Kai Zen Cube

[najer]

What media are you going to run?

 

[RichtheReefer21]

What media are you going to run?

I am going to have GFO on standby for po4 spikes. The sticks i plan to put in are too picky, and too expensive to risk it. The UV will also be on standby for obvious reasons.

 

[RichtheReefer21]

I need to make up my mind if im going to drill the return or not. The more i consider the juice for the squeeze, it may not be worth it. But regardless, until i make my decision, the plumbing, routing, etc all goes on hold. Heres where im at so far...

Front view

Same top print. But now the view is from behind the tank looking at the 2nd sump.

 

[Crabby48]

IPSF sells sand, mud, from their tanks that the ocean flows through in Hawaii. Loaded with pods worms and other fun stuff. Diversity.

 

[JoshH]

Deleted.

 

[RichtheReefer21]

IPSF sells sand, mud, from their tanks that the ocean flows through in Hawaii. Loaded with pods worms and other fun stuff. Diversity.

Thats pretty dang neat. I just would be terrified of hitchikers.

Looking good, Drawing things out is probably the absolute best thing to do when you're undecided on something.

Yea, I dont have any cad software or a pc at all for that matter currently. So this is the only way i can visualize it.

 

[JoshH]

Deleted.

 

[RichtheReefer21]

Im so tired of drawing... i got to the plumbing a winged it. :shrugs: my thumbs hurt.

I think this is the one.

Guess its time to go to Home Desperate and get statrted on the mock up stand im gonna use to set it all up and test/fit. Then ill fill it with my 44ppm. Tap water and fire it up.

Two apex flow sensor will be installed inline after the gate valve and a 2nd one at the exit of the UV.

 

[RichtheReefer21]

Tossing out the 2nd pump, and tying the UV into the return. And ill flip the power on or off on command as needed via apex.

 

[JoshH]

Deleted.

 

[Crabby48]

Watch out with apex flow sensors. They take up a lot of room in length. They recommend 4-5 times pipe diameter before and after turns. On each side is sensor.
May want to do a quick search

 

[JoshH]

Deleted.

 

[Crabby48]

I've heard they are pretty much a waste of money from quite a few people, what are your thoughts on them Crabby?

Can’t say. I have one but the hassle fitting it I decided to keep it safe in the box. New build I may install a couple but not sure it’s worth it. Another thing to clean and add head pressure
Seems for them to work good it’s about the install.

 

[JoshH]

Deleted.

 

[Crabby48]

I've heard that because of the impeller design they clog/seize up super fast and you have to clean them like twice a week in order for them to be usable.

Just what I've heard, I have no personal experience with them and never will lol

Some seem to get more time out of them between cleaning. Would think cleaner tank less growth. Nice to monitor reactors to know when they get clog. On returns i think it’s more neat to see flow but after that why have them if they need cleaning. I honestly don’t know but leaning towards don’t fix what ain’t broke

 

[RichtheReefer21]

I have to ensure the UV gph flow is properly suited for the gph recommendations from the manufacturer.

What are my other options?

I spoke with a friend who has a reefing business but is a true hobbyist at heart. He builds and maintains systems fkr a living... etc.. he brought up a good point regarding plumbing UV's into return lines. Old water sittin idle when not in use from opening and closing the gate valve intermittenly is a murphy root cause down the line.

It made sense, keep water flowing through it constantly, and just toggle the bulb on and off when wanted.

Not sure how else to dial in the gph without flow sensors...

 

[Crabby48]

I have to ensure the UV gph flow is properly suited for the gph recommendations from the manufacturer.

What are my other options?

I spoke with a friend who has a reefing business but is a true hobbyist at heart. He builds and maintains systems fkr a living... etc.. he brought up a good point regarding plumbing UV's into return lines. Old water sittin idle when not in use from opening and closing the gate valve intermittenly is a murphy root cause down the line.

It made sense, keep water flowing through it constantly, and just toggle the bulb on and off when wanted.

Not sure how else to dial in the gph without flow sensors...

That is why I planed on them. If I get setup before you and use one I’ll let you know my thoughts

 

[Raege]

For uv a separate pump would allow you to change flow rate to suit either parasites or algae without affecting return rates to tank?

 

[RichtheReefer21]

For uv a separate pump would allow you to change flow rate to suit either parasites or algae without affecting return rates to tank?

Yes, but i would have to run it constantly to keep residue and creep from drying out on the inside in between uses. By dialing in the flow for that appendage in the plumbing, and leaving it wide open, it eliminates that issue. Or anything else growing in stagnant water that may result in issue downstream.

 

[fishguy242]

yep caught up run the uv w dedicated pump,always running ,turn on /off light as wanted could tie in w chiller as same,but always running