My 150 gallon Reef Savvy tank build
- Thread starter Chriscrna
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Black Pearl
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Chriscrna
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Probably Tuesday
You might have problems dialing that skimmer in with such a huge elevation change. Might want to try it out first and see how sensitive it is as you're creating a huge siphon effect.
Not being critical, but I had a similar thought. I could not quite wrap my arms around it's position between the DT and sump, nor what the implications, if any, may be. It's so common to see them at the sump elevation, either submerged or adjacent, with the sump water level determining the static skimmer water column level. I'll be anxious to see it running and tuned in.
Need more info. Skimmer model number. How is water being fed to the skimmer if it is recirculating? Is the tube sticking up before the drain valve an air break? If so, what's the diameter of the hole in the top? When I have more time I'll expound.
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Chriscrna
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Super Reef Octopus 3000 external recirculating skimmer.
Return pump is a Reeflo Hammerhead/Barracuda Gold. Pump is about 12 feet from the display tank return. It's rated at 4,425 GPH at 12 feet of pressure.
The return line to the display tank is teed off at the level of the skimmer. Water flow to the skimmer is controlled by the Cepex ball valve.
The white pvc is the skimmer drain line back to the sump.
I've got a handful of rocks in the sump cycling right now. The skimmer was a breeze to dial in, and pulling nice skimmate.
Return pump is a Reeflo Hammerhead/Barracuda Gold. Pump is about 12 feet from the display tank return. It's rated at 4,425 GPH at 12 feet of pressure.
The return line to the display tank is teed off at the level of the skimmer. Water flow to the skimmer is controlled by the Cepex ball valve.
The white pvc is the skimmer drain line back to the sump.
I've got a handful of rocks in the sump cycling right now. The skimmer was a breeze to dial in, and pulling nice skimmate.
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Chriscrna
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Yeah Dave, the tube before the drain valve is an anti siphon device....probably 1/4 inch hole on top.
I thought the level of an external recirculating pump was irrelevant.
Seems to be working so far.......[emoji51]
I thought the level of an external recirculating pump was irrelevant.
Seems to be working so far.......[emoji51]
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Reeflogic
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Hey Chris, I don't think it will matter where you have it placed, the design appears to compensate for placement such as yours, but I will add, I included Cepex ball valves in my build (from BRS) and I had one fail within 18 months.
The one that failed was installed similar to your skimmer valve, as it ran into an external 30g cube I used as a fuge. It was opened about 1/4" to feed the fuge for roughly 12 months, then it was closed after I moved down here to Knoxville, for approximately 6 months.
I recently wanted to add the fuge back online and when I connected it and opened the valve back to 1/4", it leaked (this was a few weeks ago). I tried plumbing tape, cleaning it etc. and it still leaked. I assumed the leak was coming from the outer union to the fuge, but once I took the center part of the valve out and looked, the smooth plastic surface had somehow fused to the inner union... which created a permanent leak. I have to order a new one....
Not knocking your incredible build at all, just alerting you that you may want to separate and vinegar bath these inner valve parts from time to time. For the price, I was fairly disappointed.
The one that failed was installed similar to your skimmer valve, as it ran into an external 30g cube I used as a fuge. It was opened about 1/4" to feed the fuge for roughly 12 months, then it was closed after I moved down here to Knoxville, for approximately 6 months.
I recently wanted to add the fuge back online and when I connected it and opened the valve back to 1/4", it leaked (this was a few weeks ago). I tried plumbing tape, cleaning it etc. and it still leaked. I assumed the leak was coming from the outer union to the fuge, but once I took the center part of the valve out and looked, the smooth plastic surface had somehow fused to the inner union... which created a permanent leak. I have to order a new one....
Not knocking your incredible build at all, just alerting you that you may want to separate and vinegar bath these inner valve parts from time to time. For the price, I was fairly disappointed.
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