inedukated

Ok, The skimmer works like crazy at night, when the Refugium lights come on. When those go off and the regular tank lights come on during the day, the skimming slows way way down. Is this expected because of the crazy growth due to photosynthesis of the macro? Just found it to be a bit strange -Ben

Good news.... Don't know what happened, but I came home tonight after having a lil' birthday celebration, and low and behold, this is what I saw.... Looks like it just took an entire week.... cwbashaw, thanks for the pics. I will try to mod the return pipe sometime within the next week. Any final comments/ suggestions before I consider this finally a success?? -Ben

Ok, I never got an email from AquaC. :( But it's been running for 3 days now, and its looking a little better. It's bubbling about 1-2 inches now. Still 4 inches away from the cup! Will it just take longer? What do you guys think? -Ben

I've been drinkin'.... you better pick me up on your way. LOL

Looks like you're just tryin to rub it in how awesome you are....

Problem existed before that was installed... I just put it on because it was a little noisy. I can take it off though, since it sounds like it could cause a problem. Thanks for the advice.

Sent an email to Aqua-C's support line and asked for Jason. I will keep the post updated with any results. Thanks again -Ben

to ask a stupid question.... what is starfire and what is the difference?

Currently, I don't have a bypass. Running it w/ a gate valve, which is putting pressure on the pump. Should I have a bypass (T intersection?) placed before the gate valve? I'll send an email to Jason and see what he says. Should I purchase the JG fitting? In my previous experiences, I'd agree w/ chideloh that AquaC's tend to work immediately, so I didn't see what waiting a few days would really do. -Ben

About 12 hours... I am going to wait longer, but wanted to know if I should just go with the Mag 7. I put my finger over it for a few minutes, but didn't see any difference. I could always try to cover it for a long amount of time. Yeah, I haven't had a skimmer hooked up for 2 weeks, so there's definitely something to skim!

I just removed both of the intakes (air and water) and both seem to be clear of any debris. Still the same. I have a Mag 7 lying around. Should I try that instead??

I'll give the vinegar a shot... Here's pictures, if that will help at all

I upgraded my skimmer from a (perfectly working) Aqua-C Remora to an Aqua-C EV-180. I got this off of ebay, so it's used and it's an older model. I originally set it up with a whimpy pump, 500gph. It flat out wasn't doing anything. I posted on here for suggestions, and everyone said what I was thinking all along.... get a stronger pump. Now I have a Mag 12 hooked up to it (with gate valve in case it's too powerful), and I STILL can't get any bubbles in the tower. All the bubbles just form in the base of the skimmer, then go away. Nothing works its way up the tower into the cup. I haven't even gotten 1 bubble to go 1 inch up the tower. Is this broken, or am I completely missing something? I have a gate valve on the pump, and on the return line, so I can adjust the water level inside the pump right up to the tower....still nothing. Help?? -Ben

If anyone is around the Leesburg VA area, there's a LFS called Aquatic World (or so I believe) that has what appears to be a waterbed frame converted into a huge 500g+ FOWLR. They have a longhorn cowfish that's about 1' big. In the same tank, they've got a 2' shark and a few other fish, like a big Hippo tang and such. The cowfish is just amazing to see, esp. at that size. It comes right up to the surface and pokes its horns out of the water... looks like it's going to spit water at you. -Ben

I am running a 5K in Manassas at 10:30am, so I should be back and showered in the area around noon. too late??

Located near Reston myself.... what time are you leaving? -Ben

Nice pic! Keep us posted. -Ben p.s. I guess I need IE to open that MHT file... darn

All I can say is that for me... sunlight is bad. For you...maybe its good... who knows. -Ben and Jason... ch. 15 & 33 of my physics book mentions reflection and refraction, and its affects on wavelengths (as well as amplitudes) of light (and sound) i.e. mirrors, sound-proof glass. So, yes. I guess the glass tank and windows, and angle of the sunlight into your house, all affect light waves I guess i should do my physics homework now.

I used to have my 55gal. set up in my bedroom, where there was no sunlight hitting it. After a year, I moved it into my living room so I could see it more during the day (and sleep quietly at night). It was exposed to around 4 hours of sunlight each day, and the hair algae was out of control. I tried cleaning, adding a refugium, water changes, watching nutrients... but until I blocked out the sunlight, the algae kept coming back. Just my two cents... -Ben

On that note, check out this link... made me laugh Aquarium break

Sounds risky. It may be best to just save up a few $$ and buy a used tank on WAMAS that I know is already drilled. I'm terrified to get a cutter and crack the glass! ...I should've blocked my number.

Ok, I've been wanting to get rid of this crappy u-tube overflow box for some time now, and I need to find out if my tank is tempered or not. I don't feel like emptying the entire tank just to read the bottom glass, so I tracked down where it came from.... My ex-girl bought me the tank for my birthday two years ago, so out of desperation, I called her (I know, I know...). Despite what I was hoping for, she's not pregnant OR addicted to crack. darn. So I politely asked her where the tank came from. She said it is a Top Fin 55 Gallon Starter Kit from Petsmart. Now, I haven't been to a Petsmart in years, and don't know much about their tanks. Do you guys know if this tank is tempered or not? Can I drill it and remove this overflow? Do I need to change my phone number in case she calls me back? Thanks -Ben

Jason, Sounds like a fun project! Make sure you keep us informed, as well as take pictures along the way. I have a 55 gall and have considered a similar project. Just haven't started it yet! Quick question though, Is it easy to drill your 55 for the overflows? I currently have an overflow box with a U-pipe. I'd like to drill the tank and construct an overflow similar to your diagram. Any suggestions? I'd hate to have to completely drain the tank, so is there a way to only drain part way, drill the tank, then hook up the overflows? Thanks -Ben

I don't have any frags to trade yet. I'm just getting started into corals. I am, however, looking to get some pretty zoo's. If anyone is bringing some frags they'd like to sell, let me know! -Ben

I am interested in some used T5's. Anyone upgrade lately and are looking to sell? Ideally I would like an 8x39 watt, 36" retrokit. If anyone has something similar... let me know, or just keep me posted. Thanks. -Ben