tonkadawg

I think I remember hear/reading that after you add new plumbing (PVC) it will take a while for your skimmer to start pulling gunk out again. Any truth to this? Reason I ask is because a few weeks ago I got my new sump plumbed with flexi PVC and since then my skimmer hasn't done anything. The other thing I did at this time was upgrade the skimmer pump (from a maxijet 1200 to mag3) - skimmer is a Remora.

if you're going with #16, make sure you use a tip - the tube doesn't come with any. Trim it to the size you need and it will allow you to lay a bead down without making a mess.

I just drilled mine this past weekend - couldn't have done it with out this thread thanks!

what are your MG and Alk levels?

can you further explain what you mean here? I'm not sure I follow completely.

great idea Jason, but my drain is going to be 1/2" - not sure I can cut egg crate down small enough and have it still be effective. any other ideas?

I'm looking for some cool ideas for PVC overflow (you know, the 90* elbow in the tank) strainers - to use to keep snails and other critters out. I've seen the typical strainers : yeah, not that good looking.... Ideally I'd like something that can fit inside the elbow, becoming almost completely invisible to the casual observer.

sump finished and being leak tested: ordered everything to get the tank drilled and plumbed for the sump. Also got the panels in, just need to finish sand, seal and install.

when I finally get to upgrade to a large tank, it will have external overflows. My reasons behind that are like you said, frees up real estate in the main display, allows for a cleaner look, and I feel offers better surface skimming.

I'm assuming you're running a fan across the water surface - add another? Of course, chiller is the obvious, expensive answer. But if you don't want to go that route and are looking for a quick term solution, have you thought about adding a plastic baggie with ice?

finally got to work on the sump: I'm hoping to find enough time today to finish this and the ATO reservoir and start leak testing tonight/tomorrow.

thanks for the info - didn't realize that the HD were Sched. 80 - definitely the way to go.

what's the difference between the standard and heavy duty? It sounds like I can start with 1 1/8" and dremel out if needed

hahahaha cool thanks guys!

threaded or slip, should be the same - or at least I would think. Looking over at marinedepot.com, both are 1 1/8" but I just wanted someone to make me feel better about it.

1/2" bulk head requires 1 1/8" hole - right???

Hey Chris, I won't be able to make it out your way, but if you want, you're welcome to stop by with some of your water and I can test it. I have Alk, Phosphate, and MG - salifert kits as well as a hana phosphate meter.

yup, way ahead of you. both will be going into the sump once it's brought on line

found a full tank shot from the first of July. Things have changed since then (more corals, different pumps, cleaner set up, etc) //edit man, that's a crappy pic - it looked good on my phone. I need to find someone who's good with a camera and get them to take some pics for me.

congrats Chris - now the fun really begins! Take you're time, get things stable in the tank and as you know, it will bounce back in no time.

the 3 that I test for in my sps tank is Alk, Calcium and Mg - nothing but Salifert test kits for me

it's another form of mechanical filtration. Is it required? No. Does it help? Yes. But it is one more thing to keep up with - keeping them clean, buying new ones, etc, etc... I've seen them at Marine Scene and I'm sure most other LFS will have them.

yeah and do you do any sort of rinsing before moving the pumps back into the tank? Also, where's a good place to get the acid?