Reefs.org Forums

GreshamH · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 11:45 am Post subject:

I'll bring over the PAR meter next week Very Happy

bleedingthought · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 6:13 pm Post subject:

bleedingthought · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 6:40 pm Post subject:

**Thales** · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 7:00 pm Post subject:

No problem, thats what RDO is for!

I am not aware of anyplace that makes manifolds like that. I made 'em myself. I lucked out in that 5 3/4 inch t's ended up being a length I could use.

The locline valves are ok, but the only reason I actually felt comfortable using them (or any locline for that matter) was because they were over the tank or the tanks perimeter bracing. So, if they did drip leak, the water would drop into the tank instead of onto the floor.

I got my locline and valves from www.modularhose.com , but I don't remember what I paid.

bleedingthought · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 7:05 pm Post subject:

Oh, I didn't even realize the seams on the manifold! Nice! Smile

I like how small those valves are and can't think of anything remotely close to that size. Since the tank will be open top, the valves would be showing. That link doesn't work, though. Confused

**Thales** · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 7:09 pm Post subject:

The link works now - the comma was too close to the .com!

I was really happy I got to use the valves. If I had to do it with regular valves I polly would have put the manifold behind the tank. Ewwww.

bleedingthought · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 10:28 pm Post subject:

bleedingthought · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 10:31 pm Post subject:

Also, any specific reason why both actinic bulbs are on the front? Does it make a difference?

You know, I can't get over how much I like the overall color of your tank. It's decided, I'm going with XM 20kks (the lumenarcs too, of course) and use either 2 or 4 of my VHOs for actinics, just like yourself. Mr. Green

**Thales** · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 10:55 pm Post subject:

We haven't had a chance to measure the PAR.

I put the actinics up front so they cast their light on the parts of the tank and corals that I can see. Since the actinics are mostly for my eye, I place them where they benefit my eye the most. Very Happy

I am actually thinking of replacing my lumenarcs with .... dual lumanrics! There would be two blubs in each hood. I talked them about it, and they don't think it will impact the reflection too much. The sockets would parallel opposite sides of the top squares of the reflector. I would run the 20 k xm 400's and some kind of 10 k 250. The 10 would only be on an hour or two, just for growth. I'm just deciding if I want to really do it, and if I really want to spend the extra money.

RR

bleedingthought · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 11:06 pm Post subject:

Hmm, interesting. Are you not happy with the growth you're getting currently? Smile

By the way, have you ever used the mini lumenarcs? That's actually probably the route I'm taking to save on some space. The std ones might be too big for the canopy.

And, which direction to you run your MH bulbs? Parallel or opposite the way the tank 'runs'?

**trido** · {squat} Joined: 13 Dec 2005 Posts: 1937 Location: Seattle

The link for the locline parts is considerably less expensive than MD. I modeled my CL (and tank) from this system. The loclines and adjustable valves are well worth the money spent because I can back off flow in certain areas as corals grow larger and increase flow in other areas. Also the ability to add or remove a few segments, and the infinate control of direction per nozzels makes for easy, rooky, learn as you go adjustments.

I just hooked up some luminarc Black vented pendants (14.5"x14.5"). Because of my only having 250s I dont feel comfortable raising my MH as shown above. I am unable to put two actinics in the front to get a better actinic glow on my corals. If only you had warned me Thales.

BT, (or anyone for that matter) if you want a reef that works. Build your system like this one and practice good reef husbandry. Your almost guaranteed to get great growth. Disclaimer: Not eveyone has a knack for keeping aquariums

The Escaped Ape · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 4:20 am Post subject:

**Thales** · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 11:17 am Post subject:

bleedingthought · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 5:22 pm Post subject:

**Thales** · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 10:35 pm Post subject:

I don't believe so. Most people run them perpendicular because then the socket cord leads to the back of the tank. Very Happy

If I had the doubles, they would have to lead to the sides.

**Thales** · Posted: Tue May 15, 2007 12:30 am Post subject:

Matt is a genius!

I did his 'loc line to vinyl tubing at the surface so you don't see the returns' to my tank with awesome results. Not only is the view less obstructed by there is more light on the sides of the tank. Nice Matt!

**trido** · {squat} Joined: 13 Dec 2005 Posts: 1937 Location: Seattle

With ten loclines myself, I have been considering this.
What size of vinyl tubing did you use and can I see a pic from topside?

**Thales** · Posted: Wed May 16, 2007 7:47 pm Post subject:

3/4 inch locline with 3/4 inch round nozzle and 1 1/4 inch vinyl tubing. I'll get some up top pics soon.

Matt_Wandell · Posted: Sun May 20, 2007 3:53 pm Post subject:

**trido** · {squat} Joined: 13 Dec 2005 Posts: 1937 Location: Seattle

I was just looking at your awesome tank pics again and thought to my self, "Thales, have you counted the number of colonies you have in there lately?"

So have you? Smile