300G inwall 'stalled'
- Thread starter vair
- Start date
Some progress:
The stand, it was looking so good I let it play in my backyard for a bit-
Tank building on site by Concept Aquariums, these guys are pros and build really nice tanks. They also built the stand and it is bomb proof. From left to right we have Mr. Small, then Mr. Medium, and Mr. Extra Large.
This was day one and in a couple days they come back and do the overflow box and euro bracing and then its game on. I have boxes showing up every day of new toys and parts!
The stand, it was looking so good I let it play in my backyard for a bit-
Tank building on site by Concept Aquariums, these guys are pros and build really nice tanks. They also built the stand and it is bomb proof. From left to right we have Mr. Small, then Mr. Medium, and Mr. Extra Large.
This was day one and in a couple days they come back and do the overflow box and euro bracing and then its game on. I have boxes showing up every day of new toys and parts!
Thanks should be moving forward pretty fast now. Planning on using 3-4 Waveline pumps that might be my unknown delay right now.
Upside down pics happen when viewing from an IPad, I wonder if that's Photobucket issue or Reef Central?
Like what?
Newbie Aquarist
Reefing is my middle name
Yea, what he said.
reefs4lifee
New member
Nice progress. I too have the AP1003, awesome skimmer but I have it on just a 300 gallon system.
Did anyone ever give you input on your question regarding the turnover rate?
Did anyone ever give you input on your question regarding the turnover rate?
The skimmer is one of my favourite purchases for sure. I do wonder about it's efficiency compared to a new top end skimmer... but I don't want to know the answer right now, I like my old school Deltec it's fish room "bling!"
No, not much input on the turn over rate, I'm going with what I think will work form previous builds. I'm flowing about 700GPH over my weir and through the skimmer and sump, that matches the GPH the skimmer is rated for. Closed loop will handle the water movement.
Thanks! I believe your right three would be better but I have a aquascaping plan in my mind that will work out nice if I can execute it like I envision it. It will have lots of places for corals and more open room for fish.
reefs4lifee
New member
Yeah definitely one of my favorite purchase as well. I used to have the Deltec SC2060 and I thought it was way too small for my tank when I came across a great deal on the AP1003. Efficiency wise, I guess the SC was better but it was nothing compared to the AP that I have now. And you're completely right about the bling, it definitely gives that 'wow factor' when I give people a 'behind-the-scenes' tour of my tank.
In terms of your turnover rate, I definitely think your 700gph is too slow for the size of your system. From what I've read it's supposed to be anywhere between 5 and 7 times your water volume. I also definitely agree with the heater situation, I really don't think they'll keep up unless your keeping the room your tank is in close to the temperature you want the tank or unless you have very powerful heaters.
Also, one last thing, at what point on the skimmer do you keep your AP1003 set to? I have mine half way between the point where the neck meets with the body and the bottom of the collection cup. What kind of skimmate do you get (wet/dry)?
Im reading along...
Getting ready to do an In Wall Tank of 300g ? and looking for Ideas.
Will need to build a fish room in the garage for the back side.
Cheers!
Drew
So those parts didnt get you going? How a about a forehead slap from my big black hose, that should get you excited....
That is a mighty large hose you have there sir...
Please be careful with it!!
SMILE!
Drew
Newbie Aquarist
Reefing is my middle name
Yep. That's what she said.
In terms of your turnover rate, I definitely think your 700gph is too slow for the size of your system. From what I've read it's supposed to be anywhere between 5 and 7 times your water volume. I also definitely agree with the heater situation, I really don't think they'll keep up unless your keeping the room your tank is in close to the temperature you want the tank or unless you have very powerful heaters.
Also, one last thing, at what point on the skimmer do you keep your AP1003 set to? I have mine half way between the point where the neck meets with the body and the bottom of the collection cup. What kind of skimmate do you get (wet/dry)?
Regarding the flow I think it's one of those on going reef debates with a bunch of correct theory's. Like Ford vs. Chevy and I drive a Dodge truck. If my flow is to slow I can crank it up no problem. 700gph does seem low compared to some turnover rates but to me 700gph still seems like a lot of water moving, I don't know... I've researched to much already, if someone has solid facts on the subject I'd love to hear.
On the skimmer, I try and keep the water level just below where the collection cup attaches to the main body, seems to work best and you never have to worry about that seal leaking a bit if you don't crank the collection cup on super tight. It's hard to tell the actual water line some times, it's just a mass of moving bubbles. The air valves I have adjusted to about 2:00 o'clock. Currently I'm only skimming live rock so it's very wet, wetter or dryer adjust the air intake lines. Make sure you clean air intakes on the pumps fairly regularly if you don't already. They become salt encrusted and it effects performance. I use a drill bit matched to the size of the intake, works great just hand twist it in and pull out takes a second and the pump can still be running.
Happy reefing.
reefs4lifee
New member
Yeah I suppose your right about the turnover rate, I did just read a bunch of people's opinions on that. I wonder if there are any real studies with real evidence as to what a proper turnover rate should be.
And thanks for all the advice on the skimmer, I never tried closing the air valves, they've always been fully open. Do you suggest I close them a bit? I like your technique on cleaning the air intake of the pumps, I think I'll give that a shot when I get home.
