AllTheCoral's ManReef Build! 4000g+
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AllTheCorals
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I’m just about finished plumbing the first QT. Did my first wet test and glad to say there are no leaks! The UV is mounted and needs 2 bulkheads glued to be 100%.
On to the first major mistake I’ve made. The skimz sump is terrible if you want to flow more than 1000gph. I have the dcp15000 set to 35w and the sump barely keeps. I’ll need to modified the drain area to allow more flow by creating a bypass to the filter socks directly into the fuge area. I’ll also need to seal the drain area better. When starting the pump I get 4-6oz that splash out until the siphon begins. I would like to get the flow capacity closer to 1500-2000gph and be able to run 1 gyre on the opposite side of the tank on the bottom. The water pressure with 2x 3/4 return lines makes it about 2/3 across the tank as is.
On to the first major mistake I’ve made. The skimz sump is terrible if you want to flow more than 1000gph. I have the dcp15000 set to 35w and the sump barely keeps. I’ll need to modified the drain area to allow more flow by creating a bypass to the filter socks directly into the fuge area. I’ll also need to seal the drain area better. When starting the pump I get 4-6oz that splash out until the siphon begins. I would like to get the flow capacity closer to 1500-2000gph and be able to run 1 gyre on the opposite side of the tank on the bottom. The water pressure with 2x 3/4 return lines makes it about 2/3 across the tank as is.
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AllTheCorals
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On to some good news! I needed another hobby so now I’m learning to make espresso and fancy drinks myself. It is a little more challenging to do percise things with my hands shaking from all the excess caffeine lol
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AllTheCorals
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I’m sure glad I ordered one of these. It helped me realize that my reflectors are too large for high light sps. At 6” height off the water with all the lights on I’m getting about 1/2 degree increase in temp after 8 hours. At this height I’m getting about 200 par covering 80% of the tank. The very edges drop to about 150. Cut those numbers in half with 250w bulbs.
200 par is plenty for most sps, but some of them hit their sweet spot around 350-450.
The two best options I’ve thought of so far is swapping a couple tanks to 1000w bulbs to keep equal disputation. I don’t believe I’ll have enough power to go that route.
The next option is changing the reflectors which may require adding a 3rd 400w fixture in the future for more coverage.
Something else I learned from my testing having never used a par meter. 400watt radians our out 15-20% more par than Ushio 20k bulbs. I see why guys love them so much.
200 par is plenty for most sps, but some of them hit their sweet spot around 350-450.
The two best options I’ve thought of so far is swapping a couple tanks to 1000w bulbs to keep equal disputation. I don’t believe I’ll have enough power to go that route.
The next option is changing the reflectors which may require adding a 3rd 400w fixture in the future for more coverage.
Something else I learned from my testing having never used a par meter. 400watt radians our out 15-20% more par than Ushio 20k bulbs. I see why guys love them so much.
greg 45
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I have used these reflector a while back. They would be better if they didn't have the dimples in them and a polished finish . They do a good job of spreading the light over the tank. If you aren't happy with the par pm me and I can lead you to some horticulture bulbs I was trying. Best of luck .
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AllTheCorals
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That’s the goal! “Working late,” won’t be a task anymore lol
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AllTheCorals
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I’ve been wanting one for a few years, but never had the room. I hope to save a few bucks and make better drinks than my local Starbucks.
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AllTheCorals
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I would appreciate you sending me any info you have! Tonight I’m going to do some digging and see if I can find one to increase the par to cover at least 1/2 the tank pretty well without having to add more wattage.
Thank you!
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AllTheCorals
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I would appreciate you sending me any info you have! Tonight I’m going to do some digging and see if I can find one to increase the par to cover at least 1/2 the tank pretty well without having to add more wattage.
Thank you!
maroun.c
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What a setup
Looks more like a coral farm than a tank setup.
Looks more like a coral farm than a tank setup.
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More square footage in this tank build than my first apartment, amazing.
jaxteller007
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Wanna come to Nashville and plumb my 75G? LOL
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Anytime! I was up there couple years ago during my tail of the dragon trip. Great city!
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