Some Advice from an Oldie being a Newbie

alienz · 06/15/2012, 01:02 PM

Wanted to share what I've learned/relearned in the past few months after getting back into the hobby after really being out about 10 years. Most of what I'd say is already in the stickies so I'll just highlight some big changes I think a new reefer should take look into.

1) Controllers - Get one. If you have set up a wireless router in your house, you have enough know-how to get an Apex Jr and hook it up. (Note: Apex Jr doesn't have built-in wireless, but it doesn't require a CS degree to make it work). Being able to check in and have your tank alert you for $150 is simply amazing.

2) Get a fan(s) mounted above your aquarium and use that as your chiller. Chances are fans can keep your water temperature constant when paired with your controller and heater. I was surprised just how much cooling these can accomplish. I wish I had realized this years ago. I got an Air King fan for $16 on Amazon.

3) Get a refractometer and calibrate it properly with a salinity solution. Calibrating using RO/DI water is not the right way to do so regardless of what the directions say.

4) Test your replacement saltwater mix. Don't just assume that the Alk/Calcium/Mg/PH/Nitrates/Phosphates are all in line just because it's fresh and you used RO/DI. Take 30 minutes and make sure.

5) Have a TDS meter for your RO/DI water. Make sure it's 0 coming out.

6) Lastly, have patience.

Hope this proves helpful. I certainly feel much better about my tank now than I ever did in the past. Most of it is due to reading threads here and truly grasping how everything works together.

Best of luck to all! Enjoy!

den75 · 06/15/2012, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alienz

1) Controllers - Get one. If you have set up a wireless router in your house, you have enough know-how to get an Apex Jr and hook it up. (Note: Apex Jr doesn't have built-in wireless, but it doesn't require a CS degree to make it work). Being able to check in and have your tank alert you for $150 is simply amazing.

Pretty simple, just need a wireless ethernet bridge to connect to your home wireless router. 40-50 bucks on amazon.

+1 on everything else as well

alienz · 06/15/2012, 01:15 PM

Yup, wireless bridge is all it takes. But if you're lucky enough that the router isn't far from the controller you can just run cheap ethernet cable.

chad316 · 06/15/2012, 01:17 PM

Been thinking about getting a controller for when I off for 2-3 days. Shall look into it further!!

06/15/2012, 01:02 PM	#1
alienz Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 97	Some Advice from an Oldie being a Newbie Wanted to share what I've learned/relearned in the past few months after getting back into the hobby after really being out about 10 years. Most of what I'd say is already in the stickies so I'll just highlight some big changes I think a new reefer should take look into. 1) Controllers - Get one. If you have set up a wireless router in your house, you have enough know-how to get an Apex Jr and hook it up. (Note: Apex Jr doesn't have built-in wireless, but it doesn't require a CS degree to make it work). Being able to check in and have your tank alert you for $150 is simply amazing. 2) Get a fan(s) mounted above your aquarium and use that as your chiller. Chances are fans can keep your water temperature constant when paired with your controller and heater. I was surprised just how much cooling these can accomplish. I wish I had realized this years ago. I got an Air King fan for $16 on Amazon. 3) Get a refractometer and calibrate it properly with a salinity solution. Calibrating using RO/DI water is not the right way to do so regardless of what the directions say. 4) Test your replacement saltwater mix. Don't just assume that the Alk/Calcium/Mg/PH/Nitrates/Phosphates are all in line just because it's fresh and you used RO/DI. Take 30 minutes and make sure. 5) Have a TDS meter for your RO/DI water. Make sure it's 0 coming out. 6) Lastly, have patience. Hope this proves helpful. I certainly feel much better about my tank now than I ever did in the past. Most of it is due to reading threads here and truly grasping how everything works together. Best of luck to all! Enjoy!

06/15/2012, 01:17 PM	#4
chad316 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Tennessee Posts: 162	Been thinking about getting a controller for when I off for 2-3 days. Shall look into it further!! __________________ Chad Current Tank Info: 65 gallon tank

06/15/2012, 01:15 PM	#3
alienz Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 97	Yup, wireless bridge is all it takes. But if you're lucky enough that the router isn't far from the controller you can just run cheap ethernet cable.