First post - new custom build
- Thread starter gerryd
- Start date
You should ask if it's alright to video tape it, his sessions/tutorial
That is a nice idea, but I have no desire to play cameraman while trying to listen and watch Tom myself..
I can barely walk and chew gum at the same time
Well, at least you got out the word 'awesome' so not totally speechless LOL
Thanks for the compliment!
Hi, thanks much! I am also pretty glad with the rimless look....It is just as I had hoped all along.
Hey all,
So I setup the sump and wet/dry to check the aesthetics and guage the basic operation, flow, and noise levels, etc.
Component by component breakdown
Overflow
Operation - This is really very nice and works well. It is very wide and provides skimming from 3 sides. The U tube siphons needed a single attempt with some airline tubing help to start the siphon. The adjustment range of the inside box is decent and should provide nice flexibility in the future for the max water line...I have the water level several inches from the top atm.
Noise - with the intake valves fully open much air is inducted into the standpipes and are thus noisy. Closing the valves 40-50% eliminates this completey, but loses flow...duh...
Aesthetics - I have it placed on the right end currently with the outlet on the other end pushing towards the skimmer. Viewed straight on it is not that noticeable. Viewed from the outlet end it is not that visible either. It is only when you go to that end and look through that the overflow will block the view.
This was expected but now that I see it I don't really care for the loss of viewing glass. Even if filled with beautiful emersed growth.
So, this may change my filtration plans back to the twin Eheim canisters. Each has dual intakes and a single outlet. Then I only have to hide the tubing. They will be dead quiet I expect and that may matter a lot in the end.
I would like to use the sump and wet/dry and skimmer, but now that it is in place, I like it.....but think I may go another route....
I have to think about this as the Eheims are not cheap.....
The pictures show what I mean....
Sump and wet/dry.
Operation - I like the flow as it goes past the filter socks and THEN into the drip tray. I have to shim the sump as the drip tray is not entirely used...The far end is dry. All else the flow is nice and even over the trickle plate. One shim did not do the trick so need to use a couple/few more.
Noise - Since there is no bio-media present, you can hear the water falling from the drip tray into the sump..I expect this will lessen with a big bag of ceramic rings to absorb the waterfall.
Aesthetics - I like the sump a lot. It is nice and large and attractive for what it is
Pump - is very quiet and works well. I expect no issues here at all.
I think I selected good equipment but not sure it will work for me in other areas.
More to come I am sure....
That is a nice idea, but I have no desire to play cameraman while trying to listen and watch Tom myself..
I can barely walk and chew gum at the same time
Well, you don't have to be the cameraman. Set the camera on a tripod or anywhere to get a good view of the whole set up. That way, your personal experience is instilled within you through your undivided attention
. The audio or what he says will be the important part for us and yourself also(just in case you need to recall something or would like to have a refresher in the future). No audio will have to do as well, you can sort of understand what's going on just by watching.P.S. I'm glad to see you progressing smoothly with the set up.
Hey,
Well I need to borrow:
1) A video recorder
2) A tripod
3) Knowledge to use 1 and 2
Interesting idea and I will research but not sure if I can pull it off. I will ask my friends if they have this stuff I can borrow...
I did NOT budget for camera or documentary work....Apparently my plan has flaws LOL
Thanks!
Well I need to borrow:
1) A video recorder
2) A tripod
3) Knowledge to use 1 and 2
Interesting idea and I will research but not sure if I can pull it off. I will ask my friends if they have this stuff I can borrow...
I did NOT budget for camera or documentary work....Apparently my plan has flaws LOL
Thanks!
Hey all,
I rinsed all of the new manzanita wood that has been soaking/leaching now for several weeks. Man, was the water nasty!
I have it now in the 220 so it stays wet until Tom arrives...It all soaked well except for one larger branch that still floats a bit...will provide a bit more leaching time as well...
I will take pics of each piece tomorrow and post if I get a chance.
I also have two more speciment pieces coming for the new scape and should be here this week. I will need to get slate bottoms for these as I don't think I have enough soak time between now and the actual scape.
I will also post a list of the plants and quantities (estimated) I plan to use.
Later.
I rinsed all of the new manzanita wood that has been soaking/leaching now for several weeks. Man, was the water nasty!
I have it now in the 220 so it stays wet until Tom arrives...It all soaked well except for one larger branch that still floats a bit...will provide a bit more leaching time as well...
I will take pics of each piece tomorrow and post if I get a chance.
I also have two more speciment pieces coming for the new scape and should be here this week. I will need to get slate bottoms for these as I don't think I have enough soak time between now and the actual scape.
I will also post a list of the plants and quantities (estimated) I plan to use.
Later.
