Aqui Lifter Failed.....

[cwoods5]

Well I hope all those pictures made it online. I know its not much compared to some of the tanks you guys have. But i'm learning and enjoying all of this. My upgrade plans had a small problem later today when i came home and started measuring and found out that the best spots i had to put the new tank was only 60" in lenght. maybe i can talk the mrs into some minor consstruction and then turn it into major construction to make it work. what is everyone's thoughts on a tank that is only 60" long

[Bloodydecks]

The tank still looks better then I thought it would (again, based on your description). The water seems pretty hazy. Have you checked the ammonia and nitrite? How is the pH holding up.

With regards to a 60" tank...you can get a nice 125gal. 60" long, 18" deep and 26" tall. IMO, ideal tank for beginner or advanced hobbyist. Room to allow for minor mistakes, and to keep a large variety of specimens, and not so big that it takes up your entire room.

[kevinpo]

Hello Cynthia,
There are a couple of options regarding the Aqalifter. You can replace it (they cost $15-$16). The Aqualifter pumps typically last 10-12 months.

Before they had the Aqualifter we used to run an airline tube down to the sump/refugium from the small rigid piece of tubing on the top of the overflow box. The lower end of the tubing must be kept close to the bottom of the sump so it is not exposed to air during water changes. After initially starting the siphon by sucking on the tube it will remain full of water if the end is kept below water at all times.

I have sucked in many a critter from reef tanks before I came up with a solution :eek3: Now I have a large syringe with a Jayco coupling on it. I slide the tubing into the quick disconnect and pull the plunger on the syringe.

Cheers,
Kevin

[cwoods5]

Kevin, You lost me on the "small rigid peice of tubing comment" . COudl be also be done as double protection with the lifter?

[kevinpo]

You lost me on the "small rigid piece of tubing comment"

Hello,
The place where the Aqualifter pump connects at the top of the overflow box. Today it is a short nipple but the home made ones were a short piece of rigid airline tubing epoxied into a hole drilled into the top of the overflow. The result is that you are running a continuous siphon from the top of the overflow box to the sump. So if some bubbles get into the overflow they will get sucked down to the sump rather than collecting in the overflow box and stopping it.

Regards,
Kevin

[cdearing]

Kevin,
You mean there was a time when they didn't make Aqualifter?
Guess I need to buy a new one then. I have no idea how old this one is. It came with the 80.
C

[charlie]

Cynthia, give me a call today, I have a few "spares".

[charlie]

cwoods, sorry to hear about this, and Kevin is right, the aqua-lifters only last 10-12 months. I have found that if you do the monthly maintenance they suggest, you don't have problems. It seems as tho they like to be clean, I use vinegar and hot water when I clean mine. You also may want to take a needle and clean out the little nipple at the same time you clean the pump, coralline algae has a way of messing things up.

Hope this helps man!!!!