Hi Everyone,
It's been quite a while since I've been involved in this hobby and even longer since I posted. Truly I have learned so much information from this board in the past. (Forgotten so much as well). Some of that information it seems, is now considered "old school" methods which are now outdated (or are they?). I'd like to get some feedback from you all if possible and of course it is greatly appreciated!
*Brief rundown...Got out of this hobby many years ago after my tank crashed (heartbreaking) from leaving town for a week. Fast forward many years...to now. In visiting family for the holidays, I couldn't resist doing an overhaul of their in-wall 55 gallon tank. I am quite handy with tools, and glad I started this project as its been quite a blast thus far (and of course a bit stressful as "projects" always seem to be more of a "mountain" than "hill" no matter how well you try to plan it). Their house was built mid 80's, and in building the house they actually designed it with a small "fish room". That fish room has now been overhauled - I'll share what I did and what I had wished I'd done later on (if you're thinking of doing something similar).
Also, I have difficulty "keeping things short". So if this is lengthy I apologize ahead of time. I'll try to sum up my basic main questions below:
a) First is a question about lighting. It seems from a few posts Ecotech's Radion Lighting systems are generally released this time of year - minus last year. I'm thinking to install my old halide system rather than splurging on Gen 3 as I'd kick myself if they're released after buying. The new tank is 120 gallons. Before your feedback let me say, last year I bought them a Current-USA LED fixture as they were running a FOWLR. It served its purpose, and the only reason I'd spend energy cost installing the halides in the meantime is for the "effect" and in knowing the quality of light was superior to hopefully keep algae blooms in check (correct me if I am wrong). There will absolutely be nothing in the tank that requires intense lighting for many months.
b) Second is about plumbing and equipment. I'll start with the sump. I bought a Trigger Emerald 39 sump, which I'm not terribly happy with. I previously had (have) an MRC 36" Reef Sump - which in terms of quality can't be matched. I did hard line plumbing under the tank which was surprisingly the most difficult task of this entire project. I found only one photo of a system that I'd like to match (I'll share that photo if anyone would like an idea). My current plumbing looks as if I was "intoxicated" while doing it. Its difficult getting things to line up perfectly in tight spaces! I had to lean a bit on the Trigger Emerald and it seems so flimsy that in doing so - it might break. There's also so many 90 angles and such, it looks like loops under a common kitchen sink times 10. There is also a lot of pressure on the pipes...not internal pressure...but "bending" pressure. I'm worried this is a ticking time bomb. Should this be the first thing I do...re-plumb and perhaps use the MRC instead? I'd redo it because 1) I now could stock the plumbing supply store with fittings / pvc and 2) In doing it the first time, I realized how I should have done it...trial and error (second go round would hopefully be much easier). I'm guessing re-plumb...my return pump is a Vectra M1. I currently have a 3/4" to 1" size fitting immediately on the pump return - though converted back to 3/4" on each return. I guess the main reason I did this is for a 1" "return pump" pressure release valve which goes right back into the sump, with the other 2 overflows. Also because I used Sch. 80 pipe (overboard perhaps), which I believe the inner diameter is smaller. Was there any benefit to this? I would dread re-plumbing but there is some micro-bubbles also (my MRC had zero). Another plus is that I could plumb the MRC for the pump to run externally. If re-plumb (and my current setup is likely plenty sufficient I just "worry"), any suggestions on no-splash filter sock holders? Also, if I redo the whole thing to say, all return pvc 3/4", and use 2-3 ball valves for future equipment trickle (Reactors and such), what 3/4" to I'm guessing 1/4" fittings would be best to supply them?
c) Another about equipment. Perhaps the current setup I have is perfectly fine. If so, what exactly should be invested in first? An M40, reactor(s), lighting, etc?
**Didn't realize the time! I'll reply with some photos as I am sure they will be helpful with my questions, and also finish up this lengthy post (I have more questions...). I also have some feedback on my new equipment (Quantum Nyos, Vectra, Trigger, Overflows...), the layout, re-designing this room with ventilation, what vents I purchased - how I did it...lots of little tips to possibly save someone endless hours of research. Also several questions on what "seems" to have changed over the years in terms of general "reef keeping". I really appreciate and look forward to your feedback!
It's been quite a while since I've been involved in this hobby and even longer since I posted. Truly I have learned so much information from this board in the past. (Forgotten so much as well). Some of that information it seems, is now considered "old school" methods which are now outdated (or are they?). I'd like to get some feedback from you all if possible and of course it is greatly appreciated!
*Brief rundown...Got out of this hobby many years ago after my tank crashed (heartbreaking) from leaving town for a week. Fast forward many years...to now. In visiting family for the holidays, I couldn't resist doing an overhaul of their in-wall 55 gallon tank. I am quite handy with tools, and glad I started this project as its been quite a blast thus far (and of course a bit stressful as "projects" always seem to be more of a "mountain" than "hill" no matter how well you try to plan it). Their house was built mid 80's, and in building the house they actually designed it with a small "fish room". That fish room has now been overhauled - I'll share what I did and what I had wished I'd done later on (if you're thinking of doing something similar).
Also, I have difficulty "keeping things short". So if this is lengthy I apologize ahead of time. I'll try to sum up my basic main questions below:
a) First is a question about lighting. It seems from a few posts Ecotech's Radion Lighting systems are generally released this time of year - minus last year. I'm thinking to install my old halide system rather than splurging on Gen 3 as I'd kick myself if they're released after buying. The new tank is 120 gallons. Before your feedback let me say, last year I bought them a Current-USA LED fixture as they were running a FOWLR. It served its purpose, and the only reason I'd spend energy cost installing the halides in the meantime is for the "effect" and in knowing the quality of light was superior to hopefully keep algae blooms in check (correct me if I am wrong). There will absolutely be nothing in the tank that requires intense lighting for many months.
b) Second is about plumbing and equipment. I'll start with the sump. I bought a Trigger Emerald 39 sump, which I'm not terribly happy with. I previously had (have) an MRC 36" Reef Sump - which in terms of quality can't be matched. I did hard line plumbing under the tank which was surprisingly the most difficult task of this entire project. I found only one photo of a system that I'd like to match (I'll share that photo if anyone would like an idea). My current plumbing looks as if I was "intoxicated" while doing it. Its difficult getting things to line up perfectly in tight spaces! I had to lean a bit on the Trigger Emerald and it seems so flimsy that in doing so - it might break. There's also so many 90 angles and such, it looks like loops under a common kitchen sink times 10. There is also a lot of pressure on the pipes...not internal pressure...but "bending" pressure. I'm worried this is a ticking time bomb. Should this be the first thing I do...re-plumb and perhaps use the MRC instead? I'd redo it because 1) I now could stock the plumbing supply store with fittings / pvc and 2) In doing it the first time, I realized how I should have done it...trial and error (second go round would hopefully be much easier). I'm guessing re-plumb...my return pump is a Vectra M1. I currently have a 3/4" to 1" size fitting immediately on the pump return - though converted back to 3/4" on each return. I guess the main reason I did this is for a 1" "return pump" pressure release valve which goes right back into the sump, with the other 2 overflows. Also because I used Sch. 80 pipe (overboard perhaps), which I believe the inner diameter is smaller. Was there any benefit to this? I would dread re-plumbing but there is some micro-bubbles also (my MRC had zero). Another plus is that I could plumb the MRC for the pump to run externally. If re-plumb (and my current setup is likely plenty sufficient I just "worry"), any suggestions on no-splash filter sock holders? Also, if I redo the whole thing to say, all return pvc 3/4", and use 2-3 ball valves for future equipment trickle (Reactors and such), what 3/4" to I'm guessing 1/4" fittings would be best to supply them?
c) Another about equipment. Perhaps the current setup I have is perfectly fine. If so, what exactly should be invested in first? An M40, reactor(s), lighting, etc?
**Didn't realize the time! I'll reply with some photos as I am sure they will be helpful with my questions, and also finish up this lengthy post (I have more questions...). I also have some feedback on my new equipment (Quantum Nyos, Vectra, Trigger, Overflows...), the layout, re-designing this room with ventilation, what vents I purchased - how I did it...lots of little tips to possibly save someone endless hours of research. Also several questions on what "seems" to have changed over the years in terms of general "reef keeping". I really appreciate and look forward to your feedback!
