My annual reef maintenance

Every year almost to the day I overhaul my reef tank. I dedicate just about a full day to my aquarium.
I want to make sure all of the things I’ve slacked on or delayed get fixed or replaced. I will replace the RODI filters, clean the skimmer and add XT60 connectors for faster removal, clean the reactor, do a ten gallon water change, replace all of the T5’s, and replace the automatic top off float sensors.
Lets start with replacing the RODI filters. As you can see the filters are in desperate need of replacing. The current reading is 1PPM. I purchased the bulk reef supply 3 stage RODI kit. I usually purchase this during the July 4th sale. After removing the unit from the house plumbing, I begin removing all of the canisters one by one and replacing each filter. After I have finished with the filters, and reinstalled, I run the unit for an hour to flush the system out. RODI filters finished!
Next I will add XT60 connectors to the skimmer, and give it a good cleaning. As you can see, this skimmer is in dire need of a good cleaning. I absolutely hate the unplugging process of this skimmer, so I will be adding XT60 plugs to quickly disconnect it from my APEX. First I cut the cable in half, strip the cable, get the XT60 connectors ready, and then solder them on. Now the skimmer is easily removed from the system, and then cleaned. Skimmer, done! Now for a ten gallon water change.
Now that the skimmer is clean, behind the skimmer Ive added a filter sock. Before each water change I add a filter sock to hold all of the gunk I make from cleaning the tank. You can watch the review of this filter sock, a link is in the description. I will be changing out 10 gallons of water. And then I add salt to the water. Hers a tip: remember to shake the salt well before each water change! While the salt is mixing I clean the glass, and as you can see it really needs it. For glass cleaning I use a Flipper nano. I love this thing. Ive had it for over a year and never needed to change the blade. After that I clean the outside glass with RODI water and a paper towel. After both sides of the glass are cleaned, I test the new water with a refractometer. I keep my salinity at 1.025, or 1.026. The water is 1.026, so now its time for a water change. I place a small pump in each compartment in the sump, and blast the detritus with a baster. Once 10 gallons of water is removed, I start pumping the new water back in. Water change done!
Now lets clean the reactor. This DIY reactor grows all sorts of algae, and it does a fantastic job. Its easily cleaned by skimming off the top layer, and trimming the cheato if needed. Reactor cleaned!
Now lets replace the T5’s! First I start off by turning the T5’s off. Once they have cooled down, I begin the removal process. And then begin adding them back one by one. Once they are installed, I turn the T5’s back on to make sure they are all working correctly. The new T5 combo from the front, is blue +, purple +, coral +, aquablue special, blue +, and blue +. The old combo from the front was, blue +, blue +, purple +, coral +, blue +, and blue +. Here is a side by side comparison. T5’s done!
Lets move on to replacing the ATO sensors. As you can see these are in pretty bad shape and need to be replaced. With so much stuff growing on them it actually lowers the water line in time. I get the new sensors ready by first splicing the end of the cables. I have to remove the pipe from the cabinet by removing one screw. This is from one full year of use. One sensor is longer than the other one. The extra plastic nut allows one sensor to be lower in the water. The sensor that is longer on the right, is for the low water which activates the ATO to turn on, and the other is for high water which activates the ATO to shut off. My ATO mount is custom, and is made from a piece of PVC, and a piece of abs plastic. Installation is easy! I made sure the wiring was correct on my APEX, and the ATO sensors are done!
I still have a few hours of daylight left! Lets go for an adventure!
Filter sock review: iankreer.com/20...