Starting 90g Reef Tank Build... Finally!!!

[JohnL]

This thread was automatically split due to performance issues. You can find the rest of the thread here: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=12925018#post12925018

[Tswifty]

Split #3!!! Here's the brief summary I used on the last split. I'll update some of the topics from the last split later today or tonight.

Waayyyyy back in the beginning of February (not April :lol: ) I was browsing Craigslist and found a 90g tank with a 30g sump for sale. I ended up paying $150 for it (I believe... might have been less) and it was pretty banged up to say the least, but after some TLC and LOTS of help from RC members... Almost 5 months later, this is what I've got. My first reef in the making

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/before_after.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/FTS.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/sump_fuge.jpg

The livestock list currently in the tank:

1 Powder Blue Tang (Merlin)
1 Yellow Tang (Colonel Mustard)... don't ask :rolleye1:
2 False Percula Clownfish (Dottie & Roo)
2 Yasha Hase White Ray Gobies (Yoshi & Yashi)
2 Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
1 Female Green Mandarin Dragonet
1 Coral Banded Shrimp ("the big guy")
10 Cerith Snails
3 Large Turbo Snails (the largest one's name is Gary)... once again :rolleye1:
2 Astraea Snails
5 Blue Leg Hermit Crabs

ORA Green Birdsnest
Pink Birdsnest
Green Acropora
Green Slimer (Acropora)
Orange Montipora Cap
Purple Acropora
Purple Tort Coral (Acropora)
Purple Chalice Coral (I think that is what it's called)
Pink Hammer Coral
Yellow Leather
Green Sinulari
Green Open Brain
Misc Palythoas
Neon Green Trumpets
A few Zoanthids

Thanks again everyone for all your support thus far... and onward we go! :D

[Tswifty]

INDEX

Larger Projects:

Canopy Construction
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310919&perpage=25&pagenumber=4

Calfo Construction
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310919&perpage=25&pagenumber=4

Sump Construction
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310919&perpage=25&pagenumber=7

Plumbing Construction
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310919&perpage=25&pagenumber=7

Plumbing Support
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310919&perpage=25&pagenumber=10

Skimmer Mods 1
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310919&perpage=25&pagenumber=26

Skimmer Mods 2 (Video)
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1393985&perpage=25&pagenumber=2

T5 Lighting Installation
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310919&perpage=25&pagenumber=28

T5 Lighting Upgrade
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1393985

Overflow Guard
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310919&perpage=25&pagenumber=34

Linking Phosban & Carbon Reactors
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1393985&perpage=25&pagenumber=9

Heat Issues
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1393985&perpage=25&pagenumber=17

PAR Testing Round 1
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1393985&perpage=25&pagenumber=30

Additional Misc Stuff:

Capn's Refugium Thread
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1410456

Heater Article
http://www.beananimal.com/articles/aquarium-heaters-what-you-need-to-know!.aspx

How to hard plumb an Eheim
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310919&perpage=25&pagenumber=12

Seeding Sand
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310919&perpage=25&pagenumber=9

Silencing Return Pump Vibration
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310919&perpage=25&pagenumber=16

Simple Bryopsis Solution Thread
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1113109

RO/DI Water Storage
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310919&perpage=25&pagenumber=23

T5 Q&A Thread
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1384575

Bean Animal's Plumbing Thread
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310585&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

Reef Safe Paint for PVC
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310919&perpage=25&pagenumber=31

Water Parameter Log Spreadsheet
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310919&perpage=25&pagenumber=34

Surface Flow & Agitation
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310919&perpage=25&pagenumber=34

How to Organize Wires Thread
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1391757

2-Part Dosing Thread
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1358865

RO/DI Filter Replacement Thread... How do you know when to do it?
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1401689

Cleveland Zoo Pictures
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1393985&perpage=25&pagenumber=8

Cheato Growth & Maintenance
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1393985&perpage=25&pagenumber=11

How to dissinfect your RO/DI Unit provided by AZDesertRat
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1393985&perpage=25&pagenumber=26

Ginger Thread
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=181818

Vermetid Snails Thread
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1406668

Spiders!!!
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1393985&perpage=25&pagenumber=22

Open Brain Coral Issues
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1393985&perpage=25&pagenumber=22

[Tswifty]

Updates:

Mandarin Dragonet Discussion
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1417839&perpage=25&pagenumber=11

Whelks
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1417839&perpage=25&pagenumber=17

Koralia Cleaning
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1417839&perpage=25&pagenumber=18

The Death of a Clam
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1417839&perpage=25&pagenumber=20

Cheato Maintenance
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1417839&perpage=25&pagenumber=32

Cooling Fan Discussion
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1417839&perpage=25&pagenumber=36

GFO (Phosban) & Carbon Media Discussion
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1417839&perpage=25&pagenumber=37

Additional Threads of Interest:

Sump Build Questions (a LOT)
SteveJakubiec
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1417422

Overflow out of Horizontal Pipe
uhuru
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1257783

How long must a tank remain fishless to rid it of ich
capn_hylinur
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1426833

Capn's LogBook Whats hot What's interesting
capn_hylinur
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1424845

Other "Clubhouse Member's" Build Threads:

Rae's pics-of EVERYTHING!!!
Raen
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1420139

Taking the Plunge
Schwe
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1245206

75 Gallon Pictures & Build Thread
Chatyak
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1410574

90 gallon tank build
timschmidt
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1421065

Here is my 90
new2sw776784
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1412069

The plunge - 90 gallon new build & newb question
Linina
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1344274

[Michael]

i like the 2 island look in tanks, its nice to have 2 reefs with space between, wish i had done it

[kudora]

wow another split, nice one guys

[Aquarist007]

great index TJ and congratulations on the second split

[raen]

Mr Splitstir! Congrats on a thread well built. Not to mention that fab tank of your!

[timschmidt]

I can honestly say I spend more time on all of your threads than my own! :) My questions get answered here :)

[Tswifty]

Hey guys just shoot me a PM and let me know if I forgot anyone's build thread.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12925125#post12925125 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Michael
i like the 2 island look in tanks, its nice to have 2 reefs with space between, wish i had done it
Thanks... I think the tangs enjoy all the open space. Hopefully it will fill in nicely once I decide to add some coral colonies.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12925132#post12925132 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kudora
wow another split, nice one guys
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12925209#post12925209 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
great index TJ and congratulations on the second split
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12925245#post12925245 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by raen
Mr Splitstir! Congrats on a thread well built. Not to mention that fab tank of your!
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12925304#post12925304 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by timschmidt
I can honestly say I spend more time on all of your threads than my own! :) My questions get answered here :)
Thanks guys :thumbsup:

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12925125#post12925125 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Michael
i like the 2 island look in tanks, its nice to have 2 reefs with space between, wish i had done it

first time posting here in the TJ clubhouse?
[welcome]

[Michael]

:lol: thanks scott

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12926722#post12926722 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Michael
:lol: thanks scott

glad for you to join us--you will find this thread quite informative and a little crazy at times too

and if you want crazy wild and informative try this site of one of the "TJ clubbies"
actually she is looking for support because she has this dying need or sense of fullfillment if her thread splits on here


http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1420139

[Tswifty]

I know the majority of the you know, but I figured I would do a quick rundown of the tank inhabitants for the new thread:

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/small1.jpg

The Colonel
2-1/2" Yellow Tang
Added: May 9th
QT: 2 weeks
FW Dip: No

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/small2.jpg

Merlin
3" Powder Blue Tang
Added: June 5th
QT: 4 weeks
FW Dip: Yes

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/small3.jpg http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/small4.jpg

Yoshi & Yashi
2" Yasha Hase White Ray Gobies
Added: May 14th
QT: No
FW Dip: No

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/small8a.jpg

Dottie
2-1/2" Female False Percula Clownfish
Added: May 12th
QT: 3 Days
FW Dip: No

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/small8b.jpg

Roo
1-1/2" Male False Percula Clownfish
Added: May 12th
QT: 3 Days
FW Dip: No

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/small7.jpg http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/small6.jpg

(No Name Yet)
2" Female Green Mandarin Dragonet
Added: June 29th
QT: No
FW Dip: Yes

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/small10.jpg

The Big Guy
Coral Banded Shrimp
Added: May 9th

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/untitled2-3.jpg

(No Names Yet)
2 Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Added: May 16th

[Aquarist007]

TJ----maybe you commented on it before the split--but do you think the remora will work fine without the internal overflow on it--I'm tired of the mess it makes on the surface, having to run my surface so high in the tank, and burning out pumps

[Aquarist007]

I have a heat problem in the system and I can't figure it out
The temp has been running at 85.5 all week and it is not dropping
Originally I thought it was because I ran the airconditioning at 76 degrees while my wife was away. But now the house temp is at 74 degress.
With the sump in the basement the temp you to cool down a degree or two at night but it has been slowly notching up all week and I can't see where the heat is coming from
Up to now and the last few summers the tank has never gone beyond 80.
I wonder if it is that malfunctioning skimmer or pump?

[melev]

If you have heaters, unplug them for now. Make sure that isn't the cause.

A pump with constricted return tubing (as we talked about in the past) can add heat.

Verify that your thermometer is even correct. Check it with two or three different ones.

Put a fan that blows down on the surface of the water in your sump. You'll be impressed. In a pinch, a frozen 2-liter bottle floating in the sump or display can help quickly cool off a small system. Keep a few in the freezer (don't fill them to the top, as ice expands as it forms) for when you need them.

[Tswifty]

kudora... I cannot for the life of me find that sump diagram that had the AquaC Remora mounted on it. I've tried every combination of words I can think of on the search engine with no luck.

Who knows, maybe I was seeing things :hmm3:

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12926954#post12926954 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
TJ----maybe you commented on it before the split--but do you think the remora will work fine without the internal overflow on it--I'm tired of the mess it makes on the surface, having to run my surface so high in the tank, and burning out pumps
What internal overflow? The black box that comes with it?

If so, I run mine without it, and have not experienced any problems.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12927026#post12927026 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
If you have heaters, unplug them for now. Make sure that isn't the cause.

A pump with constricted return tubing (as we talked about in the past) can add heat.

Verify that your thermometer is even correct. Check it with two or three different ones.

Put a fan that blows down on the surface of the water in your sump. You'll be impressed. In a pinch, a frozen 2-liter bottle floating in the sump or display can help quickly cool off a small system. Keep a few in the freezer (don't fill them to the top, as ice expands as it forms) for when you need them.

thanks---I already have the pop bottles chilling

thanks for the pulling the heater idea

and I will get the fan on their now---I was really trying to figure out where the heat problem is coming from

[melev]

Something is trapping the heat, and something else is adding it. Your lighting is possibly a culprit. Do you have the canopy open at all to let it vent out? Do you have covers on your sump & refugium? With a cool basement, this shouldn't be an issue.

A malfunctioning heater would be possible too.

[Aquarist007]

sweet call Marc----it was the heater--it was on and hot to the touch even though set at 78 degrees.
You are a life saver

I'm not going to do anything else right now so as to let the temp fall gradually which I think it will on its own
It went up very gradually over a week and stayed there so I think it would be a good idea to let it go down the same way.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12927226#post12927226 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
What internal overflow? The black box that comes with it?

If so, I run mine without it, and have not experienced any problems.

Yes, it is a PITA and for the life of me can't see any advantage in running it other then to hid the power head

[Schwe]

Congratulations on the split, TJ!! :thumbsup:

I think you have the best, most comprehensive and informative recaps on RC. Awesome! :)

[melev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12927715#post12927715 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
sweet call Marc----it was the heater--it was on and hot to the touch even though set at 78 degrees.
You are a life saver

I'm not going to do anything else right now so as to let the temp fall gradually which I think it will on its own
It went up very gradually over a week and stayed there so I think it would be a good idea to let it go down the same way.

What I recommend for heaters:

3w per gallon, divided between two heaters. Example: 100g tank needs 300w of heat. Use two 150w heaters.

Never ever trust the number on the heater. I find them to rarely be even close to accurate. If the tank temperature is correct, turn the knob on the heater to make the light come on, then turn it back down until it shuts off. Find that sweet spot where it is right, and leave it there. If you want to note the number it is on (72F for example with one heater I use), that's fine but that's as far as I would go with that.

[new2sw776784]

Hey TJ congrats on the split. I was plesently surprized to make the list for build threads since i havent been that active in the thread. So i just want to say thank you for including me.

Brett

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12927887#post12927887 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Schwe
Congratulations on the split, TJ!! :thumbsup:

I think you have the best, most comprehensive and informative recaps on RC. Awesome! :)
Haha thanks Schwe :thumbsup:

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12928303#post12928303 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by new2sw776784
Hey TJ congrats on the split. I was plesently surprized to make the list for build threads since i havent been that active in the thread. So i just want to say thank you for including me.

Brett
Thanks. No problem... I figured with not much going on with my thread, it would be nice to throw the light onto some others. I just hope I didn't forget anyone :)

[melev]

I'm sure that would never happen, T. ;)

[Tswifty]

Hey guys, I found some pics of my old setup on my broken camera's memory card. This is me pre RC... note the SeaClone skimmer, HOB filters, junky powerheads, and taped on background :lol:

Also, this was pre RO/DI... just tap water and De-Chlor. :rolleye1:

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/Old%20Tank/DSCN1676.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/Old%20Tank/DSCN1718.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/Old%20Tank/DSCN1717.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/Old%20Tank/DSCN1684.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/Old%20Tank/DSCN1687.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/Old%20Tank/DSCN1705.jpg

[Tswifty]

And here's the 120g 5' tank I picked up, then decided not to use, because I was too nervous about the center brace to use it. It may have been ok, but I just didn't want to chance it.

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/Old%20Tank/120gTank.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/Old%20Tank/120gTankbrace.jpg

[new2sw776784]

i would of used that one it is just melted not broke:) lol

but it all depends on the person.

lol

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12927910#post12927910 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
What I recommend for heaters:

3w per gallon, divided between two heaters. Example: 100g tank needs 300w of heat. Use two 150w heaters.

Never ever trust the number on the heater. I find them to rarely be even close to accurate. If the tank temperature is correct, turn the knob on the heater to make the light come on, then turn it back down until it shuts off. Find that sweet spot where it is right, and leave it there. If you want to note the number it is on (72F for example with one heater I use), that's fine but that's as far as I would go with that.

Marc, what is freaky here is that I did all that. Actually there was only one heater in the sump right now because the other one was in a plastic garbage can heating some water up for a change

I have not touched the setting of that heater since last fall and that was after I had it set to make sure the tank didn't go below 78 in the winter time. It has been fine with no adjustments up to this week when it went wacko.

I would love a couple of heaters like TJ has with the external thermostats--I can't get them in Canada because they are not csa approved. But I will have them before late fall this year.;)

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12928537#post12928537 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by new2sw776784
i would of used that one it is just melted not broke:) lol

but it all depends on the person.

lol
I was going to, but it had about 4" of flex in it. I was considering replacing it with acrylic, and researched a bunch of different ways to do it. Then I thought about how much money I was planning on sinking into it and I decided the gamble wasn't worth it.

Oh yeah... and I think I got the tank for like $50, the kid was going to keep a baby alligator in it, but never got around to it :lol:

I think I should've at least kept it for a sump, but I was running out of room in the garage... oh well.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12928303#post12928303 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by new2sw776784
Hey TJ congrats on the split. I was plesently surprized to make the list for build threads since i havent been that active in the thread. So i just want to say thank you for including me.

Brett

so we noticed---how about posting there--we are all waiting to answer you:D ;)

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12928558#post12928558 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
I would love a couple of heaters like TJ has with the external thermostats--I can't get them in Canada because they are not csa approved. But I will have them before late fall this year.;)
After hearing a few horror stories, I keep telling myself I'm going to pick up a ranco controller for it just to be safe.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12928562#post12928562 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
I was going to, but it had about 4" of flex in it. I was considering replacing it with acrylic, and researched a bunch of different ways to do it. Then I thought about how much money I was planning on sinking into it and I decided the gamble wasn't worth it.

Oh yeah... and I think I got the tank for like $50, the kid was going to keep a baby alligator in it, but never got around to it :lol:

I think I should've at least kept it for a sump, but I was running out of room in the garage... oh well.

give it to Rae:smokin:

[Tswifty]

Haha... If I still had it I would be using it for something. I sold it and made sure to let the new owner know about it. The guy I sold it to seemed to care less. All I know is that I didn't want ANY responsibilty for that sucker busting out on someone. :lol:

[new2sw776784]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12928574#post12928574 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
so we noticed---how about posting there--we are all waiting to answer you:D ;)

I did post earlier not much to update though.

Does anyone have any experience with these fish?

http://www.marinedepotlive.com/ps_ViewItem~SearchStr~~action~view~idProduct~ML0061324-01~idCategory~LFDABVOS~category~Blue_Velvet_Damsel___Paraglyphidodon_oxyodon___Small_(Indonesia)_Fis h_Damsels_Blue_Velvet_Damsel_Blue_Velvet_Damsel_OS%26vendor%3d.html

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12928628#post12928628 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by new2sw776784
I did post earlier not much to update though.

Does anyone have any experience with these fish?

http://www.marinedepotlive.com/ps_ViewItem~SearchStr~~action~view~idProduct~ML0061324-01~idCategory~LFDABVOS~category~Blue_Velvet_Damsel___Paraglyphidodon_oxyodon___Small_(Indonesia)_Fis h_Damsels_Blue_Velvet_Damsel_Blue_Velvet_Damsel_OS%26vendor%3d.html

damsels IMO not a reef safe fish. They grow up to be the bullies of the tank
If you want to keep damsels then keep them in a special tank just for damsels

[OwNeD162]

Hey TJ, way to go with the 3rd split!
Its crazy, this thread grew by 2 pages in the 6hrs that I was asleep last night!! Blink and you miss something on the clubhouse thread, lol...

Looking at your old tank, its pretty crazy how much change has gone on in the aquarium field, like i've read tons of stories from people about their old tanks where everything was HOB, and they used regular tap water with just a few drops of a neutraliser, they never tested for anything, where as today, we've got sumps with fuge's, RO/DI water, massive test kits, i think its good to see that we've now got more of an understanding of how it all works, and what we need to replicate as closely as we can, our own slice of the ocean...

Cheers,
OwNeD
:cool:

[Aquarist007]

Hey another new TJ clubbie member

[welcome]

[Aquarist007]

temp at 2 pm 85.5
remove faulty heater and lift up wooden canopy on the display tank
5 pm temp 83.4
8 pm temp 81. 9

4 degrees in 6 hrs---I think that is slow enough? Can you believe my big toad stool is still ticked because the top of the canopy is open--duh

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12928489#post12928489 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
I'm sure that would never happen, T. ;)
:eek2:

Haha... I don't know how I possibly missed quite possibly the most famous build thread ever.

[Tswifty]

So here we go:

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages…. It is my pleasure to introduce to you tonight…

A build thread beyond your wildest dreams, with more splits than any mortal man can count. So old… that I had to travel back in time through the ReefCentral archives just to find out where all the madness began. So large… the Internet can barely contain it.

Weighing in at an impressive 280 gallons with a filtration system that requires a day pass and a tour guide. Hailing out of a wall in a living room in Ft. Worth Texas...

The heavyweight, most comprehensive, most impressive, longest running, build thread champion of the world…

:bounce2: :celeb2: :celeb3: Melev's new 280g Starfire tank thread :celeb3: :celeb2: :bounce2:

Where it all began:
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=406083&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

Most recent page:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1410901&perpage=25&pagenumber=12

Everything Melev:
http://www.melevsreef.com

[Tswifty]

:lol: :rollface: :lol: :rollface: :lol:

:p

[Tswifty]

Ahh crud... I just realized I forgot another one. Sorry Chris.

AGA92 Corner Reef Tank Build
HumanIMDB
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1220237

[melev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12929534#post12929534 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
So here we go:

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages…. It is my pleasure to introduce to you tonight…

A build thread beyond your wildest dreams, with more splits than any mortal man can count. So old… that I had to travel back in time through the ReefCentral archives just to find out where all the madness began. So large… the Internet can barely contain it.

Weighing in at an impressive 280 gallons with a filtration system that requires a day pass and a tour guide. Hailing out of a wall in a living room in Ft. Worth Texas...

The heavyweight, most comprehensive, most impressive, longest running, build thread champion of the world…

:bounce2: :celeb2: :celeb3: Melev's new 280g Starfire tank thread :celeb3: :celeb2: :bounce2:

Where it all began:
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=406083&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

Most recent page:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1410901&perpage=25&pagenumber=12

Everything Melev:
http://www.melevsreef.com

I think I like that. I may use that at the beginning of the next split of my thread. ;)

















You definitely made up for totally omitting my thread the first time. :lol:

[new2sw776784]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12928646#post12928646 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
damsels IMO not a reef safe fish. They grow up to be the bullies of the tank
If you want to keep damsels then keep them in a special tank just for damsels

That is what i thought but the wife liked them so i had to ask.

If i ask to set up another tank she would have a cow.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12929686#post12929686 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
I think I like that. I may use that at the beginning of the next split of my thread. ;)

















You definitely made up for totally omitting my thread the first time. :lol:
Haha... Hey I do what I can :lol:

[Tswifty]

Hey Marc, do they sell float sensors at hardware stores, or do you think online is the only place I'll find them?

I'm thinking about biting the bullet and getting to work on the ATO tomorrow if I can find the supplies.

Also, what are the chances of the sensors failing? Is there anyway to install a backup in case the sensor would become stuck in the "fill" position.

[singold]

Hi Tswifty8 & all, appears your Yellow Tang & Clown fish are growing at same pace as mine. I started my tank about 5 months ago. I am getting tremendous enjoyment out of this hobby. Have already sold some things from my previous hobby to upgrade/supplement this hobby-so to speak. Previous hobby was my vintage star wars figures collection. Anyway, I am obsessed in the detail and microbiology of this hobby, and can't begin to describe the enjoyment I am reeping. Then again, I was a biology major in college, so I guess not surprising myself. As soon as I can figure out camera & downloading, thereof, I will post pics of my tank & its progress. My wife has always been the camera expert, but I am going to learn how to do. Hoping all fellow reefers have a great weekend! ---Sean

[melev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12930330#post12930330 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
Hey Marc, do they sell float sensors at hardware stores, or do you think online is the only place I'll find them?

I'm thinking about biting the bullet and getting to work on the ATO tomorrow if I can find the supplies.

Also, what are the chances of the sensors failing? Is there anyway to install a backup in case the sensor would become stuck in the "fill" position.

You could probably buy some at a local place like Grainger's, which seems to be everywhere. I get mine from aquahub.com

You can run them in series, so if one fails the next one works. I've been using the same one for over 5 years without a failure yet, but you never know. My reservoir can't hold more than 20g of water, so even if every drop went in, my system would be unaffected.

[MPeer]

TSwifty8 - I'm going to follow your thread more religiously now that you're starting to build your ATO. I've been wanting to do this and hope that you will post your progress along the way.

My minimal knowledge so far is that the items needed are float sensors, aqualifter pumps, tubing. If there's a good link out there about this subject, I would like to read it. Thanks.

[melev]

There's one on my site. Good luck finding it. :lol:

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12930654#post12930654 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aaron Peer
TSwifty8 - I'm going to follow your thread more religiously now that you're starting to build your ATO. I've been wanting to do this and hope that you will post your progress along the way.

My minimal knowledge so far is that the items needed are float sensors, aqualifter pumps, tubing. If there's a good link out there about this subject, I would like to read it. Thanks.
If I can find the supplies, I'm going to attempt to build it tomorrow.

Here's the link:
http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html

[kudora]

besides being way cheaper to build your own ato, why the change from a couple of days ago.

[Tswifty]

The exact reason you stated. Plus it basically uses the same system of float sensors and aqualifter pump.

The more I look at it, it's a relatively simple system. I can't in my right mind shell out $200 for something I can make myself.

[MPeer]

Thanks TSwifty!

[Tswifty]

No problem

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12930414#post12930414 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by singold
Hi Tswifty8 & all, appears your Yellow Tang & Clown fish are growing at same pace as mine. I started my tank about 5 months ago. I am getting tremendous enjoyment out of this hobby. Have already sold some things from my previous hobby to upgrade/supplement this hobby-so to speak. Previous hobby was my vintage star wars figures collection. Anyway, I am obsessed in the detail and microbiology of this hobby, and can't begin to describe the enjoyment I am reeping. Then again, I was a biology major in college, so I guess not surprising myself. As soon as I can figure out camera & downloading, thereof, I will post pics of my tank & its progress. My wife has always been the camera expert, but I am going to learn how to do. Hoping all fellow reefers have a great weekend! ---Sean
Thanks for the post. Sounds like you're off to a good start. If you're obsessed with detail then this is definitely the hobby for you :lol:

Be sure to let us know once you get the pictures uploaded. :)

[raen]

Did you see Schwe's new thread .......FANTASTIC. Made me laugh RALLY HARD! ;)

[misterd]

Hey,

Ive been reading up on your thread for about an hour now, lol, and got a lot of good info out of it. Thanks and your tank looks great.

I was interested in re-doing my rockwork to kinda resemble your two island set-up. Do you have any tips on how you did it? Is it just two mounds? haha

thanks

[Zestay]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12931122#post12931122 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by misterd
Hey,

Ive been reading up on your thread for about an hour now, lol, and got a lot of good info out of it. Thanks and your tank looks great.

I was interested in re-doing my rockwork to kinda resemble your two island set-up. Do you have any tips on how you did it? Is it just two mounds? haha

thanks

lurker here.
wanted to say i too am going with the two island set up in my 90

[timschmidt]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12930669#post12930669 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
If I can find the supplies, I'm going to attempt to build it tomorrow.

Here's the link:
http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html


Instructions for ATO (http://www.aquahub.com/store/media/TopitOffKitPremiumInstruxCompDec07.pdf)

Here are the instructions that came with my kit. $40 bucks, can't beat it with a stick.

[Aquarist007]

count me in on this too guys--It's something I being looking into too. My system is going through almost two gals a day in evaporation right now.

[Aquarist007]

TJ---can you repost the pics of your heaters and the controllers
thanks
Scott

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12931057#post12931057 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by raen
Did you see Schwe's new thread .......FANTASTIC. Made me laugh RALLY HARD! ;)

can you post the link?

[Michael]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12931584#post12931584 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
count me in on this too guys--It's something I being looking into too. My system is going through almost two gals a day in evaporation right now.

wow, i thought i lost a lot, im only losing a litre, mind you your system overall is huge, large system large water loss, worth it though, at least youve got a great tank:)

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12932012#post12932012 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Michael
wow, i thought i lost a lot, im only losing a litre, mind you your system overall is huge, large system large water loss, worth it though, at least youve got a great tank:)

I am sure that having the heater malfunction was contributing to it.
I am still idol worshipping Melev for putting me onto that so quick.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12931122#post12931122 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by misterd
Hey,

Ive been reading up on your thread for about an hour now, lol, and got a lot of good info out of it. Thanks and your tank looks great.

I was interested in re-doing my rockwork to kinda resemble your two island set-up. Do you have any tips on how you did it? Is it just two mounds? haha

thanks
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12931443#post12931443 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Zestay
lurker here.
wanted to say i too am going with the two island set up in my 90
I just stacked everything... very very carefully :lol:

I didn't want to drill my rocks, so it was pretty hard to create overhangs. I had to use pretty heavy rocks to counterbalance the shelves so they wouldn't tip over. It took a few tries, but everything is in there pretty solid.

Also, since I wanted high rockwork, I had to start out with a pretty wide base to support it, which is why they turned out like islands instead of pillars.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12931587#post12931587 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
TJ---can you repost the pics of your heaters and the controllers
thanks
Scott

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/165449Goodies1.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/msx.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/165449fsump1.jpg

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12931057#post12931057 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by raen
Did you see Schwe's new thread .......FANTASTIC. Made me laugh RALLY HARD! ;)
Yeah I check it yesterday... girls, fishtanks, and cars... what more could you possibly ask for?

errr...actually I just ran through it again, and it looks like Schwe is about the only girl who posted her photo. :lol:

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12931590#post12931590 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
can you post the link?
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1429158

[new2sw776784]

Any luck with the top off today? It sure has been quiet where is everyone this is unusual.

[Tswifty]

Zero luck... I found all the parts I needed except the one essential thing... the float switch.

Unless someone local comes through tonight or tomorrow, I'll be placing an order for it and the aqualifter on Monday. Then setting it up next weekend sometime.

[new2sw776784]

That is to bad cause i am getting close to doing mine as well i was thinking gravity feed thought what do you think? It will all depend on how yours looks and functions.

Just to let everyone know i have updates on my thread.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1412069&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

Brett

[Tswifty]

I started picking up food for Marc's DIY fish food recipe, but I could not find the seafood stuff at any of the bigger grocery stores. I'll have to get up early and widen my search tomorrow before my doubleheader.

http://www.melevsreef.com/food.html

So far I have for the mix:

Frozen Food:
Hikari Mysis Shrimp
Hikari Daphnia
Hikari Bloodworms
San Fransisco Bay Krill
San Fransisco Bay Plankton
San Fransisco Bay Cyclops
San Fransisco Bay Spirulina Brine Shrimp

Dry Food:
Formula 2 Flake Food
Spectrum Marine Formula Pellets
Sea Veggies Green Seaweed

Additives:
Kent Marine Garlic Extreme

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12935124#post12935124 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by new2sw776784
That is to bad cause i am getting close to doing mine as well i was thinking gravity feed thought what do you think? It will all depend on how yours looks and functions.

Just to let everyone know i have updates on my thread.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1412069&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

Brett
I still have all the parts for the gravity feed system I was planning on using in the first place. Depending on how this system works I may still use it on the 30g tank upstairs, since it will more than likely be connected to a small ATO container.

The reason I didn't want to use it on my large tank, is that I would like to keep enough top off water to last 3 or 4 days at a time. If the system failed, then I would end up with a good amount of water on my floor.

[new2sw776784]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12935178#post12935178 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
I still have all the parts for the gravity feed system I was planning on using in the first place. Depending on how this system works I may save it to use on the 30g tank upstairs since it will more than likely be connected to a small ATO container.

The reason I didn't want to use it on my large tank, is that I would like to keep enough top off water to last 3 or 4 days at a time. If the system failed, then I would end up with a good amount of water on my floor.

boy oh boy you make so much since that sounds like a better opition all around.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12935152#post12935152 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
I started picking up food for Marc's DIY fish food recipe, but I could not find the seafood stuff at any of the bigger grocery stores. I'll have to get up early and widen my search tomorrow before my doubleheader.

http://www.melevsreef.com/food.html

So far I have for the mix:

Frozen Food:
Hikari Mysis Shrimp
Hikari Daphnia
Hikari Bloodworms
San Fransisco Bay Krill
San Fransisco Bay Plankton
San Fransisco Bay Cyclops
San Fransisco Bay Spirulina Brine Shrimp

Dry Food:
Formula 2 Flake Food
Spectrum Marine Formula Pellets
Sea Veggies Green Seaweed

Additives:
Kent Marine Garlic Extreme

what fish eat blood worms---I thought that was a fresh water food?

[Reeftanks6]

Congrads on the spilt. Great looking tank everything looks great.

[melev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12935152#post12935152 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
I started picking up food for Marc's DIY fish food recipe, but I could not find the seafood stuff at any of the bigger grocery stores. I'll have to get up early and widen my search tomorrow before my doubleheader.

http://www.melevsreef.com/food.html

So far I have for the mix:

Frozen Food:
Hikari Mysis Shrimp
Hikari Daphnia
Hikari Bloodworms
San Fransisco Bay Krill
San Fransisco Bay Plankton
San Fransisco Bay Cyclops
San Fransisco Bay Spirulina Brine Shrimp

Dry Food:
Formula 2 Flake Food
Spectrum Marine Formula Pellets
Sea Veggies Green Seaweed

Additives:
Kent Marine Garlic Extreme

This article might help:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-01/diy/index.php

Scott - I watch all my fish take a bite of these. I don't know he eats the majority because I'm dosing the food from behind, and by the time I get to the front a lot of food is already injested.

[kudora]

i just read the mandarin diner section again melev thats a great idea, i might have to try that so get my mandarin looking healthier(fat).

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12937869#post12937869 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
This article might help:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-01/diy/index.php

Scott - I watch all my fish take a bite of these. I don't know he eats the majority because I'm dosing the food from behind, and by the time I get to the front a lot of food is already injested.

thanks Marc--have you found a place where to get black worms
PaulB suggests them for keeping copperbanded butterfly fish

My cbb is been in the qt for 2.5 weeks now and its eating mysis and brine shrimp really well but I would like to get some black worms for its long term health

[Michael]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12933053#post12933053 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/165449Goodies1.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/msx.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/165449fsump1.jpg

tell you what swifty, those 150 phosban reactors are £79.99 over here which is about $160.00, i found 1 on line for £45.00 plus £4.50 p&p, you guys are lucky in the usa and canada, we pay so much over here compaired to you guys:rollface:

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12938305#post12938305 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Michael
tell you what swifty, those 150 phosban reactors are £79.99 over here which is about $160.00, i found 1 on line for £45.00 plus £4.50 p&p, you guys are lucky in the usa and canada, we pay so much over here compaired to you guys:rollface:

purchase if from Dan at www.mops.ca

It is a mail order supply and I he will ship it to you very reasonably

I deal with this guy--he's great

[Michael]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12938369#post12938369 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
purchase if from Dan at www.mops.ca

It is a mail order supply and I he will ship it to you very reasonably

I deal with this guy--he's great

looks good scott, however i doubt he would ship to the uk, and even if he did it would probably cost loads, i will honestly look into it though, ive bookmarked the link, as i am after another 150, thanks again

[melev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12938097#post12938097 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
thanks Marc--have you found a place where to get black worms
PaulB suggests them for keeping copperbanded butterfly fish

My cbb is been in the qt for 2.5 weeks now and its eating mysis and brine shrimp really well but I would like to get some black worms for its long term health

If you can get some live ones from your LFS, according to Evan, you can breed them and grow your own from that point forward. He's been talking about it with me for some time, but hasn' t given me the specifics.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12937259#post12937259 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reeftanks6
Congrads on the spilt. Great looking tank everything looks great.
Thanks :)

This coming weekend may turn into a shopping spree though. I'm taking a trip up to Salty Critter, and will hopefully have some new addition pictures to post :D

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12937869#post12937869 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
This article might help:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-01/diy/index.php
Do you think adding the Vita-Chem and Selcon would be beneficial?

I know these recipes are sort of whatever you feel like adding kind of thing... I'm just wondering how much is too much to add. Like is garlic, vita-chem, and selcon too many additives?

I found a seafood market down the street, but when I pulled up a sign on the door said "Closed till further notice" so I'm guessing I'll need to keep looking :lol:

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12938305#post12938305 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Michael
tell you what swifty, those 150 phosban reactors are £79.99 over here which is about $160.00, i found 1 on line for £45.00 plus £4.50 p&p, you guys are lucky in the usa and canada, we pay so much over here compaired to you guys:rollface:
I had no idea it was that expensive :eek2:

I'm already considering fabricating my own for my next tank out of PVC... For that price I would definitely attempt it.

[melev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12940359#post12940359 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
Do you think adding the Vita-Chem and Selcon would be beneficial?

I know these recipes are sort of whatever you feel like adding kind of thing... I'm just wondering how much is too much to add. Like is garlic, vita-chem, and selcon too many additives?

I found a seafood market down the street, but when I pulled up a sign on the door said "Closed till further notice" so I'm guessing I'll need to keep looking :lol:

When it comes to such additives, adding some is beneficial, adding too much probably not. More than zero is good, right? Just don't OD your system on that stuff.

[Tswifty]

Thanks Marc.

[Tswifty]

Picture of the Zoanthids that have made a nice recovery in QT. I thought they were goners for sure, and am going to move them back to the display tank soon.

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/zoos.jpg

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12938431#post12938431 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Michael
looks good scott, however i doubt he would ship to the uk, and even if he did it would probably cost loads, i will honestly look into it though, ive bookmarked the link, as i am after another 150, thanks again

I will talk to him tomorrow morning for you when they open up

If he wont ship them reasonably for you then I will. It can't be that much---I have had alot of beatles albums shipped to me from the UK through ebay auctions very reasonably

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12938965#post12938965 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
If you can get some live ones from your LFS, according to Evan, you can breed them and grow your own from that point forward. He's been talking about it with me for some time, but hasn' t given me the specifics.

good idea---I used to breed mealworms all the time in my lab for fresh water fish and reptiles--and the students use to use them for experiments all the time

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12940503#post12940503 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
Picture of the Zoanthids that have made a nice recovery in QT. I thought they were goners for sure, and am going to move them back to the display tank soon.

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/zoos.jpg

yep--they have come back nicely for you--just make sure they can't be overtaken by other coral--I nursed a colony along like that only to have it overtaken by gsp.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12940435#post12940435 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
When it comes to such additives, adding some is beneficial, adding too much probably not. More than zero is good, right? Just don't OD your system on that stuff.

This was my philosophy on Mike's garlic thread exactly. Use it in moderation in the lack of scientific evidence good or bad about it.

[Tswifty]

Anyone have ideas for getting the phosban reactors open? Mine are locked shut for some reason.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12940592#post12940592 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
Anyone have ideas for getting the phosban reactors open? Mine are locked shut for some reason.

salt creep

Take a blunt instrument--like the the handle of a kitchen knife and give the top a quick rap or two with it in the direction that the top screws off
Its like the old trick of releasing the sealing on a preserving jar or wheel nuts on a car.

I have actually used an oilfilter wrench on the canisters of the ro unit when they seize.

[Tswifty]

I got it... Oddly enough I walked away for 5 minutes, came back and they popped right open... who knows. :confused:

[new2sw776784]

T.J you said you were going to diy phosban reactor?

If so make sure you share that with the rest of us. :)

im sure that you will just makin sure you do.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12940725#post12940725 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
I got it... Oddly enough I walked away for 5 minutes, came back and they popped right open... who knows. :confused:

ah the golden rule of working on computers---did that many times

I remember some of the old 386 cases---just would not come off--walk away, hurl a mouse at the wall--come back and the case would come right off.

[Aydee]

Often, the cause of the 'walk away for a few moments' with things like this is:
You cause enough of a crack in the salt/whatever that the moisture can start to penetrate and dissolve whatever is binding the thread. Thus, 5 minutes later it's easy.

Computers? They're just smarter than we think. They WAIT til your light-weight missus comes over and easily undoes the screw you've been wrestling with for the past 1/2 hr.

AD

[timschmidt]

Murphy strikes again.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12941452#post12941452 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by new2sw776784
T.J you said you were going to diy phosban reactor?

If so make sure you share that with the rest of us. :)

im sure that you will just makin sure you do.
Yeah it's a pretty simple principle, and I don't think it would be that hard to DIY one out of PVC. It's been on my list for a while, and I'll be giving it a shot once I start the 30g build.

The only thing is that since it will be made out of PVC, you won't be able to see inside the reactor. There's an acrylic shop that sells left over cast acrylic tubing pieces in Cleveland, but I'd have to get lucky and find the right size piece though. Even then I'm not sure it would be cost effective to buy a piece.

The reactors are only $30 a piece, so I would have to fabricate them for less than that.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12941843#post12941843 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
ah the golden rule of working on computers---did that many times

I remember some of the old 386 cases---just would not come off--walk away, hurl a mouse at the wall--come back and the case would come right off.
Hamsters are a little fuzzier, so you may get a few more tosses out of one than a mouse before you need a replacement. :p

[timschmidt]

Well I think seeing how much flow is going through the reactor may be needed to make sure the media isn't pulverized. Maybe a clear top at least to fine tune to flow?

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12941916#post12941916 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aydee
Often, the cause of the 'walk away for a few moments' with things like this is:
You cause enough of a crack in the salt/whatever that the moisture can start to penetrate and dissolve whatever is binding the thread. Thus, 5 minutes later it's easy.

Computers? They're just smarter than we think. They WAIT til your light-weight missus comes over and easily undoes the screw you've been wrestling with for the past 1/2 hr.

AD
Yeah I was about to walk over and ask my 100lb brunette neighbor take a crack at it.

I figured it would have to pop right open... if only for the embarrassment factor on my end :lol:

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12942197#post12942197 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by timschmidt
Well I think seeing how much flow is going through the reactor may be needed to make sure the media isn't pulverized. Maybe a clear top at least to fine tune to flow?
That is a possibility, or just use a small enough pump so you know the media wil be ok. For example, like the Mini-Jet 404 which only has a max output of 106gph.

Another option woulf be to do some testing with my current unit to try and estimate the flow rate moving through the reactors, then set the PVC unit to match.

[melev]

Since the flow rate is 90gph or less, you better have a ballvalve on there. Or farbricate a cute little window on each side to see through it.

[Reeftanks6]

sounds good. Better have some pictures of the new additions.

[Tswifty]

Pictures...? I never take those :lol:

I have some ideas of what I want, I need to call and see if and when they are expecting a new shipment. If they aren't expecting one this week, then I may change my plans and swing back towards my hometown, since there are about 5 fishstores in a close vicinity.

We'll see though, I may end up just ordering a bunch of stuff off LiveAquaria instead and save the gas money.

I also have a pretty long dry goods list that I need to get around to ordering at least some of. So if all goes to plan, it may look like christmas around here come next week. :D

[HumanIMDB]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12929657#post12929657 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
Ahh crud... I just realized I forgot another one. Sorry Chris.

AGA92 Corner Reef Tank Build
HumanIMDB
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1220237

No worries. :)

Just got caught up after being off RC for a week on Vacation.

Congrats on yet another split!

Following the ATO discussion closely... :)

[Tswifty]

Thanks... and the ATO has taken yet another turn.

I posted in the local reef club forum looking for an float switch, and a local reefer contacted me about an extra auto top-off unit that he has. It uses 2 floats switches, and has a timer so the pump can only run for a specified time after it turns on.

He offered it to me for $40, so I think I'm going to be going that route with it. I'm going to stop by his house and check it out this weekend when I head up to Salty Critter.

[timschmidt]

You can't beat that deal with a stick! My ATO cost 40 and I still had to buy powerhead, tubing, and extension cord. Oh yeah, and build it LOL!

[Tswifty]

I have a few extra powerheads lying around, so I'll see how they work first. I may end up just ordering an Aqualifter pump since they are only about $15.00

I've never heard of the brand though... "TopDose"

Here's the thread I posted:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1429755

[kudora]

hope that ato works for ya, waiting to see what ya do before i bite the bullet and buy one.

T-5s get here tomorrow(or thats what ups url is saying) so i bought a couple of additions to the tank but they are still semi closed so no pics yet :bum:

[bertmauricio]

For my ATO, I went with a double float from autotopoff.com (http://autotopoff.com/products/DS1/index.htm). Basically one serves as a backup. And being even more paranoid about a flood, I have the makeup water entering through a manual float valve, above the float switches. I'm still in the tank build process so haven't fully tested it out.

I do have a similar setup to fill my brute conainer from RO via a solenoid that's been testing great. The float switches are setup using a latching relay. The reason for the latch is to not have the RO unit run every time a little water evaporates or is used for topoff. Basically 2 float swtiches, one near the bottom and one at my desired water level. Evaporation or topoff happens until the bottom float is dry. Water fills until it reaches the top float. Cycle repeats and I have it set to keep only 5 gallons at a time.

From the Brute, water flows into a kalk reactor via an aqualifter, which is controlled by the float switches in my sump, mentioned earlier. In theory, it should all work. :confused: :)

[Tswifty]

FYI guys... Marc just started a fun thread looking for feeding pictures for an upcoming Reef Slides article.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1430247

[Aquarist007]

thanks for the link TJ

[Tswifty]

:thumbsup:

I figured it's something everyone would enjoy.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12949222#post12949222 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
:thumbsup:

I figured it's something everyone would enjoy.

Its got along way to go to beat Rae's thread for laughs;)

[Tswifty]

Haha... there's no debating that :lol:

[Aquarist007]

My msx250 skimmer should be here by tomorrow. That's been a real hassle in communication with these guys.

The pbt is still in qt --this will be three weeks--with no signs of ich.
Its awaiting the protein skimmer too before I add it to the display tank.

[Tswifty]

Well that's good news. That stinks about the communication, I can't really relate as my order process went smoothly. I can only guess that the skimmer's growing popularity has put them way beyond their capabilities.

I just checked the MSX skimmer thread the other day, and the member I usually would go to for skimmer advice (luke33) has apparently "moved on" ???

When you get it, I still suggest opening the pump carefully to check the mesh job, and posting a picture of it (side and top view) on the thread for review. Along with perfoming the other mods I suggested. I think it will be easier to do before you drop it in the sump.

[raen]

TJ and Scott......................I luv you MANS!!!!

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12949549#post12949549 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
Well that's good news. That stinks about the communication, I can't really relate as my order process went smoothly. I can only guess that the skimmer's growing popularity has put them way beyond their capabilities.

I just checked the MSX skimmer thread the other day, and the member I usually would go to for skimmer advice (luke33) has apparently "moved on" ???

When you get it, I still suggest opening the pump carefully to check the mesh job, and posting a picture of it (side and top view) on the thread for review. Along with perfoming the other mods I suggested. I think it will be easier to do before you drop it in the sump.

wow--Luke33 has been banned--that's a shock

[FabRight]

So thats what "moved on" means. I was wondering, as I've noticed it a few times.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12949549#post12949549 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
Well that's good news. That stinks about the communication, I can't really relate as my order process went smoothly. I can only guess that the skimmer's growing popularity has put them way beyond their capabilities.

I just checked the MSX skimmer thread the other day, and the member I usually would go to for skimmer advice (luke33) has apparently "moved on" ???

When you get it, I still suggest opening the pump carefully to check the mesh job, and posting a picture of it (side and top view) on the thread for review. Along with perfoming the other mods I suggested. I think it will be easier to do before you drop it in the sump.

They are adverising new pinwheels or something free with the new shipment of msx's. Is this what you mean?

[Aquarist007]

to quote from the web site

"The MSX skimmers are now plug'n'play! We have addressed the early start up issues that many experienced. We use three layers of Enkamat on the mesh mod. We are also including some replacement Enkamat in each package in case you ever need to "recharge" your skimmer
[url]www.marinesolutions.com

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12949772#post12949772 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
They are adverising new pinwheels or something free with the new shipment of msx's. Is this what you mean?
Yeah, pinwheels just recently became available for the MSX skimmers. Usually they are not as good as the mesh wheels on most pumps, but with the sicce pump the pinwheel is supposed to work almost as well as the meshwheel... or at least advertised that way.

Check the MSX thread, and solicit some opinions from some members who have tested both, and see what their recommendations are.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12949783#post12949783 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
to quote from the web site

"The MSX skimmers are now plug'n'play! We have addressed the early start up issues that many experienced. We use three layers of Enkamat on the mesh mod. We are also including some replacement Enkamat in each package in case you ever need to "recharge" your skimmer
[url]www.marinesolutions.com
No offense Cap... but take that with a grain of salt. I would still double check everything. The last thing you want is a pump with a crappy mesh job, which can either break apart and wreck the pump, or cause start-up issues with the pump.

I don't consider ANY skimmer out of the box plug n' play. That's just me though.

Plus since this was the first skimmer I was spending a decent amount of money on... I wanted to make sure it was right. I was nervous, since I new they were overloaded with demand, that they would rush the mesh jobs and their quality would suffer. However, I was pleasantly suprised and everything was AOK upon arrival.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12949809#post12949809 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
No offense Cap... but take that with a grain of salt. I would still double check everything. The last thing you want is a pump with a crappy mesh job, which can either break apart and wreck the pump, or cause start-up issues with the pump.

I don't consider ANY skimmer out of the box plug n' play. That's just me though.

Plus since this was the first skimmer I was spending a decent amount of money on... I wanted to make sure it was right. I was nervous, since I new they were overloaded with demand, that they would rush the mesh jobs and their quality would suffer. However, I was pleasantly suprised and everything was AOK upon arrival.

I will look forward in appreciation to your expertise when inspecting and setting up the new skimmer:thumbsup:

TJ--do you have a webcam---I am trying to set mine up and need someone to connect with to test it out. I got the cam so I can video talk to my grandkids but that was 5 weeks ago since they moved

[Tswifty]

Nope, sorry bout that. I definitely don't have one. For the last few months I have been stuck to using my work laptop for everything since my home computer went down.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12950466#post12950466 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
I will look forward in appreciation to your expertise when inspecting and setting up the new skimmer:thumbsup:
Scott, are you still planning on plumbing it externally?

I'm leaving straight from work today, heading to a baseball game, and probably won't be back until around 9:30. Depending on how quickly you would like to get the skimmer set up... my skimmer could use a good cleaning, so I could break it all down, and put it back together piece by piece for you and take some pictures to help you set it up.

[Tswifty]

Oh, and I noticed once again I am starting to get that red "puff" algae in my refugium again. My cheato still grows fairly rapidly, but I have noticed it has lost it's bright green color over the last month.

After reading one of Marc's threads or articles on feeding I think the issue may be that I am not turning off my overflow before feeding my tank. Therefore, a good amount of food is being sucked down into the refugium and feeding the nuisance algae.

For the next few weeks, I'm going to shut off my overflow everytime I feed the tank and see what type of effect that has on the refugium. I'm also wondering if I should cut back my lighting to 8 or 10 hrs from 12?

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12950499#post12950499 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
Scott, are you still planning on plumbing it externally?

I'm leaving straight from work today, heading to a baseball game, and probably won't be back until around 9:30. Depending on how quickly you would like to get the skimmer set up... my skimmer could use a good cleaning, so I could break it all down, and put it back together piece by piece for you and take some pictures to help you set it up.

thanks TJ--not to rush--its hasn't even arrived and the way things have been going it might not get here till Friday ;)

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12950581#post12950581 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
Oh, and I noticed once again I am starting to get that red "puff" algae in my refugium again. My cheato still grows fairly rapidly, but I have noticed it has lost it's bright green color over the last month.

After reading one of Marc's threads or articles on feeding I think the issue may be that I am not turning off my overflow before feeding my tank. Therefore, a good amount of food is being sucked down into the refugium and feeding the nuisance algae.

For the next few weeks, I'm going to shut off my overflow everytime I feed the tank and see what type of effect that has on the refugium. I'm also wondering if I should cut back my lighting to 8 or 10 hrs from 12?

I still get that stringy red algae too but it doesn't explain the yellowing of your macro.
I run my lighting for 18 hours 6 hours off.
Marc also made the point that you need to harvest alot of chaeto everyweek in order for it to grow quickly and as a result use up the phosphates

Are you turning the macro algae ball once a week--I find the yellow occuring on the surface and I think it is because the density of the chaeto is forced slightly above the water line
Again, harvesting a huge quantity out of it makes it grow better and quicker

[Tswifty]

Yeah I shake it and turn it more frequently now since I noticed the color fading. Like I said though, it's still growing, and I plan on harvesting it every 2 weeks now. I let it fill the fuge, then rip it down to a baseball size... lather, rinse, repeat.

I wonder if I should change the bulb?

Also, it stays at the surface... whereas my caulerpa usually stayed below the water line. Maybe I'll try and anchor it down tonight. It doesn't tumble in my fuge anyway.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12950703#post12950703 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
Yeah I shake it and turn it more frequently now since I noticed the color fading. Like I said though, it's still growing, and I plan on harvesting it every 2 weeks now. I let it fill the fuge, then rip it down to a baseball size... lather, rinse, repeat.

I wonder if I should change the bulb?

Also, it stays at the surface... whereas my caulerpa usually stayed below the water line. Maybe I'll try and anchor it down tonight. It doesn't tumble in my fuge anyway.


two big factors I didn't mention that helped get rid of cyano and that ulgy stringy red macro
I've added lots of live rock to the fuge in question and I added a Koralia number 1 which helps the water circulate through faster.

Remember at first I was getting alot of flake food coming in from the display tank and as a result cyano. I think the live rock bacteria are now acting on the flake food and the increased circulation is removing any of the rest of it

[Tswifty]

Is this in your large tote fuge?

I don't have a whole lot of room in my refugium, and would be a little leary of the cheato becoming caught in the powerheard.

[Michael]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12940510#post12940510 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
I will talk to him tomorrow morning for you when they open up

If he wont ship them reasonably for you then I will. It can't be that much---I have had alot of beatles albums shipped to me from the UK through ebay auctions very reasonably

well thats very nice of you scott, however ive looked into the north american market and with p&p they would work out about £40-£45-00 which is a lot cheaper than whats at my lfs, but as i mentioned earlier i can get them for £45.00 plus £4.50 p&p, bearing this in mind and the fact that i wouldnt want you to go to too much trouble i will get 1 for the £45.00 from e-bay, i am however very pleased and extremely grateful that you were prepared to do this for me and consider you a good key board friend and decent sort of bloke i consider a personal friend, thankyou very much scott:)

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12951310#post12951310 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Michael
well thats very nice of you scott, however ive looked into the north american market and with p&p they would work out about £40-£45-00 which is a lot cheaper than whats at my lfs, but as i mentioned earlier i can get them for £45.00 plus £4.50 p&p, bearing this in mind and the fact that i wouldnt want you to go to too much trouble i will get 1 for the £45.00 from e-bay, i am however very pleased and extremely grateful that you were prepared to do this for me and consider you a good key board friend and decent sort of bloke i consider a personal friend, thankyou very much scott:)

any time I can help--right back at you as far as friends and decent blokes.:cool:

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12951130#post12951130 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
Is this in your large tote fuge?

I don't have a whole lot of room in my refugium, and would be a little leary of the cheato becoming caught in the powerheard.

both fuges have live rock and deep sand beds---I can't take a picture of the tote but it has live rock and lots of reef rubble

this this picture I have added another 20 lbs and all that cyano is gone along with that red stringy algae.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/reefescapetangster/capn_hylinur/DSC_0370.jpg

[Tswifty]

did you run the powerhead in both of them, or just the one?

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12952384#post12952384 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
did you run the powerhead in both of them, or just the one?

I still have the flow from the drain going to the 37gal high refugium first so it was getting flake food in it after feedding
That's the one I put the power head in.

BTW
the macro in the second tote has really died back since the macro algae is doing so well in the first fuge.

[Aquarist007]

re energy saver bulbs --have you seen anywhere were they have to be replaced before they burn out--like the halides and attinics do?

[kudora]

looking for some clubhouse help, any decent links to t-5 install instructions( the ones from reefgeek were ok..)

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12955292#post12955292 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kudora
looking for some clubhouse help, any decent links to t-5 install instructions( the ones from reefgeek were ok..)

right here in the clubhouse--go back a few pages to TJ's index after the split
he has step by step with pictures

[kudora]

might not be finding that section, he has them on the floor then they are on the tank. i am going to wait a day and take 1/4 piece of wood and construct it with the t-5 on it then connect it to my canopy. that way i am not kinda eye balling everything since my tank is 60" and the t-5s are only 48"

[Aquarist007]

must be TJ's night out---he'll find it when he returns

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12955292#post12955292 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kudora
looking for some clubhouse help, any decent links to t-5 install instructions( the ones from reefgeek were ok..)
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12955895#post12955895 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kudora
might not be finding that section, he has them on the floor then they are on the tank. i am going to wait a day and take 1/4 piece of wood and construct it with the t-5 on it then connect it to my canopy. that way i am not kinda eye balling everything since my tank is 60" and the t-5s are only 48"
That's what I did. I measured the width, then used 2 strips of wood, and mounted the standoffs to the strips of wood. That way I only had to measure and line up the pieces of wood, not every standoff. I just mounted the standoffs sided by side, so they stayed in a straight line on the piece of wood.

Here's a sketch of basically what I'm talking about.

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/untitled-23.jpg

If you look closely at the top of the picture you can see the standoffs mounted on the piece of wood.

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/6543.jpg

[melev]

Where are your reflectors, TJ?

[Zestay]

hes to cool for reflectors.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12956933#post12956933 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Where are your reflectors, TJ?
That picture was taken before I installed the canopy on the tank just to make sure everything fit, and the ballasts fired up. I was lazy and didn't stick the reflectors on for the picture.

They're on now though, and are the IceCap SLR reflectors.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12957140#post12957140 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Zestay
hes to cool for reflectors.
In that picture. Yes... Yes I was.

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/cool14.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12952741#post12952741 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
re energy saver bulbs --have you seen anywhere were they have to be replaced before they burn out--like the halides and attinics do?
I don't know, but I would be interested if anyone knows the answer to that question?

[Aquarist007]

Would you believe I still have not received my skimmer.
That place is unbelievable---the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing.
Six long distant calls, 3 or 4 emails, promises it has been shipped but no tracking numbers ect ect.
I really am beginning to believe that I am not going to receive this skimmer.
My display tank is a disaster---I've lost my prize blue tip acropora and another one
Totally frustrated right now ---I totally lost it with the owner last night on the phone---and that is not like the capn.

I just cancelled my holiday to see my grandkids because I can't leave the tank in such a precarious condition:mad:

I honestly don't know where to start to stop a major tank crash---any suggestions from cooler heads would be appreciated

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12957709#post12957709 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
I don't know, but I would be interested if anyone knows the answer to that question?

I'll post it on the refugium/macro thread

[Michael]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12957733#post12957733 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
Would you believe I still have not received my skimmer.
That place is unbelievable---the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing.
Six long distant calls, 3 or 4 emails, promises it has been shipped but no tracking numbers ect ect.
I really am beginning to believe that I am not going to receive this skimmer.
My display tank is a disaster---I've lost my prize blue tip acropora and another one
Totally frustrated right now ---I totally lost it with the owner last night on the phone---and that is not like the capn.

I just cancelled my holiday to see my grandkids because I can't leave the tank in such a precarious condition:mad:

I honestly don't know where to start to stop a major tank crash---any suggestions from cooler heads would be appreciated

oh-dear, alls not well then, theres nothing i could say tbo capn, the skimmer removes organics and introduces oxygen, so water changes and more airation may help but you know what your doing, hope you get it sorted so you can see the grandkids, thinking of you mate:(

[raen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12957733#post12957733 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
Would you believe I still have not received my skimmer.
That place is unbelievable---the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing.
Six long distant calls, 3 or 4 emails, promises it has been shipped but no tracking numbers ect ect.
I really am beginning to believe that I am not going to receive this skimmer.
My display tank is a disaster---I've lost my prize blue tip acropora and another one
Totally frustrated right now ---I totally lost it with the owner last night on the phone---and that is not like the capn.

I just cancelled my holiday to see my grandkids because I can't leave the tank in such a precarious condition:mad:

I honestly don't know where to start to stop a major tank crash---any suggestions from cooler heads would be appreciated

Scott....can you feel my arms giving you a BIG HUG!!! This sucks! Is there anyway to cancel payment on the skimmer? Again, if there is anything I can do in the states, please let me know! You know how to reach me! I hate that you are loosing livestock because of a crooked company!

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12957733#post12957733 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
Would you believe I still have not received my skimmer.
That place is unbelievable---the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing.
Six long distant calls, 3 or 4 emails, promises it has been shipped but no tracking numbers ect ect.
I really am beginning to believe that I am not going to receive this skimmer.
My display tank is a disaster---I've lost my prize blue tip acropora and another one
Totally frustrated right now ---I totally lost it with the owner last night on the phone---and that is not like the capn.

I just cancelled my holiday to see my grandkids because I can't leave the tank in such a precarious condition:mad:

I honestly don't know where to start to stop a major tank crash---any suggestions from cooler heads would be appreciated
Scott,

Go here with your situation. Members on this thread always seem to know what is going on with Marine Solutions. I just posted on it.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=12957793#post12957793

[Aquarist007]

thanks guys
Rae--you do hugs well--I can feel it all the way from Cinc.

Mike--did a water change last week

There is something going on in the tank that I can't get my head around ----
Three sides of the glass have greened up so you can't see through them but the whole tank looks not as bright
Its like the wave length on the halides have droped to 6500 k and you get the yellow light instead of the crystal clear white light at 10000k
I am not sure if I am into an algae bloom, the reflection of the algae on the three sides of the glass or that the halides need changing
They were changed last Nov---I usually do them every Nov along with the attinics?

The berlin is still adding oxygen to the system but not skimming--and the pH has remained stable so I know its not a gas exchange problem

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12957807#post12957807 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
Scott,

Go here with your situation. Members on this thread always seem to know what is going on with Marine Solutions. I just posted on it.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=12957793#post12957793

thanks very much---its nice to be able to count on my reef buddies when the blood pressure rises:cool:

[kudora]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12956566#post12956566 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
That's what I did. I measured the width, then used 2 strips of wood, and mounted the standoffs to the strips of wood. That way I only had to measure and line up the pieces of wood, not every standoff. I just mounted the standoffs sided by side, so they stayed in a straight line on the piece of wood.

Here's a sketch of basically what I'm talking about.

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/untitled-23.jpg

If you look closely at the top of the picture you can see the standoffs mounted on the piece of wood.

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/6543.jpg

awesome thats what i was thinking of doing but with one piece of wood thanks, might just use 2 pieces like you did. now its my time to sound noobish cus i am, what does it look like with reflectors, were do they hook up.

[Tswifty]

The SLR reflectors just clip onto the bulbs.

[Michael]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12957822#post12957822 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
thanks guys
Rae--you do hugs well--I can feel it all the way from Cinc.

Mike--did a water change last week

There is something going on in the tank that I can't get my head around ----
Three sides of the glass have greened up so you can't see through them but the whole tank looks not as bright
Its like the wave length on the halides have droped to 6500 k and you get the yellow light instead of the crystal clear white light at 10000k
I am not sure if I am into an algae bloom, the reflection of the algae on the three sides of the glass or that the halides need changing
They were changed last Nov---I usually do them every Nov along with the attinics?

The berlin is still adding oxygen to the system but not skimming--and the pH has remained stable so I know its not a gas exchange problem

definately sounds like your right about the skimmer being needed scott, i recon when its up and running it will start to settle again, your system is up and running perfectly normally and then this, with your set up it must be the skimmer, cause youve had nothing else change, as for the lights, well i doubt its the problem, no change except skimming, must be the reason, the system is so use to it running, and now that little change is affecting it, hope thats all it is mate

[kudora]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12957842#post12957842 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
The SLR reflectors just clip onto the bulbs.

hehe thats what i thought but it looked too easy, thx again swift, going out of town now and will be back late tonight, have a great day in the club house yall, will install the lights tomorrow.

[Tswifty]

No problem.

[Aquarist007]

I think I know what might have happened
First I had the overheating to 85 degrees last week
Secondly I added about 10 lbs of very lightly cured live rock to the system last Friday.

I'm going to crank up the flow almost entirely through the two refugiums and by pass the sump until I get the proteins skimmer straightened around and run the remain flow through a micron filter sock.

I watched the halides come on today--very slow kicking up to 10,000k

Where can I find out if switching out my lightfixture to yours would be adventageous to my system--being a high tank it is a concern

[kar93]

Capn, You get your new skimmer yet? We need pictures. :D

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12958861#post12958861 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kar93
Capn, You get your new skimmer yet? We need pictures. :D

Nice dig kar--wipe the blade off on the way out Brutus:(

[kar93]

:confused: Did I miss something?

[Tswifty]

yeah it's a touchy situation right now.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1398879&perpage=25&pagenumber=39

[kar93]

Oh, Sorry Capn I just read the last few pages which I hadn't got around to when I posted that. Shouldn't have said anything. :(

[Tswifty]

Another clubhouse member's build thread that has just gotten back up and running... congrats Tyler.

RT6's 90 gallon reef
Reeftanks6
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1432148

[kar93]

TJ, Did you have problems when ordering your MSX? I did read on the website somewhere I think that all MSX orders are being taken as back orders. Or maybe they were just out of stock.

[Tswifty]

No I didn't have any problems when I ordered mine. From what I have gathered Marine Solutions was just not ready for the explosion in popularity of the skimmer.

The shop is basically owned by 2 guys I believe, and it isn't their main job. From the time the skimmer's hit the door, I believe the avg "sell out" time is 24hrs. Then the waiting game starts again. Like you said though, now I doubt you could get one without it being backordered.

I don't know how they could be caught so off-guard though... It's basically an ATI Bubblemaster for less than half the price. A member has done comparisions with the ATI and MSX, and concluded that the MSX outperformed the ATI. It's even become so popular that ATI has taken notice, and will no longer provide replacement pump parts to anyone other than ATI Bubblemaster owners.

[kar93]

They must have really taken off. I haven't heard much about the ATI on this board but on other forums if I'm thinking of the right one then those things are supposedly immense!

[Tswifty]

I mean just a quick search showed:

ATI Bubblemaster Models:

200 - $599.99

250 - $839.99

Marine Solutions MSX Models:

200 - $309.99

250 - $459.99

[kar93]

Personally, I would take a BubbleKing anyday and those prices are insane. But from what I hear its worth it. I'm all for you get what you pay for but if the MSX skims the same or even better job then why pay double the price?

[Tswifty]

Well the BubbleKing and BubbleMaster are two different skimmers, manufactured by two different companies. I agree though. Given the opportunity, I would take a BubbleKing any day.

BubbleKing Model Prices:

Mini 160 - $879.95

Mini 180 - $999.95

Mini 200 - $1,129.95

Super Marine 200 - $1,499.95

Super Marine 250 - $1,699.95

DeLuxe 250 - $1,823.99

DeLuxe 300 - $2,068.99

DeLuxe 400 - $4,089.99

DeLuxe 500 - $4,969.99

DeLuxe 650 - $7,289.99



Yeah... so little bit of a price jump http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/fc/surrender.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

[melev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12957733#post12957733 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
Would you believe I still have not received my skimmer.
That place is unbelievable---the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing.
Six long distant calls, 3 or 4 emails, promises it has been shipped but no tracking numbers ect ect.
I really am beginning to believe that I am not going to receive this skimmer.
My display tank is a disaster---I've lost my prize blue tip acropora and another one
Totally frustrated right now ---I totally lost it with the owner last night on the phone---and that is not like the capn.

I just cancelled my holiday to see my grandkids because I can't leave the tank in such a precarious condition:mad:

I honestly don't know where to start to stop a major tank crash---any suggestions from cooler heads would be appreciated

Here's what you can do for now:

Install a filter sock on the drain line going into the sump.
Scrape the glass on all four panels.
Run fresh carbon in a Phosban Reactor. Fill it up with 2 cups of carbon.
Do water changes weekly.

Test water parameters for anything out of range.

[HumanIMDB]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12957733#post12957733 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
Would you believe I still have not received my skimmer.
That place is unbelievable---the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing.
Six long distant calls, 3 or 4 emails, promises it has been shipped but no tracking numbers ect ect.
I really am beginning to believe that I am not going to receive this skimmer.
My display tank is a disaster---I've lost my prize blue tip acropora and another one
Totally frustrated right now ---I totally lost it with the owner last night on the phone---and that is not like the capn.

I just cancelled my holiday to see my grandkids because I can't leave the tank in such a precarious condition:mad:

I honestly don't know where to start to stop a major tank crash---any suggestions from cooler heads would be appreciated

Capn, sorry to hear about the crash. I see you have already got advice from the master so I will not worry about commenting on that... :)

PM me with the name of the place you ordered your skimmer from so that I know to avoid them, though I think I may have an idea of who you are dealing with, even though I've never had a problem with them... ;)

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12960780#post12960780 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Here's what you can do for now:

Install a filter sock on the drain line going into the sump.
Scrape the glass on all four panels.
Run fresh carbon in a Phosban Reactor. Fill it up with 2 cups of carbon.
Do water changes weekly.

Test water parameters for anything out of range.

Thanks Marc--you make me feel good about my reefing----I have just read this post now after all afteroon of
scaping and cleaning all sides of the dt
changing the media in carbon and phosban media
doing a water change

and I reduced the flow to very little through the sump with the most of it going through the two refugiums

It this is what you suggested and I did it without reading --then I had a good day:smokin:

appreciate your support as always
Scott

oh forgot to add--I also got that new baraccuda ro/di hooked up and cranking out new water

[Aquarist007]

No crash guys----the problem was three sides of the tank covered with green alagae so it reflected green/yellow in the water.
After two hours of scrubbing and turkey basting the rock and substrate the water is pristine looking again.
My wife might be right in saying --you should spend more time on your own tank then helping others on the net---LOL

Another big factor that I have to wait for later to do is that there is a lot of salt creep on the halides and attinics covers. When they cool down I will clean them off.

So far just the acropora and millipora that don't seem to be doing well.

[kudora]

man i am gone most of the day and plenty happens lol

glad your getting your tank in order lol

[kudora]

been trying to read up on the white bubble coral i picked up on sunday, was just feeding the tank and saw a good amount of red stringy stuff come out of the middle of it....i found a thread that identified it as coral poop....rofl can someone confirm or tell me i found the wrong thread

[bigmeats75]

did it smell like poop?:rollface:

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12963448#post12963448 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kudora
been trying to read up on the white bubble coral i picked up on sunday, was just feeding the tank and saw a good amount of red stringy stuff come out of the middle of it....i found a thread that identified it as coral poop....rofl can someone confirm or tell me i found the wrong thread

I think that thread is full of poop:D

I have had several bubble coral---never ever seen them fart more than I have seen them dump:D

post the link if you can

[kudora]

i have a white bubble coral but it looked exactly like what the purple grape one is spitting out


http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1427084

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12958947#post12958947 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kar93
Oh, Sorry Capn I just read the last few pages which I hadn't got around to when I posted that. Shouldn't have said anything. :(

Sorry Kar didn't mean to be an sob but it was quite a morning

Scott

PS not make up sex required:D

[Reeftanks6]

Thanks Much Tswifty.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12963448#post12963448 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kudora
been trying to read up on the white bubble coral i picked up on sunday, was just feeding the tank and saw a good amount of red stringy stuff come out of the middle of it....i found a thread that identified it as coral poop....rofl can someone confirm or tell me i found the wrong thread

I would be inclinded to believe that is rapid tissue necrosis and or part of the bleaching process when they expell their xanthella algae?

[Aquarist007]

Got the call from Canada Post--receiving the skimmer today
yeah

but know I don't need it--after all the modifications I made in my system yesterday the system is crystal clear and functioning quite well on two refugiums and a micro filter sock

Of course I am joking--I know I need it for my big sps and anymore that I might be able to purchase when I get a job

[Aquarist007]

another useful tool like the turkey baster
surgical focepts
these are great for removing green polpys from out growing my zoas. Allows you to pluck them out without any zoo polyps
I spent an hour tidying up my tank yesterday with that--they or I did a good job

[maroun.c]

Tagging along.
Still I admit that I only read threads after the split.
glad youÃ*re finally getting that skimmer Capn hope it goes smoothly till you get it and install it.

[kudora]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12965457#post12965457 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
I would be inclinded to believe that is rapid tissue necrosis and or part of the bleaching process when they expell their xanthella algae?

thx for the response capn, i will be watching it close the next couple of days then.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12965049#post12965049 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reeftanks6
Thanks Much Tswifty.
No problem

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12965476#post12965476 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
Got the call from Canada Post--receiving the skimmer today
yeah

but know I don't need it--after all the modifications I made in my system yesterday the system is crystal clear and functioning quite well on two refugiums and a micro filter sock

Of course I am joking--I know I need it for my big sps and anymore that I might be able to purchase when I get a job
That''s good news.. I won't be much help today though. I work, then head to a baseball game, then back to work after the game to run a six sigma trial tonight.

My luck with these trials has been miserable thus far, they never seem to run at a decent hour, or when it's light out.

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/chores039.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

At least I'll get tomorrow off though... http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/happy036.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12965685#post12965685 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by maroun.c
Tagging along.
Still I admit that I only read threads after the split.
glad youÃ*re finally getting that skimmer Capn hope it goes smoothly till you get it and install it.
Haha... no worries... that's exactly why I index my thread.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12965722#post12965722 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kudora
thx for the response capn, i will be watching it close the next couple of days then.
Do you have any pictures of it?

[kudora]

i will post some tonight when i get home, i did catch it doing it while i ran to get my camera but i cant say they are great quality lol, it looks like what that purple bubble is spewing out on the thread i linked for capn a few posts back. that why you have an idea what i am talking about while i post a pic.


here is the link
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/s...hreadid=1427084

[Tswifty]

The link doesn't work... if you copied it from another thread, you need to quote the post first then copy it from that screen.

RC doesn't include the entire URL on the actual post, which is why you see the ... in the address.

[Michael]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12961910#post12961910 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
No crash guys----the problem was three sides of the tank covered with green alagae so it reflected green/yellow in the water.
After two hours of scrubbing and turkey basting the rock and substrate the water is pristine looking again.
My wife might be right in saying --you should spend more time on your own tank then helping others on the net---LOL

Another big factor that I have to wait for later to do is that there is a lot of salt creep on the halides and attinics covers. When they cool down I will clean them off.

So far just the acropora and millipora that don't seem to be doing well.

listen to your wife scott, after posting 15000 posts helping us all you know shes right, im really pleased your not having a crash:)

[kudora]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12965940#post12965940 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
The link doesn't work... if you copied it from another thread, you need to quote the post first then copy it from that screen.

RC doesn't include the entire URL on the actual post, which is why you see the ... in the address.

sorry forgot about that, here is the link now

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1427084

[Aquarist007]

Drumroll guys--finally it arrived

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/reefescapetangster/IMG_4855.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/reefescapetangster/IMG_4856.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/reefescapetangster/IMG_4861.jpg

Did not realize it was this big
The only way it will go in my sump is to cut out the remaining wall of the trickle filter
Any problems with cutting the wall out--its acrylic

its the inside wall that the berlin is draining through
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/reefescapetangster/IMG_4201.jpg

to the left on this pic
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/reefescapetangster/IMG_4200.jpg

[Tswifty]

AWESOME!!!! CONGRATS SCOTT!!!

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/happy110.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12965476#post12965476 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
Got the call from Canada Post--receiving the skimmer today
yeah

but know I don't need it--after all the modifications I made in my system yesterday the system is crystal clear and functioning quite well on two refugiums and a micro filter sock

Of course I am joking--I know I need it for my big sps and anymore that I might be able to purchase when I get a job

the display tank this morning

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/reefescapetangster/IMG_4857.jpg

couple of pieces of coral came loose but that's all----thank goodness for two very active chaeto fuges

[Tswifty]

Have you opened up your pumps yet to check the mesh job yet?

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12966870#post12966870 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
Have you opened up your pumps yet to check the mesh job yet?

No, I was waiting for your advice--but I thought you were gone

[Aquarist007]

does yours have the same label on it SWC?
probably not because it is a Winnipeg address

[Michael]

superb scott the dt looks fantastic and the skimmer has arrived, wow great news, im off on holiday (vacation) from sunday for 9 days so wont see what happens with the new skimmer set up, hope all goes to plan and after sunday i will start to entertain the kids and the wife and forget about reefing for a while, my dad will come to the house and top up the water, when i get back i will look back at tswiftys thread and see how both of you are and how things went, glad the skimmer has arrived all the very best mate

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12966918#post12966918 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
does yours have the same label on it SWC?
probably not because it is a Winnipeg address
Yeah, mine has the same label.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12966939#post12966939 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Michael
superb scott the dt looks fantastic and the skimmer has arrived, wow great news, im off on holiday (vacation) from sunday for 9 days so wont see what happens with the new skimmer set up, hope all goes to plan and after sunday i will start to entertain the kids and the wife and forget about reefing for a while, my dad will come to the house and top up the water, when i get back i will look back at tswiftys thread and see how both of you are and how things went, glad the skimmer has arrived all the very best mate

have a great vacation Mike and thanks for all your caring comments and help:)

[Aquarist007]

I hope Marc sees my question about cutting the inside acrylic on the sump before I go ahead and do it?

I have a six foot long plastic tote that is really a toy bin right now---hmm now that the grandkids have moved away--would make a nice 90gal sump

[melev]

I need to see more of the sump before I can make that recommendation.

You could put the skimmer on a stand to raise it up a few inches. As long as it is with the prescribed depth, it should be fine. Rasing it up higher may place the offending plumbing over the baffle that is in the way currently.

[Tswifty]

Well if you need to keep yourself occupied until then, you can do those few simple mods I was talking about.

Here is what I mean by supergluing the airline fitting in for an air tight seal on the pump.

You just want to make sure the fitting doesn't pass too far into the body of the pump or it will impede the impeller from spinning.

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/pump1-1.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/pump2.jpg

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12967132#post12967132 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
Well if you need to keep yourself occupied until then, you can do those few simple mods I was talking about.

Here is what I mean by supergluing the airline fitting in for an air tight seal on the pump.

You just want to make sure the fitting doesn't pass too far into the body of the pump or it will impede the impeller from spinning.

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/pump1-1.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/pump2.jpg

thanks TJ---I am still not sure as to how the air is to be hooked up on this skimmer.

I also think the outlet and the two pumps are going to fit under the wall left from the trickle filter--it will be close
I am cleaning out all the live rock in the sump right now so I can try it

[Schwe]

drrrrr... I'm a Tard. :rolleyes: I was wondering why the heck nothing has been going on with your thread... Turns out I somehow was unsubscribed! :lol:

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12967087#post12967087 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
I need to see more of the sump before I can make that recommendation.

You could put the skimmer on a stand to raise it up a few inches. As long as it is with the prescribed depth, it should be fine. Rasing it up higher may place the offending plumbing over the baffle that is in the way currently.

there is 5 inches underneath that baffle(which isn't really a baffle then) so I might be able to get the water return and the two pumps to fit under it---someone like it is with the berlin now.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12968670#post12968670 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
thanks TJ---I am still not sure as to how the air is to be hooked up on this skimmer.

I also think the outlet and the two pumps are going to fit under the wall left from the trickle filter--it will be close
I am cleaning out all the live rock in the sump right now so I can try it
There is no air adjustment on these skimmers, you just hook up the clear tubing from the fitting on the pump (green arrow is pointing to it) to the silencer and let it rip.

You really need to pick up better clear tubing though. The tubing they include is very flimsy and collapses easily, not allowing as much air to pass through it.

But one thing I will repeat is... "Open your pumps carefully to check the mesh job."

It's very important. Your skimmer pumps should kick on "immediately" or at least within 5 seconds. If not then the mesh job more than likely needs to be trimmed back a little. It's just something I advise doing up front.

[kudora]

i have two pics tonight, one of the bubble coral from last night and the other of my hifin goby that is not moving around all that well. i have a pic of him, i have not seen him in over a week and was worried then while hooking up the new dvd player my daughter said she saw "lemon head", i saw him and soaked some of his favorite brine shrimp in garlic and got as close as i could and fed him, believe it or not the mandarin was stealing the food from him in his weakend state:(


bubble after spewing out red stuff
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn121/kudorasphoto/bubble.jpg



hifin goby, he has a pale red tint to him and is very sluggish
he is several years old but he has been in my care for the last 5 months.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn121/kudorasphoto/lemonhead.jpg

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12970031#post12970031 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
There is no air adjustment on these skimmers, you just hook up the clear tubing from the fitting on the pump (green arrow is pointing to it) to the silencer and let it rip.

You really need to pick up better clear tubing though. The tubing they include is very flimsy and collapses easily, not allowing as much air to pass through it.

But one thing I will repeat is... "Open your pumps carefully to check the mesh job."

It's very important. Your skimmer pumps should kick on "immediately" or at least within 5 seconds. If not then the mesh job more than likely needs to be trimmed back a little. It's just something I advise doing up front.

Mine is a two pump system--not clear on how the air lines should be joined together at the silencer---all they gave me was the flimsy tubing as you suggested.

There are also two plastic pin wheels included--are they a replacement for the mesh

What am I checking for with the mesh job?

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12970789#post12970789 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kudora
i have two pics tonight, one of the bubble coral from last night and the other of my hifin goby that is not moving around all that well. i have a pic of him, i have not seen him in over a week and was worried then while hooking up the new dvd player my daughter said she saw "lemon head", i saw him and soaked some of his favorite brine shrimp in garlic and got as close as i could and fed him, believe it or not the mandarin was stealing the food from him in his weakend state:(


bubble after spewing out red stuff
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn121/kudorasphoto/bubble.jpg


hifin goby, he has a pale red tint to him and is very sluggish
he is several years old but he has been in my care for the last 5 months.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn121/kudorasphoto/lemonhead.jpg

that could be the problem causing the weakened state---can you take out the gobi and put it in a quarantine tank?

my track record is poor with bubble coral having lost two of them but they didn't do well on the bottom of my tank like it appears yours is
just a thought

[kudora]

he pepped up after eating a couple of shrimp his eyes still look bloodshot, need to go buy a small 10 gallon tank tomorrow just incase, i only have a couple of 30 gallons, i think thats over kill for him.

i moved the coral to the lowest flow point in my tank today and it was really happy today.

[raen]

Evening Gent's................nice to hear your tanks are well! ;)

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12971113#post12971113 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by raen
Evening Gent's................nice to hear your tanks are well! ;)

clubbies---Rae's thread could split tonight with a little more attention from the clubhouse;)

[melev]

Have you tried to feed that bubble coral when it looks normal? In that state, it won't eat I don't think. Try thawing some mysis in a small cup of tank water, and squirt the mysis-flavored water at the coral. 10 minutes later, it should look a lot different, ready to eat hopefully.

Turn off the pumps, and squirt a meaty dose at / in to the center of the coral so it can close up. Feed the rest of your tank at the same time so your livestock won't bother it.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12971298#post12971298 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Have you tried to feed that bubble coral when it looks normal? In that state, it won't eat I don't think. Try thawing some mysis in a small cup of tank water, and squirt the mysis-flavored water at the coral. 10 minutes later, it should look a lot different, ready to eat hopefully.

Turn off the pumps, and squirt a meaty dose at / in to the center of the coral so it can close up. Feed the rest of your tank at the same time so your livestock won't bother it.

over cut the next off a plastic pop bottle, put a few small holes in it so it will sink, and invert it over the coral after you squirted it with mysis. Keep it over the coral for about 45 min and let it feed without being bugged by the fish

[kudora]

will try that tomorrow night melev, if that doesnt work i will try your approach capn. it looked nice and big tonight(after moving it to a low flow area) unlike last night.
did i mention i got a green pagoda cup the other day too guys? been working 10 to 12 hour days the last week and a half so the tank is getting as much love and i can give atm. my wife has been great at feeding them at thier normal feeding time, 1:30 and 7pm. my T-5s are still in the box waiting for me to install on sat lol.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12970789#post12970789 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kudora
i have two pics tonight, one of the bubble coral from last night and the other of my hifin goby that is not moving around all that well. i have a pic of him, i have not seen him in over a week and was worried then while hooking up the new dvd player my daughter said she saw "lemon head", i saw him and soaked some of his favorite brine shrimp in garlic and got as close as i could and fed him, believe it or not the mandarin was stealing the food from him in his weakend state:(

hifin goby, he has a pale red tint to him and is very sluggish
he is several years old but he has been in my care for the last 5 months.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn121/kudorasphoto/lemonhead.jpg
I was thinking about getting 2 of them to add to my tank. I still may... I think I have enough room around the rockwork in my tank that they won't cause any issues with my Yasha gobies.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12970961#post12970961 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
Mine is a two pump system--not clear on how the air lines should be joined together at the silencer---all they gave me was the flimsy tubing as you suggested.

There are also two plastic pin wheels included--are they a replacement for the mesh

What am I checking for with the mesh job?
I posted a question on the "New" MSX Owners thread for you. I don't know what it is but it seems like RC is not a fan of the MSX skimmers or something. Members have been banned like crazy who were running the thread, then the thread kept being hijacked by members promoting CV (ReefOctopus Skimmers)... without any of them being banned, and now the the thread is closed.

Anyway, I'm not sure what's going on behind the scenes with all of this, but it is kind of frustrating when I'm trying to find an answer.

Like I said, someone started up a new thread, and hopefully I'll get an answer regarding the airline hookup soon.

As far as the tubing itself... go out and pick up some better tubing from Lowes or Home Depot. I took my pump with me to make sure I got the right size.

As far as the mesh goes. Open up the pump, remove the impeller, and take 2 pictures of it:

1. From the top looking down on the mesh.

2. From the side of the impeller.

Here are the pics I took... Take the same angle shots, then post them on here.

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/mesh2.jpg http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/tswifty8/mesh1.jpg

[Tswifty]

My mesh job was pretty good. I had to clean it up and trim off some crazy strands here and there, but overall it was a good mesh job.

With the mesh on the impeller, you want to make sure it is the proper size, and trimmed up nice and neat, otherwise the mesh can interfere and cause the pump to have trouble starting up spinning the impeller.

[Tswifty]

Hey Scott, did the skimmer come with one piece of airline tubing or two?

I pulled up the breakout on Marine Solutions website, and from their diagram it looks like only one of the pumps should have an airline coming from it.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12971501#post12971501 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kudora
will try that tomorrow night melev, if that doesnt work i will try your approach capn. it looked nice and big tonight(after moving it to a low flow area) unlike last night.
did i mention i got a green pagoda cup the other day too guys? been working 10 to 12 hour days the last week and a half so the tank is getting as much love and i can give atm. my wife has been great at feeding them at thier normal feeding time, 1:30 and 7pm. my T-5s are still in the box waiting for me to install on sat lol.

Kudora please do not take this the wrong way because I think of you as one of the TJ clubbies

but until you get your lighting hooked up and have time to check out your water parameters, you maybe should slow down on the coral purchases

Just a suggestion my reef friend, definetly not a criticsm
Scott

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12972299#post12972299 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
My mesh job was pretty good. I had to clean it up and trim off some crazy strands here and there, but overall it was a good mesh job.

With the mesh on the impeller, you want to make sure it is the proper size, and trimmed up nice and neat, otherwise the mesh can interfere and cause the pump to have trouble starting up spinning the impeller.

thanks for the mesh pics---mine look really good

air lines--two of them but there are two openings in the top hang on air intake for them--so not a problem

I just have a third piece of tubing that I can't figure a use for----maybe its for the drain--duh

taking down the sump this morning--there is 50 lbs of live rock in it that I have to put in the two refugiums and the bottom under is a mess, so I do a complete water change out of it and vacuum it out.

[Tswifty]

Sounds good... get that sucker in there so you can start breaking it in :lol:

[kudora]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12972441#post12972441 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
Kudora please do not take this the wrong way because I think of you as one of the TJ clubbies

but until you get your lighting hooked up and have time to check out your water parameters, you maybe should slow down on the coral purchases

Just a suggestion my reef friend, definetly not a criticsm
Scott


nah i wont take it the wrong way, i work alot but i never sleep alot i am up from 7 am to 12 am everyday, my parameters are good, i took them on sunday
sg 1.025
ammonia=0
nitrite=0
nitrates=15
ph=8.2 this one is lower then usual its 8.3
calcium=400
alk test = 12

the bubble coral and pagoda are the only thing i bought the other day, i bought xenia a couple of months ago and those are the only things coral wise i have put in the tank since feb.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12972519#post12972519 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
Sounds good... get that sucker in there so you can start breaking it in :lol:

just waiting on my reef buddy to show up
I still have in mind of using that tote instead---I'm assuming it is 60gal
If I do then I am in for some major plumbing rennovations and he is the master at that.:cool:

what kind of internet service would Rae have that she can use here laptop on the road?

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12972568#post12972568 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kudora
nah i wont take it the wrong way, i work alot but i never sleep alot i am up from 7 am to 12 am everyday, my parameters are good, i took them on sunday
sg 1.025
ammonia=0
nitrite=0
nitrates=15
ph=8.2 this one is lower then usual its 8.3
calcium=400
alk test = 12

the bubble coral and pagoda are the only thing i bought the other day, i bought xenia a couple of months ago and those are the only things coral wise i have put in the tank since feb.

great--glad --I like my reef buddies
What kind of lighting do you have on there now
Correct me if I am wrong here, but I believe that the swelling of the bubble corals is related to a defense mechanism against too much light. I am thinking here that it needs a bit more light to get it swelled up again

My track record is o and 2 for them, so its just a hunch

[kudora]

compact florecent 65w x 4, they sit on the water and the tank is only 18 high, plus my sand bed is 3" to 4" deep. i think the flow was wrong for it i put it in medium flow in the tank. pagoda liked the flow but the bubble didnt so it was moved to a low flow area, i will post pics tonight of it all open(bubbled) up.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12972684#post12972684 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kudora
compact florecent 65w x 4, they sit on the water and the tank is only 18 high, plus my sand bed is 3" to 4" deep. i think the flow was wrong for it i put it in medium flow in the tank. pagoda liked the flow but the bubble didnt so it was moved to a low flow area, i will post pics tonight of it all open(bubbled) up.
great buddy, sounds like you have the situation under control

[kar93]

Capn, Do y' know what you're going to do about that baffle yet?

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12973651#post12973651 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kar93
Capn, Do y' know what you're going to do about that baffle yet?

Hi Kar--glad your still speaking to me---sorry about that hissy fit the other day

We just finished:

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/reefescapetangster/IMG_4869.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/reefescapetangster/IMG_4870.jpg

The air column is surging in it--from where it is in the pictures to much lower--I guess because these have to be brought in

[Michael]

looks good scott, sorry to seem daft but what is the flexible clear pipe on the left corner entering the sump do, wheres it go