Lchi’s Saltwater Build- 10g To Im25 Lagoon!

[Lchi87]

Sweet! Love watching those shrimp at the LFS. Lchi87 I need to stop following this thread...now I'm thinking maybe I should do Saltwater with my 36.

If you can swallow the startup cost and are okay with a FOWLR for a while it’s actually not as bad as I thought it would be. Another thing I’m doing to save on water cost is mixing my own. All you need is a bucket, salt, and a powerhead.

The RO water for mixing I am still getting from the LFS. But its only 2.50 for 5 gallons of RO vs 12.50 for 5 gallons of sw. Eventually I want to get an RODI system for my tap so then I won’t have to buy outside water at all.

But aside from RO water, and obviously the stock, I haven’t spent any more than my initial startup cost.

 

[grantm91]

Lchi87 I still don't have an RODI unit its too easy to go to the lfs, I also want one though as its just something I need, then I have everything.

 

[Lchi87]

Lchi87 I still don't have an RODI unit its too easy to go to the lfs, I also want one though as its just something I need, then I have everything.

Sucks because the responsible thing to do is buy the RODI unit first so I’m not blowing all this cash on water but the only thing I wanna buy right now is a better light so I can get corals!!

 

[DarkOne]

$140 used


$225 new


$60 used (3rd item)


Just trying to help

 

[Lchi87]

$140 used


$225 new


$60 used (3rd item)


Just trying to help

LOL! The last one was tempting but its over an hour away !

 

[DarkOne]

Road trip!

 

[platy21]

If you can swallow the startup cost and are okay with a FOWLR for a while it’s actually not as bad as I thought it would be. Another thing I’m doing to save on water cost is mixing my own. All you need is a bucket, salt, and a powerhead.

The RO water for mixing I am still getting from the LFS. But its only 2.50 for 5 gallons of RO vs 12.50 for 5 gallons of sw. Eventually I want to get an RODI system for my tap so then I won’t have to buy outside water at all.

But aside from RO water, and obviously the stock, I haven’t spent any more than my initial startup cost.

I figure I'll slowly price things and get things together, unless a great deal surprises me and I have the extra cash to act quick. Part of my dilemma is we are hopefully moving this summer, so I don't know if I want to set up a Saltwater tank only to have to tear it down to move across the city a few months from now. Other side of the issue is I am not in love with my 36 gallon bowfront. The bow limits my viewing angles and I would like a larger tank. Undecided if I want to start out with Saltwater smaller before I dive head first into sumps and drilled tanks or I want to use my existing equipment and make due with a smaller set up. Last problem is I am the most indecisive person on the planet, so it will take a while to reach a decision haha.

 

[Nart]

Lchi87 I wouldn't recommend buying a used RODI unless you know that person and how they've cared for the unit. one of my buddies just bought a used RODI unit... he spent hours trying to open the canisters because it was sealed shut, replaced all the filters, etc... etc... a pain that you don't want to experience for your first time.

 

[Lchi87]

Good point Nart. I’m in no rush for it so I can save up for a new one. Any ones you like/recommend?

 

[Nart]

Good point Nart. I’m in no rush for it so I can save up for a new one. Any ones you like/recommend?

I like, use, and would recommend the one by Marine Depot, 4 stage RODI. It's $200, but I shopped for it during MD's 4th of July sale and got it for $142, which is the lowest price I've seen, even when compared to their Black Friday or X-mas sales. It sounds like a steep price right off the bat, but on top of the 4 stage RODI unit, it comes with the in-line TDS meter, which is like $25 by itself, and comes with a pressure gauge, which is around another $25.

You can't go wrong with the RODI units by Marine Depot, Bulk Reef Supply, or Spectra Pure. They all utilize the same canister filtration, so you can purchase replacement filters from pretty much anywhere and they will fit. Btw - I like buying things from Marine Depot and Bulk Reef Supply. Their customer service is top notch. If you have questions about parts on RODI, installing, troubleshooting, or broken things... They'll make it right.

 

[Lchi87]

Amazing, thanks! You’ve always got the answers Nart lol. The Marine Depot one is most likely what i’ll go with as I wanted a TDS meter anyway. I’ll wait for a sale though, woof.

 

[Nart]

LchI - another side note that some RODI owners do not realize... Kind of sucks for some and kind of don't for others... but, water pressure. It's not the same for everyone.
To run a RODI unit properly and efficiently, I think you want at least 60 PSI to properly work a 100 GPD RODI unit, (ideally you want 80-90 PSI).

Anyways, why am I telling you this? I, like some of the RODI owners, went ahead and bought the 4 Stage RODI unit. Installed it and found that when I turned it on... my pressure was only around 30 PSI. You technically can still use the RODI unit at 30 PSI, but it'll take a while to make water and your RO membrane will probably need to be changed more frequently.
I went ahead and bought the AquaFX booster pump, which I paid full-price for ($100) because there wasn't any deals going after the 4th of July. Now, at around 80 PSI with my 100GPD RODI unit, it takes me about 1hr and 10mins to make 5 gallons of water. I've had the unit for about 7 months now and have not had to change any of the filters, though I am coming up on that date to change some filters, but the RO membrane, when used properly, I think they say the lifespan for that is 2 years.

So just an FYI, you might want to factor in $100 extra to the RODI budget JIC.

Others might ask, do you really make your money back with an RODI unit? Yes. (Can I take over your thread for a minute? Why thank you )
Let's just do some quick math. like, based on my setting.

I've had the unit for 7 months now... each week I use about 5 gallons of RODI water for topping off the tank and 5 gallons of RODI to make saltwater for my 25 gallon.
That's a total of 10 gallons of RODI each week.
At, 50 cents a gallon for RODI at the LFS... that's $5 for 10 gallons of RODI water (not including time and gas money to get to the LFS) each week.
7 months is about 30 weeks, so times that by $5.... you get a total of $150. Which I've made my money back by now.
However, I also use the RODI unit for making RO water for drinking/cooking, I also make about 5 gallons of additional RODI water for my 10G saltwater tank each week, used RODI water to cure my rocks, etc etc... I've more than made my money back on this RODI unit. FWIW.

 

[Lchi87]

Thanks for bringing up water pressure.... mine is definitely not strong enough. Sometimes after marathon water changes, it won’t even drain the python Sigh.

It will definitely be worth it though. Lugging 5 gallon jugs up three flights of stairs is getting really old, really quickly.

Hands down the best hijack ever Nart haha..Feel free to take the reins any time!

 

[Culprit]

Any updates?? Hows the tailspot?

 

[Lchi87]

He’s doing great, thanks for asking! Blenjamin (named by my fiancé lol) is super active and curious. The shrimp has gained a lot of confidence as well.
Here’s a recent video: (shot landscape Nanologist )

 

[vikingkirken]

That name is perfect! I love it

 

[stella1979]

Blenjamin... perfect! How do you like that Nart ?

 

[shutterbug13]

Love the name Blenjamin, he and the shrimp are looking gorgeous!

 

[Lchi87]

Love the name Blenjamin, he and the shrimp are looking gorgeous!

Blenjamin... perfect! How do you like that Nart ?

That name is perfect! I love it

Thanks guys!! He’s got a knack for naming my fish lol. We’re still working on a name for the shrimp, who seems to seems to harbor an interest in Blenjamin, except Blenjamin isn’t as keen haha. Any time the shrimp’s antennae start reaching for him, he darts for his favorite cave.

 

[Nart]

Blenjamin... perfect! How do you like that Nart ?

what a perfect name. I'm on board with it

 

[Lchi87]

Blenjamin likes a bit of a lie-in apparently. He stayed glued to his bed in his pajama colors even after the lights came on:


He is not one to miss breakfast though!

“Food, please!”


When you leave your food unattended and your roommate takes it from you lol:

 

[stella1979]

Great pics Lchi! Those are some fine lookin' critters you have there. I can't believe Blenjamin wears striped jammies.

 

[grantm91]

I can't believe how good that fish looks, now I want one .

 

[Lchi87]

Great pics Lchi! Those are some fine lookin' critters you have there. I can't believe Blenjamin wears striped jammies.

Thanks!!!

I worked from home today so Blenjamin and I match bahahaha!

I can't believe how good that fish looks, now I want one .

The gradient on his body is really cool in person... you should totally get one. I think Culprit wants one too!

 

[KinsKicks]

Argh! No updates till now!!! I’m excited to see you went with the tailspot and have him an aweosme name XD

 

[Dave125g]

I was thinking of your new Saltwater tank yesterday. I was at the LFS looking at there Saltwater tanks. Man those fish are pretty.

 

[KinsKicks]

I was thinking of your new Saltwater tank yesterday. I was at the LFS looking at there Saltwater tanks. Man those fish are pretty.

*whisper* the dark side hails you Dave...weve been waiting for you...theres free pizza *whisper*

I mean...what? Who said that??!

 

[platy21]

Haha Blenjamin is a great name. Glad your tank is doing well.

 

[Culprit]

He's beautiful and so cool! Your right I love it, almost wishing i'd gone but Goby Wans been coming out all the time now. I love his pjs!

 

[tfreema]

So awesome! I cannot wait until I get up the nerve to take the plunge. I will be lurking on the saltwater threads for now, lol.

 

[Dave125g]

*whisper* the dark side hails you Dave...weve been waiting for you...theres free pizza *whisper*

I mean...what? Who said that??!

My wife would shoot me if I got another tank. Lol

 

[tyguy7760]

great pics lchi!

 

[Nart]

Those are some great pics of the blenny Lchi.
What camera are you using?

 

[Lchi87]

Those are some great pics of the blenny Lchi.
What camera are you using?

Thanks! Just my iPhone 6.

 

[Nart]

WhAt?! I have the 6S and it doesn't look as good as that. What gives??

 

[Hayley1986]

Same, my iPhone 6 was rubbish when it came to photo quality

 

[grantm91]

Some people just have a nack for taking them on the phone, my gf is the same, but I take one on the same phone and it looks like 1.3 mega pixels NOKIA.

 

[Lchi87]

WhAt?! I have the 6S and it doesn't look as good as that. What gives??

Same, my iPhone 6 was rubbish when it came to photo quality

Your photos always look good Nart!!! Lol, having a background in photography helps a little bit but lighting is super important. I have a gooseneck light that I sometimes use to enhance the tank lighting and I positioned it right over his favorite eating perch to get a nice mostly crisp photo. And I never zoom in if I can help it because that makes for a blurry photo. Of course, having a fish who is willing to stay still helps the most haha!

Some people just have a nack for taking them on the phone, my gf is the same, but I take one on the same phone and it looks like 1.3 mega pixels NOKIA.

I can’t argue that your lady’s photos aren’t amazing but I think you’d really have to make an effort to make your tank/corals/ fish look bad! Bart’s photos came out lovely, those adorable rosy cheeks!

 

[xiholdtruex]

I love looking clean! Blenny is sexy

 

[Lchi87]

I changed the rockwork a bit as I decided I wanted an arch:


Also something interesting I learned with Blenjamin; his bottom “eyeliner” is green or blue depending on the angle and light!

Green:


Blue:


Also, I bought a light and then promptly returned it lol. I was browsing Amazon late at night and came across a cheapo generic light and purchased it without much thought. Upon chatting with more experienced reefers, turns out that while it may have worked out short term, I’d be selling myself short in the long run due to depreciation to some extent. When the time for an upgrade inevitably comes, I could potentially make some money back by selling my old equipment as a kit but getting a legit light will probably smarter. They don’t depreciate as much and I’m thinking it’ll be more worth it as I know it is a quality light and have my bases covered if anything were to break. With those generic lights, I’m not expecting much in the way of customer service.

So moral of the story (for me). Save up and buy the good stuff as it doesn’t make sense (again, for me) to go the cheap route.

Not this (for $62) haha

 

[Nanologist]

I changed the rockwork a bit as I decided I wanted an arch:
View attachment 411459

Also something interesting I learned with Blenjamin; his bottom “eyeliner” is green or blue depending on the angle and light!

Green:
View attachment 411460

Blue:
View attachment 411461

Also, I bought a light and then promptly returned it lol. I was browsing Amazon late at night and came across a cheapo generic light and purchased it without much thought. Upon chatting with more experienced reefers, turns out that while it may have worked out short term, I’d be selling myself short in the long run due to depreciation to some extent. When the time for an upgrade inevitably comes, I could potentially make some money back by selling my old equipment as a kit but getting a legit light will probably smarter. They don’t depreciate as much and I’m thinking it’ll be more worth it as I know it is a quality light and have my bases covered if anything were to break. With those generic lights, I’m not expecting much in the way of customer service.

So moral of the story (for me). Save up and buy the good stuff as it doesn’t make sense (again, for me) to go the cheap route.

Not this (for $62) haha
View attachment 411462

Loving the arch. Reminds me of the one I had in my back-alley 10g.

I love how iridescent some scales are. My neon tetras do the same thing depending on angle/lighting.

Wise decision to return that light and start with something quality that won't need to be upgraded or replaced within a year or two.

 

[grantm91]

The arch is nice, would a kessil a80 not be an option ? I love what you get with them for the price brand new.

 

[jamie carmichael]

Over here they are 150 pounds and they come with a free gooseneck. That's an amazing price for such amazing lighting!

 

[Lchi87]

The arch is nice, would a kessil a80 not be an option ? I love what you get with them for the price brand new.

Lol thanks. A kessil A80 is totally an option! I just feel partial to the AI lights after seeing them in person but that could change if I got to see the kessil in person... maybe its just me but the AIs seem sleeker in person?

Loving the arch. Reminds me of the one I had in my back-alley 10g.

I love how iridescent some scales are. My neon tetras do the same thing depending on angle/lighting.

Wise decision to return that light and start with something quality that won't need to be upgraded or replaced within a year or two.

I loved your back alley 10g! In regards to the light, I think I would have been happy with the generic one until I’d have to upgrade, to your point. You have a kessil right? How are you liking yours? Anything you’d change?

Over here they are 150 pounds and they come with a free gooseneck. That's an amazing price for such amazing lighting!

The generic lights?? Mine came with a mount too but would require modding to get it to fit on a rimmed tank... another reason I returned it. Lol.

 

[jamie carmichael]

Yeah the real lights lol.

 

[Nanologist]

I loved your back alley 10g! In regards to the light, I think I would have been happy with the generic one until I’d have to upgrade, to your point. You have a kessil right? How are you liking yours? Anything you’d change?

Yeah, I have the Kessil A80 Tuna Blue and I love it. It's definitely not as powerful as the Current USA Orbit IC that I had over the standard 10g, but it's plenty for low light corals and the rock flower anemone garden. The quality of the Kessil LEDs seems much better though as far as the color, spectrum, etc. If I was planning a mixed reef I'd definitely have gone with the AI Prime HD+ or just kept the Orbit IC. To have the same power and programmability you'd spend a lot more on a Kessil A160 and controller sold separate. I almost went with the AI Prime HD+ but it was overkill for my RFA garden.

 

[stella1979]

Love the new scape Lchi! Love seeing Blen too! You have made a wise decision with the light. The price of good reef lighting can be a hard pill to swallow, but I didn't make the wisest decisions with my first light and regretted it within 6 months.

 

[Lchi87]

Love the new scape Lchi! Love seeing Blen too! You have made a wise decision with the light. The price of good reef lighting can be a hard pill to swallow, but I didn't make the wisest decisions with my first light and regretted it within 6 months.

Thanks Its definitely a nice chunk of change but it will be worth it and it feels good to know I’ll have it for awhile. What’s your dream light?

 

[stella1979]

I have a long tank with limited headspace.... as in, I squeezed it in under a counter. I have less than a 12 inches to work with and don't want to buy 2 or 3 pendant style lights. There is a lesser known brand made right here in Florida, and they are very well liked. I'm going with this one, and it won't be long.

I'm excited... and also a little nauseous.

 

[Lchi87]

I have a long tank with limited headspace.... as in, I squeezed it in under a counter. I have less than a 12 inches to work with and don't want to buy 2 or 3 pendant style lights. There is a lesser known brand made right here in Florida, and they are very well liked. I'm going with this one, and it won't be long.

I'm excited... and also a little nauseous.

How awesome that looks! I’m excited for you. and so great that it’s made locally too! Thanks for sharing and don’t be nauseous, it’ll be soo worth it!!