacement. While the existing sump is adequate, I am entertaining the idea of rebuilding the sump from a 30g breeder, as it has a larger footprint than the current 30 gallon long. All of the pre-existing plumbing for the sump has been replaced. The change from ribbed sump hose to vinyl hose has proven very effective for the reduction of noise, and it was a bit easier to work with.
A new addition has made it to my system. A 48 hour power outage with temps in the teens outside occurred about a week after the move. This caused a bit more die-off in the system than we had hoped for. The result was an outbreak of hair algae and diatoms.
The Return pump, A 634 gph Eheim 1260, pressure rated for 500 gph at a 4' head will remain in operation. I highly recommend this pump for anyone with a single overflow system. Its quiet operation, and easy disassembly for cleaning make this a great option for a return.
The 200w All-Glass heater, which just burned out after 3 years of use, was replaceed with a 300 watt heater. I dont recall the brand at current.
And Finally, the stand is yet another hand crafted by myself with the occasional assistance of my children. Thank you Cody (my oldest) for all of the help. I couldnt have done it without you.
In my next post, I'll give a list of all the Livestock, and then it's on to the good stuff, The PICS! I'll try not to dissapoint.
The original 55 gallon Perfecto reef ready tank was replaced with a 75 gallon All-Glass reef ready tank. The corner overflow setup of the original 55g tank was a bit intrusive and I really like the back mounted overflow on the 75. The larger footprint also makes it much easier to hide the overflow.
The Lighting unit was also upgraded from a 260w Power compact unit to a 492w HQI/PC combo. The improvement in both the growth, and coloration of the corals has been awesome.
The two 270 gph rated Aquaclear 50 Powerheads were both replaced with 850 gph rated Hydor Koralia 3 Water circulation pumps, raising the flow rate by nearly 1200 gph.
The Skimmer, a Coralife Superskimmer 125, is still in operation, but is slated for replacement providing everything goes according to plan. The Superskimmer, though it has served me well, is planned to be replaced by an ASM G3 some time hopefully this summer.
The Sump, another piece carried on from the previous system, is also slated for replacement. While the existing sump is adequate, I am entertaining the idea of rebuilding the sump from a 30g breeder, as it has a larger footprint than the current 30 gallon long. All of the pre-existing plumbing for the sump has been replaced. The change from ribbed sump hose to vinyl hose has proven very effective for the reduction of noise, and it was a bit easier to work with.
A new addition has made it to my system. A 48 hour power outage with temps in the teens outside occurred about a week after the move. This caused a bit more die-off in the system than we had hoped for. The result was an outbreak of hair algae and diatoms.
The Return pump, A 634 gph Eheim 1260, pressure rated for 500 gph at a 4' head will remain in operation. I highly recommend this pump for anyone with a single overflow system. Its quiet operation, and easy disassembly for cleaning make this a great option for a return.
The 200w All-Glass heater, which just burned out after 3 years of use, was replaceed with a 300 watt heater. I dont recall the brand at current.
And Finally, the stand is yet another hand crafted by myself with the occasional assistance of my children. Thank you Cody (my oldest) for all of the help. I couldnt have done it without you.
In my next post, I'll give a list of all the Livestock, and then it's on to the good stuff, The PICS! I'll try not to dissapoint.