~450G Display (~1000G system) documentary starting

[jnarowe]

Yeah, I think the bulkhead primarily serves as a drain if you want to empty the tank and clean or move it. Typically water would flow in from a hose or pipe and just be filled occassionally as needed.

I also thought that threaded BHs were larger to compensate for the threaded part, but I definitely see the difference between Schedule 40 and 80, and if you are mixing, which I am, that throws it off a bit I am sure.

 

[kwl1763]

I'm having a heck of a time withthe skimmer. There is a little leak each time I fill it up a little higher. Last night I just got out the silicone and globbed it on literally every joint and seam. Hopefully that will fix it and tonight I can fire this bad boy up! One of the built in bulkeads of the rubbermades is leaking

What a pain. I drained it and siliconed it with so much that it's crazy but hopefully that will fix it.

Hopefully I'll have a few more progress pics this weekend.

 

[jnarowe]

I am taking advice on my Rubbermaids and removing all the original bulkheads. I am re-drilling the holes to fit 1-1/2" BHs and then adding a second one. It's not easy to re-drill, but once it is done correctly, there should be little problem with leaking using the sched. 80 BHs.

 

[law086]

Keith - I have two questions for you if I may:

1. I like the idea of a remote DSB and am considering such a setup for my next system (in general, I'm a SSB fan), however I recall reading an article by Dr. Ron were he stated that a _remote_ DSB wasn't the best idea. I don't believe he got into any perticulars and now I obviously can't ask him. So, my question is, do you have any thoughts on the remote part being non-optimal? When thinking about it, I couldn't think of a good reason why it would matter if the DSB wasn't part of the display.

2. Being that you'll only have rear access to the display tank, do you have any thoughts on access to the front of the tank given the 36" width? Do you think you'll have any issues? My next setup will also be accessable from one side and I'm trying to figure out if I should go 36" or 48". I'm wondering if you choose 36" for this very reason.

Thanks!
Ron

 

[kwl1763]

Welcome to the crazyness Ron!

On point 1, I think ideally if you believe entirely in the whole DSB theory then the tank is the ideal place becasue there is more waste and biodiversity there. However the downside of that is that there are potential issues with them and how would you ever deal with one if something went bad and it was in your display? (I have one in a 20G that has been up for over 2 years now with no issues BTW) For me it's worth the tradeoff to run it remotely. There is no doubt as nitrate reducers they work briliiantly remote. See Calfo's DSB in a bucket thread!

Point 2) I plan on leaving a 10" space above the tank on the viewable sides so that I can access it to scrape the glass, etc. This will be covered up with some type of molding that can either be easily removed or "folded up" to let me get in there. I think it's super important to have as much access as possible. I choose 36 for 2 reasons. One is simply that is what fits well where I'm putting it. The other is the cost to go to 38" was very significant and would require bracing other then eurobracing which I didn't want!

 

[law086]

Thanks Keith.

1. Do you have a link to the DSB in a bucket thread? I'd love to read it.

2. I'm really thinking in my setup I won't have any front access. My girlfriend and I are both looking for a very clean looking wall. Very simple molding around the tank and that's it. A blank wall otherwise. I'm trying to figure out if 36" would be OK for me. I guess I'd have to lay across the top of the tank and use tongs

Ron

 

[kwl1763]

Lots if good stuff in this one!

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=595109

 

[law086]

Keith - that thread really clears things up. I had no idea such real-world examples were out there. Thanks man!

Ron

 

[jnarowe]

Ditto. That was an interesting thread to read for sure. Again the DSB or Not to DSB arguement...or even remote DSB instead of refugium. I may do a 50g RDSB just to try it out, especially if I can fill it with aragonite and help buffer my tank.

 

[kwl1763]

Well some good news and some potentially not good news.

Good news first being the always optimist that I am.

The skimmer is officially leak free and I actually filled it up and ran it! Here's a pic.

The potential issue is that the bubbles are a) very big and b) not very dense.

Now this is in fresh water (and about 50 degrees) which I know is different but it should be this different should it? I never had a huge beckett before so maybe it will be way different in saltwater? Any help would be appreciated. Below I'm attaching several picks so you can see the bubble size and the lack of density in the chambers.

What do you think? Issue or no issue?

 

[jnarowe]

WOW! That thing is a freakin' monster! Bubble size is an important issue but I don't know how to help you. There are other threads dealing with it and I would contact Dale who is on a thread starting with "5' skimmer..." He knows a lot about bubble size.

 

[Chrisrush]

You are trying to compare apples to oranges Keith. Running that skimmer in freshwater and 50 degrees is only a good indicator of leaks and getting the manufacturing oils off the skimmer.

Can't wait to see that thing filled to the brim with microbubbles. At least it doesn't leak though.

Chris

 

[prostaff]

My skimmer test with freshwater produced the same results. Saltwater is a lot denser than fresh and should produce much finer bubbles

 

[chainsaw5vent]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6449196#post6449196 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by prostaff
My skimmer test with freshwater produced the same results. Saltwater is a lot denser than fresh and should produce much finer bubbles

true. my skimmer did the same. the micro bubbles won't show up until the correct salinity level is achieved.

 

[McGinnis]

Keith,
The system is coming along really well! I cannot wait to see the progression continue. In reference to your issue with your skimmer, I am not an expert, but I freshwater tested mine as well and saw exactly what you are seeing now. Placed it into the sump, and ran it....what a difference, the bubbles were really dense and very fine. So just hold off on worrying too much about the setup.

 

[eugimon]

the higher density of saltwater allows for finer bubbles. big bubbles normal for freshwater.

 

[ReefWaters]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6458929#post6458929 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eugimon
the higher density of saltwater allows for finer bubbles. big bubbles normal for freshwater.

Thats why no one runs a skimmer on a freshwater tank....

 

[kwl1763]

No I know it would be different and wouldn't "work" I just didn't remember how dramatically different it was. It's been over 2 years since I've tested one in freshwater. I fired it up with saltwater yesterday and oh my. Dense, tiny bubbles! Really, really awesome. I'll post some pics tonight!!!!

 

[kwl1763]

Ok here are the pics. This thing is a beast. I can't wait until it's actually skimming something!!

Here is a full shot in 1.020 saltwater

A closer shot of the tubes. As you can see it is dense. You can't see into the chamber at all!

A shot of the bottom. As you can see the bubbles are still thick at the bottom. The outputs are over a foot above the bottom and point up so this thing really sucks!

I tried to get a shot of the swirling of the bubbles but it doesn't really work in a still shot. Still gives you a little idea.

Here is the top with the foam (even though there is nothing to skim)

And the collection neck.

I'm ready for rock now. This thing is awesome!

 

[kwl1763]

The other project I completed today was making a "rock rack" for the sumps to cure/cook the LR in. I will order this week.

I did this to allow 2 layers of rock with plenty of circulation around and under both layers.

I didn't glue anything and it's not perfectly square but it will work just fine!