sheac12

I went ahead and fixed my setup as suggested. I added clamps to all my connections, I used the stainless steel ones. I replumbed with what Rascal suggested and the bubble problem isnt much better. The only thing is I didn't seal the pvc connections with cement so, I am going to do that and try again.

Ok, what kind of clamps? Are we talking about zip ties, or those metal ones with the screw? Either way I will throw some clamps on there tomorrow after work and see if that fixes the problem.

bigJPDC Glad you enjoyed the vid. In the first photo is that your bulk head? How did you get the pvc to stay sealed to the barbed end of the bulk head, lots of glue? Thanks

As far as I can tell it is clear. I uploaded a video showing the sump and the overflow. Hopefully that may help.

Hi all. I am back again with more questions. I am having a problem with large amounts of air in my drain from the tank. My tank is a AGA with a Mega Flow Overflow kit connected to the sump using flexible PVC. I have the overflow depth set to the suggested 1 inch from the top. I am using the 1" drain and the .75" return. I am trying to figure out where the air is getting into the drain line. I dont know if it is in the elbow in the overflow or if the flexible PVC connection is not tight. I have a video of the problem that I am going to post later today, but I am hoping someone else has run into this issue before. I think that the problem is the crappy connection the two pieces of the elbow make, but I dont know that for sure. Anyone else run into this before?

I don't know if it is, but I wouldn't be surprised! The LFS thought it was odd that the shaft didn't break earlier with all the messing around with the pump. I decided, since I was replacing the pump, to do the gate valve mod. I just purchased all the pvc, but now I am waiting for the gate valve to show up from NY. I am building it just like the Octopus photos. I am thinking about doing a thread on how to do it for much cheaper then Octopus wanted for their kit, but there are so many threads out there I dont know if it is worth it.

I figured out what was wrong, the impeller shaft, well actually the little rod that everything turns on, was cracked and broke last night. The other problem was the impeller was broken and kept slipping. I think i just might purchase a new pump and impeller for 59.99 directly from the manufacturer, that way I have a warranty on everything. They want 21.99 just for the impeller assembly, so I don't see a good reason just to get the impeller and have to worry about misalignment in the pump. Suggestions?

I might stop by tomorrow if you are in. I have class tonight. I think I figured out what is wrong with the pump, the "needle" paddle is broken and keeps slipping and stopping, but I need a second opinion.

That is how I had it set up, but it appears the pump is shot and that is why it isnt working. Stupid pump....

Hi again, After some good answers and clarification on the sand/substrate question I have a new question/problem. How do I setup this Octopus NW-150? Is there somewhere I can get a manual/users guide for it? Does anyone have experience with it? Thanks

Ah good to know. I don't think i will worry about it then. I already called Scales and they are price matching Seas, which is fine with me. After speaking with the people at Scales I hope I like the place. It was a nice change to speak to someone who didnt sound like they had an attitude problem. Silver Spring is a drive from Ellicott City, but I am down that way twice a week to the Greenbelt metro stop for school anyway. I was going to Aquarium One, I was surprised by the good prices and helpfulness of the staff, but that is even farther from my place. Thanks for the help and info.

Thanks, I am heading over to Scales Tropical Fish Warehouse after work and class tonight to buy two bags. wish I had my WAMAS card so i could get the discount...oh well!

The only thing I am worried about is the fact that it says it is not burrower safe. What am I "excluding" from my tank by using this?

So after doing some research and I think I have settled on getting CaribSea Seaflor Special Grade Reef Sand for my FOWLR tank. Does anyone have a good opinion of this substrate? Will this work for my tank?

Hey all, I live in Columbia MD and I was out at the Home Depot on Snowden and couldn't find any of the recommended sands there. I am looking for a Southdown or some other type that is usable. I was wondering if anyone had a good place to go that was close by that might have a usable sand, or could recommend another type. Thanks!

I went up to Aquarium Depot last weekend (10/06/07) and was not impressed. I felt that the tanks were over priced and the staff not that knowledgeable. Not to mention when I was looking around at the live rock they wanted way too much per lb. The only thing that really bothered me was the fact they had some large triggers stuffed into some really small holding tanks.