Hustlers 300G Panzer Project (Up and Running) [Archive]

Hustler

10-03-2011, 01:40 AM

Here is my 300 gallon panzer project....... I named her panzer as she is a great big rock solid tank :)

Its 8 feet by 2 feet by 30 inches tall 3/4" glass and Immovable lol made by the magician Mitch himself :)
Its been run as a freshwater tank the last year but is in the middle of her salt transition as I type :)
Im very excited to see how she ages and what kinds of things I can do with her in a marine enviroment.
she has dual overflows in the back corners with dual dorso's and a Monster pool/spa pump for the return as of now.
The skimmer, carbon/gro reactors and live rock are a week or two away so I will start here with my journal.
Any comments or ideas are more than welcome.... this will be a long journal

On the truck.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/001-3.jpg
1400lbs shipping weight all together..... still snuck it on the power tailgate with 8 guys and 2 flats of beer
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/002-1.jpg
rough 100 gallon sump
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/013.jpg
Direct plummed into the city drain for overflow emergencies
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/012.jpg
Overflow guts quiet as can be with 60gpm flowing
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/008-1.jpg

The Grizz

10-03-2011, 01:57 AM

Nice, this is the exact size my tank is going to be with starphire front, sides & euro-brace.

Hustler

10-03-2011, 02:26 AM

This tank was by far the heaviest thing I have ever had to move by hand.....
3/4 glass is just silly..... And drilling.... Nerves of steel and budwieser ;)
I have a 320 in the shop im trying to find a good use for aswell..... maybe a frag tank???
its 80"x34"by27" Still dirty as i moved it in on friday and havent hosed it out yet but she has potential :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/004-6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/003-12.jpg

sphelps

10-03-2011, 02:47 AM

So will that drain remove water every time the tank shuts off or is the level shown already at shut off level? Got a p-trap on that drain somewhere?

Nice looking tank.

Hustler

10-03-2011, 02:50 AM

Its just a fail safe now for power outages, With the freshwater system it was a constant drip waterchange to that level. It definately has a P trap :)

Hustler

10-12-2011, 04:40 AM

scrubbed and drained.... being filled with ro water from my aquasafe unit getting excited :)
Installed a 140 gallon plastic reservoire in the laundry room for back up....
should be another week or two for the skimmer gfo and carbon reactor to get here then Ill have a post worthy of canreef lol

lastlight

10-12-2011, 04:47 AM

In through the window... lucky guy! Good luck with the flip over.

Hustler

10-12-2011, 04:58 AM

In through the window... lucky guy! Good luck with the flip over.
Luck had nothing to do with it.... wouldnt fit down the stairs and it took almost 8 welders at a case of beer each....and 2 missed work the next day LOL....
I think the person buying this house gets a free tank.....cus I aint moving it again :)

Wayne

10-15-2011, 04:31 AM

Luck had nothing to do with it.... wouldnt fit down the stairs and it took almost 8 welders at a case of beer each....and 2 missed work the next day LOL....
I think the person buying this house gets a free tank.....cus I aint moving it again :)

LOL I know what its like to move a heavy tank and be sore the next day :lol: If only I knew it was going to be my last :biggrin::biggrin:

Hustler

10-17-2011, 04:49 AM

Please excuse my autocad skills......
I have sketched up what I figure will work for the first run of filters on my 300.
beckett 12" by 30" skimmer, bio reactor, GFO and Carbon reactors all run on seperate pumps. New reefflow pumps to replace my pool pump LOL
ect.... maybe you have some imput? questions comments and concerns more than welcome.... And if your any good at playing with new toys and like to drink free beer Please let me know as I have a headache just sketching this :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/004-8.jpg

The Grizz

10-18-2011, 03:04 AM

Just a few thing that I notice to concider, not saying that I am 100% right but it what I would do since I have an 8' tank as well.

1. Try to keep your drain lines as close to the same length as possible.
2. If you are going to run Bio pellets you will not need a refuge or the light. The pellets will do the same as any macro algea, fill middle compartment with rock. Your bio pellet reactor output must be put as close to your skimmer feed pump as possible
3. Split your sump into 3 compartment making your return end the largest, the input to the sump the smallest. 2 baffles to divide first & second compartment, 3 baffles to divide second & third.
4. I am doing the same size tank & return pump. My idea is to run my skimmer, chiller & all reactors off my drain lines ( manifold system with control valves ) this way you don't need all the extra pumps, something to think about.

Remember this is simply what I would do.

Question about your skimmer? What kind did you get?

Hustler

10-18-2011, 03:28 AM

I went with a 12" by 30 bashsea twisted with a 3500 gph pump and an air injector pump...
Im going to try and piece out what youve explained there lol... its late and Im slow :)
The skimmer will be getting water right out of the first chamber where the tank initally drains into and the reactors will take water from where the skimmer will dump back to the sump.
Thats the way i figured it should go anyways???

Lampshade

10-18-2011, 04:40 PM

Looks great so far. Using a manifold for reactors is great, I'd definitely suggest that. One thing you'll find you are fighting the most is heat in the tank, less pumps helps that a lot. also, rather than using a ball valve on the output side of the pump, use a Tee that drains back to the sump with a ball valve on it. This way, you are not pressurizing your pump to change flow, you're just dumping more back to the sump.

Look into filter socks as well, easier to clean imo. lots of people use pads, But generally the filter socks seem easier.

the last thing is make sure your ATO sensor is in the return chamber, that's where the water will fluctuate, make it adjustable if possible, i wish mine could move up another 1/2" right now to cut down on microbubbles :(.

Grizz is right about not needing a refugium if you use biopellets, i do have both though, i think they complement each other, but that's just me. Biopellets don't produce pods, and my refugium is loaded with them. Your output from the biopellets should be close to your skimmer input, so try to line that up in there.

lastlight

10-18-2011, 05:40 PM

also, rather than using a ball valve on the output side of the pump, use a Tee that drains back to the sump with a ball valve on it. This way, you are not pressurizing your pump to change flow, you're just dumping more back to the sump.

If you don't need the flow though I prefer to valve it back. Your pump will draw less power this way and it's no different than a bit more head pressure... not bad for the pump at all.

Gripenfelter

10-18-2011, 08:21 PM

I would still run a refugium. Lots of bacterial and copepod benefits. I run a media reactor with bio pellets but still noticed a huge difference when running chaeto algae in the refugium. Greatly reduces algae on the glass.

Hustler

10-19-2011, 01:27 AM

Ok.... Im printing all this out to go over again and again well Im at work :)
If anyone has a pic to post please let me know.... I understand and I do already have a Tee fitting with a seprate ball valve to dump back into my sump so I would drill and tap it to fit the smaller pipes on the reactors?

Big day for me... Got me some Live Rock :) 215 lbs plus sand to start.... Now im looking for shelves and big branches while I get started on the sump and filtration setup.
Ive got 4 bubblers with a 3000gph pump and 1400gph powerhead in with the rock now just letting it cure ect.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/001-13.jpg

Hustler

10-21-2011, 12:12 AM

Quick update since I havent recieved any of my filter stuff yet....
Rock all seems good, All kinds of weird stuff in there I keep finding.... some coral stuff I have no clue what it is If you know please tell me lol :) But im happy, got a couple of clowns in there too so it "is" a fish tank :)
Most of it looked dead and slimy when I first dumped the rocks in there its nowhere near set up yet but this stuff started to look like stuff I shouldnt let sit at the bottom..... And now they look WAY better. Also loving the use of the camera again yay
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/018-2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/007-7.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/005-11.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/009-5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/022-4.jpg

Zoaelite

10-21-2011, 12:47 AM

Did the liverock come with those favias (The giant red & green LPS), if so MAJOR score! Looks to be healthy and of very good quality, great pick on the rock its one of the most important parts of your system!

Hustler

10-21-2011, 12:59 AM

Whoo hoo :) Im super happy with the rock.... Took alot of time to find but it worked out perfect. Everything in there other than the clowns came with the rock :)
I figure it must be doing ok for being dry a half hour in transport as 2 days later it perked right up and is out and swaying now where it was limp and dull before

The Grizz

10-21-2011, 02:08 AM

Very nice score, I have never been that lucky with LR hitch hikers.

reefwars

10-21-2011, 02:19 AM

looks good , prob a bit early for clowns any amonia from die off in transport of the lr or adding the sand can and prob will kill them, if by chance they do survive its still gonna be hard on them.keep an eye on your amonia and if it gets above 0.5 i would remove them or use something to get rid of the amonia.nice score on the favia's too:) cheers

Hustler

10-21-2011, 02:37 AM

reefwars

10-21-2011, 04:01 PM

So when everyone said.... get a pair of clowns to cycle the tank they lied? lol
Im doing periodic WCs as well as a bunch of turnover and really it was more of a tank move than a new setup as I got almost all the bio and i have next to nothing compared to the bio load it had.... Ive done this a bunch of times with fresh..... and in way worse scenarios never had a spike.... but I will keep you posted :)
they are the saltwater goldfish arent they? Jk

who would be everyone?? i doubt many people on this site said to use clowns for cycling??? fact is you dont need fish for cycling you just need to provide an amonia source, if your rock was out of water for any period of time it will have die off, when adding sand theres also going to be a small spike unless its sand that has never been in a reef aquarium.transfering a saltwater tank and a fresh water tank are not really simiular, theres organic dieoff that comes from rock and sand like bacteria,copepods,amphipods,sponges, polyps,crabs,snails you name it if it spends anytime out of the water they are going to die thus creating an amonia spike. even doing a transfer from one spot to another causes a small cycle how big the cycle depends on how established the tank was and how fast it can convert amonia,since your using a new tank and new equipment its not really a simple transfer.any detection of amonia is harmful or even fatal to fish. you would have been just fine to leave your rock alone and let it cycle naturally,if it needs a stronger amonia source or if you dont think it has enough bacteria on it to sustain marine life you can feed the bacteria a manual source like cocktail shrimp,pellets or flake or even a cultured bacteria source and then give them time to reproduce.you should wait untill you see a spike from the amonia and then wait for it to dissappear meaning its been converted into nitrates which can be manually removed.patience is the name of the game doing things to fast will most def result in disease ending up in your tank,wasted money on livestock,chemicals, and save yourself alot of frustration.300g is a nice size system to work with and youll have plenty of time for livestock but trust me your tank doesnt need live fish to start or complete a cycle in fact fish most times do not make it through a cycle of any size:) sorry not meaning to lecture just provide some insight:)cheers

Hustler

10-22-2011, 12:32 AM

And i thank you for pointing that out :)
Im sure there will be several walls I will run into with this salt conversion but cycling has always been one of my better suits....its the basics of the fish hobby salt or fresh.... with 4k in arowanas and starting a new tank with a simple dose of prime, stability and a good water change routine plus a seed... And they eat almost a pound of fresh seafood a day....I have never even experienced a loss of feeding nevermind illness.... Alot has to do with the ammount of water and flow mind you.... but still I can understand your concerns.... Feel free to PM me if there are any other things you may wish to point out on these subjects as this is my build thread..... and Im trying to keep it positive as it will be up here long after Ive mastered the reef ;)

Myka

10-22-2011, 02:48 AM

So when everyone said.... get a pair of clowns to cycle the tank they lied? lol

This is some freshwater thinkin you gotta ditch. Whoever told you that shouldn't be trusted for future information either.

When cycling a tank you are looking to get a population of nitrifying bacteria. These bacteria are found mostly in and on live rock in a saltwater tank. Thus, if you buy rock from an established tank your tank is essentially cycled the moment you put the rock in. Curing rock is the process where you deal with die-off either from "fresh" collected rock that you buy from the LFS or die-off from a move. If you see ammonia your rock is curing, if you don't see ammonia in the first week your rock is cured (no die-off). Get a SeaChem Ammonia Alert, and if there is any color change on there get on here pronto. Ammonia burn will permanently damage a fish's gills.

Hustler

10-22-2011, 03:31 AM

The ammo alert is in there now... has been since the salt... The rock came from a running reef and was maybe MAYBE 20 min in transport with very very little die off i can tell anyways from the black bottom i have.... corals and clowns are amazing and the ammo alert hasnt twitched yet and Ill still do WCs.... also adding prime and stability just incase.... that and I have a huge exxcess from my stingray days so its already here lol.
Myka thanks again for all the help.... I realize its a new world with salt but Im pretty sure the clown pair is in the safe zone either way seeing as ive probabbly spent more in safeguards while making the switch then the clowns themselves ;)

Myka

10-22-2011, 03:39 AM

Oh I think the clowns will be fine too. You did jump the gun rather early there though, you will have to practice patience in the future as any mistakes you make will be big mistakes simply considering the size of your tank! :p And you're welcome for the help. I can't wait to see how your tank progresses, always interesting watching newbies.

Prime and Stability are not products you should be adding all the time. In the beginning few weeks it may not be a bad idea to help curb any cycle that may be happening, but you shouldn't use them long-term in a reef tank. Are you using tap water? I think you bought an RO/DI, didn't you?

Hustler

10-22-2011, 03:48 AM

I have the 5 stage ro/di from aquasafe... the big bugger...
But with the fresh i added every other week just to avoid any unforseen mishaps..... I guess its overkill with the ro system.....but I have like.....gallons of it still so... I though it wouldnt hurt :) Almost bought a doser for just that stuff with my stingrays but managed to do it manually and avoid it..... could have been my top off system :)

Zoaelite

10-22-2011, 06:58 AM

More pictures please :razz:?

If I were you I would remove the bio reactor, do a search on here or reefcentral you will find tones of mixed results. Personally for me it was good to start and then caused problems in the long run.

I'm going for a more natural feel, DSB with mangroves & macro is a much better filtering tool.

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/6288/img2253uz.jpg (http://img845.imageshack.us/i/img2253uz.jpg/)

Any idea on your final lighting, aquascape or fish & coral comp? Looks like it's going to be a wicked tank, will be watching for sure.

Your clowns will be fine btw, look at how the favias are doing! Watch early morning or @ around 1:00am, lots of open mouths to be seen.

reefwars

10-22-2011, 06:42 PM

:lalala:

Hustler

10-24-2011, 11:19 PM

Well Im going nuts waiting for freight quotes to get my filters out of the US so in the meantime I did some redecorating..... :) went better than I thought it would AND i found a 2" crab while moving the rocks....
First... for reefwars..... :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/017-5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/020-5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/019-3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/012-10.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/005-12.jpg

reefwars

10-24-2011, 11:23 PM

Hustler

10-24-2011, 11:36 PM

not being snotty :) they are in very good hands.... Im all over the test kits and everything else i can do just to keep it close right from the get go.
No pics of the crab...by the time I saw it I had stirred up so much crap a pic would be useless Now i cant find the bugger.... so many nooks n crannies in this rock

Hustler

10-25-2011, 02:28 AM

I also just scored a marineland 48" reef led fixture..... WOW.... with the shimmer and the AVATAR switch (actnic only bulbs)..... Im sold.... Going LEDs :)

The Grizz

10-25-2011, 02:39 AM

What are you thinking for LED's? Manufactured or DIY?

Hustler

10-25-2011, 02:49 AM

I wish i had the time for a DIY as im crafty workin on all them grinders n welder power supplys during shutdowns lol....
But if i can keep hitting the 4 foot led's for a good price.... i think 4 of them with 2 4 foot 4bank T5s will do till i get some downtime and build my own.
Sure seems like a headache at full retail but slightly used.... Its the same as a few MH setups that I know ill be flipping in 6 months anyways

I couldnt believe how much more light gets to the bottom of the tank with led's vs T5s and even though it dosent seem brighter its way better to see everything if that makes sense.... Like fishing with polarized glasses you can see through the water alot easier

Hustler

10-26-2011, 01:27 AM

I still dont know what any of them are but they sure seem happy for being left for dead :)
Photos under the LEDs after 1 day...... lol
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/025-2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/024-2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/015-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/030-2.jpg

The Grizz

10-26-2011, 02:36 AM

1st pic looks like green paly's, 2nd pic is a favia, 3rd pic looks like some Kenya tree sprouts & 4th pic is some more favia & some red mushrooms.

Hustler

10-26-2011, 03:41 AM

Sweet bro thanks, Im going to google them...

Hustler

11-01-2011, 01:36 AM

5 min to 7pm.... UPS truck rolls up with all the boxes inbetween all the trick or treaters :)
Got my skimmer, bio reactor, media chambers and all the fixins :) now the real work begins..... I put a can of coke in the pic for size comparison
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/039-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/041-2.jpg

Reefer head

11-01-2011, 01:50 AM

Sweet man that looks like fun !!!

Myka

11-01-2011, 01:58 AM

Awesome looking skimmer! Are those black bioballs?

Veng68

11-01-2011, 01:59 AM

what type of pump are you using on that skimmer?

Cheers,
Vic

Hustler

11-01-2011, 02:09 AM

They are bio pellets of some kind in the reactor.... look like very tiny bio balls but way more in them lol
the skimmer has an air inductor aswell as a 3800 ghp hammerhead inline pump....
Pretty excited to start cutting and fitting here.... My 3" bit came in today too so ill be busy all week.

Hustler

11-01-2011, 03:17 AM

So i think i have the jist of it with the manifold idea....
put a T after my ball valve and union off of my return pump before i hit the split to my dual 1 1/2" returns then ball valve each T i add for each reactor and dial in accordingly....? if thats correct then thats what I shall do :)
thanks guys
http://melevsreef.com/pics/09/01/assembling_manifold.jpg

The Grizz

11-01-2011, 04:13 AM

Holy crap!! That's a load of new and shinny toys you got there, I am some what jealous.

Myka

11-01-2011, 03:14 PM

They are bio pellets of some kind in the reactor.... look like very tiny bio balls but way more in them lol

Sorry to put a damper on things, but those are not the bio pellets you hear people talking about on these forums. The ones you have appear to be a biological filter which is something that you don't want on a reef. They are ok on a FOWLR tank, but you would need a way to export nitrate. In a reef tank you want to remove organics before they have a chance to break down into nitrate as nitrate is not good for a reef tank. Biological filters (like bioballs, ceramic rings, etc) are very efficient at breaking down organics very quickly so can become "nitrate factories". Fish aren't as sensitive to nitrate as corals are, so that's ok in a FOWLR tank. In saltwater, the live rock is your biological filter and has the unique ability to DEnitrate via anaerobic bacteria. Nitrifying bacteria are aerobic and denitrifying bacteria are anaerobic. Maybe you could return this item?

The bio pellets that you hear people talking about on the forums are tiny cream colored smooth disks that slowly break down in the water. They reduce nitrate and phosphate. I'm not a fan of these, but that's just my opinion, lots of people are using them with success.

no_bs

11-01-2011, 05:12 PM

Yes, nice looking toys. Good luck with the build. And yes do get rid of that media.

lots of people are using them with success.

And lots without! To expensive of a bandaid fix. IMO.

Myka

11-02-2011, 12:57 AM

And lots without! To expensive of a bandaid fix. IMO.

Agreed. I have no use for biopellets...or bioballs (on the reef).

Hustler

11-06-2011, 10:26 PM

Well I got the plumbing mostly done.... went to leak test the return pump side and lo and behold a pinhole leak on 2 fittings...... So Im tearing it all out tomorrow and buing all new stuff as Im stressed to poop epoxies or 2 part puttys will leak down the road for a fix.... it was either to rough a sandpaper or the glue set to soon as the 2" to 1 1/2" reducers have to go in at the same time and hope for the best situation.... Just mad now :twised::twised::twised:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/009-6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/007-8.jpg

Hope tomorrow is a better day

lastlight

11-07-2011, 01:33 AM

it amazes me that anything well primed and glued can leak I've never experienced this before. good luck I imagine removing glued sections will suck a little.

The Grizz

11-07-2011, 01:51 AM

I have to ask because it jumped out at me, what did you use the sand paper for?

Parker

11-07-2011, 12:55 PM

And lots without! To expensive of a bandaid fix. IMO.

Agreed. I have no use for biopellets...or bioballs (on the reef).

Every once in awhile I tend to go on a little rant. :mrgreen:

I'm not sure how it's "to expensive of a Band-Aid fix" and I wouldn't necessarily call them a Band-Aid appication for all users. For my tank, 300+ total water volume it costs me $80.00 - 120.00 a year to run BP's. How much would it cost me in salt per year to do a 30% weekly or bi-weekly water change to export nitrates? If you're going to do the math I use H2Ocean and a 30% change is going to be roughly 105 gallons.

BP's can be an alternative method of controlling nitrate and not just a Band-Aid solution. There are far too many people out there who feel things should only be done one way and one way only without taking the time to examine how alternative solutions are being applied. I'd ask those same people to throw out their GFO, Carbon as well as their Skimmer because you should be doing water changes and improving your husbandry.

To the people that complain Bio-Pellets crashed thier tank:

Too much Carbon = Crashed Tank
Too Much GFO = Crashed Tank
Over Skimming = Crashed Tank
The list can go on and on

Edit: I should probably edit this post as it's a little more aggressive then it should be, it was early and my head is aching from an ear infection, maybe it was the Advil...

The Grizz

11-07-2011, 03:03 PM

Thanks Parker, you said what I was thinking.

lastlight

11-07-2011, 03:37 PM

I agree bio-pellets are simply another media we use to facilitate the removal of something we don't want. Same as carbon, gfo etc. I don't use them but I wouldn't call them a band-aid fix.

Myka

11-10-2011, 01:12 AM

My issue with biopellets are the many people I know personally that have had major issues with their tank when starting up the biopellets. I just think they are too fussy. This is the same reason I don't recommend Zeovit to novice reef keepers. Ya, biopellets can work, Zeovit can work. I simply stated I have no use for biopellets as I feel nitrate can be controlled with proper maintenance.

The Grizz

11-10-2011, 01:27 AM

Very true Myka, there are some tricks to starting pellets that most people over look like starting them to soon, using to much at initial start up & not having them tumbling as much as they should. ATM the way my set-up is built I don't have the ability to do large water changes being on a septic system and they really help keep my nitrate & phosphate down to zero.

Skimmerking

11-10-2011, 01:48 AM

all my years i have never had any leaks and i pile it on that is the key and i dont use primer or rough it up and put it on ad turn it 3 times complete and tah daaaaaa its GTG

intarsiabox

11-10-2011, 03:00 AM

Well I got the plumbing mostly done.... went to leak test the return pump side and lo and behold a pinhole leak on 2 fittings...... So Im tearing it all out tomorrow and buing all new stuff as Im stressed to poop epoxies or 2 part puttys will leak down the road for a fix.... it was either to rough a sandpaper or the glue set to soon as the 2" to 1 1/2" reducers have to go in at the same time and hope for the best situation.... Just mad now :twised::twised::twised:

Hope tomorrow is a better day

It looks like you have some PVC to ABS fittings together, did you use a transition glue? Wrong glues could cause a leak or weak joint. I've never had to sand any plastic pipe fittings before, usually the fit is almost water tight as is and the wet glue helps slide the pieces all the way together.

Hustler

11-11-2011, 03:05 AM

Hey....sorry for the late replies.... the stainless welds have been calling 14 hrs a day.....
and ontop of that..... lol in my tired rum n coke state i tried to attach my skimmer to a direct overflor pipe..... 24hrs and nothing..... cant be working right so i will have to add power pumps submersed and start from scratch there.....
No abs to PVC in this run i did it all first pics abs and top notch as best i could....problem was I was roughing with sandpaper and it worked against me..... straight cuts and double glue from here on out.......ive done a thousand joints and never had a problem.....seems its just when it counts it gives the headaches....
Any advice or imput is more than appreciated :)
Got the return side all up and running but the skimmer side.....tooo much pump to keep the water in the 100 gph sump.... tried running full on one solid overflow with air injector....no go..... so back to the drawing bored....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/003-14.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/001-15.jpg

bvlester

11-11-2011, 03:53 AM

all my years i have never had any leaks and i pile it on that is the key and i dont use primer or rough it up and put it on ad turn it 3 times complete and tah daaaaaa its GTG

+1 on give it a turn that is the key right there. When you turn the fitting together it distributes the glue evenly and pushes out air bubbles. I do use primer as it does give a better bond, but it is not needed as our systems are generaly have low presure levels. Under 75psi it is not needed I believe; I should look it up again but a good idear to use it for the $4.95 it costs.... I get mine for about $2.

Bill

reefwars

11-11-2011, 03:57 AM

same with me too i always just primed and twisted and once i twisted i just held it for about 10 sec untill the bond happens...no leaks;) after i twist i take a coth and wipe the excess cement around the fitting for some extra insurance and to make it look pretty:):)

Hustler

11-16-2011, 03:14 AM

Well..... after a ton of PVC changes.... like 10...... an acrylic repair and a ton of beer...... Im up and running :) Skimmer is rocking it, bio reactor, carbon and gfo (still empty) all run off the return pump and still crazy flow in the sump....
Im very happy it isnt retarded loud but still Im fine tuning for the next month... dont judge just yet im still going to clean it all up :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/012-11.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/013-2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/014-6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/026-2.jpg
Whew im tired.... cant wait to have more than happy bugger clowns in ther lol

Lampshade

11-16-2011, 03:26 AM

That looks great, very nice build.

Myka

11-16-2011, 03:08 PM

The sump is operating now? I can't tell if that water is moving or not...looks like it's just sitting there. Have you checked how much it fills up if you flick all the switches off (simulated power outage)?

Parker

11-16-2011, 04:49 PM

I wouldn't be surprised if it was moving, I run a dart full out through my 75 gallon sump and the water looks like it's standing still. I run a herbie drain and my skimmer doesn't produce micro bubble so there is very little air being introduced to the water stream to highlight movement.

Hustler

11-16-2011, 10:15 PM

I had to raise the water an inch over the baffles or I get a typhoon of bubbles running over the last baffle and my pump eats them right up and spits out micros like crazy.
I hope to come up with a way to muffle or cut down the flow to bubble ratio over the baffles and when i get the rock and sand in there im sure it will help alot too.

Hustler

11-25-2011, 04:07 AM

Quick update,
Still getting the skimmer going propper with the plumbing but the powerheads are beasts.... bio reactor seems to be holding its own and the corals are still growing like crazy :)
got some fish now too.... yay
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/005-13.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/008-8.jpg

fishytime

11-25-2011, 04:29 AM

Im liking the scape and the plumbing looks impressive too (no smart arse remarks from the peanut gallery:nono:)......thats a lot of bio-load in ten days:eek:.....hence the "Hustle-r" user name huh?:wink:

mseepman

11-25-2011, 04:47 AM

So glad to see you using the Bashsea stuff. I met the guys from there down at MACNA and their stuff really had me thinking on going that route. I know people have given you a hard time about the bio-reactor but from talking to Bashsea and looking at some of the data they had, it appears that the design of their reactor and media keeps the long term nitrate factory issues that bioballs have had in the past from occurring.

So where did you order it from? They don't have any Canadian distributors to my knowledge.

The Grizz

11-25-2011, 04:49 AM

WOW!! Someone went fish crazy :lol: nice Triggers though.

evaneatspie555

11-25-2011, 06:32 AM

I love that u have a bunch of yellow tangs I have one lots of personality with those guys. And is that a naso wish I had a big tank to get one

fishoholic

11-25-2011, 12:03 PM

I love the aquascape, your tank is looking good. I saw your post about looking for large angels and I thought of my king angel

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/Laurie_Morin/new%20tank/DSC_1918.jpg

then I saw this part

Im not looking to buy any killers or A%&holes if thats why your selling :)

and thought never mind :lol: *sigh*

Myka

11-25-2011, 03:50 PM

LMAO Laurie!!!!!! Too funny!

fishoholic

11-25-2011, 06:46 PM

LMAO Laurie!!!!!! Too funny!

Ya he's such a beautiful fish it's to bad he hates any other type of fish that even remotely looks like him.

The Grizz

11-25-2011, 06:48 PM

Sounds like he has a bit of a complex.

Hustler

11-25-2011, 10:08 PM

That is truly too bad :( that one is on my list for sure..... And amazing... Wow what a beaut.

fishoholic

11-25-2011, 11:55 PM

That is truly too bad :( that one is on my list for sure..... And amazing... Wow what a beaut.

Just so you know, from what I'm aware of, all king/passer angels become jerks as they get bigger. The one in the 2000g shark tank at Big Als was removed because he started picking on and hurting the sharks :eek:

Hustler

11-26-2011, 02:59 AM

Heres a quick update on some growth of the weeds and whatnot :) Very Very happy i made the switch the salt :)
As stressful as it is... 10 min infront of the tank it all just sheds away.....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/037-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/025-3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/016-5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/004-11.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/014-7.jpg

reefme

11-26-2011, 03:06 AM

Hustler

11-26-2011, 03:36 AM

he is a hungry lil bugger.... and puts 2 of my 3 triggers back in there caves LOL :) Im sure he is home now and thanks again mate :)

Hustler

12-01-2011, 09:34 PM

Well.....
I got the skimmer running about 24hr ago.... had to wait for two sub pumps but there she is.... Looks like an old hippys bong.... covered in green crap
The bio reactor picked up real quick too... zeros across the board now and my kids eat like pigs :)
Also added another 110 lbs rock to the system and all my korilias ect....
Im a happy camper overall...Im not a plumber by trade so this was exhausing but i think i have it where i can relax a lil now :) Top off system Tunez should be done this weekend...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/007-9.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/001-18.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/008-9.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/010-6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/011-3.jpg

Hustler

12-01-2011, 09:37 PM

I was also kicking around the idea of building a false wall around the tank to hide all the guts....
But really the salt water hobby is all about whats under the skirt so i figure ill just wait for the new house to be built and do a fish room like lastlight.... till then im going skirt free LOL see my parts :P

Hustler

12-01-2011, 09:52 PM

And the angle shot.... I just love seeing em like this :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/dragonfish1ca/009-7.jpg

lastlight

12-01-2011, 10:56 PM

Who told you I didn't wear skirts? :lol:

What can you tell us about that bio reactor? While bio-balls have been a no-no for a while now for us you mentioned these things are somehow different. So you 'get it' well enough to share with the class? I didn't find much online about these.

Hustler

12-01-2011, 11:02 PM

As far as i understood from the actual builder.....
They arent as bad as bio balls as the are constantly moving and dont have any waste stuck to them or collected around them....AND he has many giant reef builds in michigan he runs them on with no ill effects....
that being said i have "heard" they are still nitrate factories.... so delicate corals are a no no...
But i have zeros on all my test kits and last weekend added all the fish and a few days later more rock and its still picking up the slack....Maybe its the other 300lbs of rock mind you I just know whatever im doing its working and im feeding like crazy to try and save what few corals i have from the grazing cows ive picked up lol

Hustler

12-01-2011, 11:47 PM

Also.... I filled the overflow chamber with live rock too (packed it) I hope this works out....
I figure anywhere i can squeeze it is a good thing right?

BlueTang<3

12-02-2011, 12:40 AM

Also.... I filled the overflow chamber with live rock too (packed it) I hope this works out....
I figure anywhere i can squeeze it is a good thing right?

I found rocks pack in a sump or anywhere does not work to well. I have around 3600 gph flow through my sump and you would be surprised at everything that gets trapped in there. Turns into a nitrate/ detris factory.

bryceschutte

12-03-2011, 03:21 PM

JUst a quick heads up to look out for. I had a 90 gal tank in my basement right in front of a window like you have. I got a lot of condensation on the window when it got cold outside. It was enough that i ended up having to replace the window frame and some drywall. I recommend a large dehumidifier.

Myka

12-03-2011, 04:03 PM

Lookin good!!! :bananajump:

Keep an eye on nitrate with that reactor on there, but it should be darn good at keeping ammonia and nitrite at zero. I wonder if the bio-thingies in there are a knock off of the Kaldnes media. Kaldnes media is supposed to tumble freely in the water which is supposed to make is self-cleaning. I know there are a lot of people who swear by the Kaldnes media on fish only systems - Dan Underwood of Seahorse Source Inc comes to mind.

Kaldnes comes in two sizes, K1 and K3. This is K1 media (I think it is about 3/4" around), is this what yours looks like?
http://www.hyggedam.dk/images/div/kaldnes/kaldnes04.jpg

Hustler

12-03-2011, 04:06 PM

Yup those are them for sure just black.
So far everything seems pretty stable :)

Myka

12-03-2011, 04:14 PM

Yup those are them for sure just black.
So far everything seems pretty stable :)

Well, that's cool. I am very interested to see how they work for you in the long run. They shouldn't build up nitrate as much as bioballs do because they should be self-cleaning. Some of the reason bioballs create so much nitrate is because they trap so much crap in them which keeps the crap from getting to the skimmer where it can be removed instead of breaking down. Using filter socks on the overflows to remove a bunch of the solids from the water as it enters the sump will also help keep that crap out of the media. Are you using filter socks? Imo they are a "must have" on a FOWLR, and often a very good option for reef tanks too.

That Kaldnes media is $50 per gallon. I imagine that reactor was not cheap! It better work! :p