starting the 125 gallon setup

niloc16 · #1 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 · #2 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 · #3 08-21-2006, 04:52 AM

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

Flow is king.

niloc16 · #4 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 · #5 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 · #6 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 · #7 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