Blog Comments

this does not sound fun lol what size generator do you have?
im debating between a generator and a pair of deep cycle batteries with an inverter

Generator to the rescue. Glad it wasn't worse (ie no loses). 18 hours without power can be trying for both the owner and the livestock.

yay! powers back on, wow marc you went through alot

Yeah I was scared to use that one with salt water but I guess I will just have to inspect it from time to time.

After 18 very long hours, I have power once more. All the stuff is plugged back into their normal receptacles and the A/C is pulling down the temperature & humidity. Finally.

THAT REALLY SUCKS! I'm sorry to hear that. Hopefully I won't be much longer before the power is back.

Dang! When it rains it pours huh!? Hang in there Marc! A lot of people are pulling for you.

Originally Posted by SaltCritters

love those pumps. how old are yours? iv had my hammerhead running non stop for about 5 years now. haven;t touched it.

I've had mine for a few years, but not five.

Originally Posted by Midnight

Looking good Marc. Do you remember where you got the float valve for the poly tank, I have been trying to find one with no metal since it will be in with salt water? Also, do you have an idea when my sump will ship?

If not Friday, Monday for sure. You need it; I saw your new tank arrived! Congrats.

I had a float valve in my collection for years, brand new and never needed. That's what I used in my poly tank. The one that comes from USPlastics is virtually fine, although it does have a small metal cotter pin. It may need to be replaced after a while. That's the kind I have in my ATO reservoir, pictured above.

Originally Posted by Midnight

Looking good Marc. Do you remember where you got the float valve for the poly tank, I have been trying to find one with no metal since it will be in with salt water? Also, do you have an idea when my sump will ship?

I've used these for years with no problems...
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=34186

I really like the black Flex PVC.

love those pumps. how old are yours? iv had my hammerhead running non stop for about 5 years now. haven;t touched it.

Looking good Marc. Do you remember where you got the float valve for the poly tank, I have been trying to find one with no metal since it will be in with salt water? Also, do you have an idea when my sump will ship?

nice tank thanks for sharing this video with us marc

It was posted by a guy in Europe, but it looks SO much like Pete's tank, a member of DFWMAS.

nice corals under actinics!

The siphon system is pretty simple with my circumstances. I've made it a point not to put any permanent plumbing across the walk area, and I've not drilled any holes or cut out any of the gridwork on the french drain. I'm trying to avoid any items falling into the drain that wouldn't be recoverable, nor do I want to accidentally have the step ladder's foot snagged or cause me to fall.

I have an acrylic box I made that locks into the grid and the drain-end of the tubing fits into this to direct the water into the floor drain. Because it was made with clear acrylic, I've kicked it about half a dozen times and the last time broke it. I'm going to remake it but with black acrylic so I readily see the darn thing.

I'm able to siphon out virtually all the water in the two zones, but drilling holes and inserting bulkheads wouldn't allow it, leaving about 3" of water beneath them. Not drilling down low eliminates yet another risk / point of failure.

The new hole that was drilled works great for the water change, but it also is something I may use if I tie in a secondary tank to house the anemones and angel fish.

Hey Marc, do you prefer to siphon the water out or would it be easier to add a bulkhead low in the return and skimmer section to just drain it ou during water changes? I have been thinking this process over and I never enjoy the process of having to start the siphon for each section and what not.

Congratulations, Brad! Your tank is awesome. Can't wait for that new build though. ;-)

Marc, I'm so sorry to hear your problem with Marineland has not been resolved.... I also know how frustrating this must be. I wish you luck in your future tank... Also, I'm so glad to hear you haven't gotten so frustrated that your getting out of the hobby..... When you get the new tank up and running.... I'll ship you a few frags!