Need advice on equipment to buy (and other stuff). Attn. Mr Squidd

tankyou

Member
Hi all:
I've been lurking on this DB for a few days and have learned a lot. I beg your indulgence as a newb, and hope to eventually give as much or more than I get.
My present circumstance is that I've just bought a new 125 gal. all glass aquarium 6' x 22' x 18". I'm going to be building a custom counter and top with incorporated bar sink (not enough room for anything larger) with a refugium etc located underneath. I'm going to be doing the lighting, plumbing electrical and carpentry myself. I'm handy with tools, and I work as a wastewater professional so a lot of the technology and theory I'm familiar with.
I'm planning on a fish-only (w exception of some cleaner shrimp and perhaps a feather worm or two) w/ liverock & livesand which I plan to mine locally (I live in Hawaii). I'd like to do a reeftank, but thats illegal here. I also intend to get my water from the ocean which is no big deal since I'm close to the beach and on a tight budget.
I need some help on what brands of equipment are best on my modest budget. I've pretty much decided on a mag 18 as my pump of choice, which I'll have to mail-order as for some reason local retailers don't seem to stock a lot of the favored eqipment on this DB.
I was thinking about building my own skimmer but there are space constraints which the design I like won't accomodate, thus I'm pondering buying a skimmer locally which looks very much in appearance like an ASM G series. I don't know the manufacturer, because it is the housebrand of the retailer, it goes by the name of Pets Pacifica Super Vortex 1003 (sale price $120 w/o pump) its an insump rated for tanks up to 300 gal.
For my refugium I'm planning on either buying a 55 gal tank or I might be able to get a used acrylic 120 gal for free. At one time it accomodated guppies and tilapia in treated sewage effluent, but it is no longer in use at the facility.
I had planned to have the flow in the fuge running from the influent at the terminus of my overflow box through charcoal and media filtration in a double-pass baffle through the refugium proper filled with liverock, livesand, and possibly a mangrove, then over a weir to the skimmer and thence to be pumped to the far corners of my tank (with the overflow situated in the middle).
This differs from the standard split flow refugium advocated by the revered and ubiquitous Mr. Squidd whose name I shall not take in vane and whose knowledge I shall defer to, but I guess the question I am asking is, wouldn't the refugiums liverock benefit from the unskimmed nutrients? At anyrate I think I shall rely on Squidds method, and appreciate any advice.
Am I on the right track? All criticisms are appreciated.
 

tankyou

Member
Anyway I bought a CA super vortex 1003 skimmer today ($100) and CA -6000 aqua pump ($65) rated at about 1500 gph @ 4'.
I was wondering can I plumb it so that I can tee my 1'' discharge from the pump with a ball valve choking or rather adjusting the flow to my skimmer while the lions share of the flow is diverted to my tank. Does this present a turbulence problem entering the skimmer? I read somewhere that skimmer flow should be twice that of system volume per day, true?
I also picked up a couple of used overflow boxes and sockholders from a guy who listed them on craigslist. They are rated at 700 gph each, any chance I might overwhelm them? I was thinking of plumbing a valved return line to the fuge's influent to avoid that possibility.
Any thoughts?
 

squidd

Active Member
Originally Posted by Tankyou
Hi all:
I've been lurking on this DB for a few days and have learned a lot. I beg your indulgence as a newb, and hope to eventually give as much or more than I get.
>>> That's what we do here...rehash and refine...But each new perspective adds new insight..<<<
My present circumstance is that I've just bought a new 125 gal. all glass aquarium 6' x 22' x 18". I'm going to be building a custom counter and top with incorporated bar sink (not enough room for anything larger) with a refugium etc located underneath. I'm going to be doing the lighting, plumbing electrical and carpentry myself. I'm handy with tools, and I work as a wastewater professional so a lot of the technology and theory I'm familiar with.
>> Your way ahead of a lot of DIYers... Now we just need to refine the technique<<
I'm planning on a fish-only (w exception of some cleaner shrimp and perhaps a feather worm or two) w/ liverock & livesand which I plan to mine locally (I live in Hawaii). I'd like to do a reeftank, but thats illegal here. I also intend to get my water from the ocean which is no big deal since I'm close to the beach and on a tight budget.
I need some help on what brands of equipment are best on my modest budget. I've pretty much decided on a mag 18 as my pump of choice, which I'll have to mail-order as for some reason local retailers don't seem to stock a lot of the favored eqipment on this DB.
I was thinking about building my own skimmer but there are space constraints which the design I like won't accomodate, thus I'm pondering buying a skimmer locally which looks very much in appearance like an ASM G series. I don't know the manufacturer, because it is the housebrand of the retailer, it goes by the name of Pets Pacifica Super Vortex 1003 (sale price $120 w/o pump) its an insump rated for tanks up to 300 gal.
>>> I like the Mag pumps, but you got to go with what's available..Never heard of the CA stuff, but that doesn't mean it's not adaquate..<<<
For my refugium I'm planning on either buying a 55 gal tank or I might be able to get a used acrylic 120 gal for free. At one time it accomodated guppies and tilapia in treated sewage effluent, but it is no longer in use at the facility.
>>>Treated Sewage Effluent...?? I'd be leary of contaminents, but your not doing a sensitive Reef, and you are the "waste water professional" so would know better than I the level of contaminants..Free is good, Bigger is better..<<
I had planned to have the flow in the fuge running from the influent at the terminus of my overflow box through charcoal and media filtration in a double-pass baffle through the refugium proper filled with liverock, livesand, and possibly a mangrove, then over a weir to the skimmer and thence to be pumped to the far corners of my tank (with the overflow situated in the middle).
>>>I like the return chamber in center and "split" drain flow to fuge side and skimmer side, converging in center ...<<
This differs from the standard split flow refugium advocated by the revered and ubiquitous Mr. Squidd whose name I shall not take in vane and whose knowledge I shall defer to, but I guess the question I am asking is, wouldn't the refugiums liverock benefit from the unskimmed nutrients? At anyrate I think I shall rely on Squidds method, and appreciate any advice.
>>> The rock should be in the Tank... the way I set up my "Fuge" is as an "Algal Scrubber" So raw tank water is a benifit for absorbtion and export of malnutrients.... But the skimmer will also work more "effectively" with a raw water influx..running one to the next leaves one with "1/2" treated water to work with...eventually ALL the water will go to both, (several times a day actually) so I see no benifit to running at less than maximum input...<<<
Am I on the right track? All criticisms are appreciated.
Whoa Dude, Missed you last night and you alreadt went out and bought a pump and a skimmer....
 

squidd

Active Member
Originally Posted by Tankyou
Anyway I bought a CA super vortex 1003 skimmer today ($100) and CA -6000 aqua pump ($65) rated at about 1500 gph @ 4'.
>>> Would be interested in specs and pics..??<<<
I was wondering can I plumb it so that I can tee my 1'' discharge from the pump with a ball valve choking or rather adjusting the flow to my skimmer while the lions share of the flow is diverted to my tank. Does this present a turbulence problem entering the skimmer? I read somewhere that skimmer flow should be twice that of system volume per day, true?
>>>Is the pump "matched to Skimmer, or are you talking about using "part" of return pump flow to power skimmer... Generally, you would use a matched skimmer pump (self contained) and a seperate return pump matched to overflow rating)...<<<
I also picked up a couple of used overflow boxes and sockholders from a guy who listed them on craigslist. They are rated at 700 gph each, any chance I might overwhelm them? I was thinking of plumbing a valved return line to the fuge's influent to avoid that possibility.
>>> Most likely you will not overwhelm 2X700 overflows with that pump, by the time you add elbows and return line restriction head "rating" will go a good bit higher than the 4' number you quoted...and even less flow if you divert to skimmer...again, I would look into a "seperate/matched" skimmer pump and use the return pump to it's fullest capacity for return to MT...<<<
Any thoughts?
:thinking: "Boink"...<<< That's the sound of the Ball going back into your court...
 

tankyou

Member
Originally Posted by Squidd
Whoa Dude, Missed you last night and you alreadt went out and bought a pump and a skimmer....

Yup, gotta feed a fever.
>>> That's what we do here...rehash and refine...But each new perspective adds new insight..<<<
Hopefully so in my case.
>> Your way ahead of a lot of DIYers... Now we just need to refine the technique<<
Lead on McDuff!
>>> I like the Mag pumps, but you got to go with what's available..<<<
So it seems do most others, thats why I want one. I actually did find one locally yesterday but it was way expensive compared to what I've seen on the net. I'm gonna see what kind of deal I can get on shipping and hope it comes out cheaper. Either way I'm getting one.
Never heard of the CA stuff, but that doesn't mean it's not adaquate..<<<
Had some favorable comments on this DB, we will see.
>>>Treated Sewage Effluent...?? I'd be leary of contaminents, but your not doing a sensitive Reef, and you are the "waste water professional" so would know better than I the level of contaminants..Free is good, Bigger is better..<<
"Wastewater professional" is just what we would call here "high makamaka" for sewage treatment plant operator, we are trying to burnish our image in the profession. The standard local reply to such a statement would be "Hey bra; no ack (act)". I am leary of contaminents, but in my experience nothing in that tank has ever died. In fact that is what it was there for; to determine toxins in our plant effluent. Kind of a canary in a coal mine thing. At any rate, I'm going with the new 55gal as I can't wait for the city to condemn it, but when they do...
>>>I like the return chamber in center and "split" drain flow to fuge side and skimmer side, converging in center ...<<
Yeah, I know... I've seen your diagrams. Seems like you have to repeat that lecture fairly often. Don't have to with me, I'm sold. One thing though, it kinda complicates the plumbing if I use one pump for circulation and the skimmer. Do you think I've wasted my money using such a high-flow pump for just my skimmer? Can you think of anything constructive I might do with the extra flow?
>>> The rock should be in the Tank... the way I set up my "Fuge" is as an "Algal Scrubber" So raw tank water is a benifit for absorbtion and export of malnutrients.... But the skimmer will also work more "effectively" with a raw water influx..running one to the next leaves one with "1/2" treated water to work with...eventually ALL the water will go to both, (several times a day actually) so I see no benifit to running at less than maximum input...<<<
Si comprende, mucho bueno. I was actually planning to use liverock in both the tank and refugium, as well as anything else I can think of which can metabolize or rather stabilize nitrites. Is there such a thing as overkill?
 

tankyou

Member
>>> Would be interested in specs and pics..??<<<
So would I. To my chagrin none came in the box's save the claim "for tanks up to 300 gal." on the box for the skimmer, and the flow rates on the box for the pump. I'll see what I can manage for pics. Looks like maingo just got one with his new refugium in the equipment forum. He has some pics up and seems pleased enough.
>>>Is the pump "matched to Skimmer, or are you talking about using "part" of return pump flow to power skimmer...<<<
No and yes.
>>>Generally, you would use a matched skimmer pump (self contained) and a seperate return pump matched to overflow rating)...<<<
I see that, hope I haven't boxed myself in. Do you think my plan is viable?
>>> Most likely you will not overwhelm 2X700 overflows with that pump, by the time you add elbows and return line restriction head "rating" will go a good bit higher than the 4' number you quoted...and even less flow if you divert to skimmer...again, I would look into a "seperate/matched" skimmer pump and use the return pump to it's fullest capacity for return to MT...<<<
Thats what I hoped.
>>>:thinking: "Boink"...<<< That's the sound of the Ball going back into your court...
<<<
"Bap" That's the sound of me lobbing it back.

Oh yeah, and thanks for your time and help.
 

tankyou

Member
SUPER 1003 VORTEX PROTEIN SKIMMER
[PS0040]
Super skimming system for large marine aquariums. Has a built in venturi reaction chamber to spin the bubbles sideways. Jet venturi injector to give optimum bubble size. Pump not included. Up to 300 gallons.
Dimensions: 8" x 8" x 6" x 25
 

tankyou

Member
Product Description:
Good for large aquariums 200 to 400 gallon, large sumps, ponds, pond fountains, pond sprinklers. 12 foot grounded cord. One inch male PVC threaded outlet. Ceramic shaft. Low energy consumption, high water outlet. Output: 1600GPH Power: 163W Dimensions: 4 1/2" x 3" x 8"
 

squidd

Active Member
"High Makamaka"...That's kinda like ..."the revered and ubiquitous Mr. Squidd whose name I shall not take in vane "

Round here we start looking for our "High Rubber Boots" when someone starts talking like that.... :hilarious
I'm a little leery of the size of the pump you have there...Too small for decent return from sump (even if all is returned) and "probably" too big to run the skimmer without diverting some ("1/2") the flow...
Something like a Mag 18 or even a 24 will be a good match to your overflows, and the return divided between skimmer 2/3 and fuge 1/3 would feed effectively...
Could use a little more info on skimmer "recommendations" for pump size...and probably with a needle wheel type impeller and air induction venturi prior to pump...
Looks like that skimmer adds air "after" the pump (center tube with air line attached) Is that piece removeable...? Or glued on..? If it's glued on then a standard flapper wheel impeller pump will be fine...But I'm thinking (guessing) that the skimmer only requires 600-750 gph to operate effectively..
 

tankyou

Member
Originally Posted by Squidd
"High Makamaka"...That's kinda like ..."the revered and ubiquitous Mr. Squidd whose name I shall not take in vane "

Round here we start looking for our "High Rubber Boots" when someone starts talking like that.... :hilarious
I'll try to keep that in mind, but perhaps you should keep your hip-waders handy just in case.

Originally Posted by Squidd
I'm a little leery of the size of the pump you have there...Too small for decent return from sump (even if all is returned) and "probably" too big to run the skimmer without diverting some ("1/2") the flow...
I can see that, unfortunately I've lost the receipt for the underpowered pump, and I'm faced with budget constraints. Is it possible to run the aforementioned pump returning the total flow, and add a powerhead in the tank to turn over enough water? Is the object to return flow or just move water?
Originally Posted by Squidd
Something like a Mag 18 or even a 24 will be a good match to your overflows, and the return divided between skimmer 2/3 and fuge 1/3 would feed effectively...
Sounds like a plan! Hope I can return that other pump.
Originally Posted by Squidd

Could use a little more info on skimmer "recommendations" for pump size...and probably with a needle wheel type impeller and air induction venturi prior to pump...
I Emailed the company, and just got an answer, they recommended a CA -1800 (650 GPH) as a match for the skimmer, so it looks like I'm gonna be buying one of those and plumbing my main pump seperately
Originally Posted by Squidd

Looks like that skimmer adds air "after" the pump (center tube with air line attached) Is that piece removeable...? Or glued on..?
Glued.
Originally Posted by Squidd

If it's glued on then a standard flapper wheel impeller pump will be fine...But I'm thinking (guessing) that the skimmer only requires 600-750 gph to operate effectively..
According to CA, looks like you "guessed" right
 

squidd

Active Member
Is it possible to run the aforementioned pump returning the total flow, and add a power head in the tank to turn over enough water? Is the object to return flow or just move water?
Yes, if you use all of the pumps flow for return from sump AND get the CA-1800 (or equivalent) for the skimmer, supplemental flow can be made up with power heads or closed loop system...
The "object" is to return (move) enough water to allow the sump IE: skimmer and Fuge... to have enough water to operate effectively...
My "suggestion" would be to get 1 1/2X skimmer volume to skimmer chamber (975gph) and 10 X fuge volume to fuge side ...
Now if you go with the 55 by the time we divide out the various chambers, you will end up around 25-27 gallons in the fuge... so 270 gph there...requireing a 1250 gph "minimal" flow...Your overflows should be able to handle that
The pump you have (CA-6000) will be close to that after head loss...
If you go with the larger (acrylic) tank which would give a larger and more effective fuge size... the CA- 6000 would be on the light side...
So it looks like your either buying the 55 and using the pump you have ...or
Getting the acrylic 120 and buying a larger pump...
Looks like it might work out after all...
 

tankyou

Member
Outstanding!

I went out and got the 55 today, bought the skimmer pump, and thirty bucks worth of acrylic scrap for baffles from a plastics shop. Went down to my local big box hardware and dropped another $160 on wiring, a 20 amp circuit beaker and GFCI outlet (dedicated circuit for aquarium), and various bits of hardware for stand, cabinet and hood.
Tomorrow I buy lumber and plumbing stuff then its off to the races! Of course I still have to buy all the fiddly bits but I'm saving that for last. My wife no doubt will be taking pictures and I'll post them in case you or anyone is interested, probably start another thread in doing so as I think this one has probably run its course. That doesn't mean I still won't be depending on your sage advice in this nascent adventure
(told you to keep those boots handy).
Thanks for all your help Squidd!
 
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