YHSublime

Super helpful, thanks Alan. I only use the web interface as well, the JR. does have it, and my Frankenstein combo never came with a display. At first I was heartbroken, but since I've networked it, I prefer the web browser, it's a similar concept to doing something on your phone vs. your laptop. It seems like there are a LOT of things I'll be able to do, just need to start getting comfortable with it.

I'm really interested in learning, but it seems like when you do it's a lot of time invested from the get go. Should have started this Friday night.

Ok, so name everything that's plugged into the powerbars, and go through and turn everything to "on," or else the default program will run them off/on. I honestly don't even know how to do that, but I can take a bit of time tonight to figure it out. Just don't want to head to work tomorrow morning and find my heaters/pump/skimmer, all that jazz, have been shutting on and off all day long!

So I'm getting ready to setup my apex I don't have a fish room, and it's not an option, so unfortunately I'm mounting everything to the wall besides my tank. it's not the cleanest look, but I can hard wire it to my router, and I don't have to (unless the tank breaks) worry about water spilling on it. I have an Apex Jr. with the powerbar 8 that I'm going to daisy chain with a USB. I have a VDM (which I don't think I'll be using as I have the it2080 evergrow lights, which are programmable themselves.) I also have the PM1, with plans to get the PH and ORP probes down the line. Way down the line probably. So my question is, I have everything setup waiting to be plugged in, if I don't program anything, it will presumably act as a very, very, expensive power strip... correct? If the answer to this is, "yes," or perhaps, "yes, you fool, but why aren't you spending all night trying to work it out and learning all sorts of code you have no idea about?!" My answer to that is, I really just want to clear up all the clutter of my power strips and cleanly mount all my equipment plugs, and THEN, I'll go into a cave and ask lots of silly questions on WAMAS, and probably join the Apex forum. Thanks in advance!

yeah, most skimmers I've seen are about 7"-8" of water. Looks like you've got it figured out? Just in case: This might help

I skim as dry as possible, and do once a week like you with water changes. Unless it stinks earlier. I clean in my sink with tap water, and let it dry.

I'm right behind you on this one, apex on the closet, just working on my confidence.

Chances are if it was able to hitchike in your live rock, it will probably do alright in your tank. It seems like it's tough little thing already, I wouldn't worry that much about it. Hate to say it, but the zoas are not looking as hot as they were before...

I'll echo what's been said. I was under the impression for a long time that protein skimmers were created equal, they all do the same job, right? My old one was not bad, but after I picked up an Avast CS1, it's a lot easier to dial in, and that thing pulls poo like a champ!

I thought an animal not growing to its full capacity because of its environment was an old wives tale? Sorry to get off topic, but I'm curious!

Welcome! And everything small reef asked!

Rob, I would venture to say because of the exact same thing Matt said. Every single fish store sells them like they are the only options available. DJ, take a water sample to any of our vendors and I'm sure they'll test it for you.

I have had 5 for almost 6 months now. I started with 6. First one just went missing within in the first month. The other 5 have a very distinct pecking order. You could literally put them in a line from smallest to biggest no problem. They all chill out in my huge monti cap. They also stick together, or shoal if you will. Granted, I got them from Quantum Reefs, and they said they started with 20! No real signs of aggression towards each other or other fish in my 57 gallons.

Must be really frustrated. But at least you learned, and so did the rest of us. Thanks for posting, be it to vent frustrations, or to spread wisdom, it's a good reminder to us, just unfortunate it happened to you!

VERY nice. All that's missing is the FTS!

Where is my pod condo?

I can't wrap my head around most of what's being talked here... but I do have a question for the brains. Can my Apex control at IT2080?

I love how everybody's talking like I'm going to stay with the 57 forever, ya'll oughta' know by now, my name is Isaac, and I have an addiction. Like I said. It's not crazy outta' control... YET. Jenn is right, nothing fast is going to happen over night. Besides, who's tried to program an Apex when they don't know the first thing about them? I'll answer that, this guy, I'm going to be learning this thing forever, it'll keep me busy instead of fiddling. Question: I already have 5 tangs all about 4", don't you think one more would be a little much? I guess I could always put them in my 29 while I wait for my new foxface to clear all the bubble algae!

Looks really good. Know what you're talking about with the LEDs and the pictures. I can only imagine in person!

I couldn't find the gutter guard. I had recommendations for making a nem trap for my wandering anemone, and I ended up using the same material for the pod condo's, as it works, and is porous and enclosed. It's plastic sheets used for cross stitching. Gutter guard is recommended for wrapping rubble rock, not stuffing it with. I posted a link to the material I used above. I've found numerous uses for it already around the aquarium, ended up getting about 5 sheets.

Definitely bubble algae. and it will grow if you let it. I've popped a few as they root so nice onto my rock it's been inevitable. I'm glad you feel that way, Jenn! Stop on by and I'll help feed your addiction!

Bought used. If I could do it again, I think I would probably buy new. I also don't have a display. I have this Frankenstein mix of parts I've been collecting, and I still can't figure out quite how to put it all together This is tonight's project... to start trying. They are super cheap to make, zip ties and some 59c a sheet plastic at Michaels. I had a bunch of rubble rock sitting in a big gallon zip lock that I used.

Thank YOU for directing me down this path, really happy I did.

Thanks, lets see if they work. 15 hours in, skimming real wet... But it's working.

I'd rather use as organic solutions as possible, keeping hydrogen peroxide out of the equation currently. I should mention my tank is a 57 deep blue, so the fish would have to be a baby, or short term!