CalmSeasQuest
Active member
The Rainbow macro shot was on a tripod, the rest were handheld, just steadied against the tank. Nikon D40 f/4.5~5.6, 1/30~1/60
CADlights 39g Pro build thread
- Thread starter ArtC
- Start date
The Rainbow macro shot was on a tripod, the rest were handheld, just steadied against the tank. Nikon D40 f/4.5~5.6, 1/30~1/60
Gillundr
New member
Hey Tivo, how's the NAC6 doing? What do you think of it? I was thinking about giving it a shot in one of my tanks since you had good things to say about it. The sump I am using is very much like the sump we have on our CADs with about the same amount of space, do you think it would fit in that sump? Seems like a pretty cheap skimmer I thought but if it works great then it would be perfect. Do you know what they are rated for as far as size of tanks? Also been gathering stuff to set up a 120 reef. What do you think would be a good skimmer for a 120? I was thinking about one of the Deltec APF600s or something but thought I would see if I could find something cheaper.
reeftivo
Skim junkie
NAC6 is chugging along!
You need at least 8 x 10.5 in the chamber for it to fit nicely. You could go a little smaller if you turn it at an angle. The skimmer is almost silent but I still have the start up issue when ever I power it back up. I just blow into an airline that I attach to the silencer and it's fine. The others that have the NAC6 don't seem to have this issue. I just need to get off my butt and contact Eddie to get another pump. The NAC6 is rated for heavily stocked 90 gal to a lightly stocked 120 which is pretty accurate.
As for the Deltec AP series, very very good skimmers! I would check out the ATB site and take a serious look at the ATB 840. The skimmate pics and reviews are awsomely disgusting. Also look at the BM150. It comes with an aquabee and is <$300 bucks-great deal. Kind of depends on what you want to spend but there are alot of options out there (MSX,Vertex,Eshopps etc.).
reeftivo
Skim junkie
Looks great Tim -
I like your white board idea - Think I'm gonna steal it :lol2:
That gate is plastic right? in the pic it almost looks like metal
I love your Jawfish - I'd love to have one but I refuse to put a cover on the tank. I picked up a new Macro lens (Tamron 90mm) hoping it might improve my dismal photographic skills. Still learning, but here' a few livestock pics...
Rainbow Acan
Darth Maul Zoa
Dragonet
ATL Orange Jokers
DayTrippers
RicRock
Pics look great buddy!
That lens is rockin'
I really need to replace my polaroid-LOL!!!!
Keep'em comin'
Tivo
Gillundr
New member
NAC6 is chugging along!
You need at least 8 x 10.5 in the chamber for it to fit nicely. You could go a little smaller if you turn it at an angle. The skimmer is almost silent but I still have the start up issue when ever I power it back up. I just blow into an airline that I attach to the silencer and it's fine. The others that have the NAC6 don't seem to have this issue. I just need to get off my butt and contact Eddie to get another pump. The NAC6 is rated for heavily stocked 90 gal to a lightly stocked 120 which is pretty accurate.
As for the Deltec AP series, very very good skimmers! I would check out the ATB site and take a serious look at the ATB 840. The skimmate pics and reviews are awsomely disgusting. Also look at the BM150. It comes with an aquabee and is <$300 bucks-great deal. Kind of depends on what you want to spend but there are alot of options out there (MSX,Vertex,Eshopps etc.).
Wow I didn't realize that those big BM skimmers come with an aquabee pump. That is pretty awesome. Other than pump issues I had with my CAD skimmers I thought the skimmers had great potential. I had super bad luck and got 3 bad pumps. My CAD skimmers are still sitting in the garage in need of new pumps. I have hunted and can't find any to replace them at all. I would really like to get new pumps for them though for sure.
Do you think those BM skimmers would do alright? This tank is going to be pretty heavily stocked and 90% sps. Do you think the ratings on the BM site are accurate? Would a 150 do it or would you go up to a bigger skimmer? I like the idea of maybe trying another BM but maybe should just go with a Deltec or ATB or something I don't know lol. I'm not in a rush but do think it would be cool if I could get away with spending a 200 less on a skimmer to put towards a calcium reactor or something. I guess it would be fine to start off anyways, I will be starting the tank with frags and stocking slowly anyways blah blah blah. Do you think one of the BM skimmers would cut it? If you were going to use one on a 120 like this which would you go for?
reeftivo
Skim junkie
The ATB econo 840 will outperform the Deltec and the Deltec is more money. The Deltecs are very good but the ATBs are in a class with Royal exclusive in terms of performance and build quality. The Royal exclusive skimmers are quite a bit more $$ than even ATB. ATB has the best customer service I've ever experienced. I wanted to mod an intake tube and asked Victor at ATB if he had an extra 20mm piece I could buy and Next thing I know he sends me one for free in the mail with a T shirt. He also will not hesitate to replace anything under warranty and guides you through any tuning issues should they arise. Wow, Sorry about the sales pitch but I can't say enough about their customer service. I've only purchased once from them 3 years ago and they still help me out with anything I need.
I am the customer service manager for my company and can appreciate good CS.
Benchmark for CS? You decide!
I am the customer service manager for my company and can appreciate good CS.
Benchmark for CS? You decide!
Last edited:
reeftivo
Skim junkie
Hi all!
Things are going well with the CAD 39! No complaints! I have transitioned over to the zeovit method and ditched the chaeto and GFO reactor. I'll keep you guys posted on how it goes. I'm only a week in and have not seen much increase in colors, but new growth tips are forming and polyp extension has extended to daylight hours. My monti caps have colored up much more though. I've read that they are the best indicators for dosing using the zeovit method.
After the initial cycle, I will post before and after photos.
Here is an updated pic of the sump with reactor and "Yes" another skimmer in there-OOps, couldn't resist trying the ATB again after re-meshing the impeller. Look at all that air-Sick!!! The ATB has "NO" turbulence at the air/water line at all.
Things are going well with the CAD 39! No complaints! I have transitioned over to the zeovit method and ditched the chaeto and GFO reactor. I'll keep you guys posted on how it goes. I'm only a week in and have not seen much increase in colors, but new growth tips are forming and polyp extension has extended to daylight hours. My monti caps have colored up much more though. I've read that they are the best indicators for dosing using the zeovit method.
After the initial cycle, I will post before and after photos.
Here is an updated pic of the sump with reactor and "Yes" another skimmer in there-OOps, couldn't resist trying the ATB again after re-meshing the impeller. Look at all that air-Sick!!! The ATB has "NO" turbulence at the air/water line at all.
Gillundr
New member
Nice looks like fun! Is your sump only 2 compartments now? I have been thinking about having a new sump made to fit other things in. Even if it's just a bit wider front to back and use the entire area under the stand. Not sure if I'm going to do it or not. I have room next to the stand to build another sort of stand thing that my wife could put pictures and stuff on top but I could hide another sump area underneath so I could tie in another sump area to do things like reactors or the zeovit system or even a bigger skimmer or something. I have been thinking about trying out the prodibio system. I have two friends that are using it with great success. Corals do go through a dulling period when getting it started but once through that (about 2 weeks of dull) 6-8 weeks to get it all online and a "cycle" once through all that corals start popping with great extension plus it just eats out any algae in the tank. They use the prodibio along with a couple of the zeovit coral foods like Phols and one other one. It's about 200 or 250 to get everything but thats close to a years worth of stuff for a tank the size of the CAD.
It would be fun to have another sump tied it to have more room in the "toy" department. Just need to figure out how I want to plump the together but shouldn't be too much of a problem plus more volume would be pretty nice. Still thinking about it lol. I ran across a steal for a vortec MP10 over the weekend a local reefer tearing down so jumped on that. I want to put a 20 or 40 in there but I couldn't pass up this deal plus I figured I could use a 10 along with a 20 or 40 to make some really nice flow in the tank. So with the mp10 in there I took out my bigger koralias and am running 3 #1s on one of the JBJ timers where it turns them off (alternating between them) and on every 10 seconds. Between the MP10 and the three Koralia #1s on the 10 second timer it looks like the flow is strong but still gentle and very random. Pretty happy with the way it is. I might think about putting one more #1 in there so I have 4 on the timer but may just wait and put in a mp40 still playing but I really like it. Lots of flow but it's gentle and very random I feel.
It would be fun to have another sump tied it to have more room in the "toy" department. Just need to figure out how I want to plump the together but shouldn't be too much of a problem plus more volume would be pretty nice. Still thinking about it lol. I ran across a steal for a vortec MP10 over the weekend a local reefer tearing down so jumped on that. I want to put a 20 or 40 in there but I couldn't pass up this deal plus I figured I could use a 10 along with a 20 or 40 to make some really nice flow in the tank. So with the mp10 in there I took out my bigger koralias and am running 3 #1s on one of the JBJ timers where it turns them off (alternating between them) and on every 10 seconds. Between the MP10 and the three Koralia #1s on the 10 second timer it looks like the flow is strong but still gentle and very random. Pretty happy with the way it is. I might think about putting one more #1 in there so I have 4 on the timer but may just wait and put in a mp40 still playing but I really like it. Lots of flow but it's gentle and very random I feel.
CalmSeasQuest
Active member
Choice for Skimmer, pump annd powerhead
Choice for Skimmer, pump annd powerhead
RT,
In your opinion, what's the best performing skimmer that will fit in the stock sump? I'm adding a small frag tank and I want the best skimmer I can cram into the available space.
I'd also like to increase the flow to 1600-1800 gph (at 0') to accomodate the new tank. Tunze's and Eheim don't appear to make pumps in that range - That leaves Mag or perhaps a larger Hyperflow. I think i'm leaning toward the Hyperflow as it's by far the most efficient, any thoughts?
Not sure I want to spend the money for another MP for such a small frag tank - Maybe a couple of the new Koralia Nanos?
Choice for Skimmer, pump annd powerhead
RT,
In your opinion, what's the best performing skimmer that will fit in the stock sump? I'm adding a small frag tank and I want the best skimmer I can cram into the available space.
I'd also like to increase the flow to 1600-1800 gph (at 0') to accomodate the new tank. Tunze's and Eheim don't appear to make pumps in that range - That leaves Mag or perhaps a larger Hyperflow. I think i'm leaning toward the Hyperflow as it's by far the most efficient, any thoughts?
Not sure I want to spend the money for another MP for such a small frag tank - Maybe a couple of the new Koralia Nanos?
reeftivo
Skim junkie
Sorry I've been laying low! Still pretty sick!
Yes, the sump is 15 gallons with only two chambers. I run it at 10 inches and have way more room for the essentials than I did before and no micro issues at all. I gave Eddie at Cadlights the plans and he built it for me.
Nice to hear everythings going great!
Tivo
a couple new inhabitant pictures!:
Midas Blenny
Group shot:
Green Monti Cap w/ Blue Polyps (Montipora Foliosa)?
Midas Blenny surveying:
Jawfish ready to strike!
and, new neon green/purple-tip frogspawn! best coloring on a euphyllia i've ever seen! (this shot is actinics only -- i can't figure out how to properly reproduce the colors with the halides on without it washing out (as seen in the midas blenny pic, above), so i'll have to continue to experiment)
Midas Blenny
Group shot:
Green Monti Cap w/ Blue Polyps (Montipora Foliosa)?
Midas Blenny surveying:
Jawfish ready to strike!
and, new neon green/purple-tip frogspawn! best coloring on a euphyllia i've ever seen! (this shot is actinics only -- i can't figure out how to properly reproduce the colors with the halides on without it washing out (as seen in the midas blenny pic, above), so i'll have to continue to experiment)
reeftivo
Skim junkie
I would recommend the Eshopps PSK-75, then ASM mini G (a little loud though but works really good and cheap). The new ATB Micro skimmer-looks sick ! They don't show it on thier website yet but it is basically a slightly smaller version of the Multi skimmer with eheim 1250. ETSS -SB40 is really good (used an older version 6 years ago on my old 60 gallon FOWLR) but its downdraft and you would need to purchase a feed pump separately. The downdrafts work very good but they require more powerfull pumps and constant water level- so electricity $$ and a good ATO may be an issue for some.
Another one that I always wanted to try in sump is a hang on skimmer. The warner marine H2X. I had one on my old jbj and it shredded but believe it or not, I got rid of it because of the color and started using the MCE600. I know the Deltec MCE series work very well in sump but are a pain to clean but the warner marine skimmers aren't nearly as bad. Just a thought.
Thats the only drawback with the CAD sumps since they also have the fuge-Space! They work fantastic but if you plan to push the limits of bioload then you most likely will have to upgrade the skimmer and the really good performers all have too large a footprint. Heck, the stock cad sumps are acrylic so modding it for an external is pretty simple. You would just have to have the skimmer outside the stand and hide it.
If you feel like making your own sump and could use more room for equipment, let me know and I will send you the simple diagram.
Tivo
reeftivo
Skim junkie
CalmSeasQuest
Active member
Tim - That Frogspawn is beautiful! I've never seen one like that.
RT- Thanks, I agree the ATB Mikro looks great, but it's too big for the stock sump. I see now why you redesigned the sump - nothing "good" will fit. The more I think about it, the Mini BM is doing an OK job, and the addition of the frag tank really doesn't increase bio load much at all. I guess I'll just leave it be for the time being and see what happens.
The same goes for the return pump, as it's all plumbed to a common sump, I guess I don't really need that much more flow - In fact it might cause problems in the sump. I found a great deal on an MP40. I'm placing the existing MP20 in the frag tank and will use the 40 in the Cad which will provide more than enough flow in both tanks AND...
I FINALLY received the hanging kit and got the IEs elevated - It's working WONDERFULLY. I'm beta testing new AI controller firmware that provides 8 ramp periods for each the blue and white LEDS. This allows for the creation of custom sunrise/sunsets and simulation of sun zenith changes (i.e. gradual 1% increases for midday sun.) It's very cool.
I'll get picks taken as soon as I get the frag tank up.
RT- Thanks, I agree the ATB Mikro looks great, but it's too big for the stock sump. I see now why you redesigned the sump - nothing "good" will fit. The more I think about it, the Mini BM is doing an OK job, and the addition of the frag tank really doesn't increase bio load much at all. I guess I'll just leave it be for the time being and see what happens.
The same goes for the return pump, as it's all plumbed to a common sump, I guess I don't really need that much more flow - In fact it might cause problems in the sump. I found a great deal on an MP40. I'm placing the existing MP20 in the frag tank and will use the 40 in the Cad which will provide more than enough flow in both tanks AND...
I FINALLY received the hanging kit and got the IEs elevated - It's working WONDERFULLY. I'm beta testing new AI controller firmware that provides 8 ramp periods for each the blue and white LEDS. This allows for the creation of custom sunrise/sunsets and simulation of sun zenith changes (i.e. gradual 1% increases for midday sun.) It's very cool.
I'll get picks taken as soon as I get the frag tank up.
reeftivo
Skim junkie
The Mikro will fit if you remove the wier in the first chamber. My ATB Multi has the same footprint and it fit. The websites are misleading. With your DSB, you easily could go with a sump similar to the one I have and ditch the fuge and just tie up some chaeto and use it in the return chamber. With the dimensions I now have in sump, I'm now running the ATB and a Vertex Zeo reactor with no problems. With the Zeo reactor I have no need for chaeto or a fuge and my sump stays spotless and much easier to maintain. Love it!
I'm getting better results with the 750 gph through the sump than I was with the higher flow. Things just look much cleaner and the corals are responding well.
Looking forward to the lighting pics and you'll love that MP40-Awsome.
Take care,
Tivo
I'm getting better results with the 750 gph through the sump than I was with the higher flow. Things just look much cleaner and the corals are responding well.
Looking forward to the lighting pics and you'll love that MP40-Awsome.
Take care,
Tivo
CalmSeasQuest
Active member
Here's a couple quick pics from my Palm Pre. I still have to hide the wires and redo the rats nest of electrical, but you get the general idea.
AI Hanging kit
17 Gal acrylic frag tank, common sump with the DT using the Cadlights 150 MH w/14K Phoenix.
When I initially purchased the Cadlight, the original cabinet was badly damaged in shipping and had to be replaced. I was able to rebuild it to the extent that I'm comfortable with it holding the frag tank. I've got 5 gallons of ATO w/kalk, 2-part an the BRS dosing and top-off pumps tucked away in the 2nd cabinet.
So far it's working out well, its really nice to have the extra space.
AI Hanging kit
17 Gal acrylic frag tank, common sump with the DT using the Cadlights 150 MH w/14K Phoenix.
When I initially purchased the Cadlight, the original cabinet was badly damaged in shipping and had to be replaced. I was able to rebuild it to the extent that I'm comfortable with it holding the frag tank. I've got 5 gallons of ATO w/kalk, 2-part an the BRS dosing and top-off pumps tucked away in the 2nd cabinet.
So far it's working out well, its really nice to have the extra space.
reeftivo
Skim junkie
Tom,
Looks fantastic!
I'll have to post pics of my system in a couple of weeks. I should have tried this Zeovit method much sooner! So far this stuff rocks!!!!!! I haven't even started dosing the supplements yet because of the initial cycle period and the PE and colors are insane so far.I'm just using the basic 4 start additives and my caps are three times as intense and all the sps are showing true colors now. After my first partial exchange of media I will be able to start adding the color tweaking supplements.
Another nice benefit of this system is the lower NSW perams which are easier to maintain. I was dosing 30ml of each 2 part ESV component daily . Now I only dose 7.5ml of each and my PE and colors are twice as good as they were before. Coralline growth remains the same.
I'll keep you posted.
Tivo
Looks fantastic!
I'll have to post pics of my system in a couple of weeks. I should have tried this Zeovit method much sooner! So far this stuff rocks!!!!!! I haven't even started dosing the supplements yet because of the initial cycle period and the PE and colors are insane so far.I'm just using the basic 4 start additives and my caps are three times as intense and all the sps are showing true colors now. After my first partial exchange of media I will be able to start adding the color tweaking supplements.
Another nice benefit of this system is the lower NSW perams which are easier to maintain. I was dosing 30ml of each 2 part ESV component daily . Now I only dose 7.5ml of each and my PE and colors are twice as good as they were before. Coralline growth remains the same.
I'll keep you posted.
Tivo
Last edited:
Similar threads
