D3monics first build. Exo 18x18x24

[D3monic]

Ok cool, How many nozzles do you think for a 18x18?

[Epiphile]

I guess it depends- you could probably get by with one but you'll have good even coverage with a couple. I'd suggest doing a test run before drilling your top... I learned that one the hard way.

[Dustin1231]

If you dont mind me asking, about how much do you have in the tank so far?
(sorry if that was rude) : )

[D3monic]

I picked up a few broms at homedepot. Something to hold me over until my plant orders get here.



I was dissapointed to find out the shipment that was scheduled from black jungle today was just the dry goods. Which is probably good since they took almost a week to get here. I wonder when I am going to get the plants then..

Originally Posted by Epiphile

I guess it depends- you could probably get by with one but you'll have good even coverage with a couple. I'd suggest doing a test run before drilling your top... I learned that one the hard way.

Ill just go with two so that way I can get full overlapping coverage.
I Like to keep some things as automated as possible. If I leave things up to myself I will end up forgetting or something. Plus I like the ability to use my computer to turn things on and off. I wish the reef controller I had was compatable with temp and humidity probes from teh reptile systems. I am sure eventually I will end up buying one though. I am a sucker for technology.

Originally Posted by Dustin1231

If you dont mind me asking, about how much do you have in the tank so far?
(sorry if that was rude) : )

Well if it was my wife asking it would be a difficult question to answer....I am sure this could of been done for a fraction of what I have spent.

Exo tank 18x18x24" $140
stand for exo $120
Lighting we will say $40
Crap tons more plants substrate and branches than I will ever need. maybe around $250
Eventual misting system we will say around $140
DIY fogger $50 with parts.
The group of frogs that I have not gotten yet roughly around $500-600

According to what my wife thinks I spent all together $60

Honestly I probably could of done a 10gal tank for around $100 but wheres the fun in that? hehe.

I am sure the next tanks will be much cheaper to do.

QUESTION: For misting water, I have a RO/DI with a DI bypass so I can get just RO water. Would one of those two be ok to use for the frog tank? I would hate to purchase distilled water when I can make 0 or 10-12 TDS water. I have been using the RO Doesnt seem to leave TOO bad of mineral deposits behind but I am sure DI water would be better since theres litterally nothing in it.

[froggsong]

I'm jealous... That just keeps looking better and better!!! I wish I had the cash to do one all at once instead of bits and pieces at a time...

[D3monic]

Originally Posted by D3monic

QUESTION: For misting water, I have a RO/DI with a DI bypass so I can get just RO water. Would one of those two be ok to use for the frog tank? I would hate to purchase distilled water when I can make 0 or 10-12 TDS water. I have been using the RO Doesnt seem to leave TOO bad of mineral deposits behind but I am sure DI water would be better since theres litterally nothing in it.

any thoughts on this?

[froggsong]

Because of the amount of moss you have in the tank, I recommend either buying distilled water, collecting rainwater, or distilling your own water. The rainwater would be the best. It isn't so much about the deposits on the glass or the potential to clog the heads, but whether or not the TDS of the water will harm the moss. I never realized that regular water was such a problem for the moss, but after reading that book, I totally understand why my moss suffers so badly after a while.

[beckdg]

a tds of 12 is really low actually. i would think ro/di would be about perfect. i'm no moss expert though.

[D3monic]

I can produce either around 12ish with just plain RO or 0 with the DI....i dont think you can get any cleaner than that. I dont even like drinking the ro water because it tastes so...nothing. You cant drink DI water because it is so void of minerals it will strip them from you. My tap water is horrible. TDS is close to 400 and reeks like chlorine some times so bad it makes my eyes water from the fumes.

I assume my RO water is better than distilled. I was more concerned about the lack of minerals in my water causing negative effects.

[froggsong]

There are no dissolved minerals in rain water. Moss is adapted to use rain water, not ground water (so no minerals is better than some or alot). According to what I've been reading (as well as my own experience), using anything other than rain water or distilled water can hurt the moss. I have some moss that I thought I killed long ago that I put in a dish outside. It is beginning to grow again, and I'm very happy about that.

12 might be ok. I'm certainly no expert either. I'm just sharing what I'm learning. I'll be able to explain it better tomorrow when I'm not so hopped up on pain meds for my back.