Wildeone's Newest Obsession - Page 11

wildeone · 07-10-2006, 11:44 PM

Thanks for the compliments, but I should be complimenting all of you. I could never have gotten so far witout all of the tiem and effort put into this site by both the admins and the POWER REEFERS!

Blubber, yes it is not the same BTA, this is a blow up one that I keep in a box beside the tank for photo oppertunities LOL. Yes, it is the same BTA. I love his color. I had no idea when i got him (sold as a Green BTA) that he would be almost flourescent pink. I am still a little scared as I feel like i still have much to learn about these guys. Since All I ever have feed him a mysis and silversides I think I will go to the store tomorrow and get him a scallop and some table shrimp just to mix it up.

Veriann, how are you so observant! No, I didn't need to swindle an Xp disk. I only needed that if I was going to hook the Aquacontroller Jr up and ship it out to the web. I am using www.logmein.com to actually connect remotely to my PC and from there I can see the tank levels and settings. And that service is free...So Take That Bill Gates!

The snails are not staying out of the overflow box and I calculated the size of the overflows so each could handle the job if the other was plugged. i put gutterguard in the 90 to keep them going on a mission into the sump. The snails calculated that if they teamed up and timed it right they could plug both at the same time and cause my pump to run dry. I ended up making a gutterguard shroud that slips over the return 90 degree fitting in the overflows and it keeps them out.

Rob, add another accomplisment to your list, phyto, brine and now I am on the Kalwasser kick!

wildeone · 07-11-2006, 01:36 AM

Tonight I started dosing Kalkwasser (pickling lime) into my tank. I recently noticed that my calcium was dropping and I need to keep it consistant. I believe that the Kalk will not UP may Ca level, but it will hold it. I still have yet to see what I need to do to raise it. That is next.

After some discussion and watching Robs Videocast, I decided to dose 1000ml or 1 liter per night at a rate of 125ml for 8 hours. I will see where this gets me and the up it from there. Here are my current reading before dosing kalk.

PH 8.08 at midnight.
Ca - 300
dKH - 9.9
Alk 3.54 mq/l

BTW, I actually found the Pickling Lime at a chain store called The Andersons. It was $1.70. If this is cheaper then elsewhere, I would be happy to box some up and ship it to whover so long as you cover the ship and the lime. I have seen it for $3.40 online thats why I mention it.

Thanks to Rob and Blubber for the help getting this going!

fat walrus · 07-11-2006, 01:59 AM

how much do you get for $1.70 ?

V · 07-11-2006, 09:58 AM

i love the spirit u put into that tank, we were only talking about kalk the other day & you;ve already started dosing.
im officially changing your name to hair_trigger!

raising your concentration level should be done slowly but consistantly, keep a careful eye on the three pillars of stability, & also keep the Mg test kit near by, because your going to need it when bringing your levels up!

any qwery's u know we're all here to bounce questions off! good luck buddy!
will try to duck in the thread for more frequent visits in the future ok!

***Rob*** · 07-11-2006, 12:26 PM

the stuff i buy (lime) i get online..
i get it for about $55 for 12 - 1 Lbs tubs

so yes, i would be interested in how much you are getting for >$2

wildeone · 07-11-2006, 11:53 PM

FW and Rob. I am getting Mrs. Wages Pickling Lime 1 lb container for $1.70 I think that even included tax. It is the salsa flavored...

Just kidding! I got the last jar on the shelf but I know I can get more. Let me know if you want some. Rob that would be like a $35 savings! How about I send you a case and you send me that ipod!

I am full of 'em tonight!

Veriann, thanks for the compliments. I will keep this thread posted with my drip records. My skimmer really cranked up its output today!

**CarmieJo** · 07-12-2006, 12:24 AM

Duane, are there still Big Bear stores in Columbus? There was one on Lane St across from campus that was within easy walking distance of my apartment my senior year.

wildeone · 07-12-2006, 12:27 AM

No, they all closed down 2 years ago. Great store, myself and 3 of my siblings worked there. They just got run out my Wal-Mart, and other large chains and from soome Mismanagement. Shame!

***Rob*** · 07-12-2006, 02:53 PM

yep, thats the exact stuff i am using..
i have been getting it here
http://mrswages.stores.yahoo.net/w502-h7425.html
$3.85 a contaner, or $45 for a case + shipping

so yeah, thats a $2 savings per container.. good find..

wildeone · 07-12-2006, 10:44 PM

Tank report - Follow on Kalkwasser project - Tank Levels

I have dosed about 1/2 gallon of Kalkwasser in the last 2 nights. I have been mixing 3 tbsp vinegar to 3/4 tsp picking lime in a 2 qt container. Here are my current levels.

PH 8.07 at 21:45
Ca - 350
dKH - 10.6
Alk 3.77 mq/l

fat walrus · 07-12-2006, 10:59 PM

seems like it is working. keep up the good work and the outstanding updates.

V · 07-13-2006, 08:53 AM

50 points in 2 days, u havn't mentioned what Ca target are u aiming for?
the kalk has brought the ph rating up. are u still getting that 2 - 3point drop before lights_on 6am?

wildeone · 07-13-2006, 10:01 PM

Veriann, I am looking to stay between 400 an 450. Actually the PH has not changed but .01, read post 252.

I cannot say for sure if I am having that drop right before the lights come on because I don't have the unit connected to my PC full time due to a ground loop issue. The ground loop was giving me false PH readings. Details at I have a PH issue and need some help.

The local controller memory only holds so much, but I had a swing from 7.85 at 5:45 to 8.08 at 17:45. My lights are coming on around 6:00.