GIRS DIY March 17th Meeting

[slovan]

I'm not big on bashing or promoting any brand out there but based on my own experience with Rio, I don't care for them. When I started this hobby, I bought a used 120 that came with 2) Rio 3100's as the return pumps. Needless to say, they added a lot of heat to the tank and was unreliable on startup. I had to smack the sides of them until my hands hurt to get them to start. Not to mention the countless times I've had to plug in and unplug them to get it going again.

I realize that all brands have their fair share of lemons but it seems like Rio is notorious for failing. Once in awhile, you can get lucky and get a good one. But my livestock is worth more than the price difference between a Rio and a good pump like Ocean Runner or Eheim.

Here's a few threads to read through if you have time. Pretty much sums it up. Thread 1. Thread 2.

 

[Atticus]

I ran a rio recirc pump on my 90 for 5 years. Never had a problem, but once I read about other's problems I switched out imeadiatly as saving a few bucks on a rio is not worth risking my whole tank.

 

[Covey]

I wouldn't run the rio and I don't think it's input/output is threaded anyway.

Oceanrunner doesn't make one small enough. So that really leaves you with the Quiet One's, the MAG Drives, and the Ehiems.

The ehiem is really the best choice but is like 2x as expensive. Like I said my MAG 250 works but leaks slightly, and I have never heard of the Quiet One leaking.

In all reality it doesn't matter much and the acidic pH in the reactor keeps the pump from kalking up and keeps most sealife at bay. The recirc on a calcium reactor hard ever needs to be cleaned as far as pumps in a SW tank its got a pretty easy job.

"Is there a list somewhere of all the PVC parts that are needed?"

It would vary depending on what pump you get but basically I just went to the plumbing section of Lowe's and layed out the loop in the cart. I could come up a little early and go to one of the Home Center and help you lay it out.

 

[tibbs2]

Looks like I won't be attending after all. Have fun with the DIY stuff.

 

[got2lb]

Tomorrow at noon everyone!

 

[waverz]

Any Waterloo people want to convoy?

 

[got2lb]

I would but I'm going to have to make a ton of stops on the way down, dropping off the kids and some other stuff.

 

[waverz]

So is anyone bringing mesh for mesh mods?

 

[Covey]

It was nice to see everyone and for those that didn't come here we are

it was nice to see all you IC reefkeepers....

Some of us got loaded off weld-on fumes but did get some viewer boxes made.

Glaspie should have some pics of the calcium reactor build and I'll post a link on the GIRS homepage to my build for anyone interested.


Lot of us went to Hung's new store should be sweet when he is fully stock but still had some nice fish and corals
A farely stocked leather tank

a shot of the whole store.

There is a another 4x180G built into the wall out of the shot and there will be another 1200G in tanks in the big acrylics tank just out of the right side of the shot. This store is going to be sweet.

OT but Al this is the best pic I every got of my zoa's

 

[got2lb]

Glad to see all of you that showed up! I had a pretty good time at the meeting especially meeting a few people I didn't know yet.

Thanks everyone who made it!

I got a few pics with my phone, I forgot to grab my camera.

 

[phishcrazee]

Wow, thanks for the pictures! I wanted to go, but we had friends from out of town come for the day. Maybe the next time we have one I can come............(hopefully we'll have another one?)

 

[got2lb]

Well here's some pics I got. Sorry for the crappy quality I took them with my phone.

Jason trying to Break the filter housing!

Covey showing us how to put some pvc together to make this thing. (Notice the nifty red PVC cutters!)

Pretty much finished. Couldn't do everything as we didn't have the pumps to finish the plumbing.

And on a not related note. This is the Worlds Largest Frying Pan! Saw the sign on the way to my moms to pick up the kids so we had to stop and see it! :lol:

 

[glaspie69]

gee thanks for posting the pic that makes me look COMPLETELY RETARDED.....maybe I should rethink giving you anymore frags

 

[waverz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9503328#post9503328 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by glaspie69
gee thanks for posting the pic that makes me look COMPLETELY RETARDED.....maybe I should rethink giving you anymore frags

Jason you ALWAYS look like that....

bet im not getting anymore frags either....heh oh well.

 

[atram]

Green beered out.

Playing with my new top down picture device:


Box for shooting top down images

Protective film removal

Now the good stuff!!!!

 

[got2lb]

Damn man! That works pretty good! Did you turn all your pumps and stuff off before the pics?

 

[waverz]

wow, looks like it works good man! I think i need more glue on mine, it leaks.........

 

[got2lb]

you used half the tube!

 

[slovan]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9503716#post9503716 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by waverz
wow, looks like it works good man! I think i need more glue on mine, it leaks.........

Your sh...y luck continues man! :lol:

 

[atram]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9503704#post9503704 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by got2lb
Damn man! That works pretty good! Did you turn all your pumps and stuff off before the pics?

No the pumps were on. They have have turned out a little sharper with out them.