5g (?) Rimless Low Budget Setup

[gimincorp]

Hello Team,
I got a job and eager to get back into the hobby:
I'll dedicate this thread to my first (after a long break) SW setup and its running costs.
So about 3 weeks ago I scavenged:

• A Rimless AIO with three chambers in a back
• My AIO came with:
  • A pump (GPH to be established)
  • A turbine looking thing (for pushing water around display tank)
  • A small heater (Currently plugged in and powered, but not controlled other than by turn-knob).
  • A Hygger HG-802 IC Aquarium Heater (controller that won't light up anymore for some reason. Thus removed from the setup.
• Added to setup:
  • Off-grid ATO: "Clscea Aquarium Auto Top Off System Water Filler Compensator" - bottle on top left. $11.97
• Added today:
  • Maxspect Max S light,
  • LED-G1-180-60W power brick to drive that Max S
  • 500g Dry dead rock
  • 1025g Live rock with coraline from $14.99Petco
  • 725g dead sand to cover the bare bottom of the tank.
  • "El Cheapo" Aquarium Thermometer $14.99 = $16.32 total. Petsmart

Today's tank expense: $31.31
Running Cost:

• Equipment: $28.29
• Livestock: $14.99 (Live rock with coraline)
  • Total:$43.28

Todays known parameters: Salinity 1.024; Ph 6.61 (on my tester, not verified); Temp: 80.2F In the evening with light on, no AC in the room.

Opened the window for the night to see if PH will get affected - heard possible due to stale room air.
Next move:
Add a timer for the light (already purchased for $10, but will be counted towards the tank cost)
Find the basic saltwater testing kit so I won't have to rely on Petco.

 

[gimincorp]

• Re-arranged the rocks... This AM Ph 7.6, not sure why it is rising - venting the room, added dead sand/rock or added live rock... It is a good thing though.
• Got my new toy - a drill

 

[gimincorp]

Evening 7:30 pm after being left with window open and light on: PH 8.15 @ t=80.8. See some white "hair" on front glass...

 

[gimincorp]

New addition: Gracilaria Hayi $16.17
I notice hair algae buzzing up my front glass. Gotta re-check parameters if some snails can be introduced.
Light was put on an on/off timer recently. Current day hours are 5:00-21:00 (I think it is till 21...). Running AC at 80 to limit temps during the day to 82 max.
There is no way to chill this other than fans blow over or an ice pack, right?