Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
I don't mind if folks use my pics for desktop backgrounds. That's a nice compliment. Thanks.
new "canvas"
- Thread starter Gary Majchrzak
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dreaminmel
New member
Gary,
My tank will be set up as a peninsula (as intended) at our next home and I am curious about a few things as I love how your setup looks.
-The pvc that runs along the top, are there only two outlets at the end?
-Do you have a pic of the end of the tank where the drain holes were cut by any chance?
-Are you currently happy with the flow and would it suffice for a predominantly sps tank?
I love how clean it looks compared to mine that has two overflows, a return line coming right down into the tank and three obvious powerheads... Tryin to brainstorm on how I can improve on that. =)
***doh, just read your penductor thread... still curious if you have a closer pic of the drain end of the tank. Would like to see where the holes were drilled and also curious where you're hiding 7 MJs. =)
Mel
My tank will be set up as a peninsula (as intended) at our next home and I am curious about a few things as I love how your setup looks.
-The pvc that runs along the top, are there only two outlets at the end?
-Do you have a pic of the end of the tank where the drain holes were cut by any chance?
-Are you currently happy with the flow and would it suffice for a predominantly sps tank?
I love how clean it looks compared to mine that has two overflows, a return line coming right down into the tank and three obvious powerheads... Tryin to brainstorm on how I can improve on that. =)
***doh, just read your penductor thread... still curious if you have a closer pic of the drain end of the tank. Would like to see where the holes were drilled and also curious where you're hiding 7 MJs. =)
Mel
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
The 'business end' of my aquarium isn't very attractive looking, but it's space saving and it works great.
The main design that should be incorporated into every aquarium with drains leading to a sump is to have water flow in the direction of the overflow(s) so wastes get flushed down the drain(s). This is why I have my two water returns at the opposite side of the aquarium from the drains and I'm directing the flow towards the drains.
Those two drain intakes are 90 degree elbows. I used a bushing to increase their top (intake) diameter.
Keep drilled bulkheads at least 2" away from any edge of an aquarium and 2" from another drill spot. (For example: the bulkheads on these two drains pictured are centered 6.5" from the top edge of the aquarium.)
The drains lead directly through the back of the aquarium and down the drain lines into the basement.
My MJ's turn on and off and are directed against the flow of the main returns. This alternating laminar and then chaotic random flow helps to lift and suspend detritus (among other important things.)
This is an excellent and (relatively) inexpensive method of recreating water movement for SPS. It's not the only way to do it, but I'm very happy with what I have set up. The penductors I'm presently considering aren't necessary, but will only enhance what I've already got going on.
If you have any questions, just ask.
I'd be happy to have you over some day to check it out.
The main design that should be incorporated into every aquarium with drains leading to a sump is to have water flow in the direction of the overflow(s) so wastes get flushed down the drain(s). This is why I have my two water returns at the opposite side of the aquarium from the drains and I'm directing the flow towards the drains.
Those two drain intakes are 90 degree elbows. I used a bushing to increase their top (intake) diameter.
Keep drilled bulkheads at least 2" away from any edge of an aquarium and 2" from another drill spot. (For example: the bulkheads on these two drains pictured are centered 6.5" from the top edge of the aquarium.)
The drains lead directly through the back of the aquarium and down the drain lines into the basement.
My MJ's turn on and off and are directed against the flow of the main returns. This alternating laminar and then chaotic random flow helps to lift and suspend detritus (among other important things.)
This is an excellent and (relatively) inexpensive method of recreating water movement for SPS. It's not the only way to do it, but I'm very happy with what I have set up. The penductors I'm presently considering aren't necessary, but will only enhance what I've already got going on.
If you have any questions, just ask.
I'd be happy to have you over some day to check it out.
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
Here's a quick pic full of nasty reflections taken just moments ago. No cropping, no editing. It'll give you a better idea of my whole setup. The drain lines are squeezed between the aquarium and the wall so closely that's it's rather difficult to see them- a good thing.
If you have a light hood, one option would be to run water returns above the aquarium instead of in the aquarium (like I did).
If you have a light hood, one option would be to run water returns above the aquarium instead of in the aquarium (like I did).
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
Thanks, Jamie. 
Here's a pic of an LPS that's recovering from some tissue recession. Although the vast majority of corals I have right now came from other URS members, you can find some really nice corals at all of the upstate NY reef stores. This particular Mussid came from 'Aqua Tech' in Cheektowaga. RandyO is the man when it comes to LPS. I still need an ID on this one.
Here's a pic of an LPS that's recovering from some tissue recession. Although the vast majority of corals I have right now came from other URS members, you can find some really nice corals at all of the upstate NY reef stores. This particular Mussid came from 'Aqua Tech' in Cheektowaga. RandyO is the man when it comes to LPS. I still need an ID on this one.
dreaminmel
New member
Thanks Gary! As I will also still have some type of plumbing at the end of my tank, one of my definate plans is to build on to the end of my stand/canopy a tall cupboard type enclosure and if I end up with a wavebox I'll probably lower the level of the top trim to keep visitors from getting seasick from the wave... =) I like the way you have your drains. Are they noisy at all? Is that plastic screen you have over the tops? and (sorry for all the ?'s) Where the drains go through to the outside and you have a capped off T, do you have any air release holes in the caps or was it not needed? I may just have to take you up on the offer of seeing it in person someday before I move next summer... =)
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
I can hear my drains. But, (actually) my hearing is pretty darn good. (Don't tell my wife!)
I'm pushing some serious flow through these drains. I've heard noisier drains at far less GPH. I use nylon window screening on top of them. There are two capped off T's on the drain pipes between the wall and aquarium. (If you look very closely you can see them.) The return line in the aquarium is drilled with siphon breaks.
I'm pushing some serious flow through these drains. I've heard noisier drains at far less GPH. I use nylon window screening on top of them. There are two capped off T's on the drain pipes between the wall and aquarium. (If you look very closely you can see them.) The return line in the aquarium is drilled with siphon breaks.
LFS_worker
'ignoramus maximus'
hey Gary ... Could that possibly be a hemprechi? (Spelling) very nice and colorful piece.!!
Brian
Brian
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
Good suggestion, Brian- it just might be that. I'm not sure yet.
Check this Montipora out. It came from MO via URS member jbrown.
Check this Montipora out. It came from MO via URS member jbrown.
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
The color scheme is similar, Scott, but it's not a M. danae
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
:lol:
Willistein
Active member
wow, love the monti with blue polyps! The tank is looking great too!
LFS_worker
'ignoramus maximus'
Not good at Monti's But it is surely beautiful!! 
B
B
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
aquarium is now 8 months old
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