drummereef
Team RC
Indeed. Definitely post any positives/negatives in regards to the temp swing. I think that's a highly debated and somewhat misunderstood topic in the hobby. Lots of talk but not much data. Looking forward to it!
Pete's 110 build
- Thread starter psteeleb
- Start date
psteeleb
Team RC
Here is a chart of my daily pH and Temp ranges for the past 6 weeks
The past 4 readings on the Temperature chart reflect the data since I added the fan to lower the highs and adjusted my heater to raise the lows. The last bars are for today as of around 1:00 so they will peak higher then shown before the day is over.
My pH probe is in the section of the sump where the display drains and the skimmer operates so the water is very aerated giving an elevated pH reading as compared to the main tank
The past 4 readings on the Temperature chart reflect the data since I added the fan to lower the highs and adjusted my heater to raise the lows. The last bars are for today as of around 1:00 so they will peak higher then shown before the day is over.
My pH probe is in the section of the sump where the display drains and the skimmer operates so the water is very aerated giving an elevated pH reading as compared to the main tank
psteeleb
Team RC
I just placed a couple orders for some upgrades
from Premium Aquatics:
Neptune EnergyBar 8
Neptune I/O Breakout Box
Neptune pH probe
Apex 2 Channel Apex to Light Dimming Cable
From Avast Marine:
CS1 skimmer kit
Sicce PSK1000 pinwheel pump
Swabbie automatic neck cleaner
I still plan on ordering 4 float switches and hardware from Aquahub or Autotopoff.com
from Premium Aquatics:
Neptune EnergyBar 8
Neptune I/O Breakout Box
Neptune pH probe
Apex 2 Channel Apex to Light Dimming Cable
From Avast Marine:
CS1 skimmer kit
Sicce PSK1000 pinwheel pump
Swabbie automatic neck cleaner
I still plan on ordering 4 float switches and hardware from Aquahub or Autotopoff.com
psteeleb
Team RC
After some researched it seemed that that a cone skimmer was the most efficient way to go. I like the Advast for the kit price even though I'll have to slightly modify the skimemrs base ring to fit inside the sump. I discussed this with Avast and they indicated I could cut the ring down by the 1/2" (1/4" each side) I need to get it to fit in the sump.
My Christmas in June is to reduce the maintenance time and provide additional warning indicators. With me, being out 2 weeks at a time anything I can do to cut back maintenance goes a long way with my wife, otherwise she gets the duty to clean and check on things.
psteeleb
Team RC
I should add the skimmer will have the swabby option and I'll set up an overflow container for the skimate. With these two skiimer options it should be able to go at least 2 weeks without messing with it. The current skimmer needs to be cleaned/emptied about every 2-3 days.
I did place an order with autotopoff.com for 4 float switches and hardware. The 4 switches will be set up as folows
Sump low alarm
Sump high alarm
RO/DI reservoir low alarm
Skimate container high alarm and skimmer shutoff
I did place an order with autotopoff.com for 4 float switches and hardware. The 4 switches will be set up as folows
Sump low alarm
Sump high alarm
RO/DI reservoir low alarm
Skimate container high alarm and skimmer shutoff
drummereef
Team RC
Woah! I didn't realize you could buy DIY skimmers from Avast, too cool. You'll have to do a vid or pictorial review of the build process. (hint hint) 
psteeleb
Team RC
Woah! I didn't realize you could buy DIY skimmers from Avast, too cool. You'll have to do a vid or pictorial review of the build process. (hint hint)
I'll be glad to.
Unless the float is reversed when submersed the switch will close the circuit, so the alarm would have to be set for an open circuit. So, for alarms it can be used as is, but not recomended for controls.
The nice thing about the Madison M8000 float switch is that it can be reversed by simply removing the float cylinder and turning it around. The magnet inside the float cylinder is actually offset to provide a change depending on how it's oriented (diagram included below).
Generally you don’t want your float switch to activate something when the circuit “opens” so it’s wise to reverse them when used for a low level indicator. Otherwise, if a wire breaks, becomes disconnected, etc the circuit will read as “open” to the controller and it may activate a command when you don’t want it to (like turning on or off a pump if the wire breaks).
Attachments
psteeleb
Team RC
I'm having second thoughts on cutting down the base ring on the skimmer. I may just remove the first glass weir in my sump between the skimmer section and refugium, as I have another full bubble trap between the refugium and pump sections.
psteeleb
Team RC
The Advast order is on the way and is scheduled to be in on Wed
The Autotopoff.com order is also in the mail and should be here Wed or Thu
The Premium Aquatics order has the I/O breaker box on back order, they called me and let me know that it was going to be delayed till next week but did indicate they would go ahead and send the rest of the items.
Expect pictures & videos this weekend.
The Autotopoff.com order is also in the mail and should be here Wed or Thu
The Premium Aquatics order has the I/O breaker box on back order, they called me and let me know that it was going to be delayed till next week but did indicate they would go ahead and send the rest of the items.
Expect pictures & videos this weekend.
drummereef
Team RC
Looking forward to it!
aquaph8
Love The Fish
Looking forward to it!
Me too. Cant wait to see it.
psteeleb
Team RC
the Advast Marine skimmer kit and float switches from autotopoff.com came in today. I'd post pictures but I'm not home, arrrg frustrating as I want to get started on the build and upgrades.
I have not heard a shipping date for the other order so I'm wondering if they decided to hold shipping the whole order in the event the I/O box was coming in earlier then initially thought. I sent them an email tonight.
For a skimate overflow I want a container that will fit in the slim space between the stand doors and the sump so I intend to use a tuperware type container like the one shown below. I'll drill three holes in the lid and mount hardware for:
1) a tubing fitting to connect to the skimmer collection cup.
2) a float switch to notify the APEX unit the collection container is full
3) a larger hole with some modified PVC fittings to house an activated carbon vent.
total cost should be under $50
rough estimate:
tupperware container ~$20
float switch $7
1/2" bulkhead tubing connector ~$5
1 1/2" PVC threaded coupling, threaded adapter and cap ~$10
I have not heard a shipping date for the other order so I'm wondering if they decided to hold shipping the whole order in the event the I/O box was coming in earlier then initially thought. I sent them an email tonight.
For a skimate overflow I want a container that will fit in the slim space between the stand doors and the sump so I intend to use a tuperware type container like the one shown below. I'll drill three holes in the lid and mount hardware for:
1) a tubing fitting to connect to the skimmer collection cup.
2) a float switch to notify the APEX unit the collection container is full
3) a larger hole with some modified PVC fittings to house an activated carbon vent.
total cost should be under $50
rough estimate:
tupperware container ~$20
float switch $7
1/2" bulkhead tubing connector ~$5
1 1/2" PVC threaded coupling, threaded adapter and cap ~$10
psteeleb
Team RC
before I bought the Advast I was faced with a space constraint in the sump. The sump skimmer chamber is a litle over 8.5"" wide and the skimmer bottom flange is 9" in diameter.
So, I contacted Advast and asked if I could cut the bottom flages down about a 1/2" without creating a problem with the bolt holes. They responded that it could be done as long as I felt comfortable working with acrylic
As a plan "B" I could have removed the weir in the sump but I felt that shaving down the base and flange would be a better solution.
I ended up bolting both pieces together to cut both pieces at the same time. This also assured matching cuts. I used the longer bolts as a jig guide and with my table saw started to cut a little over 1/4" off each side forming an octagon.
here is a partial with three sides cut (on the left)
and completed base ring modification
So, I contacted Advast and asked if I could cut the bottom flages down about a 1/2" without creating a problem with the bolt holes. They responded that it could be done as long as I felt comfortable working with acrylic
As a plan "B" I could have removed the weir in the sump but I felt that shaving down the base and flange would be a better solution.
I ended up bolting both pieces together to cut both pieces at the same time. This also assured matching cuts. I used the longer bolts as a jig guide and with my table saw started to cut a little over 1/4" off each side forming an octagon.
here is a partial with three sides cut (on the left)
and completed base ring modification
psteeleb
Team RC
here is the completed project, I need to let the glue dry overnight and then give it a vinegar run to clean it up. The tough job is going to be cleaning out the sump and getting this thing to fit in there. With the swabbie this thing is going to be a very tight fit, I may have to cut the legs down a little.
drummereef
Team RC
That is looking sick Pete! Nice, clean job putting it together. Are the feet height adjustable? Also what size tank is the skimmer rated for?
