Simon's 450

[ca1ore]

Very happy with the new-old skimmer. Next project is to build a bigger CaRx.

 

[McPuff]

Very happy with the new-old skimmer. Next project is to build a bigger CaRx.

Ok, I'm intrigued. Care to share the specs?

 

[ca1ore]

It's more 'I just feel like making one' than 'I need to make one'. I want a bigger rubble chamber, so going from one that is 6" OD and 24" tall to one that is 8" OD and 24" tall (slightly short of double the capacity). I figure if I am going to go bigger on that, I might as well go bigger on the other chambers also. Plus I can then use the current rubble chamber as my CO2 mixing section and go probably 5" OD and 24" tall for the scrubbing chamber. I'm getting a bit bored with the tank, so need a new project LOL.

 

[ca1ore]

Here’s the start of the main rubble chamber. Snapped my router bit (again) so no more progress until I get a new one.

 

[ca1ore]

Found a spare bit ...... progressed

 

[Feet4Fish]

On a side note, Is the ATS you upgraded to recently still working well for you? Any changes you would make? I am about to start building mine.

 

[ca1ore]

ATS is working well, screen is large and awkward to remove for cleaning; not clear how I could have done it differently though. Maybe two independent, smaller screens that could be removed and cleaned independently.

 

[Feet4Fish]

ATS is working well, screen is large and awkward to remove for cleaning; not clear how I could have done it differently though. Maybe two independent, smaller screens that could be removed and cleaned independently.

Thanks. Gives me something to think about. Making this one for a 650 gallon fish only. Thanks! Enjoy and value your insight!

 

[Awesome Dennis]

Where have you been getting your larger diameter acrylic?

Sorry about duplicates

 

[Awesome Dennis]

Where have you been getting your larger diameter acrylic?

 

[ca1ore]

No worries. I have only found one place that sells it: ePlastics. I'm sure there ARE others. ePlastics is EXPENSIVE though. If I were going to start building stuff for others (which I don't do other than as the occasional favor), I'd see if I could find better pricing. A 2' length of 8" OD with 1/4" wall thickness ends up around $250 with shipping. I've been told by folks who would know that 1/8" wall thickness is acceptable, and much cheaper. But I AM the founding member of over-builders anonymous so thin walls is anathema to me. I had always wondered why quality skimmers (and other acrylic stuff) was so expensive to buy commercially - I guess now I know. Makes running the router over it a bit nerve wracking.

 

[ca1ore]

Main chamber complete ....

 

[ca1ore]

A slow gestation .... main chamber and secondary complete. The third CO2 chamber will be repurposed from the existing system. Will need a new spot in the fish/sump room (more clutter = more better) and the vacated space will, I believe, perfectly fit a Trident. Based on all my detailed calculations, this CaRx will support a system of 1,215.75 gallons.

 

[Victoria M]

"More clutter = more better" made me lol.

 

[ca1ore]

Bad lighting....

 

[dantimdad]

Dude! Is that a Ryobi BT3000 table saw?

I used to have one, wish I never sold it.

 

[ca1ore]

Dude! Is that a Ryobi BT3000 table saw?

I used to have one, wish I never sold it.

Oh YES it is. I’ve had it for close to 20 years ..... keep waiting for it to finally give out so I can buy a ‘real’ table saw but it just keeps going and going and going. Bought a bunch of accessories for it off eBay (when it was still a place to find used stuff) and it’s awesome. I’m not cutting really thick stock, so it never fails me.

 

[dantimdad]

Oh YES it is. I’ve had it for close to 20 years ..... keep waiting for it to finally give out so I can buy a ‘real’ table saw but it just keeps going and going and going. Bought a bunch of accessories for it off eBay (when it was still a place to find used stuff) and it’s awesome. I’m not cutting really thick stock, so it never fails me.

NICE!

 

[ca1ore]

Installed .....

Chasing a few drips, otherwise done. Need to finish removing the old unit as it’s the perfect spot for a trident.

 

[ca1ore]

Retired after 21 years (17 in operation) .....

Folks can debate what constitutes ‘best’; answer’s easy for me.