lmeyer

I've got two thought on this, looking for opinions: 1) Use each 2" bulkhead for overflow to sump. Use my existing Iwaki MD100 for return to the tank, with return through the four 1" bulkheads near the sump. Build two closed loops along the bottom, using Blue Line 40 HD-X pumps for each and capping the fifth 1" bulkhead. Use my existing pair of Tunze Streams 6000s and supplement with two new Tunze 6101s. Total flow will be about 11,500 GPH with energy consumption around 710 Watts 2) Use the four 1" bulkheads along the top for overflow to sump. Use a Blue Line 40 HD-X pump to return to the tank and run the returns over the top of the glass. Use the 2" bulkheads for a closed loop, using a ReeFlo Dart for the closed loop. Cap all five bulkheads along the bottom and reserve Again, use my existing Streams and add 2 more. Total flow will be about 12,000 GPH with energy consumption around 330 Watts. Based on the numbers, I like option number 2 better, comparable flow for less than half the energy consumption. Plus, I can add more closed loops later if I'm so inclined. I'm not crazy about coming over the top for the return from the sump, but I can live with it. I think that four 1" bulkheads should work for feeding the sump. I assume that I can step up the 1 1/2" return from the Dart to a 2" bulkhead, is that a problem? It seems crazy to not use all of the bulkheads, but I'm trying to get max flow for minimum running costs.

Will take the ice cap ballasts and the bulbs

I helped Tony move his 10 foot acrylic tank last year, only 2 guys showed up. I decided then and there to hire movers. It cost a fortune, but at least I wasn't standing around saying, "How in the heck am I going to do this?"

Okay, here are the pics of the move. Don't expect more in a hurry, we aren't living in the house right now and I expect this will take 3 to 4 months to set up. Getting out of the old location On the truck Starting the rigging In the air Coming down Almost on the ground again In its final place The finished crew

I just picked up my new tank on Thursday. I'll post pictures of the tank and the move when I get around to re-sizing them to an appropriate size. In the meantime, I could use some help with designing the flow. I've never built a closed loop before and am having trouble. I've talked with the guys at WetWebMedia, but I'm still lost. Tank: 540 gallons, 8'x3'x3' Drilled Bulkheads: Two 2" bulkheads 2" from top (in the corners), four 1" bulkheads between them. The 1" bulkheads along the top are currently teed together in two sets of two. Five 1" bulkheads evenly spaced around 6" from the bottom. Planned Coral Inhabitants: Mostly LPS, i.e. favia, euphyllia, trachyphyllia, etc. Planned Flow Rate: ??? I was planning around 5400 GPH as I think LPS don't do well with the high levels of flow required for SPS. WetWebMedia is suggesting at least twice that much flow. Current Equipment for Flow: I have two Tunze 6000 Streams and a 7095 controller, which will definitely go into the tank. I may supplement with additional Streams. I am using an Iwaki MD100 pump for my current sump return, but am considering using something different to get a more energy efficient system if possible. I have a spare MD100, so I could use two if necessary. Am looking for suggestions for total flow, open loop design, and closed loop design.

Justin, Can you give me some more details on the light rails? I am about to start my own build and am looking for ideas. Thanks!

Back to the original topic. For those of you who remember Marine Care in Rockville, remember in the summer they sold bait in the back. Always thought that was funny in an aquarium store, but it helped them get through the down season (which summer always is for an LFS).

Do you have his old book? Is it worth getting the new one if you already have the old one?

I've never heard of a case where the mix had stratified, but others have voiced the same concern. One recommendations I've seen before has been to shake the mix well before using it. Another school of thought I've seen is that it is better to mix the whole container at once and then save any water you don't use for your next water change. In my opinion, you'll be fine just using however much you need and sealing the bucket back up until the next time.

I've had a foxface in my tank for several years. Never had any problems with my foxface and other fish. The foxface does own the tank, he gets first crack at all food and everybody else eats his scraps. He and the purple tang are pals, they swim everywhere together.

You mean it isn't already?

http://www.reefcentral.com/calc/SandBed.php Depending on the sand 70 - 90 pounds.

Look up Cyanobacteria. Sounds like that could be your culprit. Regular water changes with RO and stepping up filtration should help.

I'm laughing. The last time I got bulbs from Champion they sent me the same bulb by mistake (I had ordered a 6500K). I wonder if this is the one I returned. Don't worry, I never opened it.

Cost had nothing to do with it for me. My daughter's birthday party was the next day and I was busy preparing. Otherwise I would have been there. I always want to go to the meetings, but unscheduled days are hard to come by. I am slightly more likely to go to the ones in Montgomery County as the drive to Northern VA, but would drive further schedule permitting. Just to add a counter-point to Lee's comments, I consider the speakers a big plus. Two of the highlights of my membership have been the presentations by Anthony Calfo and Bruce Carlson. Lee is right, I can get lots of information from the net, but meeting them was a real treat. I just wish I could attend more of the meetings!

Not that it matters, but I believe that AGA now owns Oceanic. They are using the Oceanic name for their high end tanks. I think that they are standardizing on using low iron glass for the Oceanic brand. If it is not the case already, you may soon have to request standard float glass if you don't want low iron glass for an Oceanic tank.

I wish I could. We've got a party the next day, I'll be cooking/prepping. Can't go to the event either :( Sorry!