zoo tank updates
- Thread starter drbronx
- Start date
I am getting mixed feedback regarding the relative wisdom of using an external overflow due to the possibility of malfunction. I'd like to get more thoughts on this to achieve a consensus on which way to go. I have no personal experience with external overflows so I will rely on feedback/experience of others. What can we do if we go that route to minimize failure in case of clogging, power interruptions etc. Any/all input is welcome.
I'm somewhat removed, but I'd like to comment just because I really like this project and I like how you are all running it. If I lived closer I'd be pitching in.
There is probably a reason, so forgive me, but I don't understand why the two tanks are separate. From an outsider's opinion, there is added complication surrounding the seahorse tank.
Why not plumb that into the main system, and have the tank drilled and make it so there are fewer worries, I imagine that there aren't people there every moment so it should be as reliable as possible, as fool proof, (really idiot proof) so that way in a pinch anyone can come and fix an issue that arises, or be explained how to do so over the phone.
There is probably a reason, so forgive me, but I don't understand why the two tanks are separate. From an outsider's opinion, there is added complication surrounding the seahorse tank.
Why not plumb that into the main system, and have the tank drilled and make it so there are fewer worries, I imagine that there aren't people there every moment so it should be as reliable as possible, as fool proof, (really idiot proof) so that way in a pinch anyone can come and fix an issue that arises, or be explained how to do so over the phone.
thepircs
Member
I agree with Kent on this issue. I had the overflow working flawlessly on my undrilled 125 but always worried that something might go wrong and flood the basement....Drilling it is the right way to go. All of my systems are drilled and on a central filtration system. Maintenance is so easy now and worries are gone. I am also running a chiller and the whole system is stable as far as temperature goes. If you decide to use the overflow it is available (and free) any time.
Dave
Dave
Capt_Cully
Active member
Are you running the SH display cooler than the Reef. I think, generally speaking, SH prefer lower tank temps. So, linking them together may not work. If you do run them at higher temps, I believe it opens SH's up to infections and other pathologic processes.
nwrogers
Got gorgs?
IMO drilling the tank and making an internal overflow be it calfo style or a corner overflow is the only way to go. We could also replace the current tank with a RR tank as well. Those are the only options IMO. Also I am a big proponent to having the systems plumbed together, I have been from the beginning of the sea horse project and still am 
(I am suck a jerk :lol: ) I don't have time to do the plumbing but I have some really good ideas on how it should be done. Whoever ends up converting the plumbing over give me a call and I will give you some advice. No extra pumps will be needed to hook up the seahorse tank as the return pump we currently have is powerful enough for both tanks. Reef on 
(I am suck a jerk :lol: ) I don't have time to do the plumbing but I have some really good ideas on how it should be done. Whoever ends up converting the plumbing over give me a call and I will give you some advice. No extra pumps will be needed to hook up the seahorse tank as the return pump we currently have is powerful enough for both tanks. Reef on 
Thanx for all the input from very respected reefers. Adam is correct... we can plumb the systems together due to the temperature tolerances of the Hippocampus Reidi seahorses. Plus, we now have a chiller which will help insure reasonable temps. Based on all above input, it seems wise to drill the SH tank and integrate the systems. I also like Nate's idea of using the existing pumps to circulate the system. Thanks to Dave for offering up the external ovgerflow nonetheless. So now the question becomes how to accomplish this. We will have to temporarily empty the seahorse tank. I could temporarily house the seahorses until their tank is ready if need be. So we will need to pull an equipment list together, procure necessary hardware, find a date to work on the system, empy it and get 'er done. Nate I will contact you for the design and parts list. When can folks meet to work on this?
Thanks for responding you guys. How would some time next weekend be. I'll have more time plus we'll need to round up some stuff. I'll contact Nate to get his notions on nwhat we would need. Who locally might be able to drill the SH tank? How long after the tank is drilled until it could be operational? Any thoughts on durso or Calfo style overflows?
Thanks for raising this thread from the crypt Steve. As it happens, I have been out of town alot lately getting some much needed R&R. But alas, the party is over. I have still been managing to get over to the zoo every week or so to check on things, and tweak the system. Things in both tanks look fairly good. The seahorse tank did develop some hair algae since the Seaclone 150 kindly donated by Ben just wasn't up to the job and so I donated my Amiracle HOB skimmer which shoulkd help rectify the issue since it pulls out much more skimmate. One seahorse did die, possibly due to temp fluctuations during the july heat wave. The plan is to plumb the seahorse tank into the main system during the offseason. I have been unable to locate a sourse for predrilled 37g tanks so hopefully we can drill our own and create a Calfo overflow system. Perhaps we can soon come up with a weekend to gather some bodies to drill a 37 gallon tank, set it up and when ready plumb it in.
There have still been some sps difficulties since on occasion the zoo staff fail to top off the kalk delivery system however despite these lapses, most sps continue to hang in there and I try to resupply failing frags. All the fish look terrific and the displays continue to generate positive public interest.
There have still been some sps difficulties since on occasion the zoo staff fail to top off the kalk delivery system however despite these lapses, most sps continue to hang in there and I try to resupply failing frags. All the fish look terrific and the displays continue to generate positive public interest.
A big thanx to Vince for taking time with his extremely busy schedule what with the new baby, full time work and college to meet me on a Saturday night to fix the main circulation pump. This time at least we didn't have to empty the sump since I purchased a threaded plug for the outlet drain. Once again (this last happened about 5 months ago), the pump impeller and housing were heavily calcified and with some vinegar, brushes and elbow grease we got the pump going. This is probably a regularly scheduled chore that should be performed about every 4 months. Next time should be in or about January. Thanx again Vince.
The displays continue to chug along. I go once a week to do some basic maintenance tasks and to trouble shoot issues that arise during the week. The zoo staff is doing a good job with upkeep and the system operates fairly smoothly by and large (knock on wood!) There are still some issues maintaining alkalinity issues for some reason (despite boosting magnesium). But this is managed by adding two-part alkalinity in addition to the kalkwasser. Sps's are holding up well. Nate was kind enough to donate a good size green slimer colony, a colony of giant green palyzoas, and a few other things. Plus I placed in a large green lobophyton that the zoo purchased from Nate at a discounted rate.
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