New set up

[Jimnorris]

Hello all from Charleston, SC
After 21 months I am finally setting up and tank.
Was wondering if you all can help??????
Thanks,
Jim

[SLAYCHILD]

Sure just ask away. Welcome

[captexas]

LMAO, from the man we all used to ask advice from! :) Is it another one of your 240g Nano tanks or something a bit larger?

[LoneStar]

:lol

[Ram_Puppy]

LOL, slaychild you walked into that one, Jim is a reefing "god" <-- little G :)

Jim you must supply details so we can salivate on our keyboards properly.

[cpreefguy]

Yeah, and then invite us all up there for a good ole frag give away like old times :)

[Ram_Puppy]

we expect a cookout on the beach as well. ahhh.. the hidden costs of reef keeping.

[matt]

Hi Jim!!! How's everything going out there? Are you going to have turtles in this tank?

[GaryP]

Whenever I want to look at Jim's old tank I just pull out an old XM bulb box.

Jim, where are you going to hook up the fire truck for flow? Does Tunze make fire trucks?

[Jimnorris]

I am actually setting up a real nano ( not the Texas 240) a 30 gallon Oceanic. So far I have the lighting system which is a Current USA Outer Orbit 24. This is a 10k 150 watt with two 65w actinic pcs and 4 lunar lights. I have coming a Remora C with a maxijet 1200 and using the preskimmer. For water moment I am going to use two maxijet 1200s and two maxijets 900 hook up to a Wavemaker Pro.
I am open to ideas on other EQ I might need. I will been keeping sps corals in the tank.
Jim

[aquadoc]

Hey Jim how is it going? Awsome to see that you are getting back into to it. Knew that you would though. It sounds like you have everything except maybe a top-off system and a kalk dispenser, or may even a reactor. :D Let me know when you are ready for frags. I have a realy nice piece of the Texas Purple monster with your name on it. I actualy think Tim got it from you in the beginning. LMK .

[brewercm]

Welcome back and are you planning to keep a picture diary along the way as it gets going?

[beareef19]

"I am actually setting up a real nano ( not the Texas 240) a 30 gallon Oceanic. " So your only getting your feet wet to acclimate and then you will jump completely in the water :lol Glad to hear your getting a tank set up again, I sure do miss seeing your tank, but alot of our members have come along way and thier tanks are looking pretty awsome as well probably Thanks to You. Can't wait to see pics. Barry

[Jimnorris]

The start!

[fishypets]

Jim,

Never got a chance to see your systems but I hear they were awesome. Can't wait to see the cube.

Clint

[gjuarez]

Jim, same here. I never saw your systems either but I heard great things about it. I am tagging along for this one and hopefully learn a little from you.
Jerry

[Jimnorris]

Mike,
I would love a frag of the purple monster! Once I am set up and ready in about 30 days!!! Next week The liverock is coming. I have 30 lbs of Figi premium and 25 lbs of Tonga.
I and still thinking of going barebottom like my old tank??????
Jim

[Sherri]

Hi Jim!!! Great to see you getting back into the swing of things again. :) You sure are missed down here....

[scuba_steveo]

What's up Jim????
I had a 37 before your old tank pushed me over the edge into the deep end.
The one thing I wouls add is a CPR hang on the back refugium.
And kalk top off would be nice too. Or regular RODI top off with B-Ionic dosing.

[Jimnorris]

Scuba Steveo,
I am looking at that CPR hang on refug. Have you used one before? And I will use a kalk receator.
Jim

[GaryP]

Jim,

Steve was using the CPR on his 37 before he went big with a 215 brick. His little fuge was amazing. I remember how loaded it was with pods and stomatella snails. Its definitely worth considering.

I have several of your frags as well. The purple bonzai, the orange speckled digi, and the purple rim cap are what I can remember off the top of my head.

[scuba_steveo]

Exactly what Gary said on my CPR. There are two basic types. The ecosystem (same make as miracle mud) siphons water into the refugium and them pumps it back into the tank. The CPR pumps water into the refugium and then it gets siphoned out. I went with the CPR so that none of the pods would be siphoned back to the tank and not chopped up by the return pump. You can then order a Jalli Light with stand from Ameka. This is the one I bought http://amekaaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AMEKA&Product_ Code=ZPL1124&Category_Code=LIGHTING but now there are several more choices. I did really like the jalli. The biggest problem was keeping the tank dark at night and keeping the refugium light on. I placed a towel between the two at night but you can figure out a better way.

[gjuarez]

Jim, I had mixed comments when I asked about using a Kalk Reactor on a nano. Reason being for ph issues because of so little water volume. You on the other hand are an advanced reefer, so I'd like to hear what you think about this. If you do plan on using one, how will you go about it?

[Jimnorris]

I think a kalkreactor is the best investment if one is keeping sps corals. Water evap is the key. I will have to see how the 30 gallon does with this. I tried most of the calium reactors and just did not care for them. Then JimD made a GREAT dyi unit and I was hooked. I then brought a PM kalkreactor and think that is the best so far. Matt is sending me one he has made. I did have a Matt skimmer and it was the best hands down!!!!! So I am looking forward to see how I can use the kalkreactor in a nano.
I remember someone in MAAST that makes sumps?????
Does anybody know him??? I may see if I can have one made to fit the cabinet. I have a 15inch and 17.5 inch space.
Jim

[gjuarez]

I know him, his name is Pete. You might want to send him a PM. He also makes kalk reactors. Jim, thanks for the info. I really want to use one. THe main reason is for when I travel and cant dose B-IOnic. I want my tank to be as much automated as possible. ALso, I have never used one so I am curious as to how you use it. Do you use it during the night or all day long?

[JimD]

Typicly you want to dose a more saturated effluet during the night so your daytime Ph doesnt get to high. You achieve this through trial and error and fudging your mix/settle/dose timing. As the reactor adds effluent, the consentration becomes less, when its at its least, thats when you want it to dose during the day if Ph becomes an issue. A Ph monitor is an absolute must if you decide to run a kalk reactor.

[gjuarez]

Thanks Jim, and Jim too. JimN, in this link you can see my thread that I started for my sps nano. You might find a couple of your questions answered, a lot of knowledgable maastards gave me some great input. Here it is:

http://www.maast.org/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=17422&pos tdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[matt]

I used to dose kalk in my 10 gallon nano; it was just a jug and some pyrex pipe and tubing so that when the sump evaporated a little, air would enter the jug and allow KW to drain into the sump until it filled up enough to close off the air. So, I would typically dose a cup or two at once, and it happened throughout the day or night. I never had any problems with ph in that tank. With a kalk reactor and good dosing pump, you can drip the KW much more slowly and time it so it mostly happens at night. I'm sure there won't be any problems dosing KW in a 30 gallon as long as Jim uses a quality dosing pump.

Jim, the guy really known for sumps on MAAST is Dan. I'm sure he'd build a nice one for you. But, I just made a sump/refugium for my corner system that might work out well for you, and I'm not setting up the corner tank. The exact dimensions are 16" by 16.5" by 23" tall. It's 3/8" cell cast, and there's a 4" by 4" drain area with a baffle/bubbletrap. Let me know if you're interested.

[Jimnorris]

Matt I will do another measurement tonight but I think 16x16 is to big. my first measurement was 15x17.5.
Jim

[LoneStar]

Hey Jim, if you are looking at contacting Pete, go here: www.redneckreefers.com
I don't think the PM will work here to contact Pete.

[Jimnorris]

Matt,
The sump would fit I will take it!
Jim

[matt]

Okay; that's kind of a surprise, but it's yours. It turned out really nice; right now it's not drilled for an external return. We can talk about that before I send it. I'm glad this is working out!

Matt

[Jimnorris]

30lbs of premium Fiji and 25lbs tonga branch. Few more weeks and I will be ready for some sps.
Jim

[fishypets]

Looks good Jim. After 21 months of sobriety you are almost there. :P

[scuba_steveo]

Jim, seeing you with a small tank makes me want to cry. Oh well, at least it's a tank.

[scuba_steveo]

for those that never saw Jim's old tank, here are a few very bad pics of it

[RobertG]

He be JimN...Sweet to see you back in the game. Cant wait to see it all up & running...

[gjuarez]

Nice tank, I am sure the new one will be a smaller version of that. Jim, what lights are you using? Kelvin seems like its 14k?

[Ram_Puppy]

now, you know everyone who has a colony grown off a jim norris frag has to send him a frag off of the colony!

Jim, Dan also makes great sumps, sells to all the local shops. top notch stuff.

[Jimnorris]

update: All the equipment for the system is used! Except the tank and stand.
This in itself is kinda fun.
Light system--- Current 24 inch Orbit Sunpod 150 watt MH 10k with two 65 watt actinic PCs and four lunar leds. (used)

Skimmer Remora Aqua C with skimmerbox with maxijet 1200 (used)

Redsea Wavemaker Pro (used)

4 maxijet 1200s (used)
2 maxijets 900s (used)

Spectapure 4 stage CLS ro/di with dual tds meters and pressure gauge with extra filters and menbrane (used)

Matt custom sump and kalkreactor (new)

Oceanic 30 gallon cube and stand (new) but HUGE blowout discount from petsmart.

CPR 100 overflow with air pump (used)

What is kinda cool is the used equipment is from people all over the USA!

This has saved me about $750.00 so far!!!!!!!
Jim

[Jimnorris]

aweek later

[Jimnorris]

another picture

[aquadoc]

Jim looks great. What are you planning on growing? Mainly sps or what?

[GaryP]

Jim is that stand going to hold your sump, fuge, monster skimmer, calcium reactor, and Kalk reactor? Does the stand extend down into a basement or what? I know you can't settle for a simple little tank like that without hooking up some more goodies to it.

[mathias]

water so close to a vegu makes me nervous :(

[Jimnorris]

Mathias your right! The TV has to go! I will need room later for the TEXAS nano!
Gary,
Matt has made me a sump and a kalkreactor. And maybe a skimmer later! I am keeping SPSs. Nothing but the rarest ones at that (IMO).
With my old tank I got the best results with only using a kalkreactor and using ESV products.
And of course once it is fragging time I only give them away. (to MAAST paying members!)
Jim

[GaryP]

OK fella, I don't know who you are, but we want you to release the REAL Jim Norris. What are you, some sort of Stepford Jim? I've put up with this charade for as long as I can. By now, the real Jim Norris would have a pipeline to the Atlantic for water changes, a closed loop hooked up to a fire truck, and a navy surplus nuclear reactor in the backyard to power the lights. He would also be fragging with a chain saw by now. You may be able to fool the noobs on here, but the rest of us know that you cannot be the REAL Jim. :) :) :)

[Triggerman]

nice to see you back around jim, i like that clam in your avatar.

Ray

[fishypets]

Jim,

Where in the heck can I find a clam like the one in your avatar, that thing is amazing!

[Jimnorris]

That clam was one in a thousand. When I was importing clams IMO it was the best one I had ever seen. It came form the Marshall Island clam farm.
Jim

[GaryP]

Jim,

Is that ORA's clam farm in the Marshall's? Maybe we can get you to take a run down to ORA and do some cherry picking for us on a group order. I know that Harbor Branch isn't just around the corner from Charleston, but I can dream can't I?

[Jimnorris]

Gary,
Yes ORA is now the owner. I was dealing with them before ORA brought them out. It was owned by Robert Reimer Enterprises. I met the foreman of the farm at MACNA (Dallas) seminar one year and we became friends. I then became the East coast dist. for them????? I would have the clams, corals and fish shipped into Dallas. JIMD came with me once to pick up 200 clams on a freezing iced Febuary day.
Jim

[GaryP]

I think one of my clams came from you before you left. Is this something you might be interested in getting started again.

I heard some rumor that ORA was having a disease problem. Maybe pyramid snails? Are they actually breeding, or just tank raising small clams?

[Jimnorris]

Gary,
Not sure what ORA is up too? I would like to get in to again. Charleston (like Dallas) is an international airport which is needed to import. So this is very helpful.
Jim

[TroyPham]

humm.. any way i can get in on this clam adventure?? i've made some contacts with a clam supplier in Vietnam, but i don't have a import licences. from the pics i've seen of what they have, it's some great stuff. colored tear drops of any size.

let me know.

[Jimnorris]

TroyPham,
Yes you can what do you have in mind?
Jim

[TroyPham]

Jim.. i'll pm you

[hammondegge]

can i place my order now? :)

[falcondob]

I am not worthy...not worthy...especially since my nano just sprung a leak and drained away....Ok, great. There is my only piece of advice. Reseal the tank. Not much, but would have helped me.

It is great to have you back on MAAST. Your presence automatically increases the value of this association. Thanks and Welcome Back!
John

[Jimnorris]

John,
Thank you!
Jim

[Jimnorris]

Added 3 fish and sand. Tomorrow I have a shipment of corals coming in.

[scuba_steveo]

Looking good!

[Jimnorris]

Pump question I need help with: I plan on using a CPR 100 overflow into a Matt sump. The overflow is rated a 800gph. I want to use a internal pump in the sump. I do NOT need that much water turn over. Jason at Premium Aquatics recommended a Mag 5. I need input.
Jim

[aquadoc]

The overflow is rated a 800gph


The mag 5 is only 500 gph, I would step up to the mag 7 wich is 700 gph.

[fishypets]

Is there any other pump besides a mag you could use? They add a fair amount of heat to the tank, that is unless you have a chiller.

[Jimnorris]

Heat is a good question? Really Mags are they only pumps I have ever used for returns, I am not sure what else is out there. Do you think a Mag 7 is too much? I was headed for a Mag 7 but??????

[aquadoc]

Yeah Jim are you going to put a chiller on that bad boy?

[aquadoc]

IMO no it is not to much. Almost all internal pumps will create some type of heat, Me finding that the rio puts out t he most(IMO)

[GaryP]

That's 700 gph at 0 ft. of head. According to the Mag website you will end up with 380 gph for a 5 and 500 gph for a 7 at 3 ft. of head. That is with a brand new, perfectly clean pump with no elbows or other fittings impeding flow.

[Jimnorris]

No chiller yet.

[gjuarez]

Jim, I dont have a chiller on mine and I have a canopy and temperature stays normal. I also have a mag 7. I also have the same 3 schooling chromis and I am also getting some corals this weekend. Whats with the corellation?

[hobogato]

i run all submersables on my tank for flow as well as returns and skimmer. for returns and skimmer i have two mag12s and a mag18, and my temp never gets above 80 even on a really humid day - no chiller, just 3 fans in the canopy and one on the sump - never had to use the 4th canopy fan. obviously this is a much larger system, but i have a mag 12 in a sump to water test, and the water didnt heat up at all.

[matt]

Jim, have a look at eheim pumps. I think they're built better and run a little cooler than mags. The mags are over rated on their flow ratings, at least on the smaller ones I've used. I think they measure flow with absolute zero head and no friction loss. I also found mag pumps to lose alot of flow over time, even when they're cleaned, and I could never figure out why.

I've heard some good things about the new gen X submersibles, but maybe they run hot as well. I think for your tank an eheim in the 500-700 gph range at 3 ft head would be good. Maybe it's the 1260?

[Jimnorris]

Matt Eheims are great pumps but you think they worth twice the Price?????
New picture with some corals---finally!

[GaryP]

For a little more then the cost of an Eheim you can get an external pump like a PW-100PX.

[aquadoc]

Jim, It looks as if it is FINALLY almost done. Looking nice, and know that for sure it will become truely amazing.

[matt]

The thing is, twice the price in this case between the eheim and mag is about a $40 difference. Not much money IMO to get a better performing return pump. He can't use an external, Gary.

[Jimnorris]

Update: 04-02-2006
Custom Matt sump finally hooked up with a CPR 100 overflow. Return pump from the sump is a Mag 7. Put the Remora C in the sump----I think I will save up for a Matt custom skimmer so the Remora will be up for sale! Now waiting for next weekend to hook up a custom Matt kalkreactor!
I have havung fun with this nano!!!!!
Jim

[Jimnorris]

CPR 100 overflow

[Jimnorris]

Custom Matt kalkreactor!

[Jimnorris]

Finally the tank!

[fishypets]

Looking good Jim!

[gjuarez]

Looks good JIm, nice cap. Matts work is very impressive as well.

[Jimnorris]

Well it has been acouple of months and things are setting in. This tank now has 24 different types of sps corals. It is time to sit back and watch them grow!!!!
Jim

[gjuarez]

Nice! What return pump did you end up using after all? Is it plumbed externally?

[thedude]

Jim one word of warning on the CPR overflow... buy the prefilter as it is WAY worth the money. If the overflow gets clogged with algae you end up with water on the floor quickly. Also look into getting either black tubing to cut down on algae growth or wrap the tubing in electrical tape. It really really makes a difference.

[fishypets]

Looking good Jim but one thing.....It is time to upgrade to a bigger tank. :lol

[Jimnorris]

I ended up using a Mag 7 for a return pump. It is inside the sump. Great advice on the CPR overflow. I do use a prefilter and the tubing for the air pump is all black.
And YES and BIGGER tank is needed!
Jim
P.S.
Thank you Clint for everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jimnorris]

Almost two months and I have produce my first frag. A Steve Ellias blue staghorn has grown large enough to frag. With the right combo of additives corals grow fast! Picture of the coral just frag.
Jim

[Jimnorris]

closer

[fishypets]

Very nice Jim. How big was the frag you started with?

[Jimnorris]

Afew inches at the most!

[fishypets]

Man that is some serious growth! Tell us your secret Jim. I would love a frag when you decide.

[matt]

Wow, Jim, it looks like you still have the green/orange/blue/purple thumb! Congrats on a nice new system. I wonder if I'll ever get mine going? BTW, when you get the dosing pump up and running, I'd love to see a few pics of the kalkreactor running.

[Jimnorris]

05-08-2006
I am real happy with the way this nano is turning out!
CA---430
PH----8.5
Temp-79
Alk---13.1
Phos--0
Mag---1550