Tank-O-death

[WDLV]

I operate on the principal that "the more complex the system, the more likely it is to fail." I use an icemaker float valve rather than a float switch for that reason. Based on the simple design there is far less probability that something can go wrong. IE solonoids, switches, power failure, O-rings. But since my tank "white out" I no longer run the kalk reactor through the float valve. I use a LiterMeter instead.

With regard to Steve's disaster, I presume that the skimmer was external. I have always strayed away from external skimmers for this very reason. However once my system reaches the size of Steve's I will be faced with that dilemma. It's just not practical to have an in-sump skimmer in a system that size.

I don't know what orface Alberto pulled that skimmer cup float switch idea out of, but that was a helluva good idea.

I appreciate that Steve and others like him share their accomplishments AND their mistakes to benefit the rest of us.

 

[jnarowe]

tgreene: I am not sure why you need a "reverse pH controller". I just use my ACIII Pro to shut down my LMII Kalk Top-Off when the tank pH gets above 8.26.

WetSleeves: My skimmer is 50g and 7' tall, and it is in-sump. I don't feel it's impractical at all, and in fact designed it this way for safety. And believe me, I have needed it!

 

[WDLV]

WetSleeves: My skimmer is 50g and 7' tall, and it is in-sump. I don't feel it's impractical at all, and in fact designed it this way for safety. And believe me, I have needed it! [/B]

So you designed the skimmer yourself? Shoot me a PM with a link if you would. That could be useful information for future reference.
- My current Euroreef skimmer is about half that size, but my total system volume is just under 400 gallons presently.

 

[tacocat]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9576136#post9576136 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by steveweast
That's actually a pretty good idea....a low water level sensor that could shut off the skimmer pumps.

I think all you would need to shut off would be the skimmer feed pump. The needlewheel pumps can continue to run. You can also shut off the return pump, chiller (unless it's hooked up to a closed loop), and lights as well.

Shutting off the lights will keep the tank from overheating, and would be a good indicator, but it would shut off photosynthesis and increase O2 demand.

 

[daniloronchi]

Sorry... I've no words fot what happened...

I'm feel terribly bad... your tank was one of my preferred tank in the world...

I'm sure your tank will be more wonderful than ever!

From Italy

Danilo

 

[BallaBooyeaH]

Another sorry from me -

My dream tank is your tank - Goes to show how delicate these reefs we have are.

Andrew

 

[cbui2]

just found out this thread yesterday, and I am very sorry to hear about this, I know now there isn't enough sorry that can bring all of this back, but I also noticed the same day I email you was the day this happened and still email me back without any problems, I know you have helped me out a lot and can't thank you enough, your system was my dream system and inspired me to get all the equipment you have to setup mine. now I know how much responsibility goes into reefkeeping along with maintenance shows that the littlest mistake can turn into a nightmare. keep us inform on any new updates on your new setup or any ways of improving your system to make it more efficient. can't wait to see what you can do next..

 

[simon garratt]

Steve. what can i say.. Your tanks been an inspiration to many reefers across the world for a long time now (especially here in the UK). Ive held a link to your site for several years myself on my own site..

Im not even going to try and understand how you must be feeling loosing colonies of that maturity and size..

All i can do is wish you the best of luck in getting it back to its former glory (if not better seeing your past results)..

All the best..

Simon.

 

[simon garratt]

Removed: double post

 

[Lunchbucket]

OMG I'm very sorry to hear. I was gone all weekend (Thur-Sun.) and just got to my emails and RC now. My wife called me in San Fran on my cell phone just to tell me the news I'm very sorry to hear.

I commend you for your great attitude on the whole thing. I can't wait to see what you come up w/ next. You had an amazing tank

Keep your head up and plug forward

Lunchbucket

 

[tacocat]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9640148#post9640148 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lunchbucket
My wife called me in San Fran on my cell phone just to tell me the news I'm very sorry to hear.

Are you serious? You're wife called you? I thought I was a negative influence on my wife.

Side note: How can your wife call you when she has no head? (per maxxII's post).

One thing that is in Steves' favor is that Soutas and Upscales are in his home state.

 

[Lunchbucket]

tacocat - Umm..well she called to talk to me too but it was one of the first things out of her mouth Gotta love that woman. Heck she pushed me to get my new 4x4x20" cube. She has a head. I just keep it away from the body to keep her out of trouble

There are some nice stores up that way but that doesn't make this any easier IMO

later
Lunchbucket

 

[tacocat]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9662589#post9662589 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lunchbucket
tacocat - Umm..well she called to talk to me too but it was one of the first things out of her mouth Gotta love that woman. Heck she pushed me to get my new 4x4x20" cube. She has a head. I just keep it away from the body to keep her out of trouble

There are some nice stores up that way but that doesn't make this any easier IMO

later
Lunchbucket

NICE, I'm going to have to try that. My wife OKed my cube tank also. Very similar dimensions, but my stand was shorter.

It doesn't make it easier, but it does help to have a good LFS staff to talk with. Plus they will come in handy when it's time to restock.

 

[jnarowe]

They are money sucking machines!! :lol:

 

[ericunderwater]

that really sucks....i would cry. your tank was awsome. your tank inspired everybody.well you know how to keep a great reef tank and how to grow one.i guess it could have been alot worse. i sure hope you get that tank looking good again.keep us updated

 

[Fliger]

Wow Steve, I've been gone for a while and just read this. Very sorry to hear, as many others - yours is my favorite tank. Good luck rebuilding and great attitude. Happy to hear your fish & LPS are OK - although I'm only thru the first page. I will look forward to seeing what you come up with next!

Best Regards,

David Fliger

 

[zuzecawi]

Wow, I feel like Oregon just lost a natural (unnatural) resource. This is terrible news, the only thing that bolsters it is that I drank my coffee. Your tanks have always been a standard in this hobby for me, and I'm unable to even come up with words to express my sympathy and horror. Your attitude is amazing, truly a good reminder to all of us that while this hobby is wonderful and consuming, it shouldn't be all consuming. I always liked your perspective on tank building and maintaining, ad I'm even more impressed now with your elasticity in the face of... crap. Your tank and your discussions about Japanese tanks changed my entire idea of what beauty in a reef was, and my views of aquascaping will never be the same. I'm waiting along with everybody else here, to see what comes next. I wish I could offer you frags or something less ephemeral than crossed fingers and well wishes, but of those I'll be sure to send plenty.

And now I too am going off to dump my ages old dechlorinator.

 

[steveweast]

Thanks again everyone for your kind sentiments. Perhaps tomorrow, I will post a few pics of my first pass at an updated aquascaping. I'm trying to spread the canyon a bit wider....but also add a few pillars that break the surface. It's interesting....but, I'm not sure that I like it yet.....it's so barren....and I have to envision future corals on those rocks. The old aquascaping was just a pile of rocks on the right and on the left....it was the corals that made things pop.....it's alot harder to elicit the same emotional response from just rocks. I did add a few test sps though.

 

[Rays]

I did add a few test sps though.

Yesssssssssssssssssss! :beer:

 

[JazzMan]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9670727#post9670727 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by steveweast
Thanks again everyone for your kind sentiments. Perhaps tomorrow, I will post a few pics of my first pass at an updated aquascaping. I'm trying to spread the canyon a bit wider....but also add a few pillars that break the surface. It's interesting....but, I'm not sure that I like it yet.....it's so barren....and I have to envision future corals on those rocks. The old aquascaping was just a pile of rocks on the right and on the left....it was the corals that made things pop.....it's alot harder to elicit the same emotional response from just rocks. I did add a few test sps though.

Steve, just give it time and they will grow. I can't believe this happened.

My wife is not into Reefs at all, but she knew yours from the pictures I showed her. I told her your tank had some issues and she automatically asked me if it was the amazing tank with the canyon.

Good luck and keep us posted on the progress.

These things make us stronger.