Marks...Back to the Future..Reef Aquarium

[dave.m]

Someone had a link to a pump engineering site that described distances for various horsepower pumps before you enlarge or narrow the pipe. I think it was on pmroger's thread but I'm not sure. Anyways, you're going to have to narrow the pipe at some point unless you can replace the existing bulkhead with a larger one (yes, re-drill the tank BUT ONLY IF THERE'S ROOM for a larger bulkhead). Better to change pipe size closer to the bulkhead than to the pump.

Dave.M

 

[Mark...]

Someone had a link to a pump engineering site that described distances for various horsepower pumps before you enlarge or narrow the pipe. I think it was on pmroger's thread but I'm not sure. Anyways, you're going to have to narrow the pipe at some point unless you can replace the existing bulkhead with a larger one (yes, re-drill the tank BUT ONLY IF THERE'S ROOM for a larger bulkhead). Better to change pipe size closer to the bulkhead than to the pump.

Dave.M

I really don't have the room to re-drill. Will go big to the tank. Thanks Dave!

 

[Mark...]

Sump baffels done and sump inplace...all the sump not in the picture...6ft long.

When setting up flow to the refug, do you use DT drain water or return water from pump?

 

[dave.m]

Usually people use the refugium to prefilter some of the water from the display tank, i.e. they are using the nitrates and phosphates to fertilize the algae in the refugium and the detritus to feed the critters kept in there.

Dave.M

 

[Mark...]

Usually people use the refugium to prefilter some of the water from the display tank, i.e. they are using the nitrates and phosphates to fertilize the algae in the refugium and the detritus to feed the critters kept in there.

Dave.M

Great, makes perfect sense...

 

[Mark...]

Stand completed and delivered. Doors will be placed after everything is installed. Thanks to Rob...who might still be floating around from 5 coats of lacquer.

 

[Mark...]

Question: I will be ordering sand in about week. Love to hear some recommendations as to brands, textures. colors etc. . I really dont want a DSB, but I do want a Jaw fish.

Also how much in pounds for a 180g 72x24

Thanks!

 

[Sonicboom]

If I remember in my 180 I went with Fiji pink fine sand. I think it was 5 or 6 30 lb bags. I didn't want a dsb either but wanted to keep a few wrasse and mandarin so I filled up to the plastic frame.

 

[maddmaxx]

i recommend this..

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+9805+7326&pcatid=7326

it reflects light very well. small enough that it is fine for wrasse and sand borrowing critters, but still big enough that it doesnt get blown around from flow..

 

[Mark...]

I'm looking at my plumbing on my 180g and I might have a problem. The center overflow was pre drilled. It has 4 holes 2 allow one inch drains and 2 allow half inch returns. Since I plan on using the Herbie method. One drain is full siphon (750g) and the other will be a dry emergecncy.

Does this sound doable and good enough. I plan on two MP40s for additional flow. And my 3200g rated pump might be too much.

Any ideas...really dont want to try redrill the tank.

 

[Sonicboom]

Well 3200 gph is at 0 ft head isn't it?

 

[Mark...]

Well 3200 gph is at 0 ft head isn't it?

yes, I'll be around 10ft of head. So you think only one inch will work ok?

I might get more than 750g due to a decent drop...

 

[Sonicboom]

I think it might be close, but I thought you were supposed to go bigger on pipe before bulkhead?

 

[Mark...]

I think it might be close, but I thought you were supposed to go bigger on pipe before bulkhead?

On the drain or return? I can go 1 1/2 inch on the return and then split to the 1/2 returns just before the bulkhead, if that would help.

 

[Sonicboom]

I'm almost positive the drain should be bigger before the bulkhead, and on the return you may be able to add a ball valve and throttle the flow back a little.

 

[Mark...]

I'm almost positive the drain should be bigger before the bulkhead, and on the return you may be able to add a ball valve and throttle the flow back a little.

So on the drain, increase the size of the pipe in the overflow?

 

[Sonicboom]

Correct.

 

[Mark...]

Correct.

Thanks for the help! This has been the the most confusing part so far...now to find the parts...

 

[Sonicboom]

You just need a 1 inch to 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 reducer and some pipe.

 

[MurphysLaw]

i recommend this..

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+9805+7326&pcatid=7326

it reflects light very well. small enough that it is fine for wrasse and sand borrowing critters, but still big enough that it doesnt get blown around from flow..

+1 on this sand. I have 1.5"-2" in my tank of it and my Wrasse dives right in every night.

That stand is awesome! tagging along.