scott711

If you have the dimensions of the MP60 Wide Flow Guard, I could probably just use the MP40 as a template and just enlarge it.

finally getting around to check out the thread, but of course my work blocks the pictures. The biggest thing I can recommend is make sure whatever you do, create enough room for moving things around and removing equipment. You don't want to be cursing yourself for not leaving enough room to remove a skimmer cup, or pump and it gets stuck. Make sure you add unions to piping - makes it easier for repairs LOTS of ventilation - humidity/salt= corrosion. Always stick to the KISS method (keep it simple). The easier something is to do, the more likely you are going to do it. I know I have mentioned the reef brite XHOs. I would forgo those and get something different (if price is a concern). There are comparable LED's that are a lot less money. Oh- for the sand bed, I did an mixture of sand and epoxy to create a life like sand bed. The benefit is once you place the rocks in the bed (has to be done at the same time), there won't be any places for detritus to get trapped. You can always add more sand to create a bed for wrasses to bury into.

Hit me up, I can print you anything you want.

Steve, I think I remember. Yeap still married. It was a no win situation for her, but I keep everything in my garage so there are no water issues. So she couldn't be more happier. I got two 100 gallon water tanks. They come in different sizes and shapes. You can do smaller, but I would probably stick with the 100's. I don't know of any good sources to estimate electrical need. I just installed a sub panel and a 50 Amp breaker split into individual dedicated gfci breakers in the sub panel. I also have solar which helps offset some of my aquarium power. For the tank I got mine from AGE in Texas. Very solid build. Ventilation is important as anything metal in the room will eventually rust.

If you look back at my build, I took down a load bearing wall in between my garage and living room. I took over part of the garage. Definitely think about a sink (hot/cold water), drain, air exchange (especially if it is near an electrical box). I have a separate 50 amp circuit that was in the garage and made that a sub panel with 5 different circuits around the tank. Definitely have dedicated power on separate circuits for the tank. As I mentioned, ventilation is important because of the saltwater humidity. I have an A/C unit in their for the summer months and it is also a fan/dehumidifier. Have a lot of storage. I also have 2 large holding tanks for salt and fresh water. Definitely plan for wire management.

how much light do you have over it? They don't need a lot of light. They also like to be feed. I have a rock full of them and they are doing well in a shallow frag tank with T5 lighting only on a couple hours a day. Also look at how much flow you have directed on them. They are easy to move if you can get underneath them.

Thanks for taking care of this Tom!

It depends on your goal. If your goal is to eliminate parasites the max flow will be lower than if you are just wanting to us it to kill algae. https://www.livingreefs.com/threads/introduction-to-uv-sterilizers.431/ https://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?articleid=435

Agreed. It is really cool to be able to do something when you have wet hands. "alexa, Tell apex fusion to turn off the skimmer" I will "echo" what Dmb said, if you need help post here

It is a bubble king mini 1500. I have been talking with Royal exclusive over PM. I have tried soaking it and so far no luck. I was looking at the laguna pump because they are almost identical. My problem is that I am leaving for vacation. Luckily my mag drive pump with a hose inserted into the intake has been ok.

So as luck would have it, I am going on vacation soon and my skimmer pump failed. It is a mini red dragon 1500. I am not sure what is wrong with it. It will turn on, start to spin and then stop. Just to keep my skimmer working, I threw in a mag pump and put a tube in the intake to suck air, so far that has worked, but I need to either get a replacement (not sure what would work as an alternative to a red dragon) or figure out what is wrong with the pump. I cleaned the pump and impeller, but that didn't help. Skimmer has only been running for about 7 months. Any help would be appreciated

It didn't take a long time (~1month). It has completely gone away.

I like the KISS method (aka keep it simple...) Do water changes and add a good clean up crew. If you have to scrub the rock or pull it out. When I started my tank, I had bad hair algae, but it eventually went away with water changes and a good clean up crew. Make sure you are not over feeding and make sure you have good water flow. If your tank is doing well, why mess with anything trying to achieve a magic number? I don't test for phosphates. Only Alk.

Hard wired is always better. Wireless adapters are not reliable. When I did try that route, I too went with a powerline adapter and plugged it in. I think I still have it if you want it.

As Rob A mentioned, I don't think the direction will matter that much. From the pictures it looks like the bottom portion is where the water is getting chilled. Have you tried to look up the brand/model # for the chiller? You also have to make sure the flow the the chiller is sufficient. It can't be too fast or the water won't have enough time to get cooled, but not too slow either. You also want to make sure the chiller is actually working to and not freezing up. You should here the chiller engage when it turns on and starts the cooling process with the refrigerant and the fan.