90 Gallon Starphire Start-up

[jrf1175]

Well it looks like I will have to wait anohter week or so to pick up the LR and get the cycle started. What a killer...patience ...how can anyone have patience when trying to get started....arrrrrgggg ha ha.

Also, I am getting some micro bubbles in my return...my contact at the LFS says this is from freshly mixed saltwater and should cleaer up in a week or so? Is this true? Just trying to work out all the bugs...Thanks!

[lcstorc]

I've never heard of bubbles appearing in NSW. I would look for a leak somewhere in your plumbing allowing air into the system.

[jrf1175]

What is the best way to look for air ENTERING a system? What are the possible sources? Skimmer, Return pump, leak in piping joints....

I tried to put some soapy water on the plumbing joints but didn't notice anything, not sure what else to do or how else to check?

I have a submersible return pump so would the only source of the micro bubbles be the piping between the return pump and the DT?

I am gong to unplug the skimmer for the night and see if that helps too.

If that doesn't work hopefully it will miraculously fix itself while I am away.

Thanks again...and again...and again....(-;

[jrf1175]

Well I made it through my first week away from my tank and everything is fine....well aside from the fact that there isn't any livestock in it yet! Should be getting the LR this sunday and I am pretty excited to aquascape and see what I can come up with.

Back to the micro bubble question for a second. After checking everything out it seems the micro bubbles are being generate as the water falls from the drain into the sump. They are then travelling under the baffle and across the fuge making there way back into the return. As you can see from my sump there is only one baffle between the chamber where the water enters the sump and the fuge...not sure if this is the best design or if there should be another baffle to slow the water flow and eliminate these pesky bubbles?? However, I am going through the most experience LFS in the area and they have been building and using this sump design for years.

So mu question is, how can so many micro bubbles enter the water column as it falls from the drain to the sump? More importantly how can I eliminate this problem?

Thanks for all you help in advance.

Cheers,
Jayme

[Dentoid]

Can you attach a filter sock to the end of the drain pipe? There are hang on the sump Berlin style filter sock holders available from Marine Depot. Where are you getting your LR?

[mps9506]

I keep about 5 of these on hand and swap out every week or so. Bleach/water soak and run em through the wash to clean em out.
16" 100 MICRON FELT FILTER BAG W/DRAW STRING: Premium Aquatics

This does a great job on micro bubbles and getting gunk out of the water.

[jrf1175]

Originally Posted by Dentoid

Can you attach a filter sock to the end of the drain pipe? There are hang on the sump Berlin style filter sock holders available from Marine Depot. Where are you getting your LR?

Seems like I should try a filter sock. I will test one out this weekend. I am just curious how this only happens with some systems and not others? What would be the major differences in systems that dont experience this problem?

I am in Toronto and deal with a really great LFS - Oakville Reef Gallery. They have been in the business 20years and have been instrumental in helping get all set up.

I will have lots of photo updates when I get the rock...finally!!!!

[jrf1175]

I have been on a bit of a break from RS while travelling and having computer problems...working ona MAC right now...help! My firendly Dell service guy is sitting across from me now replaicing the motherboard on my notebook so I should be back up and running shortly if all goes as planned.

Anyways, LR and aquascaping is completed and Wavy Sea is FINALLY up and operational.

On the Wavy Sea note...seems like a great unit so far, but most of the time requires the purchase of a $50 bracket that will fit most tanks. The stock bracket that comes with the unit will only fit smaller rimmed tanks or those with EURO-bracing/bracless. So 50 big ones for a large acryllic one...kind of rediculous if you ask me but what can you do??

Some shots of the aquascaping will up once I get back on my PC. It only took me about 30 minutes to end up with something I was happy with. 100lbs is a lot of LR! I can't imagine trying to pack more than this into a 90 and have space for livestock.

Will do my second round of water testing this evening. Using the new ELOS test kits. Pretty simple from my first try the other day. I will start recording results and monitoring closely as the cycle progresses. I will probably run 6-8 weeks before adding the cleanup crew...my visa will appreciate the break.

Photos to come soon....

[lcstorc]

Good planning. That should give your tank time to settle off and get good and ready. Just go slow with the additions and add the more timid fish first to let them get established before adding the larger or more agressive fish.

[aquaman3680]

Sweet man looks like your on your way! Got any pics?

Matt

[jrf1175]

Pics are coming....PC crashed and waiting for another motherboard. Will upload tomorrow if all goes as planned with the replacement.

[boozeman]

[jrf1175]

Finaly!!! Here are some updated shots of the system.

Hope y'all like and Boozeman has his popcorn ready.

Cheers,
Jayme

[jrf1175]

A few more of other stuff.....

[Dentoid]

Nice aquascape Jayme! You're off to a great start. Like the behind the scene area too!