CADlights 39g Pro build thread

[mylifeismyown66]

Yeah I have only 1 gasket on the inside, and I still dont have the tank all the way full for this reason. the tank is full until an inch under the overflow. I have 2 koralia 425s just running for some flow (only sand in there now. I wanted to get the sand totally settled before I ran the whole system).
So I had my girlfriend go to home depot while I was at work. They didnt have silicon grease, but they said someone was asking for that a couple days ago and walked out with Heavy Duty Silicone multi use lubricant spray picture below. Is this okay to use? And Im not quite sure how a lubricant on the rubber washer/gasket, o-ring or whatever it is would create a better seal.

 

[creefer01]

You will typically find the silicone grease in the plumbing section. I use it on my filter housings to keep the o-rings lubricated and keep them from being damaged by the high mineral content in my well water. Works like a charm and you will have no leaks. It is not a spray applied product. It looks like vasoline yet is more viscus.

 

[SPotter]

Not sure if that will be good. I'd be concerned about it being toxic since it's in an aerosol can. The grease creates a nice seal between the gasket and the glass. If hd doesn't have it try lowes or a local plumbing/hardware store.

 

[creefer01]

Not sure if that will be good. I'd be concerned about it being toxic since it's in an aerosol can. The grease creates a nice seal between the gasket and the glass. If hd doesn't have it try lowes or a local plumbing/hardware store.

+1....that lube is not your solution.

 

[mylifeismyown66]

I'm at home depot now and the closest thing i can find is Teflon paste. I didn't see the grease at Lowes yesterday either. This is getting frustrating. Damn leaks! Anyone know if Teflon paste is okay?

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[SPotter]

Do you have ace hardware stores where you live? That's where I got mine.

 

[creefer01]

I would not use the teflon paste either. I picked up my grease at a small local ACE hardware. It's really your best bet, I think.

 

[creefer01]

General comments.....

Been following this thread since inception. The inspiration here is tremendous. The boss and I have finally agreed to create our own slice of the reef in the house. I have been think a lot about the CAD however I see how everyone is continually making significant investments in upgraded equipment above that provided with the "system" provided by CAD. Considering that I'm starting from scratch with no prior reef experience (Fish only about 20 years ago), I plan on taking my time. I'm in no hurry and would rather do this right. All that being said, in general terms, do you all think I can start my system utilizing all the stock components with relative ease and be able to maintain for 6-8 months without modification? Or is it better to get a tank only and try to piece a system together getting other components from the start?

Thanks in advance for responses. The wealth of knowledge on this forum is impressive. Thanks again.

 

[marinetankdiver]

I'm at home depot now and the closest thing i can find is Teflon paste. I didn't see the grease at Lowes yesterday either. This is getting frustrating. Damn leaks! Anyone know if Teflon paste is okay?

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You could also use silicone caulking. I bought a small tube of this at home depot a few months back. Just make sure it is pure silicone and it should be fine.

The draw back is that it has to stay dry for at least 3 hours, preferably 24 and completely draining an overflow is no easy or at least dry task.

 

[mylifeismyown66]

Wow what a PIA. Lowes, Home Depot, and even Pep Boys as I was recommended didnt have the silicon grease, only sprays. I came back with "Pipe Lube". Says it is water dispersable, safe for use in drinking water, does not promote bacteria. Only 2 ingredientsotassium Oleate (some kind of a fatty acid I guess) and Mica. It looks like a vaseline type of goo. Im hoping this would work and not raise any red flags to anyone?

 

[mylifeismyown66]

Okay, so I have it hooked up. Why is the overflow so loud? Is this normal? It sounds like a waterfall going into the thing.

EDIT: So I put 2 foam blocks in the overflow that helped, but I dont feel like it should be making so much noise without them.

 

[FLGator56]

Raise the durso...

Raise the durso...

...or try a Herbie durso. I simply made a taller durso standpipe to get my waterfall at about 3/4" - and quiet. Good luck.

 

[SPotter]

There should be a hole drilled in the top of the durso cap. I fed airline tubing into the durso until the noise stopped and I let the excess line hang over the back of the tank.

 

[mylifeismyown66]

It isnt making noise going into the return, but the water falling into the return area because it has to fall so far. Raising the pipe sounds like it makes sense, but with the return begin there it doesnt look like it can move much further.

 

[marinetankdiver]

Wow what a PIA. Lowes, Home Depot, and even Pep Boys as I was recommended didnt have the silicon grease, only sprays. I came back with "Pipe Lube". Says it is water dispersable, safe for use in drinking water, does not promote bacteria. Only 2 ingredientsotassium Oleate (some kind of a fatty acid I guess) and Mica. It looks like a vaseline type of goo. Im hoping this would work and not raise any red flags to anyone?

Not to continue with the PIA but the advantage of using silicone is that it doesn't disperse in water, it will stay there. I would think that using a lubricant that will disperse will just delay your leak.

I think all of us have fought with the loud overflow as evidenced by the many work around that are posted throughout this thread.

Raising the durso will help with the falling water sound from within the overflow, as will using a CD case, baggie, screen, etc.

As far as falling water to the sump sound, that is a new one on me. If I open my cabinet I can hear water in the pipes but it isn't so loud that I can hear it with the doors closed. Is the water level in your sump high enough to cover the bottom of the drain pipe? Are you using a filter sock?

Try turning up your TV or stereo.

 

[mylifeismyown66]

marinetankdiver- Nah its not the water falling to the sump thats loud, just the water falling over the overflow before it goes into the durso.

 

[SPotter]

I took a zip lock bag and two black zip ties and zip tied the corners of the bag to the inside of the overflow box. I finally have everything dialed in at this point so the only thing I can hear now is the cooling fan when it comes on and even that is super quiet now because I swapped out the stock ac fan for a dc computer fan. It works better and super silent.

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

Okay, so I have it hooked up. Why is the overflow so loud? Is this normal? It sounds like a waterfall going into the thing.

EDIT: So I put 2 foam blocks in the overflow that helped, but I dont feel like it should be making so much noise without them.

I'd remove the foam blocks, they will quickly collect detritus and become nitrate factories.

My Durso was cut too short by Cadlights, and I didn't catch it until it was already assembled (glued). The result was a loud waterfall. Rather than rip everything apart, I came up with a simple solution using a Zip-Lok bag. Here's the Baggie Method Steve referred to, it's very effective.

 

[SPotter]

Calmseas....I owe that credit to you because I got the idea from one of your earlier posts.

 

[reeftivo]

General comments.....

Been following this thread since inception. The inspiration here is tremendous. The boss and I have finally agreed to create our own slice of the reef in the house. I have been think a lot about the CAD however I see how everyone is continually making significant investments in upgraded equipment above that provided with the "system" provided by CAD. Considering that I'm starting from scratch with no prior reef experience (Fish only about 20 years ago), I plan on taking my time. I'm in no hurry and would rather do this right. All that being said, in general terms, do you all think I can start my system utilizing all the stock components with relative ease and be able to maintain for 6-8 months without modification? Or is it better to get a tank only and try to piece a system together getting other components from the start?

Thanks in advance for responses. The wealth of knowledge on this forum is impressive. Thanks again.

Hi creefer01!

welcome fellow enthusiast!!!:thumbsup:. IMHO, the CAD 39pro as it is now, is the best all in one available for less than 1000 bucks. The look of the tank is even better than Elos, marineland or oceanic IMO. Many of the components have been upgraded by Eddie due to customer suggestions and he is always trying to produce a better product. I purchased mine before many of the upgrades were done and yes, I have done modding on mine because thats what I love to do. The stock system is fine for keeping a fish only or mixed reef tank with LPS and hardy SPS. The flow rate and lighting of the stock system is adequate for mixed reef but if you plan to keep more demanding corals (acros etc.) then more flow and better lighting should be addressed. I think most on the forum that have been seriously upgrading pumps, skimmers and lighting have decided to go the true sps route so upgrades are inevitable with any AIO system-even Elos. My knock on CADlights has always been the plumbing kits that come with the systems. The components are okay but the consistency of what people get has not always been spot on (short durso's, missing clamps or hoses). I think thats the biggest area Eddie gets complaints about and simple QC would solve that easily. The Artisan tanks are awsome as well, but they also have had QC isues with the plumbing components. I think Eddie has finally got a handle on the components. He is a hands on guy and I believe when push came to shove, he did the QC himself.

I helped my brother build his Elos system and he shelled out over 3 grand for it. Granted it is significantly larger than the cad but he is still upgrading that thing and he's had it for three years now. I would hate to guess how much he has put into his but as with all others in this wonderfull, expensive hobby, it goes with the territory.

In summary, the CAD systems are great and if you decide to order, contact Eddie directly before he ships and let him know to personally QC that sucker:thumbsup:


Good luck with your exciting decision and Happy Reefing!

Tivo