Tswifty's Custom 40g Rimless Build Thread - Page 41

Tswifty · 11/11/2009, 10:01 PM

Quick update... The Vinegar bath/cleaning seems to have fixed the problem, and the skimmer is back up and running as usual. I'm also running a filter sock again, as I think some bubble algae clogged the pump, and that was what caused the problem. So crisis averted... I was worried I was going to need a new skimmer ASAP!

aquaph8 · 11/11/2009, 10:18 PM

My skimmer just took a crap yesterday. Luckily its needed to be replace for a long time.
Glad to hear you saved yours, more money for fun stuff.

salali · 11/11/2009, 10:19 PM

Vinegar bath is the best to cleaner.

I want to ask you why do many reefers use Vertech pump? I have not use one but what make people use it that is more expensive the others.

Tswifty · 11/12/2009, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquaph8

My skimmer just took a crap yesterday. Luckily its needed to be replace for a long time.
Glad to hear you saved yours, more money for fun stuff.

Exactly.

Do you know what type of skimmer you're going to replace it with? I'm a big fan of all the new cone skimmers on the market.

Quote:

Originally Posted by salali

Vinegar bath is the best to cleaner.

I want to ask you why do many reefers use Vertech pump? I have not use one but what make people use it that is more expensive the others.

Yeah, Vinegar works miracles.

VorTech pumps are great for so many reasons... Small footprint in tank, no wires in the tank, multiple pre-set flow patterns/programs, easy to dial down or up the flow rate of the pump so you can tailor it to your tank... and the list goes on and on.

My pump was sent back initially for a noise issue. Since then it has performed flawlessly though. However, I know not everyone has had as good of an experience as I have. I love mine.

salali · 11/12/2009, 12:51 AM

Excellent that what I should get but how does it work with out wires?

I am trying to understand but it was hard that it does work with magnetic thing and batteries.

aquaph8 · 11/12/2009, 05:27 PM

reef octopus 200 (thats the best i could afford)

jennmac415 · 11/12/2009, 06:27 PM

I love my reef octopus 200....I even have it on my 180 and it pulls out the MOST imcredilbly nasty black junk... I have to empty out the cup and clean the grime off of it about every 1 1/2 -2 days...

Tswifty · 11/13/2009, 02:25 PM

Here's my current fish list for anyone who was wondering:

4 Green Chromis
3 Bartlett Anthias
2 Yasha Hase White Ray Shrimpgobies
1 Eibli Mimic Tang
1 Bangaii Cardinal
1 Mystery Wrasse
1 Midas Blenny

Tswifty · 11/13/2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by salali

Excellent that what I should get but how does it work with out wires?

I am trying to understand but it was hard that it does work with magnetic thing and batteries.

The motor and cords are located on the outside of the tank.

Here's Eco Tech Marine's website:

http://ecotechmarine.com/

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquaph8

reef octopus 200 (thats the best i could afford)

Is it the Octopus Extreme? If so, those are basically the same skimmers as the MSX line.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jennmac415

I love my reef octopus 200....I even have it on my 180 and it pulls out the MOST imcredilbly nasty black junk... I have to empty out the cup and clean the grime off of it about every 1 1/2 -2 days...

Haha... yeah, I had Keith (DEERE G) make me an external collection container so I don't have to empty the collection cup every few days. Now I just wipe the skimmer's neck with a paper towel every day or two to keep it from clogging up with mud.

kudora · 11/13/2009, 03:32 PM

i need an acrylics guy, going to be adding ph monitors to my RK soon and i love what he did you ya

Tswifty · 11/13/2009, 06:13 PM

Yeah it's nice having Keith close by. I really like that little holder too. When I modified my plumbing I needed to adust my float switches a bit, and since magnets hold them in place, adjusment was simple.

kudora · 11/13/2009, 08:41 PM

Deere G if you reading i am interested in 2 of them

salali · 11/15/2009, 03:57 AM

Got that nice. Thanks for your help.

Tswifty · 11/15/2009, 03:15 PM

Well the protein skimmer woes continue. I stopped over at the house to find my skimmer pump not functioning properly again, and the skimmer body only about 1/2 full. I'm going to make a call to Marine Solutions tomorrow. I'm going to try and order some replacement parts to see if I can get it functioning properly again.

I have some concerns over the bushing that goes into the pump, and am thinking about replacing the impeller shaft as well. However, my biggest gripe with the pump is that I purchased the first release of these skimmers, and if anyone remembers the air intake on the pump was not welded or attached to the actual pump. So you had to glue it into the pump to get an airtight seal. Since then, I believe Marine Solutions has come out with a few different revisions of the bottom of the Sicce Pump assembly. So hopefully I can get my hands on a new one.

MADtanks · 11/15/2009, 11:48 PM

tank looks great man, my tank actually looks like yours did a few pics back with the valonia.... im just too scared to go in and try to peel em off then pop a few and end up with even more valonia in the tank lol....

Tswifty · 11/16/2009, 05:33 PM

well FINALLY pulled the trigger on one of the upgrades I've been wanting, and made a new purchase for my tank! Hopefully it will be here later this week.

Tswifty · 11/16/2009, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MADtanks

tank looks great man, my tank actually looks like yours did a few pics back with the valonia.... im just too scared to go in and try to peel em off then pop a few and end up with even more valonia in the tank lol....

Thanks.

Sorry to hear that. It's a mess to deal with. I actually try to manually remove it, and pop what I can't pull. I talked with a guy on another site who says he pops the bubbles when he sees them, and has never dealt with an outbreak. I figure... it couldn't hurt to try at this point. After the manual removal, it did seem to slow it's reproduction. However, the skimmer acting up hasn't been helping my cause.

OwNeD162 · 11/16/2009, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tswifty

well FINALLY pulled the trigger on one of the upgrades I've been wanting, and made a new purchase for my tank! Hopefully it will be here later this week.

Can't wait to see what it is

!

Taqpol · 11/16/2009, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MADtanks

tank looks great man, my tank actually looks like yours did a few pics back with the valonia.... im just too scared to go in and try to peel em off then pop a few and end up with even more valonia in the tank lol....

I heard a good argument about why popping them isn't a bad thing. The point they brought up is that emerald crabs or any of the other animals that eat bubble algae don't "remove it without popping it", they just chomp down and let the juices do what they will. I've heard more people say that the bubble is actually just storage for more nutrients, not necessarily bubble algae "seeds".

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tswifty

well FINALLY pulled the trigger on one of the upgrades I've been wanting, and made a new purchase for my tank! Hopefully it will be here later this week.

My guess, cone skimmer.

MADtanks · 11/16/2009, 06:02 PM

Interesting idea guys thanks at this point im very likely to go that route myself. TJ i bet it is a Cone lol, I cant seem to think of anything else!? you have the dosers, and kalk, controller nice lights, hmmmm a skimmer that is acting up plus upgrade = CONE! lol... I am going to snap some pics of my tank in a bit

Tswifty · 11/16/2009, 07:52 PM

Here's a hint - www.diyreef.com

If anyone hasn't heard, they are going out of business, and the prices on the remaining equipment are just ridiculous!

MADtanks · 11/16/2009, 10:10 PM

wow no kidding! its nuts!!!but only real thing i can find on there that you might like would be T5 kits

i member you saying you would like to switch to em

.... hmmmm not sure what else lol.

Tswifty · 11/16/2009, 11:33 PM

Yeah I would love to switch to T5's, but would be switching to a fixture if I did. I ended up going with 2 Lumen Max Elite pendants. They run around $150 each at most places. DIYreef.com had them for $103 each! I wanted Lumenarc III Mini Stealths, but couldn't pass up the deal on the Elites.

I'm trying to get my hands on a Lumenarc III Mini Reflector, because it's comparable size, shape, and price as the Lumen Max Elite. So I'd like to test the performance difference between the two.

Now I should be able to get great coverage all through the tank, and can start stocking the back of the tank. I can't wait to see the PAR difference as well. I really like my Pheonix 14k bulbs, so I stuck with a DE (HQI) pendant.

kudora · 11/17/2009, 12:21 AM

i just picked up a lumen max elite last week for my 40 breeder, going to switch to MH from t5s on that tank. i must have missed most of the items /cry i didnt know about it till late tonight.

salali · 11/17/2009, 04:18 AM

What would you suggest for my new 90gal T5 or Lumen Max Elite? I do not know how T5 works for SPS and clams. I was reading a thread that says Lumen Max Elite is better but still do not know.

11/11/2009, 10:01 PM	#1001
Tswifty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: PA Posts: 14,022	Quick update... The Vinegar bath/cleaning seems to have fixed the problem, and the skimmer is back up and running as usual. I'm also running a filter sock again, as I think some bubble algae clogged the pump, and that was what caused the problem. So crisis averted... I was worried I was going to need a new skimmer ASAP! __________________ "Enough light? Heck I could go barebottom and grow SPS in the stand!" - DiscoReefRover

11/11/2009, 10:18 PM	#1002
aquaph8 Love The Fish Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 5,652	My skimmer just took a crap yesterday. Luckily its needed to be replace for a long time. Glad to hear you saved yours, more money for fun stuff. __________________ Brett Current Tank Info: Leemar 60x36x24, 8x80 T5/LED Sfiligoi GENESIS Alpha 300 skimmer

11/12/2009, 05:27 PM	#1006
aquaph8 Love The Fish Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 5,652	reef octopus 200 (thats the best i could afford) __________________ Brett Current Tank Info: Leemar 60x36x24, 8x80 T5/LED Sfiligoi GENESIS Alpha 300 skimmer

11/12/2009, 06:27 PM	#1007
jennmac415 premium member "reefmama" Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 1,903	I love my reef octopus 200....I even have it on my 180 and it pulls out the MOST imcredilbly nasty black junk... I have to empty out the cup and clean the grime off of it about every 1 1/2 -2 days... __________________ Jenni AKA "Reefmama" Current Tank Info: currently just have a 34 gallon.

11/13/2009, 02:25 PM	#1008
Tswifty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: PA Posts: 14,022	Here's my current fish list for anyone who was wondering: 4 Green Chromis 3 Bartlett Anthias 2 Yasha Hase White Ray Shrimpgobies 1 Eibli Mimic Tang 1 Bangaii Cardinal 1 Mystery Wrasse 1 Midas Blenny __________________ "Enough light? Heck I could go barebottom and grow SPS in the stand!" - DiscoReefRover

11/11/2009, 10:19 PM	#1003
salali Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 291	Vinegar bath is the best to cleaner. I want to ask you why do many reefers use Vertech pump? I have not use one but what make people use it that is more expensive the others.

11/12/2009, 12:51 AM	#1005
salali Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 291	Excellent that what I should get but how does it work with out wires? I am trying to understand but it was hard that it does work with magnetic thing and batteries.

11/13/2009, 03:32 PM	#1010
kudora thread reader Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Minot, ND Posts: 1,639	i need an acrylics guy, going to be adding ph monitors to my RK soon and i love what he did you ya __________________ You must use "Regular Clorox" Any scents like "New Fresh Scent Clorox" will kill all of your animals in a few minutes (don't ask) "Paul b" Current Tank Info: 84 gallon(60x18x18) tank, 40 breeder frag, 30 gallon lps

11/13/2009, 06:13 PM	#1011
Tswifty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: PA Posts: 14,022	Yeah it's nice having Keith close by. I really like that little holder too. When I modified my plumbing I needed to adust my float switches a bit, and since magnets hold them in place, adjusment was simple. __________________ "Enough light? Heck I could go barebottom and grow SPS in the stand!" - DiscoReefRover

11/13/2009, 08:41 PM	#1012
kudora thread reader Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Minot, ND Posts: 1,639	Deere G if you reading i am interested in 2 of them __________________ You must use "Regular Clorox" Any scents like "New Fresh Scent Clorox" will kill all of your animals in a few minutes (don't ask) "Paul b" Current Tank Info: 84 gallon(60x18x18) tank, 40 breeder frag, 30 gallon lps

11/15/2009, 03:57 AM	#1013
salali Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 291	Got that nice. Thanks for your help.

11/15/2009, 03:15 PM	#1014
Tswifty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: PA Posts: 14,022	Well the protein skimmer woes continue. I stopped over at the house to find my skimmer pump not functioning properly again, and the skimmer body only about 1/2 full. I'm going to make a call to Marine Solutions tomorrow. I'm going to try and order some replacement parts to see if I can get it functioning properly again. I have some concerns over the bushing that goes into the pump, and am thinking about replacing the impeller shaft as well. However, my biggest gripe with the pump is that I purchased the first release of these skimmers, and if anyone remembers the air intake on the pump was not welded or attached to the actual pump. So you had to glue it into the pump to get an airtight seal. Since then, I believe Marine Solutions has come out with a few different revisions of the bottom of the Sicce Pump assembly. So hopefully I can get my hands on a new one. __________________ "Enough light? Heck I could go barebottom and grow SPS in the stand!" - DiscoReefRover

11/15/2009, 11:48 PM	#1015
MADtanks Stix Anyone? Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: East Coast Posts: 5,392	tank looks great man, my tank actually looks like yours did a few pics back with the valonia.... im just too scared to go in and try to peel em off then pop a few and end up with even more valonia in the tank lol.... __________________ M.A.D. 75G(36X24X20 E-Overflow) \| DIY - LED/T5 \| Tunze ATO \| Eheim 1260 \| Reef Keeper.... in progress Current Tank Info: 24X24X20 AIO SPS Dom

11/16/2009, 05:33 PM	#1016
Tswifty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: PA Posts: 14,022	well FINALLY pulled the trigger on one of the upgrades I've been wanting, and made a new purchase for my tank! Hopefully it will be here later this week. __________________ "Enough light? Heck I could go barebottom and grow SPS in the stand!" - DiscoReefRover

11/16/2009, 06:02 PM	#1020
MADtanks Stix Anyone? Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: East Coast Posts: 5,392	Interesting idea guys thanks at this point im very likely to go that route myself. TJ i bet it is a Cone lol, I cant seem to think of anything else!? you have the dosers, and kalk, controller nice lights, hmmmm a skimmer that is acting up plus upgrade = CONE! lol... I am going to snap some pics of my tank in a bit __________________ M.A.D. 75G(36X24X20 E-Overflow) \| DIY - LED/T5 \| Tunze ATO \| Eheim 1260 \| Reef Keeper.... in progress Current Tank Info: 24X24X20 AIO SPS Dom

11/16/2009, 07:52 PM	#1021
Tswifty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: PA Posts: 14,022	Here's a hint - www.diyreef.com If anyone hasn't heard, they are going out of business, and the prices on the remaining equipment are just ridiculous! __________________ "Enough light? Heck I could go barebottom and grow SPS in the stand!" - DiscoReefRover

11/16/2009, 10:10 PM	#1022
MADtanks Stix Anyone? Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: East Coast Posts: 5,392	wow no kidding! its nuts!!!but only real thing i can find on there that you might like would be T5 kits i member you saying you would like to switch to em .... hmmmm not sure what else lol. __________________ M.A.D. 75G(36X24X20 E-Overflow) \| DIY - LED/T5 \| Tunze ATO \| Eheim 1260 \| Reef Keeper.... in progress Current Tank Info: 24X24X20 AIO SPS Dom

11/16/2009, 11:33 PM	#1023
Tswifty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: PA Posts: 14,022	Yeah I would love to switch to T5's, but would be switching to a fixture if I did. I ended up going with 2 Lumen Max Elite pendants. They run around $150 each at most places. DIYreef.com had them for $103 each! I wanted Lumenarc III Mini Stealths, but couldn't pass up the deal on the Elites. I'm trying to get my hands on a Lumenarc III Mini Reflector, because it's comparable size, shape, and price as the Lumen Max Elite. So I'd like to test the performance difference between the two. Now I should be able to get great coverage all through the tank, and can start stocking the back of the tank. I can't wait to see the PAR difference as well. I really like my Pheonix 14k bulbs, so I stuck with a DE (HQI) pendant. __________________ "Enough light? Heck I could go barebottom and grow SPS in the stand!" - DiscoReefRover

11/17/2009, 12:21 AM	#1024
kudora thread reader Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Minot, ND Posts: 1,639	i just picked up a lumen max elite last week for my 40 breeder, going to switch to MH from t5s on that tank. i must have missed most of the items /cry i didnt know about it till late tonight. __________________ You must use "Regular Clorox" Any scents like "New Fresh Scent Clorox" will kill all of your animals in a few minutes (don't ask) "Paul b" Current Tank Info: 84 gallon(60x18x18) tank, 40 breeder frag, 30 gallon lps

11/17/2009, 04:18 AM	#1025
salali Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 291	What would you suggest for my new 90gal T5 or Lumen Max Elite? I do not know how T5 works for SPS and clams. I was reading a thread that says Lumen Max Elite is better but still do not know.