RK's Pro Clear ProStar 230

[Romeo Kilo]

Finally was able to get this delivered after weeks in Social Distancing Jail. Was also able to grab a retired skimmer my LFS had
tucked away. I have an Sunpower 8x80, a 5 stage RO/DI yet to install.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Going to be a beautiful set up! Nice!

 

[Romeo Kilo]

Any suggestions on changes to the plumbing, it came with two ball valves that only fit the drain pipes, but they don't close all the way. Should I add anything? I'd planned on an AC pump, I have a Syncra 7.0 should I add a gate valve and do I want it closer to the tank or closer to the pump?

 

[Devaji]

nice I have been looking that these tanks for a while too. how do you like it so far?

I would just size the RT pump for the tank and not but the ball valve on the return line.
however gate valves IMHO are a must for the full siphon line. so you can dail it in borh for flow and noise level.

 

[Romeo Kilo]

So far, it looks great, I love the beveled edges. The leveling feet made that easy. Adjusting the doors might have been a PITA, but I got lucky early on. Its going to be a slow project, work is a bit unpredictable, extended shifts, floating to other units, units closing, ends up exhausting.
I wish I'd put up the light before I put in the tank, wonder now if i should move it.

 

[Romeo Kilo]

So, I have two 1 1/4 " drains that are the same height in the overflow area, do I need to add a valve to both? The prevailing wisdom is add a gate to the "main" drain. It seems I have an atypical setup.

 

[Devaji]

So, I have two 1 1/4 " drains that are the same height in the overflow area, do I need to add a valve to both? The prevailing wisdom is add a gate to the "main" drain. It seems I have an atypical setup.

hmm the E drain should be a bit higher I believe. double check that you have the right part. i would give them a call and see what they say.
yes you will want a gate valve on the main to dial in that perfect silent siphon.

 

[Romeo Kilo]

It would seem that it is by design, both the same height and fitted with a spiral insert, like a little water slide. The left drain has a lean to it, not sure how that will affect things. both pipes are glued into the bulkhead.

 

[MikeTheNewbie]

Hi, what is the diameter of the pipes in your ProStar 230?
Thank you!

 

[Two Tides Aquarium Supply]

Hey guys, @Romeo Kilo looking forward to seeing how the build turns out. Be sure to keep the blinds closed when water makes its way in.

@MikeTheNewbie Both Drains on the ProStar 230 are 32mm (roughly 1.25"), and the single Return line is 25mm (roughly 1").

Hope this helps, and keep us updated on the build!

 

[mindme]

Hey guys, @Romeo Kilo looking forward to seeing how the build turns out. Be sure to keep the blinds closed when water makes its way in.

@MikeTheNewbie Both Drains on the ProStar 230 are 32mm (roughly 1.25"), and the single Return line is 25mm (roughly 1").

Hope this helps, and keep us updated on the build!

Sorry to the OP for somewhat hijacking this. However I am looking at buying the exact same tank. I was going to order from you as well.

I live in Port Richey, I was wondering if it's possible for me to drive down to you and look at the tank before purchasing? It sure would make me feel a lot better if I could see the tank before spending the $3200 after taxes for it.

 

[Two Tides Aquarium Supply]

Hey @mindme, how's it goin neighbor?

Definitely understand on wanting to come in and see the tank first, it's a big decision. For us, we decided to shut down storefront for the time being once everything started this year because as you know it was pretty bad down here. Would rather keep everyone safe and not contribute to higher case levels.

We've also found it's best with large glass tanks to ship straight from where they're made to you guys. Every time the tank is moved around there's always a chance for something bad happening. Just a reality for our hobby. So to protect the tank and in turn the client's investment best, this is how we choose to do it. We are very blessed to say that so far we have never had any tank delivery damages. Also help out with movers where we can because manpower is also a challenge for some new tank owners.

Hope this adds clarity to how we do things. If you wanna chat about anything else ProStar, just reply here

Also, @Romeo Kilo lookin forward to see more of the build soon. Cheers guys

 

[MikeTheNewbie]

Hey guys, @Romeo Kilo looking forward to seeing how the build turns out. Be sure to keep the blinds closed when water makes its way in.

@MikeTheNewbie Both Drains on the ProStar 230 are 32mm (roughly 1.25"), and the single Return line is 25mm (roughly 1").

Hope this helps, and keep us updated on the build!

Is it possible to add a second return line on these tanks?

 

[Two Tides Aquarium Supply]

Is it possible to add a second return line on these tanks?

@MikeTheNewbie I assume this is for plans of a dual return pump redundancy? The ProStar’s currently all come with one return line bulkhead from the stand to the tank that sends water to one return nozzle on the ProStar 60 and 90, and tees out to two return nozzles on the ProStar 150 200 and 230.

Two separately plumbed return lines aren’t possible currently. However, two return pumps can be plumbed into the single return plumbing line with a tee fitting, and having two actually helps a lot with loss of turnover due to head pressure. Not to mention redundancy.

 

[Romeo Kilo]

 

[Romeo Kilo]

Water after work tomorrow

 

[mindme]

Water after work tomorrow

Are you going to put a lid on it?

 

[mindme]

Hey @mindme, how's it goin neighbor?

Definitely understand on wanting to come in and see the tank first, it's a big decision. For us, we decided to shut down storefront for the time being once everything started this year because as you know it was pretty bad down here. Would rather keep everyone safe and not contribute to higher case levels.

We've also found it's best with large glass tanks to ship straight from where they're made to you guys. Every time the tank is moved around there's always a chance for something bad happening. Just a reality for our hobby. So to protect the tank and in turn the client's investment best, this is how we choose to do it. We are very blessed to say that so far we have never had any tank delivery damages. Also help out with movers where we can because manpower is also a challenge for some new tank owners.

Hope this adds clarity to how we do things. If you wanna chat about anything else ProStar, just reply here

Also, @Romeo Kilo lookin forward to see more of the build soon. Cheers guys

Just wanted to let you know the state of Florida cost you this sale, and I'm sorry for it. When I went to checkout, the state decided it needed to take an extra $250ish. So I went and found an out of state place to buy it from to save the $250.

I also saved 10%, so it worked out really well for me. $2700 total shipped vs the near $3500 for the local order. I wouldn't have even looked though if not for the sales tax. Perhaps maybe offer a discount to in state residents to offset the taxes? Not sure how much that would cut in your profit, but the remainder of that would have been profit for you this time.

 

[Two Tides Aquarium Supply]

Thanks for your feedback @mindme we appreciate it, cause you're right. Our store actually isn't supposed to be charging sales tax for items over $1,000. I assume that this detail simply got overlooked for the ProStars.

We've since gone in and corrected this, so that local hobbyists won't be charged sales tax. It's not a big thought for say a $100 order, but when you get into the thousands we understand it quickly becomes a sizeable expense.

Again we appreciate the feedback so that we can correct it and become better because of it. If you have any more feedback feel free to post up about content you'd like to see etc. We're currently working on a big project for the ProStars but are always open to new ideas.

I'm glad you picked up a ProStar regardless, they're excellent systems. Be sure to post a build thread so that others can benefit from your experience as well.

 

[Two Tides Aquarium Supply]

Also, for others out there looking at the ProStars, we wanted to mention something for your safety. Be very wary when online sellers offer discounts on these tanks. We have talked with Pro Clear about this numerous times and they have recently cracked down about the tanks being listed at full value.

We believe that these tanks are pretty much already offered at a 20-30% discount all the time for their value to price point, and that was a main driver in the development of the ProStar - an upper echelon full aquarium system that is affordable enough to make the finer aspects of the hobby accessible to all different skills levels and budgets.

The main concern for you guys would be the full 3 Year Warranty protection. If tanks are purchased online below the value that Pro Clear sets, they are immediately voided of any and all warranty coverage. We just confirmed this with Pro Clear today (10/16/20).

We want to be open about the policies because both Pro Clear and ourselves don't want you to be caught in a bind because of the irresponsible actions of a seller. Pro Clear asks for original purchase receipts for warranty claims, so if any discounts were given it will be at their discretion as of what to do next.

If you see any sellers, authorized or unauthorized, listing online below everyone else's price, please do yourself and other hobbyists a massive service by talking with someone about it first before purchase. Whether it be us or Pro Clear or another authorized seller, we want to protect your investment in the long run. You're helping make other hobbyists more successful in the long run as well, so don't be afraid to speak up.

Thanks and happy tanking everyone! @Romeo Kilo how did the water fill go?