400 Gallon Coral Flat Project

[mseepman]

Those black pipes...are they ABS instead of PVC? There is a running debate as to whether there is bad leaching from ABS...Google it and check it out for yourself.

[Northernseacorals]

Originally Posted by mseepman

Those black pipes...are they ABS instead of PVC? There is a running debate as to whether there is bad leaching from ABS...Google it and check it out for yourself.

There is a mix of both, I've had no problems in the past; however I do share your interest in the subject, thank you for sharing

[gregzz4]

Lookin' awesome with all that space
If you haven't decided yet, I love my Tunze ATO
It can pump as much as 250-350ml per cycle and, if that isn't enough for you, you can add the external pump adapter and run whatever pump you desire on 110-120vdc
I wouldn't trade it for any other ATO controller I've seen yet
I even have one on my 20g QT

[lastlight]

viewing your coral in that thing is going to be so much fun! looking good so far!

[Northernseacorals]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Lookin' awesome with all that space
If you haven't decided yet, I love my Tunze ATO
It can pump as much as 250-350ml per cycle and, if that isn't enough for you, you can add the external pump adapter and run whatever pump you desire on 110-120vdc
I wouldn't trade it for any other ATO controller I've seen yet
I even have one on my 20g QT

I will read up some about the Tunze model, thanks

Its good to see passionate words like "I wouldn't trade it for any other"

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by mseepman

There is a running debate as to whether there is bad leaching from ABS...Google it and check it out for yourself.

It's a bunch of garbage and a complete myth that will never die. ABS plastic is not only completely safe but actually used for most plastic parts you already find in your aquarium like bulkheads, power heads and those reeflow pump housings. ABS plastic is also superior against chemical exposure and is a thermoset plastic so it won't deform with heat, realistically it's better for our application hence its popularity in products designed for aquarium use. ABS pipe from your plumbing store was manufactured for one purpose and it's not going to meet regulations for residential potable water sources as it's not made for pressure applications. As a result many warnings regarding ABS pipe not being suitable for potable water applications exist but these are in place for obvious reasons that relate to the prevention of installing ABS pipe in your home source waterlines.

The latest buzz on this is the use of mildew inhibitors on ABS pipe, not sure where it came from but there is zero evidence of this and simply not true. ABS pipe is designed with a smoother surface on the inside which promotes better flow for drainage applications and it also reduces mildew and mold growth as there is less surface area. Perhaps this is the source of the inhibitor myth.

In reality, ABS pipe is cheaper than PVC, promotes better flow with smoother pipe and larger radius fittings, more available in larger sizes, resists chemicals better, and is easier to glue. People should really conclude it's better for our application but as long as there are people with keyboards there will always be a stream of misinformation to follow.

Anyway build is looking good bud!

[kien]

^we should make that a sticky!

[Northernseacorals]

Originally Posted by kien

^we should make that a sticky!

I agree totally; I did indulge in a little google search last night and pretty much came to the conclusion there is much BS about ABS as I've not had a problem in the past 15 years using it; and the search actually had me second guessing my decision to plumb with it once more.

Sphelps had a sound answer in my opinion, I think it should be placed somewhere to help remove the confusion and worry from people new to the hobby, and a few old salties too.

[lastlight]

it would cut down on the number of people trying to paint their pvc too lol.

[Northernseacorals]

Flipped on the RO system a few hours ago.... ( going to take a while ! )

The Vertex Puratek 100 GPD system is actually making water at a rate of 5g every 27-30 minutes, so it's working much faster than advertised, the source water is room temperature and that does help somewhat for sure.

Ordered roughly 900lbs of dry rock ( will be plumbing another 180 ToughTub in for the rock), salt and 2x 1000w JbJ True Temp systems, Apex with 4 of 8 slot power-bars.

Thinking about going this direction for ATO... anyone familiar with this model?
http://www.genesisreefsystems.com/pr...d=01-000156-02

I emailed the company with a couple of questions, however still not committed

Next I am at a toss up over calcium reactor or dosing, I've never used dosing pump method before; however quite familiar with CA reactor and I would be interested to hear from people whom have switched from one to the other or back.