Protein Skimmer, Calcium/Kalc Reactor Question?

[kaneda.01]

#ed_op#P#ed_cl#Hello, I am a newbie and have been lurking these forums the past few months. During that time I have been heads down reading, researching and asking a ton of questions (local marine shop). I decided a few weeks ago to bite bullet and set up my first reef tank (fulfilling a long time dream). #ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#P#ed_cl#I plan on raising LPS, SPS, inverts and a small number of fish.#ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#P#ed_cl#Here is what I have so far:#ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#UL#ed_cl##ed_op#LI#ed_cl#Oceanic 175 gal reef ready Bowfront (stand/canopy)#ed_op#/LI#ed_cl##ed_op#LI#ed_cl#Oceanic Sump Model 3#ed_op#/LI#ed_cl##ed_op#LI#ed_cl#2 x Magdrive Series 7 (return pumps)#ed_op#/LI#ed_cl##ed_op#LI#ed_cl#2 x Tunze Turbelle Stream 6100 (power heads) + Controller#ed_op#/LI#ed_cl##ed_op#LI#ed_cl#Coralife Aqualight Pro 72

[Whoyah]

I think that maybe the best plan would to design the system to allow for the easy addition of the calcium reactor at later date but hold off until everything else is up and running before adding it. When you start off you won't need it anyways. You might find that money better spent on some other items. Many of the things I have bought, I wish I had waited and learned more before buying.

[kaneda.01]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Thanks Whoyah... I greatly appreciate the reply. After hitting severallocal marine shops today, I decided to add the calc reactor down the road if/when needed.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I did pick up the Euro-Reef 8 RC Skimmerand a Tunze Auto Top-off today. LookslikeIm ready to add water and live rockover the next couple of days. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Any advice on a UV Sterilizer? Can this be run in inline with one of my return pumps (I justexchanged my Mag Drive model 7's to 9.5's)? Is this one of those items that could wait until my tank is cycled and supporting fish/coral?#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Once again thanks! -Bill#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Whoyah]

Most people don't run UV Sterilizer when running a reef tank. Sterilizers kill both the good and the bad bacteria. I believe that Dakar and Angel run one but I am not sure how it is hooked in to their system. If they don't chime in then you may want to PM Dakar and ask the particulars.

The common theory around here is that all of your filtration will come from good live rock and sand, macro algae in a refugium, and top end skimmer. I believe that Euro Reef is good brand skimmer so you have a good start. I would be more than happy to send you a ziplock of chaeto for you fuge if you need some. No sense in paying for something you can get for free.

[kaneda.01]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I did not anticipate on adding a refugium initially... and not wondering if I should have planned to include this item after reading several other threads on this board. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I currently have an Oceanic Model 3 Sump; any idea if I can modify this sump to accomodate a refugium... or should I plan on replacingmy current sumpwith a unit that has this feature out of the box?#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Thanks, -Bill#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Whoyah]

I am having some problems finding a picture of your sump. By chance do you have a website and I can see it on? Or maybe a picture of the sump itself.

[kaneda.01]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Here is avisio diagram that I put together of my sump... #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#IMG alt="image file name: 2k25a7e9862d.jpg" src="http://www.captivereefing.com/richedit/upload/2k25a7e9862d.jpg" border=0#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Hereis a very small reference drawing that I found online: #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#IMG alt="image file name: 2k95cb902c76.jpg" src="http://www.captivereefing.com/richedit/upload/2k95cb902c76.jpg" border=0#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#The Bio-Chamber is re-moveable, and the entire sump is made of glass.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Any assistance would be greatly appreciated... Thanks, -Bill#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Reptoreef]

Your sump will be great... just do not add the bio-balls and keep macro's in the open area with a reverse day light. IMO, the filter before the return chamber will have to be cleaned very frequently, but your system will work great!!!(I would not use the filter).

[kaneda.01]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Just to make sure I am on the right track; here is an updated diagram:#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#IMG alt="image file name: 2k2c29d291c1.jpg" src="http://www.captivereefing.com/richedit/upload/2k2c29d291c1.jpg" border=0#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I search/read several posts on this forum and included the information. So here are some of the questions that remain...#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#OL#ed_cl##ed_op#LI#ed_cl#I was hoping to use the Bio Chamber/Balls to reduce noise in-comming from the display tank, Should I entirely remove the Bio-chamber or fill it with something else like live rock or padded filters?#ed_op#/LI#ed_cl##ed_op#LI#ed_cl#Same thing for the filter that was removed before the return chamber... can I fill with live rock fragments to reduce bubbles, etc?#ed_op#/LI#ed_cl##ed_op#LI#ed_cl#Lastly, do I have too much flow for this set up with the MagDrive 9.5's. I believe between the two pumpsmy total head pressure will be around 1400 gph. (Oceanic Customer Service recommend between 1200 - 1500 for the 175; however my LFS recommend much less?)#ed_op#/LI#ed_cl##ed_op#/OL#ed_cl##ed_op#P#ed_cl#The last question will be important as I will probably have to install my Euro-Reef Skimmer externally using the supplied bulk headsin the return chamber. So I may be able to go with one return pump installed on the second supplied bulk head or install one or two internally... thoughts?#ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#P#ed_cl#Thanks, -Bill#ed_op#/P#ed_cl#

[dakar]

Here's my chime in on the UV sterilzer, we had a brief ich scare with a rather large sailfin tang (about 7" or so long), having no other established tank we could house her in for quarentine we ended up adding a UV to the system, the scare was just that, no outbreak, just results from stressfull shipping. But I plumbed the UV in between the sump to the refuge using running around 250 gph, enough UV and slow enough flow to effectively nuke just about anyhting that was in the water column. It's a rather large UV 36" long with an overdriven T8 tube.

That was serveral months ago, but since we have a rather large fish population we decided to leave it run for a while to see if there would be any benefits or detractors, it's still there. There have been some rumors/thoughts as to them helping reduce algae, I doubt that holds much truth. But I can say we haven't seen any negative effects on anything. On the other hand the only possitive thing we have to say we feel very confident there are no parasites in the system.

Based on our results, they don't appear to harm anything, but no direct benefits for a reef tank.

Some answers for you.

1. I'd reccommend replacing the bioballs with LR.
2. definately, just ensure the LR is constantly submerged.
3. Try running with just one return pump and see how it works out. Adding another later shouldn't be too big a hassle, or just trading up to a 1200gph pump. If you run with both you may want to consider adding a vlave on one to throttle it back to give you some room for fine tuning, 1400 gph maybe a bit too much flow through the refuge with the current configuration of things.

[Whoyah]

1. copy that on the LR
2 You may want to pass on putting LR here. The water level at that point will be the same level as the return chamber. Which might mean that LR is no completely covered. LR could be easily added later.
3. Copy on trying one.

Can you put your skimmer in the return chamber instead of externally? My sump/fuge looks very similar to your sump minus the bioball chamber. My skimmer and return pump are all in the return chamber. Tight squeeze but it all works.

I would recommend getting a auto top for your tank as well. With that much water you will have a gallon or two of evaporation. If you are a DIY kind of guy, I can help you out. I built one that works pretty good.

[kaneda.01]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Yep, the skimmer squeezed in nicely... however therewas no room for the return pump/s. The pumps will have to go external. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I picked up a Tunze auto top-off with my skimmer the other day. It was 50% off... soI couldn't pass it up. Otherwise DIY would have been a welcome alternative. I greatly appreciate the offer... :O)#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I wanted to thank Whoyah, Reptoreef and Dakar for your guidance and quick replies. I greatly appreciateyour assistance. Now that I have a plan... it's time to cycle my tank (hopefully this comming weekend). Woo hoo! I'll post some pics once everything is up and running. :O)#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Please have a great week. Thanks, -Bill#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[kaneda.01]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT face="Times New Roman"#ed_cl#Last minute thought... not sure what benefit the bio-chamber provides me? Will live rock be okay in the bio-chamber as it will not be receiving any light as it is entirely closed except for the pores on the front face?#ed_op#?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /#ed_cl##ed_op#o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT face="Times New Roman"#ed_cl##ed_op#o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT face="Times New Roman"#ed_cl#Originally, I was sold on the top filter/bio-chamber/bio-balls to help reducesome of the noise. However after reading the replies to this post and several other posts on the advantages of LR over bio-balls convinced me to definitely take them out of picture.#ed_op#o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT face="Times New Roman"#ed_cl##ed_op#o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT face="Times New Roman"#ed_cl#If I remove the bio-chamber from the picture any suggestions on how I can reduce the noise resulting from the drain pipes pouring into the sump. #ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT face="Times New Roman"#ed_cl##ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT face="Times New Roman"#ed_cl##ed_op#o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#IMG alt="image file name: 2kb3609e5b5b.jpg" src="http://www.captivereefing.com/richedit/upload/2kb3609e5b5b.jpg" border=0#ed_cl##ed_op#/o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT face="Times New Roman"#ed_cl##ed_op#o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT face="Times New Roman"#ed_cl#I have a two piece glass canopy that covers theentire sump.The first piece has pre-drilled holes for the drain pipe and the second covers the rest of the sump. #ed_op#o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT face="Times New Roman"#ed_cl##ed_op#o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT face="Times New Roman"#ed_cl#Is the solution as simple as running 1" pipes from the canopy bulk headsunder water level with a 90 degree elbow on the ends? #ed_op#o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT face="Times New Roman"#ed_cl##ed_op#o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT face="Times New Roman"#ed_cl#Another idea I was tossing around was to modify the filter tray to attach to the canopy so thedrain pipes spill onto the sponge/carbon filter first and then drip into the refugium area... thoughts?#ed_op#o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT face="Times New Roman"#ed_cl##ed_op#o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT face="Times New Roman"#ed_cl#Thanks, -Bill#ed_op#o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/o:p#ed_cl##ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/P#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Reptoreef]

Not a problem... next time, you can be the one helping. That's the whole idea behind Captive Reefing... sharing, helping, gloating, sobbing, and venting.

[Whoyah]

Here is what I did for my input chamber.

The chamber is roughly 4" x 4" and 1" higher then the fuge baffle. I bent a piece of 1/4" acrylic using an industrial heat gun. I put a 1" flange on each edge and siliconed in the corner. I drilled a couple holes and tie wrapped the input pipe to the inside corner. The pipe has some good size holes is in it plus the bottom is a 90 elbow. Works well for me.

Excuse the salt creep. For some reason my input pipe creates bubbles. :-? Oh well.

I have a heater in there and my pH probe.