startup eco sand plenum

[JEMichael IV]

Ok I pulled my 30g out and I have just mixed the water for it in a rubbermaid and I want to put the water in the tank and start my cycle for my octo!

I have been reading that a DSB is not the way to go, but not enough will cause high nitrates.

I have been reading about a eco sand plenum, but I just do not understand the concept, the how to build one, where to get the parts. I mean if I had a picture or a drawing, maybe it would help as a picture is worth a thousand words.

Also, what makes an Octo Ink as far as water quality? I mean I know that an Octo will ink if he/she is scared. I am strongly considering having my 30g drilled and drain into my sump on my main reef tank which consits of a 100g reef tank, 25 gallon sump, 2 6 gallon eclipses, and a 70g refugium all tied together. The water on this tank is always Amonia: 0 Nitrite: 0 Nitrate: 0 PH: 8.05 - 8.3 day to night, 11.8dkh and 450 calcium. Very stable SPS and Clam system.

But would the Ink cause any damage to my tank? I think in the last post I made someone said that the extra water would dilout it (if I spelled that right).

Thanks, John

 

[jimichonga]

Here is a link that explains the whole plenum thing. It also shows how to build one and has a parts list.

http://www.pgjr.alpine.k12.ut.us/aqua/plenum.html

With that amount of water all tied together I don't think the ink would be a problem. Also running some form of carbon filtration will take the ink out of the water.

 

[JEMichael IV]

ohhh great. THANKS! I see now...

If he were to ink would I see it in the main tank?

 

[cephalopoder]

The eco sand plenum that I use is different than a regular plenum. It looks like the one in the link, bit it has a 1.5" think layer of course mesh on top that makes it special. This is important in my opinion. It is made by corals and clams of utah.
I a earlier post I gave the phone number for them so you may call and talk to richard brown himself.
It's worth looking into.

 

[jimichonga]

Cephalopoder:

Do you have a pic or a description of the "course mesh", I'm a DIYer and don't usually buy over-priced supplies that I would be able to make myself.

Thanks

 

[cephalopoder]

I have no pics available. Mine is allready in use.
I have looked in McMaster Carr. MSC, and Grainger for the mesh. I have not found the same thing yet. The plenum sells for 10 a foot assembled. I think richards prices are pretty good. I would call him and ask for a catalog. The new one just came out.
I am still looking for the mesh myself, if I can find it I will post the info out here.
chris

 

[jimichonga]

Ok Thanks