milesmiles902

Whoa! That is a snag.

@badxgillen That looks mighty professional. Can't wait to start the grow-out.

It depends on what you are testing for. I think some test kits provide a level of accuracy that is needed, while others are just over the top. Either way, you'll be paying for the level of accuracy. I use the Reef Master Test Kit by API for most of the common things tested (pH, NO3-, NO2- and NH3), but I also have a single calcium test kit by API. For more specific things like magnesium and alkalinity I use a Red Sea test kit. I have dabbled with the API phosphate test kit, but I am color blind and can't use it effectively. Some people swear by it, others don't.

Last call for carpooling from Corvallis, OR to the frag swap. We will be leaving here at ~5-6am om Saturday. If you live anywhere on the I-5 corridor, I would be happy to pick you up. 2 spots left.

After speaking with some Oregon residents, born and raised. I hear Zone 2, 6 and 7 are pretty sweet, with some being more touristy. I am coming from Corvallis and 6/7 are closer, but where everyone else is coming from? Also, what are your opinions on cleaning those zones?

That is a beautiful organism right there.

@Pledosophy I think there is a lot of truth to what you said. Outside of what was voted on in this thread, there is much we could do. I really like the idea of beach cleanup or educating the public of some type. Both of those are things that I think that PNWMAS should do at least 2 times a year. Whether that be on a meet day or not, it is important to do outreach. I also think that meetings at local organizations i.e. marine aquariums, research facilities, manufacturing companies are great. I would love to learn about how people build aquarium lights or acrylic aquariums. Not only do we each have our own experiences with these topics, but can contribute as we learn about how other people do it. How professionals do it. Also, consistency is important. I think it would be good to plan out a year of what people think we should do. I know I am not arranging it, and it is hard to plan ahead, but having a schedule where we know 4 months down the line we will have this speaker, or in a month we will be at NOAA getting a tour. For me, when I can plan ahead I have a higher probability of making it. In my opinion, I really like it when frags are raffled off or given away. I would be ok with that happening every meeting, I am not sure if an all out frag swap should happen every meeting (since I haven't been here that long), but can see why it wouldn't be appealing every meeting. Something I would love to see is an auction. We need to have a monthly meeting where people donate frags and they are auctioned off. All the money goes to some type of charity or non-profit that truly needs it. The forum is full of good people doing good things. i am glad I can chime in and let you know what I have to say. Thank you.

Share the Love!

You have done a great job with that aquarium. +1

I haven't been with PNWMAS for very long, but I am willing to help out. Even if it is just unloading boxes or some grunt work. I would be happy to volunteer.

If you bring it to Bob Moore's Frag Swap, I will get some. They look really handy and I am going to throw one in my wallet for future use.

Whatever happens. I think a ride-share would be great. I have a 2001 Ford Escort, which can fit 3 passengers comfortably. I will be coming from Corvallis, Oregon and if anyone needs a ride let me know through PM. If there is no one that needs a ride, I would love to meet in Portland and either offer to drive or pitch in for gas. Thanks!

I watched this last night and it is an awesome video. He spoke of techniques I have never even heard of for the common hobbyist. He has great wisdom and I would love to hear more informatiom. I second the idea of asking him to speak at a monthly meeting.

You must have connections to the NSA. There is no other way.

Please count me in too.

I didn't know that. That's a good idea, I will try to go and find the BRS instructions online. Slow dosing is probably best. I tend to just use a syringe and slowly squirt it into my sump. A drip system is something I might try to figure out how to do.

Thanks! Yeah, I started dosing my aquarium and it seems to be maintaining alkalinity. I haven't measured to see a change in pH, but I think it is fine. Baking soda is what I will use next.

I think I might attempt baking soda for the next batch, but for now I am going to use sodium carbonate. It is very similar. I just imagine that it would alter pH a little more than baking soda.

Hello everyone! I went and bought a Red Sea Alkalinity Pro Test kit and have been using the alkalinity solution inside for a little bit, but since it is about to run out I want to make my own alkalinity solution. I have some ACS grade sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) lying around that I want to use, rather than buying baking soda. I know it is dirt cheap, but I want to just use what I have. I want to clarify my maths :P I am shooting for the same dKH as shown in the Randy Holmes Farley DIY alkalinity solution recipe #1. The proposed dKH is 5,300 dKH (1900meq/L), which is what I am running the calculations off of, with a water volume of 1 gallon. The main reason is I am unfamiliar with meq/L...so... meq/L × equivalent weight = mg/L 1900meq/L * 105.9888g/mol = 201,378.72 mg/L 201,378.72 mg/L * 1g/1000mg * 3.75L/1 gallon * 1gallon = 755 grams of sodium carbonate. To me this seems reasonable because sodium is heavy and it should be more mass than what is in the Randy Holmes Farley DIY. I guess I could test the solution that is made, but I imagine it will be higher than the test kit can handle. I would have to dilute it, then sample it. Any ideas?

That is a great video. It captures enough information to present a good argument. Thanks! Yeah...I don't think that is on the market. :P

Here was my thought process: Chemical pump dispenser -> Liquid Dispenser -> Pump Dispenser local (search) -> Bed Bath and Beyond. https://www.google.com/search?q=Pump+Dispenser+local&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8 I don't know if they all would measure, but I think moving in the direction of soap or lotion dispensers isn't a bad idea. If you are willing to not do local, amazon is always a good option.

What are you using it for?

It happened. Be careful!! I went to my auto topoff smelling burnt plastic to find the pump melted from the inside-out . It was smelling of burnt plastic even though it was submerged in 6 inches of water. A relay is a better option.

Could you link the video? The craziest thing I find about activated carbon is that quite a lot of aquarist use it, but we still have nothing to test for. For either life-time of the carbon, or quantity to add.. It is has always been a rule of thumb and probably always will be. It's hilarious. Guess that is the beauty of the hobby. Sometimes you just know what's best. As goldenbasketreef said. Is there alternatives to activated carbon?

That just looks amazing. You are doing a good build. I have never seen a starfire tank in person. Now that the tank has rock in it, would you advise it to another person? It can be difficult to judge clarity with a camera.