Steps to BB?
- Thread starter hurleycr
- Start date
hurleycr
Member
Just an update...
I got a great deal on a new tank. 210 gallon for 400 bucks. reef ready and all.
So my newly constructed stand needs a few modifications. I designed it with upgrading in mind. So I built it a 72" wide. My current tank is only 48" wide but I was adding a veritcal cabinet to it. Now I just hack the vertical part off, and wa-la.
I will post a pic of the stand tom. I am sanding it and picking up my new tank tom.
So this now mean I HAVE TO UPGRADE MY SKIMMER. I have been looking at two units and have been reading lots of stuff.
I have found mixed reviews about the BM skimmers. Some love it and other thinks it skims too wet. I was also wanting to go to an external this time. Because I'm sick of overflowing skimmers. There is something I'm feeding that makes my skimmers go nuts. I think its the mysis but i'm not sure. I can never get it to overflow, unless of course i'm gone.
the other is a skimmer by ORCA at least I think it is an ORCA skimmer. It is on the protien-skimmer.com site. It looks like a quality skimmer but i'm not finding a lot of people who have the large one.
anybody out there recommend anything else. I was looking at the becketts but I'm afraid of the junk that can collect in the box's. Also, most of them need huge pumps. While I have three sequence pumps two of which are not being used, I really didn't want to use that large of a pump on my skimmer.
I really would like to process as much water as possible, but would like to stay below the 850 dollar range.
Also, I recieved my two Vortech pumps, with the new tank how should I mount these? I was going to put them both on the back and point them toward the front. Maybe add another one?
Would anyone recommend doing a CL maybe OM or somthing? I really didn't want to get into doing that again. Because they can be such a PITA. But I really want to do this right the first time out. I have seen so many people including myself, go with a CL, and then wish they hadn't, however when they are working good you just cant beat the flow and lack of equipment in the tank.
The new tank is 72"x 24"x 30". Do you think I should add another MH 250? I currently have two.
I just did my third, dip and scrub with the rock. Man o man did it stink that first time. its in my garage and I was leaving to go to work one morning and I didn't even go in there and I smelled it when I went out side. It was horrible. I screwed up big time, when doing this though. I added a MAG 24 to trash can for flow. Yep you guessed it, extremly hot water. That is more than likely what made that smell so bad. O'well chalk it up to a learning experience, the rock is now looking really good. Nice and clean with little die off left over. It is in week three. It will stay there for at least two more dip and scrubs.
I got a great deal on a new tank. 210 gallon for 400 bucks. reef ready and all.
So my newly constructed stand needs a few modifications. I designed it with upgrading in mind. So I built it a 72" wide. My current tank is only 48" wide but I was adding a veritcal cabinet to it. Now I just hack the vertical part off, and wa-la.
I will post a pic of the stand tom. I am sanding it and picking up my new tank tom.
So this now mean I HAVE TO UPGRADE MY SKIMMER. I have been looking at two units and have been reading lots of stuff.
I have found mixed reviews about the BM skimmers. Some love it and other thinks it skims too wet. I was also wanting to go to an external this time. Because I'm sick of overflowing skimmers. There is something I'm feeding that makes my skimmers go nuts. I think its the mysis but i'm not sure. I can never get it to overflow, unless of course i'm gone.
the other is a skimmer by ORCA at least I think it is an ORCA skimmer. It is on the protien-skimmer.com site. It looks like a quality skimmer but i'm not finding a lot of people who have the large one.
anybody out there recommend anything else. I was looking at the becketts but I'm afraid of the junk that can collect in the box's. Also, most of them need huge pumps. While I have three sequence pumps two of which are not being used, I really didn't want to use that large of a pump on my skimmer.
I really would like to process as much water as possible, but would like to stay below the 850 dollar range.
Also, I recieved my two Vortech pumps, with the new tank how should I mount these? I was going to put them both on the back and point them toward the front. Maybe add another one?
Would anyone recommend doing a CL maybe OM or somthing? I really didn't want to get into doing that again. Because they can be such a PITA. But I really want to do this right the first time out. I have seen so many people including myself, go with a CL, and then wish they hadn't, however when they are working good you just cant beat the flow and lack of equipment in the tank.
The new tank is 72"x 24"x 30". Do you think I should add another MH 250? I currently have two.
I just did my third, dip and scrub with the rock. Man o man did it stink that first time. its in my garage and I was leaving to go to work one morning and I didn't even go in there and I smelled it when I went out side. It was horrible. I screwed up big time, when doing this though. I added a MAG 24 to trash can for flow. Yep you guessed it, extremly hot water. That is more than likely what made that smell so bad. O'well chalk it up to a learning experience, the rock is now looking really good. Nice and clean with little die off left over. It is in week three. It will stay there for at least two more dip and scrubs.
King-Kong
New member
Wow -- congrats on the larger tank! That rocks!
I just got a BM250 for my 90g (upgraded for an ASM G-2). Right now, my bioload is still too small for this skimmer, so the problem is, it almost instantly skims the water clear, then the head becomes weak, and I have to raise the level high to keep it shooting particles up and out. That said, it can elevate very very heavy particles out compared to my ASM, and skims in 1 day what my ASM took 3-4 days to do, even in the same tank with same feeding habits. Also, the skimmer is very sensitive to feeding and me touching the water, so I try to feed and mess with the tank at the same time. Also, since I have the output level so high in it, if my sump's water level raises (like when I shut off my pumps to feed), the skimmer overflows.
That said, the construction is beautiful, it is dead silent, and the column of bubbles it creates is seriously ridiculous.
But, if you can deal with the appearant noise (no experience here) and energy consumption, nothing outskims a beckett.
If you go with the ATI, I would really suggest a large bioload. Rigt now, im at 13 fish, fed heavy 2x a day. I will be ordering 4 more bartlett's, and will mess around with a few more threadfin cardinals in the future. I think you should aim for 25-30 fish with such a big skimmer. Also, "skimming wet" is exactly what you'll be doing.
As for vortechs, that one is tricky. I have had 3 on my 90 for some time, and have tried placing them in several different configurations. I keep coming back to all 3 being along the back glass. They are able to maintain strong velocity across the bottom of the tank, help sweep stuff up, and, they dissapear. You dont see anything, anywhere, because they blend in.
But, what makes this possible is my rock construction. Spend a lot of time laying out your rocks, and how you can stack them to maximize height, minimize bottom points, and minimize the amount of overall rock you use. Just this past weekend I redid my rock structure, and removed another 20-25lbs. I'm prolly somewhere around 40-50lbs of total live rock now (ill take pictures tonight, hopefully).
Also, the literally "cooked" rock will probably have more die off from the temp. issue. Becareful with it, and take your time properlly cooking it.
I just got a BM250 for my 90g (upgraded for an ASM G-2). Right now, my bioload is still too small for this skimmer, so the problem is, it almost instantly skims the water clear, then the head becomes weak, and I have to raise the level high to keep it shooting particles up and out. That said, it can elevate very very heavy particles out compared to my ASM, and skims in 1 day what my ASM took 3-4 days to do, even in the same tank with same feeding habits. Also, the skimmer is very sensitive to feeding and me touching the water, so I try to feed and mess with the tank at the same time. Also, since I have the output level so high in it, if my sump's water level raises (like when I shut off my pumps to feed), the skimmer overflows.
That said, the construction is beautiful, it is dead silent, and the column of bubbles it creates is seriously ridiculous.
But, if you can deal with the appearant noise (no experience here) and energy consumption, nothing outskims a beckett.
If you go with the ATI, I would really suggest a large bioload. Rigt now, im at 13 fish, fed heavy 2x a day. I will be ordering 4 more bartlett's, and will mess around with a few more threadfin cardinals in the future. I think you should aim for 25-30 fish with such a big skimmer. Also, "skimming wet" is exactly what you'll be doing.
As for vortechs, that one is tricky. I have had 3 on my 90 for some time, and have tried placing them in several different configurations. I keep coming back to all 3 being along the back glass. They are able to maintain strong velocity across the bottom of the tank, help sweep stuff up, and, they dissapear. You dont see anything, anywhere, because they blend in.
But, what makes this possible is my rock construction. Spend a lot of time laying out your rocks, and how you can stack them to maximize height, minimize bottom points, and minimize the amount of overall rock you use. Just this past weekend I redid my rock structure, and removed another 20-25lbs. I'm prolly somewhere around 40-50lbs of total live rock now (ill take pictures tonight, hopefully).
Also, the literally "cooked" rock will probably have more die off from the temp. issue. Becareful with it, and take your time properlly cooking it.
King-Kong
New member
Oh, let me also add. I changed things up with my starboard that I felt were worth mentioning.
My old bare bottom was a faux sand BB. It had 1 known issue, and 1 potential issue.
The known issue was that it wasnt cut properly. Too big. So it had a snug fit around the edge of the tank. This snug fit was enough to allow larger pieces of detritus to get in, but not large enough for my siphon hoses to easily get in and remove it. Also, since it sat on the edge, it rode up on the silicon, causing it to rise, and subsequently allowing a lot of heavy detritus to get underneath it.
The potential problem was the introduction of silicates. I have always had oddly high silicates in this tank and diatom issues. The tank is two years old, and diatoms are still a common algae in the tank. I am hoping the untested epoxy used was the reason for this.
Now, the new board is significantly shorter than the tank (15" wide, with the tank being 18"). This gives plenty of space both in front and behind for me to get in and clean. Same goes with the side. Lastly, what I did was bevel the edge of the starboard at an angle, so when the flow comes down off of the glass, it doesnt hit a 1/2" wall. It hits a 45 degree gradiant, and can slope back up. This allows flow to get into these gaps very very easily, and transport away any poop.
I have to say, in the first 48 hours away since installing it, I am very very excited. Again, ill try to take some pics tonight to show.
My old bare bottom was a faux sand BB. It had 1 known issue, and 1 potential issue.
The known issue was that it wasnt cut properly. Too big. So it had a snug fit around the edge of the tank. This snug fit was enough to allow larger pieces of detritus to get in, but not large enough for my siphon hoses to easily get in and remove it. Also, since it sat on the edge, it rode up on the silicon, causing it to rise, and subsequently allowing a lot of heavy detritus to get underneath it.
The potential problem was the introduction of silicates. I have always had oddly high silicates in this tank and diatom issues. The tank is two years old, and diatoms are still a common algae in the tank. I am hoping the untested epoxy used was the reason for this.
Now, the new board is significantly shorter than the tank (15" wide, with the tank being 18"). This gives plenty of space both in front and behind for me to get in and clean. Same goes with the side. Lastly, what I did was bevel the edge of the starboard at an angle, so when the flow comes down off of the glass, it doesnt hit a 1/2" wall. It hits a 45 degree gradiant, and can slope back up. This allows flow to get into these gaps very very easily, and transport away any poop.
I have to say, in the first 48 hours away since installing it, I am very very excited. Again, ill try to take some pics tonight to show.
Serioussnaps
New member
I wish I saw your thread earlier....I am perusing it now. I absolutely think you should cook your rock for at least 3 months. I am in the process of buying new rock(i am starting a new tank, but I think I am going Acroless because of law school) because I have 5 year old rock I didnt cook and its a pain. Algae isnt bad at all, but it wont go away completely and in some places it stops the encrustation of some of my stonies. I really, highly suggest you COOK YOUR ROCK, then come over and smoke it with me.
When I get my new live rock I am going to cook it 6 months at least and it will give me time to save up for new tank/sump etc...and allow me to sell some frags to fund the new tank. But yeah rock cooking is the why to go....I will still be BB, but cooking the rock this time.
RichConley
New member
Snaps, if you can't get rid of algae, its not because you didnt cook your rock.
A properly run tank will give you cleaner rock than you initially put in hte tank.
A properly run tank will give you cleaner rock than you initially put in hte tank.
hurleycr
Member
Kong,
once the controller comes out I would think that two on the back and once going left to right, or vice versa would be freaking awesome. IT would really be awsome if you could set them to pulse at alternating intervals with alternating intensity's.
So your fellin the BM250 huh. On a 90 man that is some serious skimming. Do you think I could get away with that on a 210? I do plan on have fish in the 20-25 range so or maybe less since now I will be able to have more than one tang..... he he he...
once the controller comes out I would think that two on the back and once going left to right, or vice versa would be freaking awesome. IT would really be awsome if you could set them to pulse at alternating intervals with alternating intensity's.
So your fellin the BM250 huh. On a 90 man that is some serious skimming. Do you think I could get away with that on a 210? I do plan on have fish in the 20-25 range so or maybe less since now I will be able to have more than one tang..... he he he...
RichConley
New member
I'd say its a DIY.
Its a reef octopus NW200 thats had the pump's volute modified (and meshmodded) so that is pulls 50 scfh. Its recirculating, and has had all its plumbing upped to 1".
As far as specs, its closest to something like an H&S 200-2x1260, except that its just one pump... so it really doesnt categorize itself well.
Serioussnaps
New member
Absolutely it is excessive....its called not cutting any corners and doing it RIGHT...it also depends on the rock you are cooking of course.
Serioussnaps
New member
The rock is phosphate laden..it still leaches phosphates but because my export is solid algae doesnt grow. I have no snails or hermits...if i were to put them in my tank my rock would be clean. One thing is worth mentioning........some people go so far as to really want to have 0 nutrients...i mean rock solid 0.....not possible. I will explain myself if needed, but it is virtually impossible to achieve TRULY no nutrients in a closed system that has fish in it.
RichConley
New member
Right, but if your export is good, given time, the phosphate will be gone from the rock. IE, if you're exporting more than you're importing, you're cooking right now.
hurleycr
Member
50scfh!!!! Wow!!!!
How did you mod all the plumbing to 1"?
better yet didn't you have to extend the neck?
volute? the air intake on the pump right? Just bored it out i'm expecting?
Did you just drill the acrylic and make it recirc? What did you use to make the seal.... uni-seals?
How did you mod all the plumbing to 1"?
better yet didn't you have to extend the neck?
volute? the air intake on the pump right? Just bored it out i'm expecting?
Did you just drill the acrylic and make it recirc? What did you use to make the seal.... uni-seals?
hurleycr
Member
Here is the new tank. It needs cleaned up but its practically brand new.
Also, here is the picture of the newly contructed stand. This is the second coat of finish and still needs to be sanded but it was getting dark and I'm tired. I will finish the sanding and detail work tom.
I should be able to get it pretty close to completion and I should be able to start back on the starboard tom. as well.
Let me know what you think, like I said the stain isn't there yet, but you get the overall idea.
Also, here is the picture of the newly contructed stand. This is the second coat of finish and still needs to be sanded but it was getting dark and I'm tired. I will finish the sanding and detail work tom.
I should be able to get it pretty close to completion and I should be able to start back on the starboard tom. as well.
Let me know what you think, like I said the stain isn't there yet, but you get the overall idea.
King-Kong
New member
That is going to be absolutely beautiful! Nice large stand, too. You're gonna love all that space you have to work with.
I took some pics of my new setup (that is, with the removed rock). Tomorrow ill make a new thread highlighting my tank.. it's been a awhile and my old thread is.. well.. old and outdated:
http://www.d3f.org/misc/fish/90g/a11-full-tank.jpg
http://www.d3f.org/misc/fish/90g/a09-full-tank-angle.jpg
http://www.d3f.org/misc/fish/90g/a10-full-tank-side.jpg
I took some pics of my new setup (that is, with the removed rock). Tomorrow ill make a new thread highlighting my tank.. it's been a awhile and my old thread is.. well.. old and outdated:
http://www.d3f.org/misc/fish/90g/a11-full-tank.jpg
http://www.d3f.org/misc/fish/90g/a09-full-tank-angle.jpg
http://www.d3f.org/misc/fish/90g/a10-full-tank-side.jpg
