ASM protein skimmer/DSB question

bolandess · 09/08/2008, 05:32 PM

I'm planning on upgrading my substrate and filtering methods here soon and had a few questions on some equipment. A bit of background first...46 bowfront was given to me in HORRIBLE shape with a single occelaris clown, MAYBE 10lbs of LR, green water and a hang-on-the-back wheel style filter (which is generating nitrates with a bit of ammonia and has minimal flow.)Since then I have nursed the tank back to clear water and relatively good parameters and the clown survived! I have added a handful of inverts, another 35-40 lbs of LR, and yesterday was the newest addition of another O. clown. I'm now on the way to building an acrylic sump, DIY overflow, and all the goodies that come with it. Here are my questions...

1. I remember reading somewhere that Home Depot sells cheap aragonite sand but can't seem to find the article AND don't remember the brand of the sand...does anyone know what I'm talking about? FYI I plan on seeding the base sand with LS.

2. At the LFS I came across the ASM G1 Protein skimmer for $300. I know everyone loves the AquaC EV series skimmers...pros/cons/experience with the ASM?

3. Another sand question...since I'll be seeding and not using 100% LS right away, can I just remove the old crushed coral and put the base sand in? Or should I do 1/3 at a time?

Thanks in advance!

kware · 09/08/2008, 05:40 PM

I got kolorscape sand form walmart in the toy section. Like 2 bucks a bag. Very happy with it. I never seeded it just put it in with the liverock and it took off . I could never get zero nitrates until I got the sand bed. Aside from the RO\DI system the DSB was the best thing I did for the tank.

Fig70g · 09/08/2008, 06:55 PM

I would also be interested in this answer. I am about to break down and drill my 70g to install an overflow, bigger sump, and was planning on changing my current sand/CC when I do this.

I would also like to know an inexpensive sand to use that I can seed with the current sand. My current SB is anywhere from 1-3" which I am going to bring down to only about 1" but add a DSB in the sump. Thanks!

Fig70g · 09/08/2008, 06:57 PM

Oh and I should add that I have the ASM1 and I do like it. I wish I had better access, or ability to raise or lower it which is also the reason for a change in my sump.

I prob should have gone with a bigger one since I have a 70g + going to have 20-30g between a sump tank and fuge tank, but still happy with it!

09/08/2008, 05:32 PM	#1
bolandess Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 46	ASM protein skimmer/DSB question I'm planning on upgrading my substrate and filtering methods here soon and had a few questions on some equipment. A bit of background first...46 bowfront was given to me in HORRIBLE shape with a single occelaris clown, MAYBE 10lbs of LR, green water and a hang-on-the-back wheel style filter (which is generating nitrates with a bit of ammonia and has minimal flow.)Since then I have nursed the tank back to clear water and relatively good parameters and the clown survived! I have added a handful of inverts, another 35-40 lbs of LR, and yesterday was the newest addition of another O. clown. I'm now on the way to building an acrylic sump, DIY overflow, and all the goodies that come with it. Here are my questions... 1. I remember reading somewhere that Home Depot sells cheap aragonite sand but can't seem to find the article AND don't remember the brand of the sand...does anyone know what I'm talking about? FYI I plan on seeding the base sand with LS. 2. At the LFS I came across the ASM G1 Protein skimmer for $300. I know everyone loves the AquaC EV series skimmers...pros/cons/experience with the ASM? 3. Another sand question...since I'll be seeding and not using 100% LS right away, can I just remove the old crushed coral and put the base sand in? Or should I do 1/3 at a time? Thanks in advance! __________________ -An hour a day...on RC...keeps dead marine life away!! -- You can have something done... 1. Right 2. Fast 3. Cheap ...pick two. Current Tank Info: 55 not in service, 46 FOWLR

09/08/2008, 06:55 PM	#3
Fig70g Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 637	I would also be interested in this answer. I am about to break down and drill my 70g to install an overflow, bigger sump, and was planning on changing my current sand/CC when I do this. I would also like to know an inexpensive sand to use that I can seed with the current sand. My current SB is anywhere from 1-3" which I am going to bring down to only about 1" but add a DSB in the sump. Thanks! __________________ Kevin "The older you get, the more rules they are going to try and get you to follow. You just gotta keep on livin', man. L-I-V-I-N" Current Tank Info: 75g mixed reef, 30g sump, Little Giant 3MDQ return, split to 5g fuge. ASM G1x skimmer. T5 lighting

09/08/2008, 06:57 PM	#4
Fig70g Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 637	Oh and I should add that I have the ASM1 and I do like it. I wish I had better access, or ability to raise or lower it which is also the reason for a change in my sump. I prob should have gone with a bigger one since I have a 70g + going to have 20-30g between a sump tank and fuge tank, but still happy with it! __________________ Kevin "The older you get, the more rules they are going to try and get you to follow. You just gotta keep on livin', man. L-I-V-I-N" Current Tank Info: 75g mixed reef, 30g sump, Little Giant 3MDQ return, split to 5g fuge. ASM G1x skimmer. T5 lighting

09/08/2008, 05:40 PM	#2
kware Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: upstate ny Posts: 645	I got kolorscape sand form walmart in the toy section. Like 2 bucks a bag. Very happy with it. I never seeded it just put it in with the liverock and it took off . I could never get zero nitrates until I got the sand bed. Aside from the RO\DI system the DSB was the best thing I did for the tank.