CalmSeasQuest's Blue Wall (96X30X22)

[CalmSeasQuest]

The RO/DI is cranking out 0TDS water at the rate of about 150GPH, but I'm hearing new noises emanating from the boost pump. It's an older pump and likely due to be rebuilt/replaced. I'm also concerned that it might be out-drawing the 1/4" feed coming from the saddle valve.

I decided to order a new Aquatronic 8800 boost pump, pressure switch and solenoid that will cut the flow of water to the system when the pump is de-energized. I'm also adding a second saddle valve which will be T'd into the supply side of the RO/DI.

A float at the top of the RO storage tank will turn off the pump and cut the water supply to the RO/DI. Once I determine the evaporation rates and fill times required, I'll use the Apex to manage the pump on/off days and run times of the pump as a fail-safe.

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

Happiness is having 400 gallons of RO/DI available at the turn of a valve

I'm waiting on a few more parts to complete the plumbing upstairs to the tank area. My plan is to run a single 3/4" line with a couple valves such that it can be used to both fill, and drain the tank.

I took a break from working on the saltwater station and turned my focus to prepping the live rock I have on hand. I considered using Muriatic acid to dissolve the outer layer of the rock (hopefully including the bound phosphates), but the weather here makes that more difficult...


-5F and 15"+ of snow presents a challenge working the rock outside.

So instead, I put the ~100lbs of Pukani and some BRS reef saver I had on hand in the stock tank with 20:1 RO/bleach solution, a heater set to 82F and one of the new WP25's I just received to keep the water moving.



I used a few pieces of acrylic I had on hand left over from prior projects to minimize evaporation and keep the bleach fumes contained...


I'll bleach it for a few days, then empty the tank, rinse - then refill with saltwater. I ordered Lanthanum Chloride (SeaKlear) to help reduce what I'm sure will be a ton of Phosphates that leach from the Pukani.

Once complete, I'll transfer the rock into Brutes to continue the curing/make live process while I move my existing livestock to the stock tank.

 

[zenom]

Let me know if you need a hand I am not far away.

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

Let me know if you need a hand I am not far away.

Thanks Andy!

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

Skimmer ordered


BK Double Cone 250 RD3

 

[NZXTGUY]

What does the controller actually do.

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

What does the controller actually do.

The RD3 is a DC pump. The controller allows the power output to be varied via the controller. To me, this is of minimal value as I expect to run the skimmer at 100%. I'll use the Apex to control the skimmer when feeding or performing immanence.

 

[NZXTGUY]

Ya, I don't think I know anyone who (turns there skimmer down) lol so I was wondering.

 

[GQuinn]

Is the sump going upstairs under the tank or in the basement.

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

All equipment will be in the stand. Strange as it sounds, after building the 400 gallon saltwater station downstairs, I have more room in the 96"X30"X36" stand than is available in the basement.

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

I installed the new RO booster pump, pressure switch, solenoid and second water feed...



I'm really pleased at how well it's producing. With 100PSI across the membranes, I've got ~310TDS softened well water being reduced to ~2TDS by the RO and cranked out at ~150 GPD. The Spectrapure MaxCap and Silica Buster DI resins should last many hundreds of gallons.

I finished bleaching the rock, now I'm trying vinegar to dissolve a bit of the exterior layer. It's not as effective as Muriatic acid, but I can deal with it inside. I'm debating on ordering a bit more rock from BRS or perhaps Marco as I also need more Thorite.

I also finished pressure-testing the storage tanks and manifold - Topped off with 400 gallons - No Leaks

 

[dave.m]

You might be able to squeeze out a few more gallons from your RO/DI if you pre-heat the source water to about 70°F first.

Dave.M

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

You might be able to squeeze out a few more gallons from your RO/DI if you pre-heat the source water to about 70°F first.

Dave.M

I'm sure you're right Dave, I'll have to check, but I wouldn't be surprised if the booster pump was imparting some heat into the water just prior to the membranes. All in all, I'm very pleased with the 150GPD, especially with having up to 400 gallons on hand.

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

Let there be light...


Vertex Vectra Engine automated neck cleaner ordered for the BK...


and Lanthanum Chloride so I can finish cooking the rocks...


The kids chose the color for the reef wall - Sapphire Lace, a shade darker than Cobalt. The shimmer from the Kessils should bring the whole wall to life.

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

I unboxed one of the Kessils and held it over my current DT just to get a sense of the shimmer.....WOW. I'm really looking forward to this build. I think 8' of shimmer against the rich, blue wall will enhance the overall look of the tank.

The Double Cone should arrive tomorrow- Now all I need is the tank

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

After bleach, then a vinegar soak I've got the rock in saltwater in a 40 gallon Brute...

I cranked up the temp to 82 and dosed MB-7. I'll let it "percolate" a couple days then test Phosphates which I assume will be off the charts. Probably do a water change, wait a couple more days and test Phosphates again before starting the Lanthanum Chloride.

Next will be transferring the livestock from my existing DT and FT to the stock tank...

It's crude, but should suffice. I'll use the Apex on the existing system to manage it. I'll have to fabricate a skimmer stand, or perhaps just do larger water changes (I'm loving the water change station - just turn 2 valves and water change is done ) As there will only be a pair of clowns and my Mandarin residing in the ~70 gallons, I may just go skimmerless during the transition.

Once the tanks are shut down, it's paint, tile and new carpet for the living room, finish routing the plumbing upstairs and perhaps add another 20 amp circuit then relocate the TV, audio and gaming equipment into the new media room (formerly my library)...THEN I'll be ready for the tank

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

Big box on the porch...

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

I have to admit, I don't normally get that caught up in the aesthetics of equipment that will be buried in a sump, but I think the Double Cone is absolutely beautiful. I'll probably leave it sitting on my coffee table until install just so I can stare at it

Change in Plans
I'm rethinking my decision on using a Waveline DC12000 as the return pump. The one installed on the saltwater station moves a LOT of water BUT...has exposed a couple problems that make me uneasy about use in the sump,

• A leak developed between the volute/cover and the pump motor. It's probably nothing a bit of silicone on the o-ring and an extra 1/4 turn can't solve, but it's not what I expected on the what is supposed to be a high-quality pump.
• Although the pump itself is very quiet, the fan in the controller is very loud. It's NOT going into a cabinet that will be located in my living room.

I've been researching other pumps including the 80W Red Dragon 3 (GREAT pump, but very pricey and undersized for my application), The WaterBlasters (I've had a bad one in the past and dealt with rusting screws) and lastly the Laguna/Askolls. I was leaning toward a Laguna 4200 when I stumbled on the Fluval SP6. It appears to be a Laguna with upgrades designed specifically for saltwater use. The specs look good,



Input/Output Diameter: 1.25"
Flow Rate: 3434GPH
Max. Head Pressure: 13 feet
Flow Rate at 4.5 feet: 2250 GPH
Power Consumption: 135W

I can't find a head pressure chart, but its' clearly not a pressure pump. As my max head will only be ~5' and a lot of flow will be in-sump for the refugeum and manifold, I think it might be a good fit. It's relatively new, but all the comments appear positive. I think it's worth a try.

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

Made some progress this week...

• Apex, lighting (Maxspect, Orphek DIF50 and Kessil 360WE) Skimmer (Tunze 9016) and ATO installed on the stock tank
• Display and frag tank shut down and moved with livestock transferred to the stock tank
• Finished bleach and vinegar baths and rinsed Pukani - One more soak and Phosphate testing needed.

Components continue to arrive including the Vertex Vectra Engine...









<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Prn3w001zb4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Oldude]

NICE!! Love the skimmers, water station, etc. This will be an awesome set up.