New 180 gallon system build TOTW 9-6-07

[Samper]

I am thinking about upgrading the return to an Iwaki or something along those lines but I'm not sure of the model I need. The mags sometimes won't restart even when clean and I can't risk that happening.

I have some extra funds that need to be spent...around $300.00 and I think a more reliable return is the way to go.

I can't run too much flow through the sump because of the refugium and I have 2 3/4" locline returns. If I could find 1" locline I could go that route. What do you guys recommend I go with?

[Poseidon]

How about a Blueline 55, or maybe a 40HD-X? I really like those 2 pumps, I have the 55 on my return and the 40 on my MR-2 skimmer. Does your budget allow for a Sequence pump of some sort, that would be the BEST option for GPH/Watts.

[Samper]

I have $300.00 that I can spend on a return. The reviews on the sequence seem to be hit or miss on the seals holding.

I'm pretty tired. The vivarium and aquarium are in place. It is nowhere near finished but it is going to be amazing! In person...wow. The pics don't do it justice but you can get a good idea.

[Samper]

More

[Samper]

And some more. Does anyone see a problem with that vent?

More to come tomorrow. We'll be at it for atleast another day finishing up the stand and getting everything situated. After that I'll begin plumbing.

[kgeorge]

Looks good man!

[charlie]

Looking good!!! I am not sure whuch vent you are talking about tho?? I have to agree with Mike. Whether the pump is a sequence or an ampmaster, I think you will get a little more bang for your buck. Both of them have had issues with the seals, but I don't think it is a big worry. The best way is to call the company itself, and ask them about the performance of their seals lately, and make your decision from there.
I know I haven't had a problem with the ampmaster pumps I have since they improved their front end seals.

[Samper]

I'll call em today. In the last set of pictures there is a vent in the floor. It's situated halfway between the vivarium and the aquarium but will blow partly into my sump compartment. I don't see a problem with it being there and so far am thinking it is great that it will circulate air behind and through the cabinets.

[charlie]

Oh, OK, I see that, must be jet lag. I don't see a problem with that, maybe someone else can chip in. Good lick man, it is really shaping up well.

[Poseidon]

Looks good Chuck!

As for the vent, I don't think it will be an issue at all.

[Reefland]

The vent could be a problem during the winter if it is blowing heat? Don't really need heat blown directly on a warm-enough tank. I doubt it would be a problem but could be.

[Poseidon]

Do you have HEAT in Arkansas? LOL!!!! I don't think you would need it very often...

[Samper]

We get our share of snow and ice. From November through February most people here run heaters. If it becomes an issue I'll put something on it to either redirect it or block it during those times.

[charlie]

It should have a shutoff on it, shouldn't it???

[Samper]

Negative ghost rider the pattern is full.

[charlie]

Negative ghost rider the pattern is full.

That is unamerican

[Samper]

Charlie

Well the vivarium is finished. It looks amazing and I must give a very sincere thank you to Jay for his enthusiasm for this project. He poured his heart and soul into his end of the display and everyone at the University is in awe.
Will post the final product pics of that this evening.

I should have water in the display the weekend after this one. Glass Cages had very specific instructions as to when I could fill it and when the silicone will be cured. If I don't wait and something bad happens they won't help me out. I'll plumb it all this weekend.

My MRC reactors came in yesterday as did two Milwaukee Ph controllers...one for me. I doubt I'm going to use the controller function on either of them but it's nice to have if I decide to. After looking at this Nilsen I think I can make one similar but I have to give credit where it's due. Andy does great work. I'll attempt a DIY once everything here slows down some. I have to put the Ca reactor together this evening but here is the kalk reactor pics. Our cats knocked the box over and had so much fun with it that we just had to clean up the mess when they allowed us to.

[Poseidon]

Negative ghost rider the pattern is full.

LOL!!

That is GREAT!

For some reason I didn't think it would that cold there, to require a LOT of heat. I am sure a piece of cardboard and some duct tape would take care of the problem.

That reactor looks GREAT! What does it have buried in there to stir the Kalk? I have a GEO Kalk reactor that uses a MJ1200, and I have to replace the impellar every 6 months or so...

[Samper]

I assumed that it would be a maxi jet inside there but it isn't. It may be a Rio because it looks similar to the pump that came with my cpr refugium in storage. I tried to call him today to find out but couldn't get him. If it is a Rio that is sort of disappointing but his customer service is great so if I have problems it won't be much of one.

Lets talk about safe ways to feed this Nilsen and ways to make it dose at certain times throughout the night. I'm lining the entire bottom section of the cabinet with pond liner so that if an overflow happens I'm covered somewhat. I don't need any accidents.
I originally thought about having a 5 gallon bucket with a float in it. I wanted to T off my water line before the auto top off and run it to the float. Then feed the Nilsen with a MJ 600 on a timer from that bucket. I've never trusted setups like this though. They seem risky and Andy doesn't want me feeding the Nilsen from the auto top off. Since I've never ran one I'm open to any suggestions and imput that you guys have on setting it up in a reliable manner.

[charlie]

Things are looking good, Chuck!!! Except for the mess in the 4th pic, which is pretty cute by the way. As far as the Rio goes, I would give Andy a call, I am sure he can give a hand.
I'll just kind of stick around here on the reactors. I have never used one, so I might learn something to!!!!