Ok busy busy but still working on improving this .
Added a 10g gravity ATO [ Auto Top Off] with a float valve in the sump so water and SG stay constant . I took the plastic airstone apart and removed metal weights and replaced them with aquarium gravel and super glued it shut. The syphon hose has a $.70 hard U shaped hard airline so flow will not become restricted. I used one of my adjustable float valves exactly like what I use in my water storage vessels so I am confident it will work properly for a long time.
I have measured the 10g and calculated the amount of evaporation in tank/sump to be 1.25gpd .
So I add like 5g and 100ml of vinegar and the tank is good and dosed [evenly] for the next 4-5 days.
Using craft fabric and a simple LED spiral compact light I have a make shift ATS [Algae Turf Scrubber ] that is not only working ok as an ATS ,but also a bubble trap and home for many[I mean many] bugs ! So I may make a better ATS in the future more in line with others design run off a manifold ,but for now and just for the bugs I will keep this in place .I use ' vinyl coils stock' to make my reflector inside sump.
BUGS
Bubbles and algae
I have yet to organize the sheets properly yet but they still seem to be serving several purposes !
The GFO reactor
I am wrong and my API kit goes to 5 which I am not at yet !
Still think I would like a better test..
Anyone have experience with the Hanna Digital Photometer for nitrates ?
Kind of pricey but if it is like other Hanna tools probably worth it.?
Wrong about the brittle star also ..His legs are easily 10 " each ! He is often under a cave with his legs out in the flow searching for food. If he catches anything he passes the particle along his little bristles like a conveyor belt and never even moves his leg !
He doesn't move around constantly but in all honesty both Mrs .b and I think he is about as close to having an octopus as we will ever get. He is so cool ! A can't go wrong purchase at $15..
30g water change day today [every Sunday for now] .Hoping to parameters more in line .Tank pics later when lights come up .
I also just ordered Sea Kleer [Lanthanum Chloride] to start aiding in getting my PO4 down to reasonable levels.