Tank-O-death

I truly believe the fun in this hobby is not sitting back and watching your reef after it's done, but in the act of designing it and then seeing it evolve from a newly created mini-ecosystem into a mature one! Enjoy the work you have ahead of you! And learn from your mistakes, and teach others your lessons.
 
While I was very fond of the original layout, I really like this new one. When diving, canyons are rarely straight shots and you get different feelings of open and closed as you go around the bends. Those partial glimpses of “open space beyond” are what draw you in further. I get that same feeling from this layout and my eyes automatically jumped from one shot to the other, to see what could be seen from the different angles, just as I’m sure I’d wander from side to side in front of the tank doing the same. I think this layout shows a little more dimension and character. Just my 2¢ worth!



Your tank, even post-disaster, still makes mine look like a fishbowl…looking forward to the progress!!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9707195#post9707195 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Beach Native
While I was very fond of the original layout, I really like this new one. When diving, canyons are rarely straight shots and you get different feelings of open and closed as you go around the bends. Those partial glimpses of “open space beyond” are what draw you in further. I get that same feeling from this layout and my eyes automatically jumped from one shot to the other, to see what could be seen from the different angles, just as I’m sure I’d wander from side to side in front of the tank doing the same. I think this layout shows a little more dimension and character. Just my 2¢ worth!



Your tank, even post-disaster, still makes mine look like a fishbowl…looking forward to the progress!!
Click to expand...



Good feedback. Thank you. I'm not convinced that this will be the final layout. I'm sure there will be some tweaking...but, overall, I'm happy with the concept. My only concern is that I have too much rock at this time.....and the addition of corals might necesitate some rock removal/tweaking. I'll post some top down pics when I return from vacation which will better show the layout.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9685478#post9685478 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by steveweast
I'm off to Hawaii in a few days.....but, upon my return, I want to install a low water level sensor in my sump that is connected to my ACIII.....where, when tripped, it will tell my ACIII to turn off my skimmer pumps. I'm sure someone out there knows how to accomplish this....anyone ? In the meantime, I'm keeping 200 gals of mixed water on hand.
Click to expand...

Steve:

Apparently doing this is extremely simple. I had originally planned on doing the same myself in the sump to turn off the return pump and any equipment being fed by the sump in case of a low/empty level. The other thing was also to put a small float switch on the main tank itself out of sight that woul simply alarm if the water level was to drop like from a blown seal in one of the close loop pumps that could simply empty the entire tank is just a few minutes. Like you, I hate float switches to control things, but I think of these 2 as safeguards and not control units. I never got around to completing it, so I could not tell you how to do it myself. The alarm for the tank itself, you can get already made fron Tunze. The other to connect to the AC, you need to contact Curt at Neptune. I had corresponded back and forth with him about it, and it seems very simply to do as just about any float switch will work. You also need to add some code for the alarm or notification to come on and for the things you want to turn off. Give him a call. I find him to be not much on the volunteering info side, but he knows his stuff well and will guide you through it.

Best of luck;)
 
Originally posted by steveweast
I'm off to Hawaii in a few days.....but, upon my return, I want to install a low water level sensor in my sump that is connected to my ACIII.....where, when tripped, it will tell my ACIII to turn off my skimmer pumps. I'm sure someone out there knows how to accomplish this....anyone ? In the meantime, I'm keeping 200 gals of mixed water on hand.


I think you just need this: http://www.neptunesys.com/aquaController3.htm#EXPAND

and a sensor of course
 
I am using electronic float switches in unison with the ACIII Pro and it works great. That is how I solved my over-skimming/flood issue. I have one on my skimmate bucket and when it is triggered, it shuts down my air pump via the ACIII...no more exploding skimmers!!

I also have one to control my kalk top-off so that when the correct sump water level is achieved, the LiterMeter II is shut down. I prefer mechanical solutions just as much as the next reef geek, but in these cases, it has proven to be less problematic to use the float switches. I also make sure to place them so that no light hits them and a stray snail cannot get to them.

I have the Neptune PX-1000 as well and use it for a second pH probe for my multi-media reactor. They can be daisy-chained but unless you are running several tanks, I don't think that is neccessary.
 
Thanks everyone....how about the float switch itself ? I prefer not to use a conventional float switch that could foul over time or has to be drilled through the side of the sump below waterline for mounting. Hopefully, this switch will never be activated.....so, I'm looking for something that will be basically maintenance free....and will never fail.....maybe an electronic switch of some kind that can be hung down into the sump instead of a mechanic float ?
 
There are a lot of sources for good float switches. Start with autotopoff.com, www.liquidlevel.com, and www.floatswitch.net. They have a great selection.

Right now I am using miniature float switches and I thread the wires through about 8" of tubing, insert/screw the float switch into the tubing, and then fill the tubing up with 100% silicone. That makes for a very nice waterproof install and I have yet to have one foul, even though one is in my skimmate bucket. They can be installed just about anywhere.

Wish I had a pic handy but I cannot find one. BTW, we are not suggesting that you use a float valve, which your post seems to imply. These are electronic float switches. (just to clarify)
 
I cant believe I overlooked this thread- yikes anyways sorry bout your loss. Makes me wonder how many disasters yet to come involving valves and so forth.
Good luck and happy reefing.
 
Have you seen the optic switch used on a Tunze Osmolator Steve? They are extremely reliable. Not sure how you would rig one for your application but I'm sure it could be done. I personally only trust float switches for redundancy.

Chris
 
Steve your tank has truly been an inspiration for me, I have had two similar crashes that have wiped out my tank, the latest didn't wiped out but I lost 4 large colonies, the tank developed a small remote leak on the chiller o-ring that was undetectable because my Fish room is outside the house, anyway the slow water loss from the leak was replaced daily by RO water through the ATO as a result the tank salinity slowly dropped to 1012 by the time I noticed was when I started checking parameters after my sps's starting showing signs of stress, by the time I was able to bring the salt back up 4 large colonies had perished.
Needless to say I am adding the salinity check to the weekly testing chores.
Good luck, rebuilding your beautiful system.
 
Good luck in rebuilding your tank. You tank was--and still is--the most impressive tank I've ever seen.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9777542#post9777542 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fishdoc11
Have you seen the optic switch used on a Tunze Osmolator Steve? They are extremely reliable. Not sure how you would rig one for your application but I'm sure it could be done. I personally only trust float switches for redundancy.

Chris
Click to expand...
True about the osmolator device, but it's not 100% maintenance-free. Over a long period of time the sensor can be obstructed with coralline, rendering it functionless, although this is easily solved IF you remember to clean it off every so often.
 
Would the switch have to be something that high tech? Completely random thought from someone who knows nothing...but...

How about something that attaches from above and floats on the top of the water. Like an acrylic rod with a float ball on the end. When the water drains, it 'pulls' the rod down and activates the connection causing the controller to shut down the skimmer? The maint would be tugging on it once every couple of days to make sure the connection is good. The connection should be a simple switch plugged into the controller. Zero wattage, zero maint. *shrug*
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9787752#post9787752 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dudester
True about the osmolator device, but it's not 100% maintenance-free. Over a long period of time the sensor can be obstructed with coralline, rendering it functionless, although this is easily solved IF you remember to clean it off every so often.
Click to expand...

I keep mine in the dark and don't have that problem;)
Nothing is 100% maintenance free. The optic switch on the Osmolator is about as reliable as a top off, water sensor switch is going to be.

Chris
 
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