zoo tank updates

Weekends at the first of the month are good for me. The end of the month is Mac's busy time and I usually have to work Saturdays. Man with this much help we could get things done in no time.
 
Paul: I'll be ordering the $40 filter replacement kit. My guess is that's what you would need unless you don't need the DI replacemet. please let me know ASAP. I will be placing an order for Nate and the zoo.
 
The RO/DI systems are in so we can replace the existing filters. I also purchased a chlorine/chloramine test kit upon Nate's suggestion so we can assess what we are dealing with. I'll need an experienced ro/di person to assist in replacing the filters some time this weekend if possible.

Vince did some research and priced out a solution upon consulting wityh t-5 officianados in Portugal and elsewhere. This solution comes to about $300 and basically involves using 80 watt lamps. It is my belief that we also need to rearrange the lamps so that the reflectors are right next to each other rather than evenly spaced over the top of the tank to allow for a more concentrated punch. I consulted with Steve lowe on this who is in agreement. I proposed the problem, solution and cost to the Zoo director tonight and will await his response.

Finally, Mike informed me that the budget for the seahorse tank was officially approved and so he is anxious for us to get started.

Adam, please let me know about when your set up may come available. Or do folks think we should go bigger. My own feeling is that at least for now, Adams tank would be sufficient for 1 pair of seahorses and a couple of pipefish. It could be a cheap set up which would allow for more cool stuff for the main display. I am open to other viewpoints.

I propose that we meet next weekend to do some maintenance and discuss lighting and seahorse issues. Please indicate availability., Thanks all.
 
Hello
What time would you like to meet this weekend. As for the lighting I design the hood so the spacing in between the existing lights could be use. So its possible to modify this hood to place the lights next to each other. If we meet this weekend I could bring my drill and make the modifications so the 4 lights are next to each other.
 
Mike gave the OK to upgrade the lighting system. Once I get the specifics from Vince I will order ATI 80 watt lamps and some reflectors.

Paul, we should probably wait until the new lamps arrive to reconfigure the system. Would you be available some time next weekend?
 
Based upon Vinces extensive research and contact with some of the leading t-5 experts, I just ordered some new t-5 lamps that should increase our output by 50% without requiring additional ballasts. Hopefully then we can keep some sps.

Vince and i replaced the ro/di filters today. We tested chlorine/chloramine with a new kit and it tested at 0. We also worked on the Vortech pumps that have been a royal pain to deal with. One of the drive shafts was worn and I'll try to find a replacement though I have half a mind to chuck the vortech and get a hydor carolia 4.

Next weekend we will meet to work on the lighting (assuming the bulbs arrive) and also work on the sump (the ball valve we put in between the sump and main pump is creating a cavitation and microbubbles). We are also intending on replacing the two part dosing system with a kalk dosing system. So lots to do but the lighting is priority 1.

My preference for working on the tank would be Sunday AM or Sat. afternoon. What works for others? Paul, we will definitely need your electronic skills.
 
Hello,
Either day is fine with me. I'm not sure how we are going to add the new lights without another ballast. I believe the ICECAP 660 can fire upto 40 bulbs with at total lenght of 16 feet. Each ICECAP we currently have has 4 bulbs on it (12 feet).
 
we are getting rid of the 36inch bulbs and putting 3 80w 5' bulbs on each ballast. That will give us about 52% more wattage as well as a solid light across the tank.
 
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When yu order from filter guys If you are getting a new RO membrane go with the 75 gpd it has a rejection rate of 98% , the 100 gpd rejects 90%
 
that order had already been made but the membrane was still good so there was no need for replacement. but thank you for the suggestion, yea i dont know why people would even need 100 GPD...lol...
 
but there is no need for that much water...dave you goin to do a 100g water change in your system...lol..
 
Paul, Vince and whomever else wants to help: How is Sunday at 10am to work at the zoo (pending arrival of the lamps which were shipped out monday). We can also discuss the seahorse project.

I also called Vortech and ordered a new drive shaft.
 
Dave and Robinson; Sorry you guys can't make it but no worries, there will be plenty of other opportunities.
 
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