Melev's new 280g Starfire tank thread - Page 3

Knyght · #51 12/09/2005, 02:50 AM

Sweet

Much nicer than the old way.
I added a post to my thread tonight, but thought that I would ask here as it would get a response 50 times faster I`m sure. My thread hardly sees any action LOL.

I want to add the 5gl bucket dsb that Anthony Calfo came up with to lower my nitrates, problem is I haven`t a clue where to find the cup bulkheads needed. Any Idea where they can be found?

Thanks,

melev · #52 12/09/2005, 03:04 AM

I've heard of the DSB in a Bucket method referred to many times, but I've yet to read the thread in Anthony's forum. I've never even heard of a cup bulkhead.

Knyght · #53 12/09/2005, 03:11 AM

It`s just like a regular bulkhead but is curved to fit a radius.

melev · #54 12/09/2005, 03:21 AM

Maybe you should ask Anthony.

NexDog · #55 12/09/2005, 03:56 AM

Marc, what are those small bulkheads you used on those containers? They sure aren't your standard schedule 80 - much smaller....

melev · #56 12/09/2005, 04:17 AM

They are just regular 1/2" slip bulkheads. My LFS picked them up for me a couple of days ago. I guess they are Schedule 40 perhaps.

Micki · #57 12/09/2005, 07:27 AM

Marc, that is sweet! I drip Kalk. We are still trying to figure out the best way to do that and auto top off etc. Once we get that figured out we will be DONE!!!

Ehydo · #58 12/09/2005, 09:01 AM

Why don't you just turn the plumbing towards the wall. Then you will not have to make an acrylic kick plate.

melev · #59 12/09/2005, 09:09 AM

True, but then it looks more boring. Gotta have something to brag about, right?

rdmpe · #60 12/09/2005, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Knyght
It`s just like a regular bulkhead but is curved to fit a radius.

If the diameter isn't too large, you could possibly find a large soft rubber ring in the Lowes plumbing section. Another thing that may work are "uniseals". There are pictures of these being used as bulkheads in the wall of a large PVC pipe (tighter radius than a bucket).

McGinnis · #61 12/09/2005, 10:06 AM

Marc,
What sort of auto-top off device do you use to add the water? I have been looking into getting one of the more simple devices that uses a float valve connected to a powerhead, just to make adding water a lot simpler. Let me know what you think.

I like the new design you have there! I think it will work great.

Electrobes · #62 12/09/2005, 10:18 AM

I think Marc uses the same thing I do: An Aqualifter attached to a float switch. at 3 gallons per hour is a nice slower rate than powerheads

McGinnis · #63 12/09/2005, 10:37 AM

Where did you get this unit from? I have been looking for something that would deliver the water slower than a typical powerhead.

disbjohn · #64 12/09/2005, 10:54 AM

Look up TOM aqualifter. Many vendors sell them including Marine Depot and usually run around 12-13 bucks. This is what I use for my auto top off as well. The solid state top off control and float switch I am using cost me about $50 and got it here . It has worked flawlessly for me. Instead of using just the single horizontal float switch, I also ran a float switch from floatswitches.net in series as a backup cut off. One thing I noticed is that wire from the horizontal float switch is much thicker than the one from floatswitches.net.

melev · #65 12/09/2005, 11:39 AM

Floatswitches.net now sells the float switch, relays, and provides DIY plans as well about how to wire it all together. I'm still using a float switch wired into an extension cord, and then plug the AquaLifter into the outlet. If you need more details, PM me and I'll send you a link.

PremiumAquatics had the AquaLifter for $10 each not too long ago.

McGinnis · #66 12/09/2005, 11:40 AM

Great, thanks Dis, I found it at MarineDepot. Good looking product. I have to admit that the one thing I am sceptical of is the float valve. Reading several peoples complaint about them sticking and causing a flood is not too inspiring. One option I was considering was to put the AquaLifter on a timer and have it come on for a few minutes every other hour. What do you think of that? Or can you give a good recommendation for a reliable switch?

melev · #67 12/09/2005, 11:52 AM

Matthew, your PM box is full. Check your SENT folder as well. I tried to email my comments, but your email is blocked.

McGinnis · #68 12/09/2005, 12:19 PM

Sorry Marc,
It is emptied now...go ahead and resend. Thanks.

Travis · #69 12/09/2005, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by McGinnis
Great, thanks Dis, I found it at MarineDepot. Good looking product. I have to admit that the one thing I am sceptical of is the float valve. Reading several peoples complaint about them sticking and causing a flood is not too inspiring. One option I was considering was to put the AquaLifter on a timer and have it come on for a few minutes every other hour. What do you think of that? Or can you give a good recommendation for a reliable switch?

Just do the dual switch relay with the second switch as a backup and you should be fine. You can purchase everything you need and read the plans at floatswitches.net. Darn cheap too.

I wouldn't recommend the pump on a timer alone as it would be real hard to match evaporation. Evaporation is never constant and depends on temperature, season, and relative humidity.