500G (84X48X30)- NOW REAL !

[Ursus]

The cost of a tunze or vortech might be cheaper in the long run, but if you add more than one or 2 of them, it will take a long time before it became cost effective. I say this because with just one or two, the flow won't be as random as a closed loop with multiple returns. And on a tank this size, I think running a decent sized closed loop would be much easier and provide a more random flow instead of just moving a high volume of water.

 

[jnarowe]

A closed loop with multiple returns is still just on or off rotated between return lines. A Tunze or Vortech can change the velocity as well. Powerheads are also moveable so they can be rearranged as the reef grows(but that does not mean that lockline type products can't be used with closed loops!). The savings in electricity can be important too, especially on a large tank where one return pump can burn 400W/hr vs. a Tunze or Vortech buring 30 - 40W/hour.

I think that this discussion is really a matter of preference on most points. It is certainly understandable why a reefer might prefer a closed loop system. I just saw an 8' tank at my LFS with 14 bulkheads in the back panel for closed loops and return lines. It was very impressive.

On my tank I would need on the order of 20+ bulkheads and 3 - 4 Darts for a decent closed loop system. That's about 900 to 1,200W/hour plus the cost of the pumps, plumbing, and actuated valves. Add that to the 3000W+ of lighting, the 400W Hammerhead, skimmer, and other items and that really adds up to a lot of juice!

 

[GSchiemer]

I'm with Jonathan on this. The Tunze, and ultimately the Vortech pump, can be varied in intensity over time. They're certainly more "random" than any fixed returns on a closed-loop system.

Greg

 

[Ursus]

I guess that does make a lot of sense. Being in the arena of small to medium sized tanks, I forgot the sheer massiveness of this build. On a 75-120 maybe even a 200 you could get away with one pump on a closed loop, but on a tank this size, I can see how the tunze and vortechs would be a better investment. Not to mention if you can afford a tank this size, a few streams are just a drop in the bucket

 

[Sanjay]

Picked up the sump yesterday. It was built by Jeff (NAGA). Finally got it out of the car

Here is a quick picture.

sanjay.

 

[moonpod]

Nice, looks like 1" acrylic....

 

[Sanjay]

The sides and 1/25". i guess Jeff was too into these new braceless designs

Moonpod, thanks for the info on the lifters. Now that I know that they are called gas springs, should make them a lot easier to find.

sanjay.

 

[jnarowe]

Nice sump Sanjay. Looks like good workmanship!

 

[Sanjay]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7500009#post7500009 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sanjay
The sides and 1/25". i guess Jeff was too into these new braceless designs

sanjay.

I must have been typing with fat fingers and fat brain....

The sides are 1.25". !!

Yes, the workmanship is very good.. the edges are all nicely polished.

sanjay.

 

[Sanjay]

To give myself enough access room from the front, I designed the front access lid to be 74" X17". This will be a 3/4" plywood, hinged and open from the verical position to about 90-100 degrees.

I have been looking to ways of opening it and holding it in place. I am thinking of using gas springs, to provide assited opening and damping while opening and closing.

Searching through the gas springs on the web, it seems there is a wide range and variety available. I found some at MSC direct

http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNPDF...317600&PMITEM=00483917&PMCTLG=00&PMT4TP=*LTIP

If anyone has used gas springs for this kind of application, I need some help in selection and any tips on using and installing them.

thanks,

sanjay.

 

[moonpod]

As I recall, when we were testing my brackets, it turned into an empiric thing where we got a few different strength springs and basically used the one that worked best....

 

[Sanjay]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7502974#post7502974 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by moonpod
As I recall, when we were testing my brackets, it turned into an empiric thing where we got a few different strength springs and basically used the one that worked best....

Do you recall if you tried different stroke lengths.. or just different load strengths. ?

Clearly, as the stroke length is increasing the overall length increases too.

Wish I could get them locally and try out some different ones.

sanjay.

 

[moonpod]

Uhm I think it was just the strengths because we had the bracket excursion, etc...worked out....

 

[NAGA]

Sanjay,

can't wait to see how that sump works for you Yes, the sides are 1.25" thick...........waaaaay overkill but, it's what I had laying around the shop. When that stuff is all polished up it does look great

Jeff

 

[alien9168]

thats really nice...i know its overkill..but i really love the look of thick acrylic...it just has a very statley appearance (imo)

 

[sonofgaladriel]

"LIGHTING

Here I am totally clueless

I am going to go with 3 X Lumenarc III Reflectors with 400W mogul lamps. Plan is setup the lights and aquascape around it. Want to use the exisiting ballasts so I do not incur any additional cost. I may even experiment with 250W using the same reflector setup.

Need to build myself a frame to hold the lights. I am looking for slotted aluminum angle but have not found any. I keep finding slotted steel but I think that will rust eventually.

I do not plan on using any FL lighting.. have not used actinics in over 5 years and can do without it. Save myself some in electrial and lamp replacement costs."

Great set up Sanjay. I will be setting up a very similar size tank to replace my 240 cube. Mine new tank will be 96"x48"x30".
I'm still deciding on lighting for this new tank.
I was considering the same thing you mentioned above, but I really like using T5's for dawn/dusk lighting and I typically only run my halides 6 hours a day.
What will your photo period be without any flourescent lighting?
Thanks!

 

[Sanjay]

In my old tank which was a 180 (with 1 400W and 2 250W MH) I was running the MH for about 8 hrs. They were staggered.... with each one comming on about 1/2 hr after the first one and then going off in the same sequence. So with 3 lights I ended up with about 10 hrs of light, with each one on for 8 hrs.

I am planning on keeping a similar schedule with the new tank, at the begining and tweak from there.


sanjay.

 

[RGibson]

Sanjay what kind of pumps did you decide to used to used?

 

[RGibson]

Sanjay how many led lights from PFO will you have in your new tank?

 

[Sanjay]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7521577#post7521577 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RGibson
Sanjay what kind of pumps did you decide to used to used?

I am using a Sequence Dart for circulation through tank and sump. I have the tank drilled for 2 closed loops where I was planning on using 2 darts also. But this right now is under serious consideration.. to keep the closed loop or plug them.

I am also planning on using 2 Vortech pumps for circulation.

sanjay.