CADlights 39g Pro build thread

[CalmSeasQuest]

Webinar Featuring CadLights Pro

Webinar Featuring CadLights Pro

Thanks RT - I'm anxious to see your Zeovit results as there has been so many conflicting opinions on the ULNS stuff.

This is a little off-topic, but because it's going to feature my Cadlights, I thought I'd post this in here in case anyone was interested.

I've had lots of local reefers wanting to stop my and see my Apex controller setup. Instead what I did was setup a Webinar so anyone interested can attend. I'll be using a web cam so that in addition to the web components of the system, you can see the actual display tank, sump, Frag tank setup and components including,

"¢ Controller Concept "“ What you can do with a controller
"¢ Basic hardware and software setup (Temp, Lights, ORP"¦)
"¢ Web interface and controls including remote control via a handheld device (I use a Palm Pre "“ but works with all.)
"¢ Programming, alerts and warnings
"¢ Dosing and top off methods and programming

There will be lots of "open-mike" time for discussion on marine related topics and I'll be recording the Webinar portion to make it available to anyone unable to attend.

It's scheduled for Friday March 12th at 8:00 PM Eastern. More information and the registration is available at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/868485570

Hope to see everyone there - It should be fun.

 

[RealReef]

I have read through this thread for the last several days and all I can say is "outstanding" work. I have been out of the hobby for over two years, moved... sold off, etc. and now want to start a smaller Nano so ordered the CAD 39 Pro on Tuesday.... even after reading all the horror stories about banged-up shipments, etc. Seems the folks at CAD are out sick so no ETA yet. I will fly questions by you guys as they come up. One quick one to start off. Can someone give me the dimensions of the 12g sump by compartment. Thanks in advance. Keep up the great job here!

 

[reeftivo]

I'll have to check again but from what I remember its 6 x 11 roughly in each three chambers. With the baffles it stretches the sump lenght to 20 inches. I'll double check tonight for you. The first chamber for the skimmer and drain is separated by an additional baffle creating two compartments.

A pic before zeovit

A few pics after running zeo for 3 weeks

I've added a few more sps and moved a few things around. So far I'm seeing much better polyp extension and serious growth now. Everything with the exception of my slimer has new tips. The slimer was never happy with its location so I've temporarily moved it next to the cap and it showing PE now and coloring up again. The zeo additives have to be adjusted and dosed according to each system and the results so far for me are undeniable.

Tivo

 

[reeftivo]

I have read through this thread for the last several days and all I can say is "outstanding" work. I have been out of the hobby for over two years, moved... sold off, etc. and now want to start a smaller Nano so ordered the CAD 39 Pro on Tuesday.... even after reading all the horror stories about banged-up shipments, etc. Seems the folks at CAD are out sick so no ETA yet. I will fly questions by you guys as they come up. One quick one to start off. Can someone give me the dimensions of the 12g sump by compartment. Thanks in advance. Keep up the great job here!

Sorry, I forgot to mention "WELCOME" RealReef!:wavehand:

Tivo

 

[RealReef]

Tivo, your tank is outrageous.... a beautiful creation. Very inspiring. Thanks for the response. Looking forward to getting mine started.

Eric

 

[reeftivo]

Tivo, your tank is outrageous.... a beautiful creation. Very inspiring. Thanks for the response. Looking forward to getting mine started.

Eric

Thanks Eric!

It's a labor of love-LOL! The tank was only started in July, so at 8 months, I'm very happy with it. My wife loves the look but hates the hobbie. She says we're all way too engrosed in our tanks. I think she gets lonely because we'll be watching a program together, then she'll ask me something then look over and watch me saying "Yes", Uh Huh, while I'm staring at my tank:lolspin:. It really ticks her off.

Let us know what ever you need and we will be glad to help. Congrats on the purchase! You'll love the tank!

I'm fortunate enough to live right next to the new CADlights warehouse her in California and was able to see Eddies new packaging proceedure for the systems. Much better than when I received mine. Re-enforced everything!

You should be fine.

Tivo

 

[RealReef]

Tivo, thanks again for the reply. My first wife passed away several years ago and one of the reasons I got out. Just recently remarried and current wife knows how much I miss the hobby. I like you would rather watch the tank then the tube. Plan to move to FL in 3 years so I want to get in small for now. I will take you up on your offer once the tank and equipment arrive and I start the setup. I sold everything off from my prior tank so I am literally starting from ground zero. Just put in an order at PA for salt, powerheads, etc. The essentials to get started. Getting excited and wife wants to help. Should be a fun project put she has no clue the $$ we spend. I'll keep you posted. Thinking of getting the Tunze ATO system. Thoughts.

"E"

 

[MajorKook]

How is that NAC6 on noise?

 

[reeftivo]

Tivo, thanks again for the reply. My first wife passed away several years ago and one of the reasons I got out. Just recently remarried and current wife knows how much I miss the hobby. I like you would rather watch the tank then the tube. Plan to move to FL in 3 years so I want to get in small for now. I will take you up on your offer once the tank and equipment arrive and I start the setup. I sold everything off from my prior tank so I am literally starting from ground zero. Just put in an order at PA for salt, powerheads, etc. The essentials to get started. Getting excited and wife wants to help. Should be a fun project put she has no clue the $$ we spend. I'll keep you posted. Thinking of getting the Tunze ATO system. Thoughts.

"E"

Sorry to hear about your first wife My condolences! However it sounds like you will have a good reefing partner (current wife) to help you along.

The dimensions for the sump are as follows:

20 in total length x 11 in deep x 13 in tall,
1)skimmer/drain chamber= 6 x 11 separated by a baffle which makes the skimmer chamber actually 6 1/2 x 6 and the area for the drain 6 x 4.

2)the fuge chamber at the bottom is 6 x 11 six inches up to the bubble baffle, then it is 7" wide to the top.

3) the return chamber is 6 x 11"

Hope that helps.

BTW, Tunze osmolator is what I use and I'll never go back to float valves again. They are acurate to 1/8 of an inch and even small waves dont prematurely trip them-Love mine!

take care

 

[reeftivo]

How is that NAC6 on noise?

Welcome!

Nac6 is very quiet. Not silent, but can't be heard when cabinet doors are shut.

Tivo

 

[RealReef]

Tivo,

Thanks for the info on the sump. Helps in the planning process. Received email last night that tank is shipping on Monday so should be here by next weekend. Order from oceanreeflections not CAD directly. Ken seems like a nice guy and is definitely very responsive. Not sure if you dealt with them previously. Thanks again and when he equipment arrives I'll ping you with a ton of questions I'm sure. :lol2:

E

 

[reeftivo]

Tivo,

Thanks for the info on the sump. Helps in the planning process. Received email last night that tank is shipping on Monday so should be here by next weekend. Order from oceanreeflections not CAD directly. Ken seems like a nice guy and is definitely very responsive. Not sure if you dealt with them previously. Thanks again and when he equipment arrives I'll ping you with a ton of questions I'm sure. :lol2:

E

Nice! From what I hear, Ken may even be more responsive than Eddie at CAD.

 

[reeftivo]

Pick up some 1 1/4", 3/4 and half inch hose clamps just in case. CADlights systems are awsome, but they have in the past neglected to put some of the hardware items in with the shipments. The hose clamps seem to be the main thing missing at times.

 

[reeftivo]

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?

Hi Tom,

Just saw the Eshopps s150 snow cone skimmer w/aquabee pump in action (impressive). If you're willing to remove the small divider in the first chamber of the stock sump, it will fit no problem and pull all the junk you need-even heavily stocked. I did not have my cell with me or I would have taken a pic. The skimmate was nog at 4 weeks in on a 75 gallon medium load system.

I'm not sure if you are still considering another skimmer but I thought I'd let you know about this one. Victor has only sold a couple of the ATB Mikro skimmers here in the US but the Euro reviews are strong and he will hopefully send me the latest pics of skim on the Mikro. I'd like to pm the owners directly so I can get their feedback without the ATB buffer.

Hope all is well!

Tivo

 

[coolcorals]

Skimmer Break In

Skimmer Break In

Great thread and everyone has provided helpful info for setting up. I have an older CAD 39 Pro system (late 2008) with older version of skimmer (like ArtC's), but it's never been used. Finally got around to setting it up.

This is my first ever tank with a skimmer, and I'm having a problem breaking it in. When I run the skimmer, the collection cup fills 80-100% full of water, then spills over. It ran first 12-15 hrs at 80%, but now it just spills over when I turn it on.

Have skimmer in rear left chamber with output over divider into front left chamber where drain is. Water in sump is about 7.5". I have the output fully open (value control is parallel to output pipe) per CAD instructions. Nothing is blocking output.

Is this normal? Seems most have trouble getting bubbles into cup during break in. Any suggestions? I did not clean the skimmer - would that help? I've searched, but found nothing yet about this type problem. I tried to call Eddie @ CAD today, but did not reach him and will try again tomorrow.

 

[reeftivo]

Great thread and everyone has provided helpful info for setting up. I have an older CAD 39 Pro system (late 2008) with older version of skimmer (like ArtC's), but it's never been used. Finally got around to setting it up.

This is my first ever tank with a skimmer, and I'm having a problem breaking it in. When I run the skimmer, the collection cup fills 80-100% full of water, then spills over. It ran first 12-15 hrs at 80%, but now it just spills over when I turn it on.

Have skimmer in rear left chamber with output over divider into front left chamber where drain is. Water in sump is about 7.5". I have the output fully open (value control is parallel to output pipe) per CAD instructions. Nothing is blocking output.

Is this normal? Seems most have trouble getting bubbles into cup during break in. Any suggestions? I did not clean the skimmer - would that help? I've searched, but found nothing yet about this type problem. I tried to call Eddie @ CAD today, but did not reach him and will try again tomorrow.

Production oils! Take off the cup and run it wide open for a day and the oils should settle out. This will always happen with new skimmers unless you run them for a day in vinegar/water mix. After it's been run for a while it should start to build what they call a foam cushion at the collar. Once it starts doing that then you should place the cup back on. Just leave it wide open after that until it breaks in. If you tinker with the output then you will just set yourself back further and become frustrated. If it stiil overflows after that then double check your airline and intake venturi to make sure there are no obstructions. If the air is slightly blocked then the pump will push too much water and overflow. To check this just put your finger over the airline and block it to see what I'm talking about.

That little stock skimmer performs very well so you should be fine. Posting a pic would help!

 

[coolcorals]

Production oils! Take off the cup and run it wide open for a day and the oils should settle out. This will always happen with new skimmers unless you run them for a day in vinegar/water mix. After it's been run for a while it should start to build what they call a foam cushion at the collar. Once it starts doing that then you should place the cup back on. Just leave it wide open after that until it breaks in. If you tinker with the output then you will just set yourself back further and become frustrated. If it stiil overflows after that then double check your airline and intake venturi to make sure there are no obstructions. If the air is slightly blocked then the pump will push too much water and overflow. To check this just put your finger over the airline and block it to see what I'm talking about.

That little stock skimmer performs very well so you should be fine. Posting a pic would help!

Reeftivo: Thanks for the quick reply and suggestions. I had read about production oils and cleaning after I had set up, so decided to give it a shot. Having let the skimmer sit in box for a year and half might be contributing too.

Never thought about taking off cup - just knew I couldn't run it with water splashing out of the skimmer and outside sump. Checked airline and doesn't appear to be blocked. Will let it run for 24hrs and then try again tomorrow and post back.

Great idea on the wicker to hide equipment. Planning to copy for my ATO jug. I have the 5 gal white jug with screw on top - is the Tunze Osmolator 3155 metering pump small enough to fit thru the hole (I noticed you were using similar jugs in your set-up)?

 

[reeftivo]

is the Tunze Osmolator 3155 metering pump small enough to fit thru the hole (I noticed you were using similar jugs in your set-up)?

Yes!
Fits right through easily. It will work for all standard food grade and industrial closed top bung containers.

Wicker? I used to have a cabinet next to the tank and it just looked odd and bulky so my wife suggested the wicker and it's easy to mod for openings (hose etc.) with tin snips. I have a couple 5 gal jugs I alternate between for the ato and I just look through the opening at the side to see if I'm getting low, then swap it out for a fresh one from the garage. The baskets for the ato jug were purchased at target and the jug fits perfectly inside. Works nice.

 

[coolcorals]

Yes!
Fits right through easily. It will work for all standard food grade and industrial closed top bung containers..

Great. I'm still debating between JBJ and Tunze with Tunze be first choice - funds permitting.

Wicker? I used to have a cabinet next to the tank and it just looked odd and bulky so my wife suggested the wicker and it's easy to mod for openings (hose etc.) with tin snips. I have a couple 5 gal jugs I alternate between for the ato and I just look through the opening at the side to see if I'm getting low, then swap it out for a fresh one from the garage. The baskets for the ato jug were purchased at target and the jug fits perfectly inside. Works nice.

My wife also nixed cabinets or shelves, but she likes the wicker idea. We saw baskets the perfect size at Target. So you just pull the tubes and pump out of an empty jug and drop it into a full one? Another good idea.

Skimmer update - it's still foaming over the top. After 24 hrs, I put collection cup on, but no lid and cup is again full of water. I did find by adjusting my sump water level, the cup has a bit less water at 6.5" (85% full) vs. 7.5" (98% full). Talked to Eddie at CAD, and he said skimmer takes 5 - 7 days to break in - I assume that's the full break-in period. Wonder if I need to raise the skimmer by 1/2"?

 

[timdanger]

Great. I'm still debating between JBJ and
Skimmer update - it's still foaming over the top. After 24 hrs, I put collection cup on, but no lid and cup is again full of water. I did find by adjusting my sump water level, the cup has a bit less water at 6.5" (85% full) vs. 7.5" (98% full). Talked to Eddie at CAD, and he said skimmer takes 5 - 7 days to break in - I assume that's the full break-in period. Wonder if I need to raise the skimmer by 1/2"?

make sure that the ball valve on the output is set parallel to the output pipe ('open').

also, 6.5" is probably the max sump water level i was using when i had the stock skimmer. i would try working with that level until you figure it out.

raising it up might help as well if these things don't work (at least until you figure out what's going on).

i'm no expert, but doesn't "break in" period refer to when the skimmer is running but NOT producing anything? overflowing the cup doesn't sound like "breaking in," right?

also, make sure you aren't adding anything into the tank that might be causing foaming/skimmer overproduction. e.g., i added API Stress Coat yesterday to treat a wounded jawfish, and it immediately began overflowing my collection cup, and it still hasn't quite normalized since then. other things that i've found may increase foaming: new carbon, new GFO (rowaphos, etc.), new/unwashed filter socks, some medications (melafix, stress coat, etc.).