Perfect example of wasted money!?!
- Thread starter Red_Man
- Start date
Agreed, although their are common principles, not all set-ups need to be text book to be affective. I too use bio-balls fully submerged and two high watt 500 heaters with controller...
My heaters are only on for 20 mins tops. Nice stand in the video.
My heaters are only on for 20 mins tops. Nice stand in the video.
The title is very misleading. I don't get how this is a waste of money but this is a very nice setup. I read the comments and seems like the owner chimed in and answered the questions very nicely. I have a similar setup minus the ball valves.
My first setup every like 10 years ago was just bioballs and sponges.This is the same 40gallon sump I used and I literally had monster fish in the tank and never had one issue. I still have the same pump running its one of those pond pumps and I forgot the GPH since the sticker on it eventually cracked and flaked off.
My first setup every like 10 years ago was just bioballs and sponges.This is the same 40gallon sump I used and I literally had monster fish in the tank and never had one issue. I still have the same pump running its one of those pond pumps and I forgot the GPH since the sticker on it eventually cracked and flaked off.
Yeah, not sure what the poster who said submerged bio-balls are achieving nothing is talking about. Is there media that perhaps has more surface area? Yeah, but to say they are achieving nothing is nonsense.
Looks like we are using the same Ranco controller (I saw your thread). I also bought mine from Jehmco with two receptacles. I didn't shrink wrap the sensor and it's been submerged in my sump for 4 years with no problems. Although shrink wrapping probably isn't a bad idea.
The whole setup is a waste of money in a lot of people's eyes (I sometimes even feel this way and it's mine- lol). I could have plumbed it for cheaper (I think I actually mentioned this in my build thread), but I don't like taking the cheap route.
Evan, In regards to the plumbing being "overkill per spec"...not sure if this was in regards to using schedule 80 or the fact that I was using 2" pipe. I think a common mistake I see on here is people trying to run tons of flow through small diameter pipe. Spending the money on an efficient pump is a great investment, but you also want to use adequately sized plumbing so that you aren't restricting flow.
Reeflo has a really good write-up on how to properly plumb a setup: http://users.neo.myregisteredsite.com/0/1/3/11915310/assets/tips.pdf
aldiaz33
My comment regarding specs on plumbing was referencing the sch80. That stuff can handle some serious work and is like triple the cost. We all could get away with thin wall pvc but for the most part use sch40. I have learned from my past to not hit the "overkill" or "awesome" button. Save wisely where you can so you can hit them buttons on something else like upgrading to LEDs, or getting some sensors, or a full blown auto water change/top off setup.
Any chance you could post some pics of how your tank is setup currently?
Red_Man
My initial plan was to keep the stand totally open so that "guts" of the system were exposed. I planned to use clear PVC and clear PVC fittings (I thought that would look really cool). When I saw what that would run (ex- $35 for a single 2" 90 elbow), I had a mini-heart attack. I guess the schedule 80 seemed cheap in comparison- lol.
Wow! That is a beautiful sump! It looks very similar to how many of the reef guys have theirs, I've noticed they tend to have much nicer systems under the tank than the freshwater guys, they almost have a second display down there.
