Big Problems - Suggestions?

[jpc763]

As I reported earlier I had my fuge spring a leak about a week and a half ago.

I had a new fuge built for me and it was delivered last night. I installed it and brought the system back on line. And I have problems...

First, I did not let the sand re-settle long enough in the new fuge and now my whole tank is cloudy. I have fish, inverts and corals in there and am very concerned that I am killing them. I checked for Ammonia, Nitrate and Nitrite and all came up zero, but I am still worried. Any suggestions?

Second, The new fuge has the baffles closer together. That is causing the water level in the skimmer section to run higher. My Vertex In250 is no longer functioning and is just pumping water up into the collection cup and out the top. I have raised it as much as I can and have no more room in the cabinet. Can you cut the glass in the fuge?

Finally, All of this is happening 2 days before I am going on a 2 week vacation. I could not go with the temporary solution for the 2 weeks so I rolled the dice and it appears that I have come up snake eyes.

So any suggestions would be appreciated. Help, please.

Thanks, John

 

[PotHuntR]

The sand should not be a problem. Doesn't look great but it will eventually settle. The skimmer on the other hand, we would need pics to see the possible solutions. U could cut the glass but there must be a better solution

 

[rehnberg]

Throw on a filter sock to clear out the sand. Sounds like you might have to cut the baffle down to lower the water level.

 

[jpc763]

Thanks. Can you cut tempered glass without removing the baffles?

 

[goslugsgo]

+1 on the sand issue. I would use a turkey baster to address any accumulation on monti caps and the like but it shouldn't cause any problems that won't take care of themselves after you return.
You're running the skimmer exhaust wide open? Pics definitely would help.

 

[goslugsgo]

I don't think you can cut glass after it's been tempered. A stop-gap would be to remove the baffle and install a piece of acrylic with window sealing strips so it's removable.

 

[WallyV]

Is it possible for you to throttle down your return pump enough to slow the flow through the baffles. If you can it should lower the level in your skimmer area. Just a thought.
-Wally

 

[Tyronius]

If you have room in your stand you could place your skimmer on some kind of stand so that it is out of the water more...

 

[Tyronius]

Damn, didnt read the whole thing. You dont have anymore room in your stand. You could move the sump outside the stand so that you can raise the skimmer more until you return from vacation...

 

[zombiereef]

dont worry about the sand. my suggestion, since you are leaving is to just unplug the skimmer while you are gone. it shouldnt hurt anything. if you have cheato (or other macro), it will be ok. when you get back, obviously test your water and i bet it is ok.

 

[Jagermeister]

I agree, the sand storm shouldn't hurt anything. I've had it happen countless times. And I agree with Zombiereef, just unplug the skimmer. You don't want to be worrying about it on vacation and a couple weeks without a skimmer isn't going to hurt anything. Many people run succesful, beautiful tanks skimmerless anyways!

 

[jpc763]

Update: Patrick (the guy who built the sump) came over last night and cut the baffles down. I was able to get the skimmer to it's working range so that is great!

I also ran a filter sock on the return (thanks Renberg!) and the tank is clear!

Now if you guys could only help me fix my TV...

 

[zombiereef]

whats up with the tv?

 

[jpc763]

whats up with the tv?

I have a DLP and the bulb blew. So I replaced the bulb and housing and it ran for 4 hours before blowing again. Not sure if it was a defective bulb or something else.

If it's not one thing... its everything else!

 

[B-Willz]

I have seen the power supply in DLP's go crazy sending higher voltage and causing the bulbs to blow, also if you touched the bulb with your bare hands it could blow because of the oils on your skin. DLP bulbs are very sensitive.

 

[jpc763]

I have seen the power supply in DLP's go crazy sending higher voltage and causing the bulbs to blow, also if you touched the bulb with your bare hands it could blow because of the oils on your skin. DLP bulbs are very sensitive.

I am not sure on the power supply, but the bulb came in a full housing so my hands were never near either the lens or the bulb. I talked to the place I bought it from and they think it was defective.

 

[blue710]

has your sand settled down? is your skimmer working right now?

 

[jpc763]

the tank appears to be back to normal. New sump, fuge and all. Sand has settled down. All the live stock seem to be happy. Thanks everyone.

 

[katyttt]

Glad to hear, good luck in the future,
Chris