Planning a newer, bigger tank...

[fjr_wertheimber]

Okay, so I've kinda disappeared off here since I sold my cube, mainly 'cause it's torture to see all the beautiful tanks on here, but with my upcoming deployment to Iraq (I leave Sunday), I've decided one of the things I'm going to do to keep myself occupied is to plan out the tank I'm going to get upon my return.

Here's what I'm thinking so far, and I'm looking for other folks input on these choices, i.e.- opinions, experiences, suggestions, etc. Think of this as a year-long (or perhaps a bit longer) extended tank planning session by committee with me having overall veto powers. LOL

72"l x 30"w x 24"h, rimless, black silicone, A.G.E. built, PVC bottom, Calfo on the back wall, Starfire glass on the front and sides

Metal stand, custom welded and powdercoated

3x Vortech MP40w for flow/waves (I'm actually debating, in a bit of a departure from the norm, placing them along the back wall, blowing towards the front, with the two outside MP40s running opposite the middle one, I think it should make for some interesting tumbling effects in the middle of the tank)

AquaIllumination 72" LED 6xModule light system

GHL Profilux 3 controller

Thoughts so far? Skimmer suggestions?

[ismvel]

Well God's speed in Iraq, we'll pray for you and your company / batallion.

The new plans sound like a good starting point. Large tank though to have to break down at PCS time. That is one of the reasons I downsized. When I get ready to retire, I will then start the Big Tank process again.

[fjr_wertheimber]

Actually, I'm ETS'ing after this deployment (i.e.- getting out of the military, for you civilians), so I won't have to worry about PCS moves anytime soon, hence the desire for a bigger tank.

[SABOB]

Look forward to seeing this tank build,good luck on your deployment.We appreciate your service for us.

[fishypets]

Sounds like a solid foundation for an awesome reef!

I have a very similar set up and love everything about it and wouldn't change one thing. I went with a Bubble King skimmer (best I've owned)

Only thing I would add is the Profilux dosing pump along with the Profilux 3 controller. I use this for my "balling" salts which replaced the need for a CA reactor (best thing I could've done for my reef)

Good luck with your future build and come home safe.

[fjr_wertheimber]

Ya know, Fishy, I've thought about going with a Bubble King, but they're just so ungodly expensive, I just don't see how it can be worth it. Anyone got any experience with Bubble Master skimmers, specifically the Bubble Master 250?

[carong]

God bless you, be safe

[Jordan N.]

Ya know, Fishy, I've thought about going with a Bubble King, but they're just so ungodly expensive, I just don't see how it can be worth it. Anyone got any experience with Bubble Master skimmers, specifically the Bubble Master 250?

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/1/aafeature

This article is pretty dense but well worth reading. They measured the % TOC removed by different skimmers --overall they found them pretty similar in performance despite price. They all removed around 30% or so of the TOC.


Many factors contribute to the "value" of a skimmer to an aquarist, including quality of construction, size, footprint, noise level, ease of cleaning, energy efficiency of the pump, and of course, the ability to remove organic waste from aquarium water. Our data show that there are not compelling or remarkably large differences in measurable skimmer TOC removal metrics among the seven skimmers tested, although the Reef Octopus 150 consistently underperformed compared to the other skimmers. However, in the larger picture, it is equally apparent that if an aquarist runs a skimmer continuously (24/7), then any of the skimmers tested would perform adequately in terms of rate of TOC removal; the only practical differences might involve the frequency of skimmer cup cleaning. A perhaps more interesting observation to emerge from these skimmer studies involves not the rate of TOC removal, but rather the amount of TOC removed. None of the skimmers tested removed more than 35% of the extant TOC, leading to the conclusion that bubbles are really not a very effective medium for organic nutrient removal.

-Jordan N.

[fjr_wertheimber]

Hey thanks, Servernode, that was a great article... Highly interesting (if a bit dry) stuff!

[rocketeer]

What are "balling" salts?

[fishypets]

Balling salts are mixed with RO/DI water and is used just like dosing two part (supply CA, ALK and MG). I use salts by Fauna Marin and typically make 10L at a time which last me 2-3 months.