DonP

I have an RS-180 that I was having some issues with. I contacted EuroReef and in the end got the impeller replaced, but during the trouble shooting ER was insistent that the output pipe had to be above the sump water level to operate correctly. As Jason indicated back pressure was the issue. In order to quiet the output, they recommended putting a filter sock or filter sponge over the output. I use a filter sock and it quiets it down nicely.

I have not because I was not aware of them. I will give them a call. Any other suggestions would be appreciated should this one fall through. Don

I am finishing up some re-plumbing and need a John Guest Straight Ball Valve, 1/2" OD for poly tubing. Have checked at Lowes, Home Depot and Fisher's in the No Va area. I got most of what I have on-line. Does anyone have a good local source for getting JG or similar plumbing parts? Thanks Don

The Coupon CM271 also provides a 5% discount and is good through the end of this year. Unfortunately you can't have more than one coupon apply.

Tim - Thanks for the advice and info. Don

I have a new tank and lighting system. I would like to install some quick connects on the cord between between my MH ballasts and bulbs so that when I take off the canopy I can disconnect the cord right behind the canopy. I understand that Molex connectors are an option. Are there others and where can I find either the molex connectors or other hardware? Thanks

If you are interested in the ASM, I have a G3 I bought about a month ago from discretekarma (Scott Lumley). I have not used it since the tank I ended up buying came with a EuroReef. The G3 has the recirc mod with a Sedra 5000 hooked up for recirc, a Maxi Jet 1200 for the feed pump, along with the gate valve and the mesh wheel mods. I also have an extra new Sedra 5000 that came with it so you won't have much down time if the pump ever goes down. PM me if you are interested.

Let me know if you find something else good in that area. I will be down there again next week.

This was a very cool place I went to about 2 weeks ago on a business trip. It is a combo aquarium design/saltwater/freshwater store. Larger than anything I have seen in NoVa. It is right by the intersection of Kirby and 59. Scroll down when you get to the site below to see some of the facilities. http://www.aquariumenvironments.com/umbrella/houston.html

Thanks - Sounds like there are good options to go with both the drilled and overflow box options, but ideal is probably drilled, especially on a bigger tank where the "mess" factor is greater . I would also think that the bigger the tank, the thicker the glass and the better success rate for drilling with no mishaps. From what I have read on different forums, it would appear that patience while drilling (low pressure) with good water flow or drilling coolant would be the keys. I also noticed on the BRK website reference above that they have both bulkheads and Uniseals. Any thoughts on their use/proper applications and experience on the use of the two, success and issues?

Along the same lines, I am looking for a new tank, probably used. There are a lot of them out there that are not drilled. Assuming the tank is empty..... what are the advantages/disadvantages to drilling a tank through the back for overflows/returns vs using an overflow box. Also, what are the major advantages/disadvantages of having drilled overflows/returns through the bottom vs. through the back of the tank?