The Metal 180 build

[Steve McKay]

Looks like it can kick some ***.What kind is it?

[Parrothead]

if that beast works half as good as it looks, you'll be having left over skimmate for dinner every night

Killer find...........

[metalhead]

Looks like it can kick some ***.What kind is it?

Pacific Coast (Octopus) RPS 3000 Needle Wheel

[metalhead]

if that beast works half as good as it looks, you'll be having left over skimmate for dinner every night

Killer find...........

Yep, sonds yummy!!!

You know besides a couple of power heads that's probably the first new piece of reef equipment I've ever acquired up to this point. I need to make sure it works though before I get too excited.

[Parrothead]

Yep, sonds yummy!!!

You know besides a couple of power heads that's probably the first new piece of reef equipment I've ever acquired up to this point. I need to make sure it works though before I get too excited.

That's the problem with new stuff

[Deathsmile]

That skimmer looks like a mean Mother. Id be shaking in my little boots if i was grim and gunt in your water.

Im gonna have to get a skimmer for my new 90 soon, but nothing THAT extreme

[metalhead]

Well... Just watched a wrecker leave with my truck after working on it for three days and getting nowhere. Just another in a long line of set-backs so I've decided to bring the new year in right and take the rest of the week off to work on the 180.

[metalhead]

BTW... Any advice on how to plumb the skimmer in correctly? I've never done an out of sump setup before.

[Steve McKay]

Either raise it up high enough for the return and feed it with a pump from sump or connect the return directly to the sump and feed it the same way.If you choose the latter,then the return will have back pressure.I know this can be solved but I don't know how exactly,there is also a possibility that there isn't enough back pressure to affect it.I would contact the manufacturer to find out more.

[Doodaa]

I've found that the back pressure way requires a lot more babysitting. It seems to change every day or every hour. I like Steve's first suggesting to let the skimmer drain freely into your sump. Makes more noise, but is a lot more consistent and I think maybe processes a bit more water...maybe not enough to make a difference though. The big thing for me is less hassle, tweaking, and worrying.

[Steve McKay]

Doodaa did you have a top off system in place at the time,varying sump height can affect the back pressure.But yes,the first idea is easier and you don't have to worry about the sump or skimmer leaking.

[metalhead]

Well I ended up branching a feed off the main return pump to feed the skimmer. I also redneck-engineered some really nice euro-style metric pvc fittings while I was at it. Sheez!

I really didn't want to take any pressure away from my returns, but, it really worked out better design-wise and I really like the idea of just running one pump. Besides, it's a friggin' jacuzzi pump... I think I should be OK.

Pics coming later today.

[Parrothead]

"Pics coming later today. "

[Steve McKay]

[metalhead]

[Parrothead]

looking good

[Steve McKay]

Yea,it's coming together now.

[metalhead]

Thanks guys... I'll add another union between the ball valve and skimmer. Also want to build a little reaction chamber for the skimmer return to empty into where I can put some carbon. Any ideas?

[Parrothead]

Check this guy out, he's awesome, might find something here

Melevsreef.com - Welcome!

[twisted]

i cant wait to see the final setup metal! looks like its gonna be real nice. earlier you said you got a new pet and was asked what it was but i never saw the answer?