125 to 210 Build (Updated w/pics)
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Topic: 125 to 210 Build (Updated w/pics)
Posted By: P.Kapp
Subject: 125 to 210 Build (Updated w/pics)
Date Posted: June 19 2010 at 5:15pm
After watching a few others recording their builds and getting questions answered along the way, I figured it was probably a good idea for me to do the same. I cant remember all of the questions i have thought of along the way, but ill post more as they come to me. I tried to draw a rough idea of what my tank will be kind of be like, so i can figure some things out with flow. I have 3 koralia 3's, and im trying to figure out the best way to put them in the tank. i think i really would like to keep them in-between the two overflows. I was also thinking about pointing my returns down to keep detritus from building up behind my rocks. Also, not sure on that one..? ------------- Preston Kapp 210 Gal Reef |
Replies:
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 19 2010 at 5:37pm
here is a picture of my stand almost done. just need to finish the doors and buy some new hardware to put them on. Here is my new sunpower 80w ATI. The arm that holds it is in the works now...  This is my 100 gal RO storage tank. Just built the stand for it and put the drain on it. Built the stand so i can put a bucket or water just under it. still need to cut some particle board and put it on top of the stand before im totally done. Thats why it only has about 20 gals in it right now.  And this is my reef octo skimmer that Skyler hooked me up with. Im pretty excited to see it running  Since im already loading pictures, i figured i might as well put a pic up of my new bike  Its a mini build for me on the side... ha ha |
Posted By: tcfab
Date Posted: June 19 2010 at 7:57pm
Did you get that bike from Chappy? looks good ------------- Need custom acrylic work? give me a call, www.Elite-Aquatics.net (801)645-6386 |
Posted By: Nick801
Date Posted: June 20 2010 at 1:14am
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man thats going to be a sweet tank... do you have a few more pics of your stand build? ------------- http://www.reefinsanity.com" rel="nofollow - www.ReefInsanity.com http://www.facebook.com/ReefInsanity" rel="nofollow - www.Facebook.com/ReefInsanity 801-680-4676 |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 20 2010 at 1:25pm
I picked it up from a guy in Riverton, but it was mostly built here in Roy by K&T Performance. It was just a hillshooter when i picked it up, but have been changing some stuff around so i can dune it too. Thanks for the compliment! |
tcfab wrote:Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 20 2010 at 1:28pm
Thanks Nick! I didnt actually build the stand. I just repaired a few things, and repainted it. I wish i was good enough to actually build something this big. I was going to take some before and after pictures, but just never got around to it. now i wish i did. oh well |
Posted By: tcfab
Date Posted: June 20 2010 at 9:18pm
Your light is going to look really sweet, I am excited to start on it for you ------------- Need custom acrylic work? give me a call, www.Elite-Aquatics.net (801)645-6386 |
Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: June 20 2010 at 10:09pm
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You will want to point your returns up for a couple reasons, one is too increase the surface agitation for goos gas exchange, the other is when you have a power outage you will siphon water our of your tank down to the level of your return nozzle. So by raising your returns you cut the rick of flooding your sump way down. The majority of the circulation should be done by powerheads or a closed loop rather than by your return pump. ------------- Steve http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef Currently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8 |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 21 2010 at 11:05am
Im pretty excited too! Thanks again
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Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 21 2010 at 11:07am
Thanks Capn. Do you think the three koralias will do a good enough job positioned where they are in the drawing?
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Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 21 2010 at 11:09am
| Also, I was thinking about my return pump. I was originally going to try to use a big waterfall pump for my return, but it was way too loud. So now i have a Rio 32HF that im planning on using. Is that going to be enough? I also have a Rio 2500, and a Rio 1700 sitting around that i could use if two pumps would be better? |
Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: June 21 2010 at 1:50pm
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I would say the 32HF will be fine for your return. I would think that 3 koralia's would be plenty. I would put one on each end and one in the middle on the back. You could create a lot of beneficial turbulence that way. ------------- Steve http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef Currently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8 |
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: June 21 2010 at 1:53pm
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I run 4. 1 on each end and 2 in the middle. I have a ton of flow. ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 21 2010 at 3:26pm
| Cool. Im going to run my drain(s) directly to my skimmer. I was thinking about running one drain to the skimmer and one into a filter sock if i could get away with it..? or would i have to run both to the skimmer to keep enough water in it for the two recirc pumps? Could i run two return pumps and be able to do the skimmer and the filter sock? |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 22 2010 at 4:23pm
| Does anyone else run their drains directly to their skimmer? Any advice on my plans? |
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: June 22 2010 at 4:31pm
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My drains tie together then run to the filter sock which is in the same compartment as my skimmer ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: June 22 2010 at 5:17pm
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I agree with what Steve said about the return nozzles pointing up. Circulation is more effective if the powerheads are positioned near the bottom and point up so the streams make the surface water roil. (that's actually a word!) The resulting turbulance is useful for a number of reasons; gas exchange, coral feeding and coral waste transport. The strong turbulent water movement throughout the tank keeps detritus in suspension so it can go into the filter sock. This is only accomplished when the rock structure is very open and mostly off the sand. I'm curious why you have a reservoir to hold 100 gals of RO water? Pushing 1000 gph over the top would be sufficient and 2 nozzles would be good. Splitting that into 4 nozzles would reduce the force of the water stream coming out of each nozzle and would not be able to add to the desired turbulance. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 22 2010 at 5:45pm
| Thanks mark. the RO storage is just for convenience. i hate waiting for my filter to drip out 5 to 15 gals of water when i need it. this way i have it on hand for top offs and for water changes without having to wait for it to fill up my water jugs. and its nice to have just in case i need a large amount of RO water in case of an emergency |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 22 2010 at 5:47pm
This may be what i end up having to do, but right now im trying to eliminate using another pump for the skimmer if i can.
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Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: June 22 2010 at 5:53pm
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I hope you never need 100 gals all at once. I was just thinking to add... the way I suggested water flow works so well that it requires less powerheads or less strong ones. I'm thinking that depending on the aquascaping, two Koralia 4's would give you plenty of flow with those return pumps for this 125 gal which is a longer tank. Have you considered the benefits of a suspended reef? ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 22 2010 at 6:11pm
| I hope i dont either! But its nice to not have to fill it for a while. I figure since i already have the three kor 3's ill probably just use them. I have put a lot of thought into my aquascape. I have copied and emailed myself a couple of pages of pictures of other peoples tanks that i like so i can try to emulate parts of their scaping. i have read about your tripod effect as well mark. i am going to try and keep as much rock off the sand as i can. I really like the look of a lot of sand, but i also like lots of rock for hiding space for the fish. so im trying to find a happy medium for my scape |
Posted By: kody72
Date Posted: June 22 2010 at 10:10pm
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come take a look at my rock work I think you might like it ------------- http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=60612&title=kody72-fishroom" rel="nofollow - KODY72 FISHROOM BUILD 281g DT 187g Rimless Frag ATI PM lighting SRO DSCR-300ext 8013908179 |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: June 23 2010 at 9:13am
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The placement of the powerheads to the lower areas of the tank with streams pointing diagonally upwards is not so difficult when it's done as part of the aquascaping. The rocks can be made to hide the powerheads from the front view. Creating small rock hills that the pumps hide behind actually gives a nice natural looking effect, so much more pleasing to the eye than the rock wall in so many reef aquariums. I'd suggest going to see Adam Blundell's tank to see what I'm talking about. I would love to see pics of Kody's tank too. Creating hiding space for the fish is an interesting topic. Hiding is mostly a response to predators and since there are usually no predators in our reef tanks, the response is not as strong in our fish. Most reef fish will find a place in the rocks to bed down for the night but... What I have found is that if fish are hiding during the daytime, it indicates some kind of stress. Sure they may run for cover if they aren't used to people walking past the tank, but if they stay hidden for longer than 30 seconds then it's time to look at water parameters, in tank food sources and tank layout in general. For example look at the openness of this aquascaping. The entire rock structure looked like this and it was visible from both sides. The light spots you see are the sunlight from outside the window. The fish in this tank never went hiding during the day. The Blue Tang slept in a tight place between two rocks. The Yellow Tang and Rabbitfish slept under the rock ceilings above the sand. The three Blue Damsels each had their homes. They slept in holes in the rock and inside large shells. The Cardinals slept in mid to top water during the day and roamed and hunted all over the tank at night. In the 120 where I had the suspended reef the larger fish again slept between the sand and the reef. The smaller fish found holes in and between the rocks. Hope this helps.    ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: kody72
Date Posted: June 23 2010 at 10:06am
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http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41562 - http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41562 here you go mark and preston ------------- http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=60612&title=kody72-fishroom" rel="nofollow - KODY72 FISHROOM BUILD 281g DT 187g Rimless Frag ATI PM lighting SRO DSCR-300ext 8013908179 |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 23 2010 at 10:41am
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Thanks mark, and kody. i dont mean i want hiding places cause my fish seem stressed. my fish never hide either. I just like the look of caves and arches and stuff like that for the fish to swim around in. I loved the way my sixline wrasse would just cruise around the entire tank, in and out, all day when i had it. Im not a big fan of a rock wall either. I have a good idea of what i want my tank to look like. your picture above has similar attributes to what i like as well, mark. I agree about trying to hide the powerheads too. Thanks for helping! Anyone have any advice about my skimmer, and the drains running to it?
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Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 23 2010 at 10:43am
| Kody, do those nozzles on your returns make a very big difference? |
Posted By: kody72
Date Posted: June 23 2010 at 10:54am
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I think so they also pull water from behind them ------------- http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=60612&title=kody72-fishroom" rel="nofollow - KODY72 FISHROOM BUILD 281g DT 187g Rimless Frag ATI PM lighting SRO DSCR-300ext 8013908179 |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 23 2010 at 12:34pm
 I was also wondering, do i really need all this extra pipe on the outlet of the skimmer? Or could i just leave the 10in pipe going vertical and put some sponge around it like the ASM's?
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Posted By: tcfab
Date Posted: June 23 2010 at 7:09pm
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No you don't need that horizontal pipe. ------------- Need custom acrylic work? give me a call, www.Elite-Aquatics.net (801)645-6386 |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 24 2010 at 12:15pm
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Thanks Tyler. When i bought my setup it came with this reactor. Right now i have some carbon in it, but im not sure what else to put in it? I dont know what GFO means... Is this worth setting up, and whats the best stuff to run through it?  |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: June 26 2010 at 8:18am
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Granulated Ferrous Oxide It's for removing PO4 (Phosphate) The less expensive stuff that still does a good job is called Hydrated Alumina. It has a white color and turns tan when used up which makes it easy to see that it was needed. I usually only run PO4 remover once or twice in a year for only a month. Phosphate is needed by all algae and coral so stripping it all out of the water can actually stunt coral growth. I've seen a couple tanks where it actually caused coral deaths because it was used 24/7 for a year. About the skimmer and drains running to it, there is really no specialized method. The skimmer just needs a supply of water and bubbles don't matter since bubbles is what the skimmer works on. The skimmer does not need to skim 100% of the water. Better to leave some good food for the reef. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 26 2010 at 9:37am
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Thanks mark! Do you think there is something else i could run in that section besides the gfo that would be good for the tank? |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: June 26 2010 at 5:20pm
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If you use a simple bridal veil bag near a pump intake to run AC and
Phosphate remover you could turn that unit into an RO unit. I'm assuming that is the bracket and filtration canisters for an RO unit. All it needs is a Membrane. I know you already have your RO unit so feel free to trade that bracket to me. I have some Membranes that need homes. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: kody72
Date Posted: June 28 2010 at 10:26am
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any updates ------------- http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=60612&title=kody72-fishroom" rel="nofollow - KODY72 FISHROOM BUILD 281g DT 187g Rimless Frag ATI PM lighting SRO DSCR-300ext 8013908179 |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 28 2010 at 10:26am
| Ill Probably just use it for carbon still. I already have the pump for it and everything, and I read that these reactors do a little better job. |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 28 2010 at 10:42am
Bump for this question. These are the kind of drains i will be using. Obviously there will be two of them. Im just trying to figure out if there will be enough water draining through them with my pump, Rio 32HF, and these kind of drains (Durso?), to keep enough water in my skimmer?  |
Posted By: kody72
Date Posted: June 28 2010 at 10:46am
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that will be plenty the slower the flow in the skimmer the more gunk it pulls. im running 2 of those on my 95 ------------- http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=60612&title=kody72-fishroom" rel="nofollow - KODY72 FISHROOM BUILD 281g DT 187g Rimless Frag ATI PM lighting SRO DSCR-300ext 8013908179 |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: June 28 2010 at 8:08pm
Could what you read be from someone that is trying to sell them or to justify their purchase? Well, I can tell you from experience that they are slower. The water runs through them slowly. They can make a little bit of water a lot cleaner. On the other hand the water running past a loose bag of AC that is draped over a pump inlet cleans the entire tank of water much faster. It's simply the physics of it. Then there is the extra trouble of the additional pump and the hoses. The largest and best marine aquarium maintenance company in Utah, with whom I used to work, does it with a bag of AC in the sump next to the return pump intake. That said, I don't fault you for keeping and using the unit. I just have a difficult time allowing what in my opinion is false information go unchallenged. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: June 28 2010 at 8:22pm
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Sorry Mark but I disagree! If you have a container holding AC with a pump pushing water the results will be alot better than throwing a nylon filled with it in the sump. Just MHO. ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: jwoo
Date Posted: June 28 2010 at 10:56pm
I would agree if you just have it anywhere in the sump. However Mark is talking about it being draped over or right next to the return pump - arguably the biggest pump in an aquarium and the one that see's 100% of the water go through it - vs. a smaller pump through a reactor that may only see 10%-20% of the water go through it. ------------- None at the moment Soon: 72 Gallon Bowfront |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 29 2010 at 12:17pm
| If it was placed right over the return pump wouldnt that slow down the flow of the pump? The place where i read it was here on the board. Some people were answering somebody elses question about something. Wont say who they were, but they seem to be pretty reliable sources |
Posted By: kody72
Date Posted: June 29 2010 at 12:27pm
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have you got any closer to setting it up ------------- http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=60612&title=kody72-fishroom" rel="nofollow - KODY72 FISHROOM BUILD 281g DT 187g Rimless Frag ATI PM lighting SRO DSCR-300ext 8013908179 |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 29 2010 at 1:48pm
| tcfab is workin on the arm for my light. after that i can start putting things together |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: June 29 2010 at 3:59pm
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It's okay to say who they were. There is no need to take offense here. The "carbon reactor" is not a bad thing. There is no argument that a "reactor" works. I simply offer my understanding about the physics of it. The AC near the return pump intake will have more water passing through the AC and faster than in a "reactor" The way it sits it is a loose bag that allows water to flow past the AC. Underneath the bag the intake is clear. The amount of obstruction is insignificant to the performance of the pump. The bag of AC can also be effectively placed in other rapid flow areas of the sump or display. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 29 2010 at 5:16pm
| no, im not taking offense. i just dont know these people personally, so im not going to throw out their names without them voluntarily bringing themselves into the discussion. just seems like the polite thing to do. I do appreciate your advice though, and the questions you have helped me with so far |
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: June 29 2010 at 5:23pm
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The reactor is more efficient!! but what do I know!! ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 29 2010 at 5:59pm
| Do you know anything else i could run in the 2nd chamber, jeff? |
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: June 29 2010 at 6:05pm
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I run gfo and ac in mine. I have another that is tied into my auto top of that I run kalk in. 14k alk which is good imo ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 29 2010 at 6:08pm
| If you were going to just run the one reactor, with the two chambers, which would you choose? GFO or Kalk? I dont know much about either of the two... do they just work like carbon, where you just change it every couple of weeks? |
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: June 29 2010 at 6:12pm
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You would have to run your ro water through the kalk If you run it constantly your alk would go sky high!! Just run Gfo and ac put the ac in the first chamber ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: June 29 2010 at 6:15pm
| Sounds good. Thank you! |
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: June 29 2010 at 6:18pm
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Don't listen to me! I really don't know anything but I do know how to raise corals. Let other people chime in before you make your final decision. ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: tcfab
Date Posted: June 29 2010 at 7:13pm
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I would use GFO as well ------------- Need custom acrylic work? give me a call, www.Elite-Aquatics.net (801)645-6386 |
Posted By: tcfab
Date Posted: July 17 2010 at 11:28am
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Any updates? ------------- Need custom acrylic work? give me a call, www.Elite-Aquatics.net (801)645-6386 |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: July 17 2010 at 12:53pm
| Ha ha. I need to get the gf's camera so i can take some pics and put them up. |
Posted By: laynframe
Date Posted: July 21 2010 at 5:39pm
I want to see the light fixture! ------------- The time we enjoy wasting isn't wasted time!!!! |
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: July 21 2010 at 5:41pm
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I want to see alot of pic's! Please ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: July 21 2010 at 6:06pm
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i took some pics of it, but then forgot to bring the sd card to work to upload them. I need to get some stuff goin so i can have more pics for ya jeff Ill try to remember the card and do it tomorrow
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Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: July 21 2010 at 6:08pm
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Kool I can't wait!! so what are you running in your 2 reactors? ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: July 21 2010 at 7:19pm
| I havent set it up yet, but probably going to do the carbon and gfo |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: July 22 2010 at 9:05pm
Finally, here are some pics of my light fixture and the arm that tyler (tcfab) built for me. He did an amazing job. the arm and the fixture are painted to match the stand in a semi gloss black. As you can see in the third pic, there is a hinge that allows me to swing the light up and out of the way if i need more room to work in the tank. And the best part of all, it is clean! No wires showing! he patched the old hole where the wire came out (cant even tell it was ever there) and ran it through the tubing. Thanks again Tyler!
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Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: July 23 2010 at 3:23pm
| So all i really need now to get it started is sand and the rest of my plumbing. I have a couple of questions about the sand though. Im wanting to use aragonite in the new tank, but i want to be able to seed it to jump start to process to make it live. the sand in my 75 now is crushed coral, and i hate it. too many dark pieces for my taste. i like the look of pure white sand. so my question is would i be able to use some of the crushed coral and put it on the bottom of the tank and then put the aragonite over it and on the sides (so i dont see it through the glass) to jump start things? also, where is a good place to buy some aragonite? i have a 5 gal bucket almost full of some now, but need more. I was in petco the other day for dog food and looked at the "already live" aragonite sand they have. It was about $30 for a 20 lb bag of it. Not sure if that is a good price or not..? |
Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: July 23 2010 at 5:38pm
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Looks great! Check out Fish 4 U for your sand, if I remember right you can get 40lb bags for $40. I'm sure someone in your area has some live aragonite they'd give you. ------------- Steve http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef Currently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8 |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: July 25 2010 at 1:52pm
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Thanks Steve! So it would probably be better to just seed the new stuff with some other live aragonite? Anybody know where i can get some aragonite closer to the ogden area? ------------- Preston Kapp 210 Gal Reef |
Posted By: tcfab
Date Posted: July 25 2010 at 3:49pm
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Aquatic Dreams has sand, also Mountain Shadow Marine has a tank that is up and running that they pull sand out of to sell to you. ------------- Need custom acrylic work? give me a call, www.Elite-Aquatics.net (801)645-6386 |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: July 26 2010 at 10:49am
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Ok, ill check them out. thanks tyler. Another queston, do i need to cement my drain pipes and returns to the bulkheads? or do i just set them in and leave it? ------------- Preston Kapp 210 Gal Reef |
Posted By: Shayne
Date Posted: July 26 2010 at 1:37pm
I'm currently at the same point in the construction of my tank: On the drains you should glue everything except the joint between the bottom of the T (top piece of the durso) and the long pipe, which allows you to pull off the top to make adjustments to the pipe length. The exception would be if you don't have threaded bulkheads. If they're just slip fittings then I wouldn't glue the joint between the pipe and bulkhead. The drains aren't pressurized so from what I've seen it's safe for them to leak a little (as long as it's an internal leak that stays inside the drain pipe).
All the slip joints in the returns need to be glued since that part of the system is under pressure. You don't want something to pop off.
Use Teflon tape on all of the threaded joints.
I'm pretty sure I've got this right. Please correct me if I'm wrong. ------------- 21G Reefer Nano |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: July 26 2010 at 3:59pm
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Thanks Shayne. The bulkheads that came with the tank are the slip on type, but im thinking about getting the threaded ones. i really wanted to use spa flex for my plumbing. Do most people use the threaded ones? are they better? ------------- Preston Kapp 210 Gal Reef |
Posted By: Shayne
Date Posted: July 26 2010 at 4:27pm
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I'm still really new to this so I wouldn't consider myself an expert by any means, but I think most people do prefer the threaded bulkheads. With that said, I can think of a few ways to make slip style bulkheads work just fine. You could use fittings to convert to threaded or you could use unions to make the pipes easily detachable. In the worst case you could just glue directly into the bulkheads with the knowledge that if you ever need to remove the pipes you'll have to cut them and then use couplings to reconnect.
I don't have any experience with spa-flex but it might be possible to just glue stubs of PVC into the bulkheads (bottom side) and then connect the spa-flex to the stubs.
I'm sure someone with more experience than me will weigh in here. (I've used a lot of PVC installing sprinkler systems but I haven't done much with tanks.) ------------- 21G Reefer Nano |
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: July 26 2010 at 4:33pm
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My tank is all pvc ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: July 26 2010 at 6:28pm
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ok. I have a buddy that works at great western plumbing, so ill probably just take them off and see what we can rig up. if worst comes to worst ill just buy some threaded ones. i was pretty sure that was what i wanted, but thought i would atleast check. ------------- Preston Kapp 210 Gal Reef |
Posted By: tcfab
Date Posted: July 26 2010 at 6:45pm
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You can use the slip slip bulkheads that mostly what I use. Dont glue your Durso's to the bulkhead, you will want them to be removable for cleaning. I would also put unions on all your connections for maintance purposes and put union ball valves on your pumps input and outputs (if external) ------------- Need custom acrylic work? give me a call, www.Elite-Aquatics.net (801)645-6386 |
Posted By: Shayne
Date Posted: July 26 2010 at 6:54pm
I thought you were never suppose to put a valve on a pump inlet. Doesn't that cause cavitation which can damage the impeller? ------------- 21G Reefer Nano |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: July 26 2010 at 7:10pm
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my pump, maybe pumps, will be submersible. but i do have ball valves for both drains, and both returns. whats the difference between the regular threaded bulkheads and the slip slip ones? ------------- Preston Kapp 210 Gal Reef |
Posted By: Shayne
Date Posted: July 26 2010 at 7:13pm
Just that the threaded ones have threads on the inside while the slip ones are smooth on the inside. (They both have threads on the outside for the nut.) ------------- 21G Reefer Nano |
Posted By: tcfab
Date Posted: July 26 2010 at 7:32pm
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Shayne, I just put ball valve on the inlet and the output of my external pumps for maintance reasons. If you have to replace an external pump it is nice to be able to twist the ball valves and undo the unions and pull the pump out. Makes for alot less water in your stand or on the floor ------------- Need custom acrylic work? give me a call, www.Elite-Aquatics.net (801)645-6386 |
Posted By: Shayne
Date Posted: July 26 2010 at 8:26pm
Ah! That makes perfect sense. I thought you meant you were using it to control water flow. ------------- 21G Reefer Nano |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: July 26 2010 at 8:28pm
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i see. so do you glue the pvc or flex directly to the smooth part of the inside of your bulkheads, tyler? ------------- Preston Kapp 210 Gal Reef |
Posted By: tcfab
Date Posted: July 26 2010 at 9:12pm
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I have never used the spa flex hose so I cant give you an answer to that one sorry, but yes you can glue your pvc pipe or fitting into the bulkhead. ------------- Need custom acrylic work? give me a call, www.Elite-Aquatics.net (801)645-6386 |
Posted By: Nick801
Date Posted: July 26 2010 at 11:31pm
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Man that looks like your off to a great start =) id love to have that stand/light setup ------------- http://www.reefinsanity.com" rel="nofollow - www.ReefInsanity.com http://www.facebook.com/ReefInsanity" rel="nofollow - www.Facebook.com/ReefInsanity 801-680-4676 |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: July 27 2010 at 10:22am
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Thanks Nick! Im pretty happy with it ------------- Preston Kapp 210 Gal Reef |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: August 11 2010 at 3:54pm
Bought new bulkheads, some sand, and other misc plumbing parts. Ordered some spa flex from a friend which should be in today. Waiting on a few other things from exoticreefs online, and ill be pretty much ready to set it up. will update with pics soon, hopefully...  ------------- Preston Kapp 210 Gal Reef |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: September 18 2010 at 11:32am
Finally got the tank in the house with the help of my 3 brothers. It got a little tricky trying to drop it in with the lip in the front of the stand, and the light fixture mount on the back. It wouldnt have been too bad if the stand wasnt so tall, and because i had to put the bulkheads in beforehand and glue in about 3 in of pvc to clear the holes cut for them in the stand. A couple of nights later i was able to do most of the plumbing.  I still need to finish the doors and get some new hardware. Its not going to stay like this.   Full shot of the sump and plumbing.   The return section of the sump. Im using rio 32hf to run the return on the left, and longer side. Then ill be using the rio 26 from my 75 gal to run the right, and shorter side. the little pump for my UV sterilizer will also go in there.  I thought these lines may get heavy with water in them, and start to sag, so i bought this little hook to keep them up where i want them and out of the way.  My skimmer is gravity fed. I put the Y pipe in there cause the inlet to the skimmer is kinda small, so if the skimmer isnt able to keep up with the drain it will go through the other side and into the filter sock. I put the valve on there so i can control how much pressure is on the skimmer.  ------------- Preston Kapp 210 Gal Reef |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: October 09 2010 at 5:49pm
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Yesterday was the big day! Finally looks like a real tank. I started at about 9, and finished at about 8 or so last night, with breaks for lunch and other things of course... Mixing a bunch of water the day before so it would be ready  Got the sand all rinsed out and in the tank  Fill 'er up!   I put some tape down on the tile so i would know how much space i would have in the tank. I kept the rock wet as much as i could, and didnt have it out in the air for too long. Drilled a few spots and used acrylic rods to create some overhangs and make things a little more secure  Tryin to figure it out...   Got all the rock in. Still a little merky...  The first FTS Probably gonna mess with little things here and there, but for the most part im pretty happy with the way it turned out. Tried to keep most of the rock off the sand, and create ledges and things for coral placement. Also tried to leave some space for growout, and room to swim.  left side  right side  Everything in the sump is hooked up and running. No leaks!   my ro water storage for top-off. drilled holes through the floor in my stand and put it right under the tank in my crawl space  when i get home tonight im going to test the water and see if i can swap fish and coral over from the 75. What do you guys think? ------------- Preston Kapp 210 Gal Reef |
Posted By: MadReefer
Date Posted: October 09 2010 at 6:16pm
| Wow it looks GREAT! I really like how you did the rock work. |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: October 09 2010 at 7:23pm
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Thanks Jesse! ------------- Preston Kapp 210 Gal Reef |
Posted By: Chris Scott
Date Posted: October 09 2010 at 9:12pm
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yea looks amazing, especially like your work with the sump, looks very professional. ------------- 55g Bowfront Corner Reef |
Posted By: tcfab
Date Posted: October 09 2010 at 9:26pm
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Thats looking really good Preston. ------------- Need custom acrylic work? give me a call, www.Elite-Aquatics.net (801)645-6386 |
Posted By: SGH360
Date Posted: October 09 2010 at 9:40pm
| ha |
Posted By: SGH360
Date Posted: October 09 2010 at 9:41pm
| have you cycled your tank yet? i might wait until it fully cycle before adding alot of coral and fish at the same time. nice work on your tank. how does you top off work? |
Posted By: Luckedout
Date Posted: October 09 2010 at 11:50pm
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Wow! Awesome looking tank!
------------- -Ben 90g Mixed reef www.body-balancechiropractic.com |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: October 09 2010 at 11:50pm
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thanks everyone! the top off is controlled by a tunze osmolator. theres a magnet in the return section that holds the float valve and a electronic sensor that will turn the pump on when its low, and off when its full ------------- Preston Kapp 210 Gal Reef |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: October 09 2010 at 11:51pm
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thanks Luckedout! been a long time in the works... ------------- Preston Kapp 210 Gal Reef |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: October 10 2010 at 1:16am
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[QUOTE=SGH360]have you cycled your tank yet? i might wait until it fully cycle before adding alot of coral and fish at the same time. about 50% of the water is live water from my 75, and all the rock is live. the sand is new, but is seeded with about six cups of live sand from the other tank. so im thinking there shouldnt be too much of a cycle. maybe a small one, we'll see... ------------- Preston Kapp 210 Gal Reef |
Posted By: Laird
Date Posted: October 10 2010 at 2:17pm
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Looks great. I'm close so if you need any help give me a call. ------------- Indefinite hiatus from sw aquariums. Once I have my glorious return I'll set back up the following. 50 Gallon rimless cube. 180 Gallons mixed reef paradise |
Posted By: P.Kapp
Date Posted: October 10 2010 at 7:36pm
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Thanks Laird! Did some testing tonight on the tank. These are my params; Alk- 10.4 dkh Cal- 450 to 460ish Mg- 1290 to 1300ish PH- 7.8 Ammonia- 0ppm Nitrate- 15ish ppm Nitrite- 0ppm So I know the Alk is too high, and my PH is too low. Whats the best way to get these in check? ------------- Preston Kapp 210 Gal Reef |
Posted By: MadReefer
Date Posted: October 10 2010 at 7:58pm
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Just wait for it to settle, no need to do anything.
pH- 7.8 isn't that low and should raise on it's own. You might want to test this after lights out and in the middle of the day and compare.
alk- 10.4 isn't too high and should lower on it's own.
It might be good to wait at least a week before you transfer anything, even though your numbers are good now.
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Posted By: Deluxe247
Date Posted: October 13 2010 at 7:48pm
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I know it's a few days old, but I just have to say that rock stack is SICK! One of my favorites. Just curious, how far down in the stand does the tank sit? It looks like maybe 2-3"? Just wondering how deep of a sand bed you're working with. I agree with MadReefer on waiting for the system to stabilize a little, just to be on the safe side. BTW, I'm also in Roy if you ever need an extra hand. ------------- 90G Mixed Reef |
Posted By: Jeffs_little_ocean
Date Posted: October 13 2010 at 8:16pm
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Looks GREAT Preston. Amazing rockwork. Hows that new octo skimmer working? Also the lighting looks really sweet, are you happy with it? What bulb selection did you go with? ------------- Life is good....right? |
Posted By: skimace7
Date Posted: October 13 2010 at 9:01pm
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Love the rock work!! well done! ------------- 120 gallon mix Reef mainly SPS and LPS... |