Join me for a strange one...

Really like the build. Great work.

Sorry it's a bit off track at the moment, just wondering how you came to the conclusion that bisque fired clay is safe for reef tanks? I didn't see that you were using a glaze on any of it.

I've seen several frags plugs labeled as "ceramic" and I assume they are nothing more than bisque fired clay but can't find any literature directly indicating the use of bisque fired clay in reef aquaria. Frag plugs would be rediculously easy to make if they can be made from clay like this. Just wondering if you can guide me to any info indicating that they won't leach or adsorb any molecules.

Jeremy
 
Ceramic? Couple of reasons. Common knowledge that it's safe for this hobby.

The actual structure of ceramic is that all the components are locked up in a quasi-glass like structure that really aren't available for participation in chemical reactions. Some glazes could actually be much, MUCH, worse in that regard because they contain copper or other metallic components to provide colors and textures.

BTW My ceramic is high fired clay and has been fired to between Cone 9 and Cone 10.

Because ceramics that are bisque fired are porous, the ceramic will function as live rock because bacteria can live within the pores. Glazing would remove a major 'feature' of using ceramics.

Frag plugs are indeed ceramic and very easy to make if you have kiln access. Because ceramics are porous they allow glues, natural or man made, to get a purchase.

There are also commercial ceramic backgrounds and fish furniture you can purchase - all made the same way - out of ceramic.

There are probably some odd-ball clays that contain metals. Those would be something to avoid. I know of no typical clays that do.

As for literature. I don't know of any and personally don't need any as there is no question for me that ceramics will not harm a tank's inhabitants. Ceramics are frequently used in life systems. I even have a ceramic implant in my mouth!
 
Ceramic? Couple of reasons. Common knowledge that it's safe for this hobby.

The actual structure of ceramic is that all the components are locked up in a quasi-glass like structure that really aren't available for participation in chemical reactions. Some glazes could actually be much, MUCH, worse in that regard because they contain copper or other metallic components to provide colors and textures.

BTW My ceramic is high fired clay and has been fired to between Cone 9 and Cone 10.

Because ceramics that are bisque fired are porous, the ceramic will function as live rock because bacteria can live within the pores. Glazing would remove a major 'feature' of using ceramics.

Frag plugs are indeed ceramic and very easy to make if you have kiln access. Because ceramics are porous they allow glues, natural or man made, to get a purchase.

There are also commercial ceramic backgrounds and fish furniture you can purchase - all made the same way - out of ceramic.

There are probably some odd-ball clays that contain metals. Those would be something to avoid. I know of no typical clays that do.

As for literature. I don't know of any and personally don't need any as there is no question for me that ceramics will not harm a tank's inhabitants. Ceramics are frequently used in life systems. I even have a ceramic implant in my mouth!

Thank you very much!!

I agree entirely but didn't have any literature to back up the train of thought that it is safe in a reef tank. I was also under the impression that the firing process essentially transformed and permanently bound the molecules of the clay leaving it essentially inert.

Very much appreciate the response!!

Jeremy
 
This build is bananas, one of the craziest I've seen on RC. I really hope you succeed with that surge. I hope the rest of the tank works out too, but a perfectly operating, bubble-less surge is on my bucket list.
 
Thanks Smell! I hate patchouli oil. Makes me gag.

Well folks... Guess what.

If DWZM can do it I can do it.

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It's happening..
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Water.
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Flowing into
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my tank.
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Here's after about 4hrs. 2-1/2" <sigh> That's at 90g/day.

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No sir! I just need to retire my old tank... NOW! So I am skipping the wave for the moment. As soon as I have a moment I will hit that topic again.
 
Sorry to hear your old tanks going on you before you wanted it too... Good for the thread at least! Can't wait to see a FTS once it's got life in it!
 
Thanks guys!

DWZM; 5 Days! Mine is filling 5" per eleven hours. It's now half full. So about 2.5 days. Of course I'm not clear up at 360 gallons like you. Luckily my water pressure is 100psi and the water is still in the 50s so I likely am getting about 100g/day.

I got the sand in!! About three inches. Looks great. I'm stoked.

I just bought two pails of saltwater mix. Petsmart has it on clearance. The guy said all the vendors have to pay to have their stuff on display. He said some other products have out bid pails of salt mix, so they're dumping them.
 
kcress, looking good i can`t wait to see this tank in like 6 month or so
Mines about 6 months away from water but i`m getting a nice pile of components.
Keep up the good work you inspire me
 
Thanks inkjet!


Here's where we are now.


Adding some really nice fine Arg sand gifted to me by a most generous H20ENG.

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As full as I'm going to run until I see what the waves look like.

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Fine sand and the cool things it does. Check out the dunes!

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One of the interesting things the sand does with the furniture.

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So I stuffed a 300W heater in the sump and was surprised by how fast it brought the temperature up. I've since added an entire pail of salt mix and 1/2 of another. The salinity is looking right.

So now I'm trying to get this baby to cycle. It's just sitting at 0.5ppm of Ammonia. I tried to buy some Ammonia at the pathetic CVS and the pharmacy has none. The stuff in the isles has lemon scent in it, a no-go, of course. So I tossed in 3 large shrimp. I fear they are going to go so slowly in that much water that I'll never see it. After 12 hours no obvious change in ammonia one way or the other... sigh. Looks like I may need to inoculate the tank from my old one.
 
I would definitely inoculate. You're starting with a sterile environment, just like I did. Last fall, I inoculated with a few pieces of LR, added livestock quicker than most probably would, and ran the turf scrubber and a ball of chaeto as nutrient export - I never saw a cycle and everything was happy.

Doing pretty much the same thing now. Though I am stocking with corals first this time (a few pieces a day this week) and will add the existing fish next week.
 
Awesome!!
The sand looks great against your "rock". Happy to pay it forward my friend. And now Z is famous too :)
The minute you turn your back, the RO wil start pumping 200gpd and flood your house. Never forget that Murphy lurks in the shadows! :hammer:
Cant wait to see it come to life!
 
I know several guys that pee in tanks to start the cycle. Not sure how my bacteria would like processed malted barley and hops:D
 
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