Rebuild and recovery of a dead tank

[jason2459]

I have been slowly releasing the clamp. It is still needed but as it breaks in I hope to be able to remove it completely. Micro-bubbles are still very much there. Will pull up the collection cup tomorrow morning. Looks like some light green tea in the bottom of it right now. I do have the collection cup all the way up right now and will probably keep it there for the duration of the breaking in.

[blrrobinson21]

Its looking good. Sorry to hear about the mishaps. Sounds like your taking it in strides though.

[jason2459]

Originally Posted by blrrobinson21

Its looking good. Sorry to hear about the mishaps. Sounds like your taking it in strides though.

Thanks. It really sucks but I guess it gives me the opportunity to try out a different batch of fish again. I really liked those mandarins though. They were really fat and happy in there with all the pods I have.

I'll find out soon what fish I'm getting and will go from there. At least I still have the clowns. They are definitely very hardy fish. I'm still shocked the YWG survived. He is such a small sliver of a fish I was sure he would be a goner.

[jason2459]

Here's the first mornings worth of skimmate.

[IMG]http://i48.*******.com/6r1ras.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i48.*******.com/uanbd.jpg[/IMG]


I'll take some more when I get home tonight. The micro-bubbles have calmed down a lot it look like. I'll have to see what it looks like when the lights go on later. I have been able to remove the clamp now which is very good news.

[Vin7250]

Deep sandbed, plenty of live rock, water changes, and patients. Thats all it takes

[jason2459]

Originally Posted by Vin7250

Deep sandbed, plenty of live rock, water changes, and patients. Thats all it takes

I'll be staying away from the DSB for now. But I agree with the rest of that statement.

[jason2459]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I replaced the bright blue spong. I have a mag 1800 and it came with a pretty big intake filter spong that is black. I cut it right where the hole for the intake stops and it's just happened to be the same size and fit to replace the blue spong.

[mr9iron]

Jason, thanks for the video of skimmer. The pump is making some serious bubbles. I may seriously consider the LX1000 for my JBJ NanoCube. I'm just not sure if it will fit on the back chamber though.

[jason2459]

Originally Posted by mr9iron

Jason, thanks for the video of skimmer. The pump is making some serious bubbles. I may seriously consider the LX1000 for my JBJ NanoCube. I'm just not sure if it will fit on the back chamber though.

the hy-2000 bubble blaster is one serious skimmer pump. Looking at cranks lx-1000 log it looks like the hy-1000 pump is a really nice balance out of the box with the skimmer's body/neck. This is needing some breaking in. At least I have been able to remove the clamp now and the microbubbles have reduced. But they are still there. Will probably have at least a week or more to break this one in.

[mr9iron]

Originally Posted by jason2459

the hy-2000 bubble blaster is one serious skimmer pump. Looking at cranks lx-1000 log it looks like the hy-1000 pump is a really nice balance out of the box with the skimmer's body/neck. This is needing some breaking in. At least I have been able to remove the clamp now and the microbubbles have reduced. But they are still there. Will probably have at least a week or more to break this one in.

Well, keep the pictures and video coming. I'm curious how this skimmer preforms over time. I will have to try and find cranks log. Is it posted here at RC?

[jason2459]

Originally Posted by mr9iron

Well, keep the pictures and video coming. I'm curious how this skimmer preforms over time. I will have to try and find cranks log. Is it posted here at RC?

Yep, he did a really good job in posting pictures with the dimensions.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1784951

[crank2211]

Originally Posted by jason2459

Yep, he did a really good job in posting pictures with the dimensions.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1784951

Thanks for that Jason, the skimmer looks great in your tank, I can't even notice it really. It does look to be going crazy, I'm sure that it will settle down soon, though. I believe mine has just "broken in". Maybe another week, but I can say the pump does get significantly quieter as it wears in and slimes up. Hardly noticeable unless your standing right next to it. Nice job with everything though! I'll probably upload a quick vid and results shot later tonight for a comparison. I'm definitely impressed with how's yours is lookin so far. That riser tube and collection cup is insane! I'm surprised you've got so many microbubbles coming out/under that bubble plate chamber. The hy-2000 is certainly a beast.

[jason2459]

I'm really happy with the Krylon fusion. I went with a flat black. The skimmer is slightly quieter with the clamp removed. We'll see how loud it is once broken in.

[jason2459]

Here's a shot of tonight's skimmate, filled about half way up the cup now. Will clean it out now and see if it gets any darker the next day or so.

[IMG]http://i50.*******.com/15d2q39.jpg[/IMG]

[jason2459]

Just got done cleaning out he collection cup. YIKES!!! That was the smelliest skimmate I've ever smelled. Wife's not to happy. Says it smells like rotten eggs though out the house now!

[jason2459]

Got in my new fish!! Took some pictures and will have to upload them when I get off of work. Had just enough time over lunch to acclimate them and get them in my QT tank. Will probably leave them in there for at least 7 weeks. Will be treating with copramine and prazipro. Give one week to get adjusted and make sure they are eating well then 6 weeks of treatment. If I do end up seeing something I'll leave them in longer.

[jason2459]

Opps, I guess I should list what fish I got.

2 neon gobies about 1-2" each (looks like shark nose gobies)
1 long fin fairy wrasse about 2"(doesn't look like the pictures I've seen so maybe it's a female)
1 mystery wrasse !!! about 3-4"

I'm going to have to fit some screen around the back of my canopy so they don't jump ship.


Oh, also wanted to mention I hooked up the skimmer to my UPS last night. It can show how many WATTS are being used. It is pulling about 42w. The eshopps use to pull about 25w. So, for the amount of water/air flow the super reef octopus is more efficient.

[jason2459]

Here's some pics of the new additions.

I guess I can start off with a full tank shot of the QT setup
[IMG]http://i45.*******.com/34ex8wo.jpg[/IMG]


The shark nose gobies. Hard to get a good pic of these little guys.
[IMG]http://i45.*******.com/2v2i1z9.jpg[/IMG]


The long fin fairy wrasse??? (must be a female? but looks like some type of lined wrasse?) Better shot of her later on with a group pic.
[IMG]http://i45.*******.com/33bilax.jpg[/IMG]


The Mystery Wrasse. Still can't believe I have one of these now.
[IMG]http://i49.*******.com/x4p6px.jpg[/IMG]

[jason2459]

Miscellaneous shots. They all seem to be getting along fine right now.


[IMG]http://i49.*******.com/28bcoli.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i49.*******.com/33424gm.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i47.*******.com/20gr4l.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i50.*******.com/2vug475.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i47.*******.com/kbrs0n.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i46.*******.com/2j1an9d.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i49.*******.com/1z4zhhv.jpg[/IMG]

[blrrobinson21]

AAhhhh sweet fairy man. Hope the Qt goes good.

[jason2459]

Originally Posted by blrrobinson21

AAhhhh sweet fairy man. Hope the Qt goes good.

Thanks. QT should go fine. I have had the tank running continuously and feeding it to keep the bacteria going. Checked the parameters and had 0 ammonia /0 nitrites /20 nitrates which isn't bad for nitrates since there is nothing but water changes to export the nitrates.

I did finally find another person online that had a female long fin fairy with a picture and they do long a like. So, now I'm wondering if I get a male if they could pair up at all?

One concern I have is if there will be any aggression especially with the mystery wrasse and the long fin fairy. From what I've read so far is that they should get along and the mystery might be aggressive towards other lined wrasses if anything.

[jason2459]

Just a recap...

Before going in the tank.
[IMG]http://i50.*******.com/2628ksw.jpg[/IMG]


The bubble plate
[IMG]http://i48.*******.com/ineura.jpg[/IMG]


I had to put a clamp (visegrip) on the air intake when I first set it up. Was creating way to much foam and over flowing. I've since been able to remove the clamp and have not had any problems with that since. Good thing I added the overflow drain on the collection cup.
[IMG]http://i45.*******.com/2evf5ti.jpg[/IMG]


The bubble blaster hy-2000 skimmer pump is a BEAST!!! It pulls massive ammounts of air. Getting between 46-48 scfh consistently and will hit 44 and 50 every so often. So, lets say 46scfh / 21.717 lpm / 1303 lph of air!!!!!!1!!!!111oneoneoneone!! It pulls about 45w according to my UPS report.


Original Video - More videos at *******


Here's a vid of the pump and skimmer starting up.


Original Video - More videos at *******


Black is so much easier on the eyes then the red.

[IMG]http://i46.*******.com/34doq35.jpg[/IMG]

Blends in really well with the black background.

[IMG]http://i45.*******.com/29ymqeh.jpg[/IMG]


FTS, now I need to paint the ATO pvc covers for the float switches.

[IMG]http://i50.*******.com/qpp5cj.jpg[/IMG]


First day and a half of wet skimmate. Filled up the collection cup half way. Still breaking in.

[img]http://i50.*******.com/15d2q39.jpg[/img]

So far I'm extremely impressed with the bubble blaster. The skimmate is absolutely horrid! Wife wasn't happy and said it made the entire house smell like rotten eggs. The pump is getting a little quiter but still very noticable in our living room. The micro bubbles have calmed down a lot but still there as well. Only been about 4 days though since starting it up so I'd say there's still another good week for this to break in.

Next I'm going to setup a float switch in the lid and have it shut off the skimmer if it goes completely crazy one day and the overflow drain can't keep up or somehow gets clogged.

[jason2459]

Just a recap...

Before going in the tank.
[IMG]http://i50.*******.com/2628ksw.jpg[/IMG]


The bubble plate
[IMG]http://i48.*******.com/ineura.jpg[/IMG]


I had to put a clamp (visegrip) on the air intake when I first set it up. Was creating way to much foam and over flowing. I've since been able to remove the clamp and have not had any problems with that since. Good thing I added the overflow drain on the collection cup.
[IMG]http://i45.*******.com/2evf5ti.jpg[/IMG]


The bubble blaster hy-2000 skimmer pump is a BEAST!!! It pulls massive ammounts of air. Getting between 46-48 scfh consistently and will hit 44 and 50 every so often. So, lets say 46scfh / 21.717 lpm / 1303 lph of air!!!!!!1!!!!111oneoneoneone!! It pulls about 45w according to my UPS report.


Original Video - More videos at *******


Here's a vid of the pump and skimmer starting up.


Original Video - More videos at *******


Black is so much easier on the eyes then the red.

[IMG]http://i46.*******.com/34doq35.jpg[/IMG]

Blends in really well with the black background.

[IMG]http://i45.*******.com/29ymqeh.jpg[/IMG]


FTS, now I need to paint the ATO pvc covers for the float switches.

[IMG]http://i50.*******.com/qpp5cj.jpg[/IMG]


First day and a half of wet skimmate. Filled up the collection cup half way. Still breaking in.

[img]http://i50.*******.com/15d2q39.jpg[/img]

So far I'm extremely impressed with the bubble blaster. The skimmate is absolutely horrid! Wife wasn't happy and said it made the entire house smell like rotten eggs. The pump is getting a little quiter but still very noticable in our living room. The micro bubbles have calmed down a lot but still there as well. Only been about 4 days though since starting it up so I'd say there's still another good week for this to break in.

Next I'm going to setup a float switch in the lid and have it shut off the skimmer if it goes completely crazy one day and the overflow drain can't keep up or somehow gets clogged.

[jason2459]

Skimmate is still looking about the same consistency.

My clownfish however are totally out of touch with reality now since they lost their best bud, the bicolor blenny. They are trying to host a speck. Yes, a speck. There is a tiny orange speck on the glass and for over a day now they have been hosting it. I have been running my magfloat around it.




Original Video - More videos at *******

[jason2459]

Added the float switch in the collection cup lid. Fits perfectly with the holes already there. Tonight I'll have to program the RKL to shut it down when it fills up and the drain can't keep up or gets clogged for some reason. Nice to have some fail safes in place. Though nothing is ever 100% fool proof.

[IMG]http://i49.*******.com/1zr11lw.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i45.*******.com/344utjc.jpg[/IMG]