Plenum or no Plenum, That is the question.

coryaquarium101 · 08/29/2009, 09:55 AM

I am setting up a 90 Gallon tank. Is a plenum the way to go?

username in use · 08/29/2009, 10:06 AM

The key to the plenum is leaving a lot of open sand space, so it usually works better if it is remote, or your live rock structures are supported on pvc pipes to 'float" them over the sand. They work very well when set up right, and there are large systems that have been set up for a long time this way with minimal water changes.

EnglishRebel · 08/29/2009, 10:21 AM

If by plenum system you mean the Jaubert system, there are articles on RC on how to set one up. Unfortunately the Search function is not working right now. When it is just do a search for it. BTW it's not just about spacing your rocks up off the bottom of the tank. It involves creating a completely separate space under your sand bed separated with a screen and fine mesh barrier.

Or you could go with a RUGF.

Ask PaulB about those as he has and one running for 40 years.

coryaquarium101 · 08/29/2009, 10:23 AM

http://www.garf.org/bulletproofreef/plenum.asp

This is how I was planning on building the plenum. I was also told another way to do it is standing the pipe on end and putting the egg crate on top, but I think this way would be harder than the way garf does it.

coryaquarium101 · 08/29/2009, 10:25 AM

The link didn't work how I wanted it to. You have to enter a tank size then click next then scroll down and there is a pic of the plenum layout.

coryaquarium101 · 08/29/2009, 10:28 AM

English Rebel. What is RUGF? and how to I find PaulB?

EnglishRebel · 08/29/2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by coryaquarium101
English Rebel. What is RUGF? and how to I find PaulB?

Cory
It's a Reverse Under Gravel Filter. Basically the ones used on FW tanks but a pump is used to push water down and up through the substrate. PaulB has had one running on his 40 year old tank. I sent a PM to Paul so he may post here.

Paul B · 08/29/2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

English Rebel. What is RUGF? and how to I find PaulB?

RUGF = Reverse under gravel filter, and I am right here where I have always been

EnglishRebel · 08/29/2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paul B
RUGF = Reverse under gravel filter, and I am right here where I have always been

Hello Paul -- I knew you would post -- couldn't resist it could you. Now you can emulate WaterKeeper and "lead the innocent down the path to RUGF"

Paul B · 08/29/2009, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Now you can emulate WaterKeeper and "lead the innocent down the path to RUGF"

If I were to emulate WK I would lead the innocent down to the spiral death of the DSB

I like to search for UGFs or RUGFs. It makes my day even though there are maybe 2 of us on here that use one.

I don't want to re writwe the entire thing so if you are interested you can read the article I wrote in this months Reef Magazine.

http://reefkeeping.com/joomla/index....-year-old-reef

EnglishRebel · 08/29/2009, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paul B
If I were to emulate WK I would lead the innocent down to the spiral death of the DSB

I like to search for UGFs or RUGFs. It makes my day even though there are maybe 2 of us on here that use one.

Well you have a possible willing convert right here.

flameangel9 · 08/29/2009, 01:02 PM

This is a plenum. Yes I know I must be old if I still have one.
Egg crate supported by 1" pieces of 1/2" pvc with nylon screen.

Paul B · 08/29/2009, 01:31 PM

I built many of those, some people use them for flourescent light diffusers, How Goush

flameangel9 · 08/29/2009, 01:45 PM

This was in my sump/refuge under the mangroves and umm the bio balls.

08/29/2009, 09:55 AM	#1
coryaquarium101 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bozeman, Montana Posts: 237	Plenum or no Plenum, That is the question. I am setting up a 90 Gallon tank. Is a plenum the way to go?

08/29/2009, 10:06 AM	#2
username in use Sciencing Daily Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 6,560	The key to the plenum is leaving a lot of open sand space, so it usually works better if it is remote, or your live rock structures are supported on pvc pipes to 'float" them over the sand. They work very well when set up right, and there are large systems that have been set up for a long time this way with minimal water changes. __________________ Joshua "With fronds like these, who needs anemones?" - Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: multiple nano's sprinkled around the house

08/29/2009, 10:21 AM	#3
EnglishRebel Retired Rebel Reefer Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Triad NC Posts: 1,902	If by plenum system you mean the Jaubert system, there are articles on RC on how to set one up. Unfortunately the Search function is not working right now. When it is just do a search for it. BTW it's not just about spacing your rocks up off the bottom of the tank. It involves creating a completely separate space under your sand bed separated with a screen and fine mesh barrier. Or you could go with a RUGF. Ask PaulB about those as he has and one running for 40 years. __________________ Alan "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. " Sir Winston Churchill praising those young RAF pilots. August 20th 1940 Click on my name for drop down list and select "Visit EnglishRebels Home Page" for my build thread. Current Tank Info: 60x30x24 200G AO custom glass tank, basement equipment room, 30G and 55G Fuges, LifeReef sump & 30" skimmer.

08/29/2009, 01:31 PM	#13
Paul B Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 15,549	I built many of those, some people use them for flourescent light diffusers, How Goush __________________ I used to get shocked when I put my hand in my tank. Then the electric eel went dead. Current Tank Info: 100 gal reef set up in 1971

08/29/2009, 10:23 AM	#4
coryaquarium101 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bozeman, Montana Posts: 237	http://www.garf.org/bulletproofreef/plenum.asp This is how I was planning on building the plenum. I was also told another way to do it is standing the pipe on end and putting the egg crate on top, but I think this way would be harder than the way garf does it.

08/29/2009, 10:25 AM	#5
coryaquarium101 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bozeman, Montana Posts: 237	The link didn't work how I wanted it to. You have to enter a tank size then click next then scroll down and there is a pic of the plenum layout.

08/29/2009, 10:28 AM	#6
coryaquarium101 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bozeman, Montana Posts: 237	English Rebel. What is RUGF? and how to I find PaulB?

08/29/2009, 01:02 PM	#12
flameangel9 OnyxInc. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Upstate N.Y. Posts: 439	This is a plenum. Yes I know I must be old if I still have one. Egg crate supported by 1" pieces of 1/2" pvc with nylon screen.

08/29/2009, 01:45 PM	#14
flameangel9 OnyxInc. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Upstate N.Y. Posts: 439	This was in my sump/refuge under the mangroves and umm the bio balls.