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eric b 125
Guest
That's awesome. I can't wait to hear your review.
Snake's 75g build thread
- Thread starter snakeblitz33
- Start date
sweatervest13
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/820#post_3523291
Well, I did it.
I ordered my Photon 48 unit today. XD
And now I feel penniless.
But, I have an almost full tank of gas and a full case of diapers for my daughter. All's good in the world.
Heck yeah!!!
I think you will like it a lot. And a full tank of gas and case of diapers taken care of already is nice. I know I always feel better when I make a tank purchase if I have some household expenses wrapped up already.
What kind of time frame did they give you for delivery? Standard layout with 90 degree optics?
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/820#post_3523291
Well, I did it.
I ordered my Photon 48 unit today. XD
And now I feel penniless.
But, I have an almost full tank of gas and a full case of diapers for my daughter. All's good in the world.
Heck yeah!!!
I think you will like it a lot. And a full tank of gas and case of diapers taken care of already is nice. I know I always feel better when I make a tank purchase if I have some household expenses wrapped up already.
What kind of time frame did they give you for delivery? Standard layout with 90 degree optics?
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Yeah. Feela nice to have a few thigs taken care of at once.
No, i went custom. I got a 12k fixture since i dont like it extremely blue or extremely white. I got 90* optics for everything except the reds which are 120 or i may take the optics off completely depending on what it looks like when i get it.
I also changed the moonlights from blue to neutral white. Logan said that they do great as moonlights. I know, im weird. I like white moonlights instead of blue. Lol. I can switch it out if i dont like it.
I have plans to build a side cabinet in the oncoming weeks and to buy a 40g breeder to act as a new sump in the new cabinet once it is finished. I decided i am going to run my ro unit to the ato via a float valve and have the jbj ato top off my sump. Simple system with some redundancy. The 40g breeder that will sit on the cabinet will be a water change reservoir and add extra volume to the system while its running. The reservoir will have a float valve ran to it. Water changes will be as simple then and very easy to do at practically any time.
Trying to get a lot of it automated so that i can spend more time with my family than the tank. But i also understand that a certain level of dedicatiom has to take place for you to be successful with delicate sps corals.
No, i went custom. I got a 12k fixture since i dont like it extremely blue or extremely white. I got 90* optics for everything except the reds which are 120 or i may take the optics off completely depending on what it looks like when i get it.
I also changed the moonlights from blue to neutral white. Logan said that they do great as moonlights. I know, im weird. I like white moonlights instead of blue. Lol. I can switch it out if i dont like it.
I have plans to build a side cabinet in the oncoming weeks and to buy a 40g breeder to act as a new sump in the new cabinet once it is finished. I decided i am going to run my ro unit to the ato via a float valve and have the jbj ato top off my sump. Simple system with some redundancy. The 40g breeder that will sit on the cabinet will be a water change reservoir and add extra volume to the system while its running. The reservoir will have a float valve ran to it. Water changes will be as simple then and very easy to do at practically any time.
Trying to get a lot of it automated so that i can spend more time with my family than the tank. But i also understand that a certain level of dedicatiom has to take place for you to be successful with delicate sps corals.
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eric b 125
Guest
When is the fixture to be delivered?
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
They said that they would start working on building it custom this coming Monday and then ship it. I guess I ought to be getting it by this coming week.
If it's not one thing, it's another. I'm having some major problems with the tank.
First, the temperature was spiking up to almost 88*F during the day with the air conditioner broken. Got that fixed.
I got the genius idea to clean the powerheads and I broke one of the K3's. So, now I'm down a powerhead.
I cleaned the sump and touched the heater and the dang thing shocked me, so I pulled it outta my system and threw it away. Heaterless.
I was woken up in the middle of the night last night to an odd vibration noise... My return pump's ceramic shaft broke in two pieces. So, now I am return pumpless. I ordered a new impeller and it should be here Thursday or Friday - but I feel like that's a long, long time to wait... but I can't do anything about it.... I am going to go to the pet store and see if they have replacement impellers for the Mag Drive 9.5B.
This morning I put the temp probe in the display tank to control the lights - and what happened? The tank has gone down to about 75*F... I said THAT's IMPOSSIBLE!!! but it seems like that broken return pump has been putting A LOT of heat into the water. More then I thought would be possible. So, I turned on my lights early in hopes that the water temp will come back up a bit and I also put a temporary non-submersible heater in the tank set to 78*F to see if that will help any at all by the time I can get a new impeller.
UGH, what a day. What a day.
If it's not one thing, it's another. I'm having some major problems with the tank.
First, the temperature was spiking up to almost 88*F during the day with the air conditioner broken. Got that fixed.
I got the genius idea to clean the powerheads and I broke one of the K3's. So, now I'm down a powerhead.
I cleaned the sump and touched the heater and the dang thing shocked me, so I pulled it outta my system and threw it away. Heaterless.
I was woken up in the middle of the night last night to an odd vibration noise... My return pump's ceramic shaft broke in two pieces. So, now I am return pumpless. I ordered a new impeller and it should be here Thursday or Friday - but I feel like that's a long, long time to wait... but I can't do anything about it.... I am going to go to the pet store and see if they have replacement impellers for the Mag Drive 9.5B.
This morning I put the temp probe in the display tank to control the lights - and what happened? The tank has gone down to about 75*F... I said THAT's IMPOSSIBLE!!! but it seems like that broken return pump has been putting A LOT of heat into the water. More then I thought would be possible. So, I turned on my lights early in hopes that the water temp will come back up a bit and I also put a temporary non-submersible heater in the tank set to 78*F to see if that will help any at all by the time I can get a new impeller.
UGH, what a day. What a day.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
I am trying my best to get this tank ready this Summer for SPS corals... but I keep having these little setbacks.
Oh, and does anyone know why my instant ocean sea salt mix is NOT MIXING?!?! It's all still so cloudy..
Oh, and does anyone know why my instant ocean sea salt mix is NOT MIXING?!?! It's all still so cloudy..
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/840#post_3523833
What were you using for a return pump that broke the impeller?
I'm not entirely sure. I just woke up in the middle of the night to a screetching grinding vibrating sound and it was kinda scary. The first thing I checked was the tank. I opened it up and my return pump was making all the noise. I took it out of the tank last night and opened up the housing and the ceramic shaft was broken. I don't know why or what did it - probably just wear and tear. I estimate that the pump was about ten years old...
Then, this afternoon once I replaced the impeller I thought everything was good in the world... well, I plugged it in and the thing now keeps power cycling... 30-50 seconds on, then 30-50 seconds off. The grinding sound upon startup is getting worse and worse.
I only have $75 to live on until my next payday and the Quiet One pump replacement will cost me $83.19. I'm bummed. Even if I can order it on Monday first thing, it won't get here until Friday or so.
I kinda feel helpless at the moment. I'm down a powerhead, down a heater, and now my return pump is fried. To top it off, all this stress is making my eczema break out terribly. (itchy skin irritation condition.)
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/840#post_3523833
What were you using for a return pump that broke the impeller?
I'm not entirely sure. I just woke up in the middle of the night to a screetching grinding vibrating sound and it was kinda scary. The first thing I checked was the tank. I opened it up and my return pump was making all the noise. I took it out of the tank last night and opened up the housing and the ceramic shaft was broken. I don't know why or what did it - probably just wear and tear. I estimate that the pump was about ten years old...
Then, this afternoon once I replaced the impeller I thought everything was good in the world... well, I plugged it in and the thing now keeps power cycling... 30-50 seconds on, then 30-50 seconds off. The grinding sound upon startup is getting worse and worse.
I only have $75 to live on until my next payday and the Quiet One pump replacement will cost me $83.19. I'm bummed. Even if I can order it on Monday first thing, it won't get here until Friday or so.
I kinda feel helpless at the moment. I'm down a powerhead, down a heater, and now my return pump is fried. To top it off, all this stress is making my eczema break out terribly. (itchy skin irritation condition.)
E
eric b 125
Guest
It sounds like you are doing everything that is in your power, and that's all you can do, buddy. I know, for me, when things don't go the way I want them to, in the time frame I think they should happen, sometimes I get real frustrated. Then I remind myself that as long as I do whatever it is that I have control over, that's all I can do. Sometimes, for me, it's just a matter of practicing some patience, sitting back, and waiting.
sweatervest13
Active Member
That's a bummer man. That's a lot coming at you all at once.
If you were using a 10 year old pump then you have no problem using older equipment. Check CL and see if you can find something cheap to get you by. Shoot post a wanted pump listing and explain your situation and say you can only spend 30 bucks and I bet you get some replies
Good luck Seth. Things can only get better.
If you were using a 10 year old pump then you have no problem using older equipment. Check CL and see if you can find something cheap to get you by. Shoot post a wanted pump listing and explain your situation and say you can only spend 30 bucks and I bet you get some replies
Good luck Seth. Things can only get better.
novahobbies
Well-Known Member
Darn, that's a rough list. I know the feeling...sometimes our tanks act like they're conspiring against us and TRYING to crash.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
As if it werent bad enough, the power went out.
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eric b 125
Guest
how long has it been out? long enough to effect the tank?
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
I dont think so. Not yet anyways.
Since i have leds now and some efficient powerheads i am thinking about rigging up a battery backup system to protect my investment.
Since i have leds now and some efficient powerheads i am thinking about rigging up a battery backup system to protect my investment.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Oh. By thr way, i took the afternoon off work. I was on the "fleshing machine" that rips the fascia from the hide of the animal i am working on and my pointer finger on my left hand got caught in the blade. Tore off some of the tip of my finger and a goof chunk of the nail. Needless to say, i took the rest of the afternoon off.
S
siptang
Guest
ouch... that sucks Seth.... be sure not to put your hands in the water. No matter how much you want to.
sweatervest13
Active Member
My word, Snake... What, did you break a mirror last week? You have had a tough go of things lately. I hope things get better for you soon. Keep on plugging away.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Siptang http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/840#post_3524013
ouch... that sucks Seth.... be sure not to put your hands in the water. No matter how much you want to.
Eh, I learned how to take care of my wounds in a microbiology class. Amazingly - those techniques work!!! I washed my hands thoroughly and bled the wound... then I put hydrogen peroxide on it (in submersion) and then a triple antibiotic and eight hours in an adhesive bandage. Guess what? It's already skinned over! woohoo! I tend to heal quickly, shouldn't take more than a week or two to heal. I have GOT to install that return pump tomorrow on the tank,... so I'll have to get a little wet for that.
My Photon48 will arrive on Thursday!
Quote:
Originally Posted by sweatervest13 http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/840#post_3524024
My word, Snake... What, did you break a mirror last week? You have had a tough go of things lately. I hope things get better for you soon. Keep on plugging away.
No mirrors, but I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn last week.
I'll keep going. No where to go but into the future!
By the way, my APEX Jr. powerstrip thing is getting REALLY hot... anyone know anything about that?
Originally Posted by Siptang http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/840#post_3524013
ouch... that sucks Seth.... be sure not to put your hands in the water. No matter how much you want to.
Eh, I learned how to take care of my wounds in a microbiology class. Amazingly - those techniques work!!! I washed my hands thoroughly and bled the wound... then I put hydrogen peroxide on it (in submersion) and then a triple antibiotic and eight hours in an adhesive bandage. Guess what? It's already skinned over! woohoo! I tend to heal quickly, shouldn't take more than a week or two to heal. I have GOT to install that return pump tomorrow on the tank,... so I'll have to get a little wet for that.
My Photon48 will arrive on Thursday!
Quote:
Originally Posted by sweatervest13 http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/840#post_3524024
My word, Snake... What, did you break a mirror last week? You have had a tough go of things lately. I hope things get better for you soon. Keep on plugging away.
No mirrors, but I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn last week.
I'll keep going. No where to go but into the future!
By the way, my APEX Jr. powerstrip thing is getting REALLY hot... anyone know anything about that?
E
eric b 125
Guest
Is it Thursday yet! I can't wait to hear your critique on these lights. To be honest, I'm surprised you're getting them so soon. I was going through the big thread on RC and a lot of people (at least earlier this year) were waiting for quite some time.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric B 125 http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/840#post_3524106
Is it Thursday yet! I can't wait to hear your critique on these lights. To be honest, I'm surprised you're getting them so soon. I was going through the big thread on RC and a lot of people (at least earlier this year) were waiting for quite some time.
Well, I can't wait either! I am surprised too. I was prepared to wait three or four weeks to get them, but it seems like Reefbreeders has gotten some financial backing from the amount of customers they have had in the past... I think they are starting to stock up on certain fixtures instead of waiting for them to be shipped from China and then modifying them and then shipping them. In any case, I am very happy with the almost two week waiting period between ordering and receiving.
---
I FINALLY got my return pump installed this evening. I am quite happy with the Quiet One pump. Very happy, actually. I'm surprised at how quiet it is and how good it operates. Since the pump had been down for days the coralline at the top of the tank has completely died and dried out. Looks grey and white now. eek
I also replaced the halogen lights from the dollar tree that powered my refugium to a $20 LED light. It doesn't put off much heat at all and puts out the same amount of lumens as the other ones that I had. My sump water before I installed my new return pump was 91.1*F. When I replaced the light bulb with the LED light, the water temp started dropping from 91.1*F to 90.2*F within the hour that I took to install the new plumbing. SOO, I think it's safe to say that I found my heat source problem, besides my return pump overheating.
I also bought some vinyl tubing that I was able to fit onto a small pump to hook up my ATO again! I also found an old powerhead that I can mix new saltwater with. I'm getting ready to build that side cabinet this summer... getting everything in order. I estimate it will cost me like $50 plus tax for the side cabinet. One whole piece of plywood is all it is going to take. woohoo!
Originally Posted by Eric B 125 http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/840#post_3524106
Is it Thursday yet! I can't wait to hear your critique on these lights. To be honest, I'm surprised you're getting them so soon. I was going through the big thread on RC and a lot of people (at least earlier this year) were waiting for quite some time.
Well, I can't wait either! I am surprised too. I was prepared to wait three or four weeks to get them, but it seems like Reefbreeders has gotten some financial backing from the amount of customers they have had in the past... I think they are starting to stock up on certain fixtures instead of waiting for them to be shipped from China and then modifying them and then shipping them. In any case, I am very happy with the almost two week waiting period between ordering and receiving.
---
I FINALLY got my return pump installed this evening. I am quite happy with the Quiet One pump. Very happy, actually. I'm surprised at how quiet it is and how good it operates. Since the pump had been down for days the coralline at the top of the tank has completely died and dried out. Looks grey and white now. eek
I also replaced the halogen lights from the dollar tree that powered my refugium to a $20 LED light. It doesn't put off much heat at all and puts out the same amount of lumens as the other ones that I had. My sump water before I installed my new return pump was 91.1*F. When I replaced the light bulb with the LED light, the water temp started dropping from 91.1*F to 90.2*F within the hour that I took to install the new plumbing. SOO, I think it's safe to say that I found my heat source problem, besides my return pump overheating.
I also bought some vinyl tubing that I was able to fit onto a small pump to hook up my ATO again! I also found an old powerhead that I can mix new saltwater with. I'm getting ready to build that side cabinet this summer... getting everything in order. I estimate it will cost me like $50 plus tax for the side cabinet. One whole piece of plywood is all it is going to take. woohoo!