180 Build Thread

[palvyre]

Turns out the external skimmer does need a feed pump. Their description online is confusing. Contacted the vendor about what kind of flow it needs. Hoping around 500 gph. If so, I am going to run my UV filter and skimmer in-line.

 

[poolkeeper1]

Turns out the external skimmer does need a feed pump. Their description online is confusing. Contacted the vendor about what kind of flow it needs. Hoping around 500 gph. If so, I am going to run my UV filter and skimmer in-line.

Most external skimmers only need around 300 gph fed from the feed pump, The slower flow allows for more contact time in the skimmer thus more effeciant. Open the wedge pipe all the way open and get the feed going then adjust the bubble height to your needs and you should be set. Hope this helps...
Bill

 

[palvyre]

Called the manufacturer in Canada and they recommended 500 gph while maintaining and 750 gph while cycling the tank. So I just ordered a 750 gph pump and the aqua UV 57-watt sterilizer. Going to plumb then in line with a ball valve so I can adjust flow.

 

[poolkeeper1]

Called the manufacturer in Canada and they recommended 500 gph while maintaining and 750 gph while cycling the tank. So I just ordered a 750 gph pump and the aqua UV 57-watt sterilizer. Going to plumb then in line with a ball valve so I can adjust flow.

Contact time is what makes skimmers work, Having never heard of that brand nor knowing nothing about them i would be suprised if running water that fast will get good results. And different flow rates while cycling, Never heard of such a thing or why you would want to! Did they give you any facts as to why to do this and for what reasons?
Running a skimmer and UV together will gurantee nothing leaves alive, Good or bad! This may be better as a if needed running the UV only if there is reason to do so. JMHO
Bill

 

[pickupman66]

I agree with bill :eek: it would be better if you could run the UV seperate from the Skimmer. Run one without the other. Flow rates are different and if u move water too fast thru UV its basically just another light as far as effectiveness.

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[palvyre]

The manufacturer of the skimmer claimed 500 gph was the ideal rate for their skimmer. It also happens to be the rate I wanted to run for my UV, so running in line will be perfect. I have a refuge in my sump a chamber past the UV and skimmer, so critters will continuously get pushed to the display without being nuked by the UV.

 

[palvyre]

Had to deal with my returns today, they weren't sealing properly due to being pushed on by the way I did the plumbing. I ended up ripping out the return plumbing and redoing some of it so that it wouldn't leak. Still need a buddy of mine to come over and push the vinyl hose onto the barbed bulkheads, I can't get enough leverage in there to do it.

 

[palvyre]

I still can't get these bulkheads to seal right for the returns. I guess I will put them in with some aquarium safe silicone to help provide a good seal.

 

[Dowtish]

I wouldnt use silicone. I tried that and it still leaked. You need a bulkhead wrench to tighten them just a little more than hand tight. Kevan(Toxic) has one. i'm sure he would let you borrow it.

 

[palvyre]

I have a wrench to tighten. The problem is the hole is the same size as the hole for the drain and the tolerance of how it is placed is so small that it keeps leaking.

 

[palvyre]

I have one of those tools and still can't get it. Don't suppose anyone who has a bunch of experience getting these things in properly would be willing to come over and help out this evening.

 

[ToXIc]

I have a wrench to tighten. The problem is the hole is the same size as the hole for the drain and the tolerance of how it is placed is so small that it keeps leaking.

What's the sizes of the holes and the sizes of the bulkheads?



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[palvyre]

I was able to fix it. A case of over tightening. :/

 

[palvyre]

I took your advice Dowtish and put that rubble rock that was covered in aiptasia into my display for my CBB to clean up. Was clean over night and moved it to the 180 to kick start the cycle.

 

[palvyre]

Nearly full.

 

[palvyre]

Just 4 buckets or so to go. The Atomic Reef Reactor is plumbed in. The cabinet for the skimmer is just about ready and the skimmer feed pump showed up yesterday. Just need the UV filter to show and then I can plumb the skimmer in.

 

[Dowtish]

I took your advice Dowtish and put that rubble rock that was covered in aiptasia into my display for my CBB to clean up. Was clean over night and moved it to the 180 to kick start the cycle.

Got to love a fish that is committed to a job. :)

Typed from my phone, because I have nothing better to do.

 

[palvyre]

Full enough to kick on the return pump. This thing puts out some major flow. Had a short false start as I realized I needed some plumbers tape on a couple of hose barbs, but after a quick fix it's humming along.

 

[palvyre]

I had to dial back the pump a little with the ball valve, it was overdriving my sump baffles and causing a fast waterfall to the return which generated a ton of bubbles.

 

[ToXIc]

Could be from that or because the system is soo new and doesn't have a slime coat built up yet.


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