NanoGurl's 75g Reef Thread
- Thread starter JohnL
- Start date
- Status
I'm going to go look now... after I am done reading your article.. it's good so far!
Snowboarda42
New member
I agree with Melev (who wouldn't?)
I'd go with a bigger pump than a Mag 5.5
Depending on whom you talk to, you'll want your sump to turnover between 3 - 15x per hour of your system volume. I know Melev likes between 3-5, I'm up around 14x on mine. I like the added flow in the tank, my chaeto is always tumbling, and I've found no ill effects from the extra flow. You just need to have it dialed back so it doesn't out flow your overflow, if that makes sense.
As far as connecting the Mag drive to PVC, Home Depot or Lowes sells fittings that will adapt the 3/4" NPT thread to whatever size pipe you want. Mag drive manuals state that you want at least 2x the size of the outlet for your plumbing. In your case, 1.5" inner diameter.
For picking out the size of your pump you have two options. You can buy a pump that will outflow your overflow, and simply dial it back/divert it, or get a smaller one so that your overflow will always outflow your pump. Either way, we first need to find out how much your overflow will take, most of which is determined by the size of drain lines that are on the tank.
I'd go with a bigger pump than a Mag 5.5
Depending on whom you talk to, you'll want your sump to turnover between 3 - 15x per hour of your system volume. I know Melev likes between 3-5, I'm up around 14x on mine. I like the added flow in the tank, my chaeto is always tumbling, and I've found no ill effects from the extra flow. You just need to have it dialed back so it doesn't out flow your overflow, if that makes sense.
As far as connecting the Mag drive to PVC, Home Depot or Lowes sells fittings that will adapt the 3/4" NPT thread to whatever size pipe you want. Mag drive manuals state that you want at least 2x the size of the outlet for your plumbing. In your case, 1.5" inner diameter.
For picking out the size of your pump you have two options. You can buy a pump that will outflow your overflow, and simply dial it back/divert it, or get a smaller one so that your overflow will always outflow your pump. Either way, we first need to find out how much your overflow will take, most of which is determined by the size of drain lines that are on the tank.
NanoGurl
In Memoriam
Digital Monitors
Okay, so what does everyone think of these digital monitors instead of test kit solutions? I love the idea of them, but always nervous that the probes won't be right.
Here is a new nitrate monitor:
Nitrate Monitor
Here is the pH monitor:
pH Monitor
They are really expensive, but at the rate I go through nitrate test kits it would pay quickly lol.
Okay, so what does everyone think of these digital monitors instead of test kit solutions? I love the idea of them, but always nervous that the probes won't be right.
Here is a new nitrate monitor:
Nitrate Monitor
Here is the pH monitor:
pH Monitor
They are really expensive, but at the rate I go through nitrate test kits it would pay quickly lol.
NanoGurl
In Memoriam
Flow for 120
So I already have two NanoStream 6045s and was thinking about adding the Tunze Turbelle Stream Pump 6060. If I do this, it would give me 33x turnover rate. That is about what I have now with my 75.
I am not going to keep a large amount of SPS unless I can really keep my nitrates down.. so what do you guys think?
Still need all that flow? I am thinking yes due to BB tank and tangs.
So I already have two NanoStream 6045s and was thinking about adding the Tunze Turbelle Stream Pump 6060. If I do this, it would give me 33x turnover rate. That is about what I have now with my 75.
I am not going to keep a large amount of SPS unless I can really keep my nitrates down.. so what do you guys think?
Still need all that flow? I am thinking yes due to BB tank and tangs.
crvz
Team RC
Cripes, this thread moves quickly!!
Are you comparing the RC or RS models of the ER. The recirculating model (RC) is considerably more expensive than the BubbleMaster.
I'd thought you were looking at the RS250, which is not the recirculating model, so no, you can't direct feed the skimmer.
Are there 2 overflows or 1? My 150 has 2 overflows, and each one can handle ~600 gph, but I only use a mag 9 dialed back for the return, which gives me about 450-500 gph. These you can hook up with PVC. I'll try to find a picture.
This is precisely how I have mine set up at the pump, though I think Marc told me to do it when I was figuring out my plumbing! Marc's everywhere!! Anyways, since I have the 2 overflows, I step it up to 1.5" PVC at the pump, then split it into two 1" vinyl tubing lines on hose barbs. It's worked well for me. I'll try to find some pictures.
Again, if it's anything like mine, it will not fit the sch. 80 1" bulkheads (the heavy duty ones), but standard 1" plumbing is fine.
Are you comparing the RC or RS models of the ER. The recirculating model (RC) is considerably more expensive than the BubbleMaster.
I'd thought you were looking at the RS250, which is not the recirculating model, so no, you can't direct feed the skimmer.
Are there 2 overflows or 1? My 150 has 2 overflows, and each one can handle ~600 gph, but I only use a mag 9 dialed back for the return, which gives me about 450-500 gph. These you can hook up with PVC. I'll try to find a picture.
This is precisely how I have mine set up at the pump, though I think Marc told me to do it when I was figuring out my plumbing! Marc's everywhere!! Anyways, since I have the 2 overflows, I step it up to 1.5" PVC at the pump, then split it into two 1" vinyl tubing lines on hose barbs. It's worked well for me. I'll try to find some pictures.
Again, if it's anything like mine, it will not fit the sch. 80 1" bulkheads (the heavy duty ones), but standard 1" plumbing is fine.
NanoGurl
In Memoriam
Hi!
Yes, the RS250... not the recirculating ones.
It has 2 drains and 2 returns.. but it's an Oceanic Tech.. different from the regular AGA with 2 drains.
I would like to not use the tubing if at all possible. I am not sure though I don't have the kit yet. Hopefully soon!
Thanks!
Yes, the RS250... not the recirculating ones.
It has 2 drains and 2 returns.. but it's an Oceanic Tech.. different from the regular AGA with 2 drains.
I would like to not use the tubing if at all possible. I am not sure though I don't have the kit yet. Hopefully soon!
Thanks!
crvz
Team RC
You can easily avoid using tubing, but just be precise with the pvc. I liked the tubing because it can help eliminate any vibration noise from the pump, but I don't know if that's really that big of a problem.
And I just looked up the tech series at oceanic's website (I'm glad they updated it, last time I was there they had squat for info). Definitely a little different, and an awesome looking setup.
Snowboarda42
New member
Woops sorry NG, I thought you were going after the recirc. model (RC 250) rather than the RS 250. In which case, ignore my comment about Teeing the drain line to feed the skimmer. You simply won't have to now, just put it in your sump in the area of your drain and leave it to work. Definitely mesh mod it though.
As for the Nitrate monitors, I think I remember reading that its designed for freshwater and it won't be as accurate as you need. Same with the Ca. I can't find the article though. Personally, just stick with a regular test kit.
When it comes to plumbing, just use spa flex like Melev suggested. Having less sharp of bends will help keep your flow up from the return pump, and its much better than the clear plastic stuff that you seem to want to stay away from.
If the Oceanic has the option of 3/4" or 1" drains, go for the 1". Two of those should be more than enough to outflow your pump. And bigger than a Mag 12 and you'll want to adapt the 1" into 1.5" or bigger as soon as it comes out of the bulkhead.
Whats with the 3AM posts by the way? Don't you sleep?
bohlke
PBITAWA
I had the same problem with the sump on my 65 its tiny so it doesnt do well with too much flow. I was able to keep it under control with a waste gate. Basically you put a T on your return that goes right back into the return section of the sump. I put a ball valve on the waste gate and now I can dial back the flow rate of my pump to whatever works best. It has the added benefit of mixing up whatever suplement I am adding to the tank (I guestimate about 50% of the water is going back to the return section) before it goes into the display.
melev
Well-known member
Nitrate monitor - no. pH monitor - yes. That money is the difference between buying a 120g and a 180g. :lol:
I love their pH monitor and use it all the time. It is probably the most useful tool for quick verifications of water quality in my reef, the nano, the q-tank and a new barrel of mixed saltwater. Definitely a good purchase. Use it with a 9v battery, not with a dc power cord.
The Tunze 6060 is a nice pump. Rather large compared to the Nano Streams, and it simply has a plug on the end. You have no control over how it works, other than on and off. I use one to mix saltwater.
If you like controllability, then I would consider getting a 6100 with a controller (7094 or 7095). That way it can ramp up and down every few seconds to the high and low setpoint you've chosen. I had two 6100s in my tank for the last few years, which were sold a few months ago still working beautifully.
I love their pH monitor and use it all the time. It is probably the most useful tool for quick verifications of water quality in my reef, the nano, the q-tank and a new barrel of mixed saltwater. Definitely a good purchase. Use it with a 9v battery, not with a dc power cord.
The Tunze 6060 is a nice pump. Rather large compared to the Nano Streams, and it simply has a plug on the end. You have no control over how it works, other than on and off. I use one to mix saltwater.
If you like controllability, then I would consider getting a 6100 with a controller (7094 or 7095). That way it can ramp up and down every few seconds to the high and low setpoint you've chosen. I had two 6100s in my tank for the last few years, which were sold a few months ago still working beautifully.- Status
Similar threads
