Recent content by michaelross6

In what manner is the sunlight insufficient? Does it compare to 250W or 400W MH? I'm trying to avoid using such bulbs due to the varying, but always high cost of electricity here in California. I expect to use MH in Winter when sunlight duration is shortest, and perhaps not bright enough...

All: I will have the opportunity to used direct sunlight to light a 280 gallon reef for about 8 hours a day. Any thoughts? Mike

I don't have any pictures of the closed-loop system I've been using, but perhaps I can help. Having two pumps is good. I have the intakes of the pumps connected to perforated pipe placed under the rock. That draws water down through the rock, which is helpful, IMO. The pumps are plumbed in...

Did it. I also included the same concerns re: reptiles and birds. Hopefully, the FAA will realize how wide-ranging such legislation could be. Mike

I've spoken to Steve Tyree about his systems, and saw his original one many years ago. He had two large coral-propagations tanks connected to a common sump that happened to be growing lots of sponges. He commented even then that he noticed improved water quality after the sponges began growing...

Actually, I have that book somewhere. I'm in the process of moving, so I'm not sure which box it is in <G>. Mike

All: I've heard that there are sponges that are photosynthetic. I believe I have some in a tank I maintain, and would like information as to its desirability in a reef system. The sponge is dark green, lighter at the tips. It grows many rather slender "stalks" connected to a broad base. I...

I feel that they are like many other creatures...safe in the reef if you have nothing they want <G>. I've had them eat baby Banggai Cardinals, opisthobranchs, and molted cleaner shrimps. Mike

Steve:

Andrew: No strainer? In the close-up of the sump where you mention the water levels, there appears to be some type of black, 2" long "something" with slots in it. I can't see it very clearly, though. If you truely have cavitation, it is not a funtion of outlet flow, only too low of a...

Kendall: I've used motorized ball valves on a 720 gallon reef for about 7 years now. I have found them reliable and durable. I control mine with Tsunami wave maker. The pumps are two Iwaki 100RT plumbed in parallel for a total of 4000 gph intial output. I tried using low-pressure pumps but...

Andrew: The other posts described cavitation, so I won't go into that. One thing I don't think anyone else has mentioned is that you have a strainer on the intake. Since cavitation happens when the flow of water in the inlet side is insufficient, I'd remove that strainer if possible. The...