Building Big Bertha: 800G

[jnarowe]

Ben,

It's not just a bubble trap, it's a detritus trap too. Most of it wll settle in the first compartment. I have a divider like that in my multi-media reactor and I keep washable floss in there too to keep any detritus from settling in where I can't get to.

Ask your self this question: Will you be more likely to flip out a piece of floss, or vacuum the sump? Will it be easier to pull socks and wash them in the washing machine several times, or wash floss out in a utility sink?

It's all about stream-lining and making maintanance efficient so you will spend more time building cool stuff and enjoying your reef rather than on the grunt work.

 

[bbrantley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9396263#post9396263 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
Ben,

It's not just a bubble trap, it's a detritus trap too. Most of it wll settle in the first compartment. I have a divider like that in my multi-media reactor and I keep washable floss in there too to keep any detritus from settling in where I can't get to.

Ask your self this question: Will you be more likely to flip out a piece of floss, or vacuum the sump? Will it be easier to pull socks and wash them in the washing machine several times, or wash floss out in a utility sink?

It's all about stream-lining and making maintanance efficient so you will spend more time building cool stuff and enjoying your reef rather than on the grunt work.

Okay, you've sold me. It didn't occur to me that much detritus would build in the left section, but I guess that makes sense given the flow direction. Duh.

I think what I'll ask James to do is to put a small lip in the bottom onto which a perforated acrylic sheet can rest. That way I can remove the floss for the regular cleanings and remove the entire thing if I need to get under there and suck out whatever makes it past the floss. (I do know this challenge well from the questionably-designed Bubble King diffuser plate, which does not come off and leaves one wondering how to clean underneath it!)

Ben

 

[VikeBron]

Hi Ben,
My 180 gal sump/frag tank holds all the gook in the first chamber where it settles to the bottom and once a week I syphon it out. Real simple and easy.

 

[ruby1sam]

Same here on my 180 as my left compartment overflows onto a foam filter block before going through the baffles . I rinse them out every other w/c and replace every 4 months. A quick siphon on the opposite week of the left sides sucks up remaining detritus. Each process takes 5 min.
This virtually eliminates all microbubbles from the skimmer also which is in sump on the left side.
my .02--Your thread is only 2 that I'm registered on RC, your design is literally what I've been dreaming up for the new house and I'm enjoying your progress.

 

[jnarowe]

Ben, see if James can source the perforated acrylic for you too. It can be hard to find! I also use perforated PVC which is less expensive but also sometimes hard to find. I have some extra you could use if you can't get it yourself.

I also put Zip tie loops through holes so I can easily lift the floss shelf out.

 

[bbrantley]

Gents,

Thanks for the advice and suggestions. James came up with the good idea of using regular egg crate for the floss "tray." Cheap, easy, and structurally nice in the axis where we need it most.

Since I have some lying around, I'll probably use that.

Kind of boring, but here's the sketch for one of two external tanks that will act as a refugium and grow-out tank respectively. Both will be plumbed into the main sump and share tank water with Bertha. Both tanks don't show the cut-outs in the top, but they will be there, I promise. There is little value in showing you this picture except it makes the thread look prettier.

Ben

 

[jnarowe]

The problem with egg-crate, and I understand why you want to use it, is that it provides a lot of surface area for algae to grow and other things to attach. In the absecence of perforated plastic, it will work well. As ong as it is easily removable so you can spray it off, it should be OK. But if permanently mounted, that could be a problem.

And yes, the thread does look prettier! :lol:

 

[Mrseptember15]

Wow almost a year old and no livestock, I adore you for your patience and nice home. Hope everything goes well =)

*PS...I skipped like 102982 pages (text is extremely boring and unbearable to read) So if the thread owner mentioned any thing about taking a break or something I didnt see it

 

[bbrantley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9421940#post9421940 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
The problem with egg-crate, and I understand why you want to use it, is that it provides a lot of surface area for algae to grow and other things to attach. In the absecence of perforated plastic, it will work well. As ong as it is easily removable so you can spray it off, it should be OK. But if permanently mounted, that could be a problem.

And yes, the thread does look prettier! :lol:

True -- it'll definitely be removable. Depending on where the detritus settles, I may not end up needing it... survey sounds mixed.

Ben

 

[bbrantley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9424126#post9424126 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mrseptember15
Wow almost a year old and no livestock, I adore you for your patience and nice home. Hope everything goes well =)

*PS...I skipped like 102982 pages (text is extremely boring and unbearable to read) So if the thread owner mentioned any thing about taking a break or something I didnt see it

Hey, hey, hey... not even close to 12 months yet...

If Bertha isnt' running by her thread's birthday, I will be sorely disappointed. Ha!

Ben

 

[cbui2]

if bertha don't get up and running i will take it off your hand, and i'll git r done

 

[jnarowe]

well, he did experience ssome tremendous delays due to things outside of his control!!

 

[bbrantley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9428930#post9428930 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
well, he did experience ssome tremendous delays due to things outside of his control!!

Yay, my fan base is backing me up now. The $64k Question: do I get to count "real job" as "thing outside my control?"

Ben

 

[cbui2]

lol gues so

 

[Alphabet]

wow, looking good!!

 

[chris wright]

True wow factor mate. Impressive tank and the way you have it set up is truelly impressive.

Well done, looking foward to more pics.

 

[cbui2]

so any updates ben, I will start unpacking all my equipments and setting everything in place to start plumbing...let me know

 

[erics3000]

Wow great tank. It looks like an amazing setup. I see all the big players are on this thread. I love all the info about reducing maintnance. I am a rookie and all the advice helps. I travel a lot for trading and a little for work so I know how rough it is.

I am going to incorporate the same plans in my sump. Some great ideas.

Once again thanks for sharing.

 

[bbrantley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9484319#post9484319 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by erics3000
Wow great tank. It looks like an amazing setup. I see all the big players are on this thread. I love all the info about reducing maintnance. I am a rookie and all the advice helps. I travel a lot for trading and a little for work so I know how rough it is.

I am going to incorporate the same plans in my sump. Some great ideas.

Once again thanks for sharing.

Rock on, Eric! Steal all the ideas you can, I say... (And do come back and let us know if you think of any of your own that we might appreciate.)

 

[bbrantley]

Welp, there she blows. 17kW of generating capability. Of course, without this...

...there would be no generation. Actually, there has to be a gas line in there, too, but you knew that. And Chaco didn't help with this dig, though I'm sure he would have enjoyed it if he weren't deathly afraid of big, scary tools and loud noises.

Ben