starting the 125 gallon setup - Page 3

TheReefGeek · #21 07-28-2006, 01:39 AM

Not in my opinion.

Better built skimmers would be euro-reef and deltec, and bubblekings are supposed to be awesome, but you pay out nose for em.

niloc16 · #22 07-28-2006, 03:03 AM

i trust nicky and mike at hidden reef but i was just curious what else there was. i've never had a big tank before so more info is better in my opinion.

niloc16 · #23 08-21-2006, 02:29 AM

here is the ASM G4 skimmer i picked up. everything is bought now its just a matter of assembly and plumbing. i also splurged and bought a RO/DI unit, i figured its worth the money and hastle. i've decided to plumb it into the laundry room sink in the basement and run the supply line up through the floor and into the sump with a kent float valve. i also bought a 2 stage calcium reactor with pump, its just being built right now, it was more of a want than a need purchase but i figured it would be less maintenance and tweaking once the reactor is setup properly. it also comes with a 10lb co2 tank with regulator and all. i'll post pics when i get them. i cant figure out how to post the pics, it says that i have exceeded my quota but i have only posted 3 other pictures on my other post right now. so when i figure it out i'll post them for you guys

albert_dao · #24 08-21-2006, 04:52 AM

Errrr, Vortecs put out nearly as much flow as Darts do...

Flow is king.

niloc16 · #25 08-21-2006, 05:52 AM

i've changed my mind on the vortechs, i'm going to stick with the closed loop with a dart and 2 returns split to make 4. if i need more flow then i will add as needed. but i'm going to try this and see how it goes

albert_dao · #26 08-21-2006, 06:21 AM

You'll use less electricity and have the option of variable flow if you go with the powerhead-based methods (tunze streams, wavebox, eco vortec, etc) to push water.

niloc16 · #27 08-27-2006, 02:09 AM

so my tank should be done, cross my fingers, by next weekend. so i started to clean my skimmer today in vinegar solution. i also bought a 5 stage reactor from hidden reef. its awesome. i'll get some pics of it and post soon. i was amazed how quiet this skimmer is compared to my remora. the only noise is the water trickling off the standpipe and sponge. what i'm assuming the waterline will be higher in the sump and the water trickling should get quieter.

Tom R · #28 08-27-2006, 03:32 AM

This sounds like quite the project. I have an ASM G5 with 2 Sedra 9000 pumps. I found that the noise from the water falling from the return was quite loud. I followed the upgrade directions posted at www.ASMskimmer.com and completed the gate valve upgrade and it totally elliminated the noise. You will love your ASM, good luck.

Tom R

niloc16 · #29 08-27-2006, 04:06 AM

thanks tom. i'm so eager to get going on the tank. with this new reactor its a matter of what to put in all the chambers. i mean you add your calcium reactor media, phosphate media, still researching as to what to do with the rest. this reactor is insane. wait til i get some pictures, its awesome. it will do it all. my big concern with this tank is what safety nets i can use for my topoff system. i'm using a kent float valve in the sump to shut off the ro/di unit but i mean what if the valve sticks. any suggestions as to back systems i can employ to shut the water off?

Tom R · #30 08-27-2006, 03:40 PM

I have a fairly simple water top off system using Kent Float valves. I have been using it for almost 4 years now and i have (never say never) had a problem with it. You are more than welcome to come over with your camera and take a good look at how it works. If you are interested just PM me and we can set up a time.

Tom R