Rugbyfish

I have been using a reactor to run carbon, but I am thinking about going another route. First, the reactor gets bubbles in it over time and then the pump, set on a very low setting so the carbon doesn't tumble and create fines, can't push any water through because of the bubbles in the exit pipes at the top of the reactor. Its pretty annoying, I have to flush the bubbles out every couple of days. I have read about the mesh bag concerns (inefficient and only surface carbon having contact) so I am thinking about a better way. Here are my thoughts and please comment: What if I create a plexiglass support that holds the carbon mesh bag in the sump standing up vertically. This plexiglass support could also force all water in the sump to go through the mesh bag before reaching the sump pump. Kind of like a dam but with the mesh bag of carbon being the flood gate. Keep in mind, for me, the pump is external and water goes out of the sump through a bulk head and into the pump. Thoughts?

If you go the red slime remover route, you don't have to use as much as the instructions say. I used less than half and if wiped out all the cyno I had.

I have had cyno in the past and I am convinced that it came from the food I fed. I was able to wipe the cyno out with "ultra red slime remover": http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~category~Ultralife_Red_Slime_Remover_Red_Slime___Cyanobacteria_Remover_Medications~vendor~Ultralife~idProduct~UL1311~idCategory~FIMERM.html This stuff kicks butt, but be sure to turn off your protein skimmer, otherwise it will go nuts.

Wow Andy, thank you for your contribution. Very interesting.

Its all good, the more info to share the better.

I have read a couple of different things and I was always slow to change my light bulbs, as I was not using them as many hours per day as most (and I was trying to save a $ or 2) But now with some algea problems, I am about to wage war on the algea. This prompted a question, how often do you change your light bulbs (VHO, Halides, T-5s)? Thank you for participating.

ah, this sugar idea is new to me. I am going to give it a whirl.

May not be what you are looking for I have a Sump, dimensions: Height: 15.75”, length: 28”, width: 14.5” Acrylic walls are 3/8” thick. If my math is right, that’s 24+ gallons. I purchased it from Waves a couple years ago for $250. Asking for $100 See picture "sump"

I use a reactor like dsoz is describing above, but I am thinking about going another route. First, the reactor gets bubbles in it over time and then the pump, set on a very low setting so the carbon doesn't tumble and create fines, can't push any water through. So pretty annoying, I have to flush the bubbles out every couple of days. I have read about the mesh bag concerns (inefficient and only surface carbon having contact) so I am thinking about a better way. Here are my thoughts and please comment: What if I create a plexiglass support that holds the carbon mesh bag in the sump standing up vertically. This plexiglass support could also force all water in the sump to go through the mesh bag before reaching the sump pump. Kind of like a dam but with the mesh bag of carbon being the flood gate. Keep in mind, for me, the pump is external and water goes out of the sump through a bulk head and into the pump. Thoughts?

Thanks Brandon for the LR

called about the 11lbs rock. will pick up in about an hour.

R-3, I have 1 bag left. Let me know. Let me know if you want to trade instead.

You are welcome

My reservations about the RKs are the # of plugs you can have. I was taking a look at the comparision chart and saw that the controller could only control 8 plugs, did I miss something? Is that true for the Reefkeeper lite? I could see using 8 plugs right away (2 fans, 2 pumps, 4 for VHOs, 2 for Halides, 1 for Phosphate reactor.....) I went to the Aquacontroller site and I saw something that said they should have the controlloer by June 22nd. I didn't call to confirm, but that doesn't seem too far away. For me, I am thinking I might get out of the hobby in a couple years when I have kids, so its pretty hard to drop $500 on an Apex.

I wonder if downhillbiker has seen this yet, he was looking into controllers before his move.

I started to when I started having a mass die off of my frogspawn. I couldn't figure out the problem, but soon adding it to my sump, my frogspawn came back as well as some toadstools that were under distress. Not 100% sure this was the "cure", but I do draw that conclusion.

No worries. thanks for your feedback. I don't have much for a camera so this ought to be interesting.

I have 40Lb bags of CaribSea Seaflro Special Grade. Never opened. I bought more than I needed. It cost me $25 + the shipping (which was ridiculous ~$16). I sell you it for $25 a bag, I think I have 3. I am in Tigard. Give me a call: 503-522-9626 Bill http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem.aspx?category=CaribSea_Seaflor_Special_Grade_Reef_Sand_Dry_Sand_for_Saltwater___Reef_Aquariums&vendor=CaribSea&idProduct=CS0020&IdCategory=FISSDS&tab=0

I guess no one has seen RBTA... my bad. I will try to get them this weekend.

1 huge RBTA => 2 (clap) 2 => 4 (plotting) 4 becomes too many. DOH! All healthy and looking good. Last split was over a month ago. All 6"+ in diameter. Located in Tigard. $45 each. Private message me if you are interested.

pm sent regarding Crosshatch. thanks, Rug

I recently purchased this ATO system: http://www.autotopoff.com/products/DS1/ I am still setting it up. It wasn't cheap ($60, which included shipping) but it was a lot easier then building it myself. The one you referrenced in your link does not have the back up float valve. I looked at that one first too, then decided for the extra money I would buy the insurance of having the 2nd valve. It depends what you are using it for but I am using mine to ATO my sump and for the extra couple of bucks, I decided it was a lot cheaper than pouring 30 gallons of water onto my floor in the event that the first float valve failed (which I heard happens).

I am using a float switch with a second switch as a backup. This one, to be exact: http://www.autotopoff.com/products/DS1/ Thank you for your feedback on the pump selection.

Ok, so if I am setting up an ATO system from the resevior, any suggestions on a pump? I was thinking about using the smallest diameter hose from the resevior to the sump, but the hose has to run from the garage, into the crawl space, and into the fishtank room. I had seen pumps called water lifter (see link), but I am concerned this will not be able to move the water far enough (it needs to travel 5' vertically and 20 feet horizontally. http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~OE1137.html Any suggestions? Sure, I could use a powerhead, but I am trying to keep the diameter of the hose as small as possible.

those are pretty cool