Gilroy 425g Build Thread (All Apex, all the time)

[eg8r210]

Yes. In fact it had already been running on it but of course I could not share pics

I was running it in parallel upstairs so it was not connected to the calcium reactor.

My reactor pump has again failed BTW. So I am at interzoo and stationed 100 feet from aqua bee booth. I spoke to THE guy there (through a translator) and he first told me there is no problem. Then he told me IF there is a problem out there that it is not the pump. That it is a problem with the application. I told him that Deltec has been using his product in a calcium reactor for years with mixed results and he said "well this pump should it be used in a calcium reactor because of the fine particles in the water will make it fail". He told me it is Deltecs fault for using it in a way that is not supported. Nice, huh?

So, I will be hopefully getting the metric fittings to covert it over to a Sicce pump and we will see how that goes.

Looks like the same response we would get from Neptune if we were incorrectly using the Apex. If the Sicce pump doesn't work try out an eheim. Geo hasn't really had any major issues using the eheim that I am aware.

 

[hybridazn]

I second an ehiem pump on the CaRX. I hAve the Geo's reactor with it and it's silent and has never failed.

 

[Terence]

Looks like the same response we would get from Neptune if we were incorrectly using the Apex. If the Sicce pump doesn't work try out an eheim. Geo hasn't really had any major issues using the eheim that I am aware.

No, this is exactly why we have the Apex Ready program. I did not buy a AquaBee and put it on a calcium reactor. I bought a calcium reactor from Deltec that happened to have a AquaBee pump on it. If you are going to integrate two companies products there has to be cooperation and not the pointing of fingers. Worse here he claimed to not know of the issue and then say that once acknologed, he said Deltec should not be using his pumps. But he sells them (for years and years and they even made modifications for this use) to them knowing (supposedly) they are using them in a manner in which they should not (according to him). So, for that, his own brand suffers whether or not he may think it is warranted.

 

[Terence]

I will be trying a Sicce after I adapt the plumbing.

 

[Dxpert]

I will be trying a Sicce after I adapt the plumbing.

Are there other calcium reactors that don't have these types of problems? Changing the fittings / pump seems like a lot of work for this device. Some vendor surly must have figured out a good quality device...

 

[Terence]

Well now I am intrigued. My friend Brad has endured this for years with this reactor. He has a graveyard of pumps. I was told that there was now a design change to prevent this issue. It was couched as a pumping design change. Evidently not. But, maybe it is the reactor itself that has issues in design because as you say there are many successful designs without this issue.

In fact it may be the combination of the low pH level for this media type, it's small particle size, and fluidized design's penchant for making fine dust in the water that may make it eat pumps. Speculation, but the ceramic rear bearing likely has a very tight tolerance and this dust and calcification may lead to overheating and then a over heating of the bearing, seizing, and then shearing of the bearings soft carrier.

By giving the Sicce a shot, maybe I can determine if the pump is the issue or if I just need to convert the reactor over to TLF ReBorn and give up the fluidized approach.

 

[SPotter]

What media are you using?

 

[Terence]

The recommended media - RowaLith C+ http://www.theaquariumsolution.com/rowalith-c

 

[SPotter]

How low do you need the ph to be? Im running the triton CaRx media in my dastaco reactor which needs ph around 6.0. The reactor uses an eheim pump and I've had zero issues with it. If the sicce doesn't work out definitely try an eheim.

 

[Panky]

Lights?

 

[Terence]

How low do you need the ph to be? Im running the triton CaRx media in my dastaco reactor which needs ph around 6.0. The reactor uses an eheim pump and I've had zero issues with it. If the sicce doesn't work out definitely try an eheim.

I have the ph at 6.30-6.35.

If I kill another pump I will simply abandon the fluidized method and switch to reborn.

 

[SchnitzelReef]

Yes. In fact it had already been running on it but of course I could not share pics

I was running it in parallel upstairs so it was not connected to the calcium reactor.

My reactor pump has again failed BTW. So I am at interzoo and stationed 100 feet from aqua bee booth. I spoke to THE guy there (through a translator) and he first told me there is no problem. Then he told me IF there is a problem out there that it is not the pump. That it is a problem with the application. I told him that Deltec has been using his product in a calcium reactor for years with mixed results and he said "well this pump should it be used in a calcium reactor because of the fine particles in the water will make it fail". He told me it is Deltecs fault for using it in a way that is not supported. Nice, huh?

So, I will be hopefully getting the metric fittings to covert it over to a Sicce pump and we will see how that goes.

Finally!!!!! Sicce is the way to go!!!!

You will be happy once you get it swapped.

 

[Terence]

So I got some bad news yesterday. The lights I was planning on installing were a custom set by BML (Build My LED). Nick and I had planned a baller set up, and he kept trying to get at it for me, but yesterday he informed me that due to internal circumstances, he could no longer do the light. I am pretty bummed out about it as it was going to kick serious butt. And, I know you all thought there would be a NS light coming so I am sure many of you are disappointed too! But on that front, who knows what the future may bring.

As far as this tank is concerned, I am now looking for suggestions. I saw many things at InterZoo but I must say that only one or two lights truly impressed me. Go ahead and take some guesses at which ones and also let me know what you think I should run on this tank.

Thanks all for riding along and I can't wait to see your feedback and suggestions.

 

[jl283467]

That sucks, I like be my AI lights

 

[mwilk19]

Yeah, BML got out of the aquarium lighting business a few months ago. I have a four light BML system over my 120 gallon reef and really like it. I'll be interested to see what lights you eventually end up with.

 

[Terence]

Yeah, BML got out of the aquarium lighting business a few months ago. I have a four light BML system over my 120 gallon reef and really like it. I'll be interested to see what lights you eventually end up with.

Yes, of course I was aware of that, but regardless I was working out something special for my reef

 

[nelson69]

Radions???

 

[57buick]

I have been impressed with the colors on my Orphek Atlantik V3

 

[SchnitzelReef]

What did you think of those new Phillips coralcare LEDs? Phillips makes some of the best LEDs out there. Interested to see how their aquarium LEDs pan out.

For your tank, you would need at least 12 radions. Maybe more. That's a lot of $ for lights.

What were the lights that you liked ?

 

[Terence]

Radions???

I would need too many to prevent shadowing long term - probably 8-12 of them IMO.

I have been impressed with the colors on my Orphek Atlantik V3

I like the edge to edge coverage but the disco twinkling with the amount of surface agitation I have is the deal killer for me.

What did you think of those new Phillips coralcare LEDs? Phillips makes some of the best LEDs out there. Interested to see how their aquarium LEDs pan out.

For your tank, you would need at least 12 radions. Maybe more. That's a lot of $ for lights.

What were the lights that you liked ?

You hit one of the two LED I liked! The Philips light shows some amazing potential if you want great light and dont care about crazy bells and whistles.