wayneb

Problem is I don't have the space to vary the height of tanks and still have room for the lights. The room (spare bedroom formally used as my train room) has book shelves and cabinets in place. The usuable height is about 64" from floor to bottom of lower shelf. As far as the 3 return pumps- I'm leaning toward using the RIO Hydroflow pumps- two of the 6HF with 350gph with a max head ht of 6' and one of the 8HF w/ 550ghp and max hd ht of 6.5' . Added bonus is that Foster and Smith has a sale going on for them. The combined wattage is 60w. wayneb

I'm in too. Will send you info when I figure all that I need wayne

Have started the build somewhat. At least got a good idea on how I want it. Decided to go with 3 separate return pumps from the sump after talking with Shane, though he did bring up a possible heat problem with running 3 pumps. Have to look at what pumps are available, size and wattage used (lower wattage=less heat). Plus plan on adjusting pump size to each individual tank, figuring a gph turnover rate at 6-8 times quantity. Like the idea of Hydro's and others on using SPA flex tubing instead of rigid PVC. Still have to investigate more concerning the siphon break holes. Stand will be along the wall enclosed L shaped shelf type and about 20/22" wide on the long section and 26/28" on the short leg. It will be braced/crossbraced 2x6s and 1/2 plywood skinned (top of course 3/4"). All to be painted dark blue. Height still to be determined although I'm leaning toward 38", as I would like to comprimise between viewing sitting down and being able to work in tank. Lights will be hanging retrofit T-5 fixtures hidden by removable false-front canopies sized for each tank. Again ideas and feedback welcome. wayneb Note: had an idea- raising the sump and drilling a 1" hole in the side about 3" below the top and running a fitting to another holding tank or container directly along side. Would give me a safety margin in case of overflow from power failure. Again would depend on skimmer height. but it could also act as drain for skimmed material. Any feedback?

Hey Wayne...did you send it to the correct email address as it has not gone through? Sorry about that - got too much in a hurry and forgot to complete transaction. Again let me know if they added a charge. wayneb

Mama - 1 small original blend. Paypal payment made. Let me know if they added a charge, wayneb

Neat - too bad not reef safe. My initial thought was that you got my abalone in. wayne

Been watching this post since it went on line, waiting to see what others thought. Need another 48" T-5 set-up, but want a retrofit so as to set it up like I want. Wish you would have posted a price as 1. Don't want to get into a bidding war (ala e-bay) 2. The fixture new is only slightly less then the retrofit kit I have in mind and that comes with the bulbs of my choice and a better ballast. 3. With a posted price, I could decide if it would be worth the effort to tear it apart and rebuild it like I want. 4. Finally if I made an offer, don't want you to feel that I am low-balling nor do I want to wait around while you decide to wait for a better offer. wayneb

Thanks all. wayneb

Have a question which I can't find any answers to on the various reference sites. Have 3 tanks of similar width and depth: 48"x13"x20" 55g, 30"x13"x20" 29 gal and 14"x13"x16" 20gal that I was thinking of setting up as frag, holding and specialty tanks (SH), etc. (but not as quarantine tank). I also have a 30gal already plumbed as a fuge/sump. I am looking for both pro and con inputs and how-to ideas on daisy-chaining the 3 tanks together and using the one sump with skimmer for all 3. My idea is to have in-tank overflow boxes (trying to avoid the probs that people seem to have with HOB equipment). Any feedback would be appreciated. thanks, wayneb

During last nights chat someone (I beleive Irssix) asked about 14000K Halites. I received a response from ReefGeeks asking about replacing 10000K DE bulbs with 20000Ks. His response was: "Hi Wayne, Thanks for the order! For 20000K metal halides I would recommend the Ushio 20000K+ or the Phoenix 14000K+. (The Phoenix 14000K+ bulb is actually much closer in color to a "20K" than a "14K" bulb. Between those 2 lamps you can't really go wrong. Most of our customers choose the Phoenix I think primarily because it's a little bit cheaper. " Note I did just go ahead and add 2 Phoenix 14000K to my order a few minutes ago, Am very impressed with their customer service. wayneb

Be interested in trying out the Original Blend. wayneb

+1 - Bought a package and chop it up to add to my HPD mixture. works like a champ. wayneb

Check with Austin Seal (see 'o' ring forum that Derry posted. Looks as if they carry tubing. wayneb

Note: if you get the rigid plastic 'stick' that Mark talks about, you can heat it up near the end and pull it until you get the smaller diameter you want. wayneb PS - trick from my old model railroading scratch-building days.

buy a cheapo from the store and super glue stiff air line tubing to the end. wayneb

Mark, since it sounds like they'll be home tomorrow - my guestimate is 23 July at 0930.

LOL - Yea I made it for 3 weeks before being baptised with my 1st one, but only about a week and a half with 2nd son.

Mark, my guess is 66 days from day he comes home from hospital. Time would be 0930. I figure you should have another contest - date and time that he christens you while changing his diaper. wayne

PM sent. wayneb

Mitch - I have two 50w? PennPlax heaters on hand but not sure if they work and they need to be cleaned up abit. They were stored in my garage for a few years, but you are welcome to them. Will be heading up 71 to mopac around 10 am or so today. PM me on where and when we can meet if you're interested. wayneb

I agree - both the Prof and Shane at Fishy Business have good quality live rock (both sponsors). Why not go with a mixture of dry rock (again Prof has a very good choice) and live rock. Should be cheaper. Come to the ARC meeting 22nd and hear Dave (prof) discuss 'rock', besides meeting with others of us. wayneb Forgot to mentioned that there is a map to all the LFS in the "resources".

Just got an email ad from BSR - looks as they're running specials on their RO/DI stuff. wayneb