newguy's new tank diary (update #5 09.04.06)

[mr_alberta]

Originally Posted by Johnny Reefer

Looks great!
I wish I had such DIY skills.
Just a few questions, if you don't mind.
I'm still relatively new to the hobby, (7 months), and wish to learn more, even if I might not implement some of what I see.

Sure, no problem! Ask all you want. I'll help where I can

Originally Posted by Johnny Reefer

1) What is a coast to coast overflow?

A coast to coast overflow is an overflow that spans the entire width (or length) of the tank. Though they require more room, they provide much better surface skimming since it skims water from the surface of the entire length of the tank.

Originally Posted by Johnny Reefer

2) The Ampmaster 3000 closed loop...how does that work? 2 feed, 3 return? 3 feed, 2 return?
3) The Sequence Dart closed loop...how does that work? 2 feed, 2 return?

It might be hard to see, but from my latest set of pictures you see my standpipe in the overflow. To the left and right of that are two 2" bulkheads. Each of those bulkheads will have strainers on them and feed each one of the closed loop pumps (the Ampmaster 3000 and the Dart).

The Ampmaster return will flow through the 5 holes you see in the overflow glass. The Dart will return through the 4 holes you see at the bottom of the tank.

Originally Posted by Johnny Reefer

4) Are you going BB?

Yes, I am. I find it much easier to work with, and breaking down/setting up a tank is much easier without sand IMO. Also, I am trying to mimic the high flow, nutrient poor environment that SPS love, and I felt that sand would just make it that much more difficult for me to do so.

Originally Posted by Johnny Reefer

5) How will you prevent stuff from going down the Sequence Dart openings?

The bulkhead intakes will have strainers on them.

Originally Posted by Johnny Reefer

6) The closed loops are just for circulation, correct?

Closed loops are essentially like adding a powerhead...just externally. Just like a powerhead, it sucks water from the tank and pumps it right back in.

Hope that answers some of your questions.

Cheers,
-Harvey