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  1. nsamouroux

    Closed Loop

    My plumbing for the sump return / drains is all 1.5", so it should be about the same output apeture as a Koralia Magnum 8, but your point still holds true Roscoe :) A propeller spinning will create a wider flow pattern than the output of a return pump coming from a length of PVC, which is why I...
  2. nsamouroux

    Closed Loop

    Ah, good point. With a peninsula tank you won't get much native surface skimming with the overflow at the far side so you would need something at the far end to push all the junk back :)
  3. nsamouroux

    Closed Loop

    I'm thinking of it along the same lines as skimmer ratings... Most ratings are an ideal situation under specific conditions, but since I've never seen the conditions specified on the different pump ratings it does bring up an interesting question on how they come up with the numbers.
  4. nsamouroux

    Closed Loop

    It would be easy to test an impeller type pump which is usually sealed like the MJ1200s to verify their flow rating by setting up a container drain test like you had Returnofsid. I can't really think of a way to verify the gph rating of a prop pump though, since there's no real way to isolate...
  5. nsamouroux

    Closed Loop

    I'm sure there's a certain bias there :lol:. His statement does make sense though, and I'm willing to believe there's a basis in truth to it. I'll have to look into it for myself though, but I think it's likely that a prop-based powerhead like the hydors, tunze, vortec, and MaxiJet pumps with...
  6. nsamouroux

    Closed Loop

    Yeah, I believe only prop-based powerheads would be rated like that, which is why I mentioned Tunze / Hydor / Vortec. I would think that since powerheads like the MJ1200 and other impeller-based units act more like a typical pump they would be rated for output only. I'm now thinking that my...
  7. nsamouroux

    Closed Loop

    Well I'll be damned. I didn't know about the gph rating either on the Hydors, but it does make sense... I wonder if it is brand specific or is that how they rate all powerheads (or at least the Tunze / Hydor / Vortec)? I was sort of wondering why my sump return pump is supposed to be pushing...
  8. nsamouroux

    Closed Loop

    I saw the thread for that tank over on Reef Central, that was one of the aquariums that inspired me to set up my new large tank. I loved that video, the music was perfect for it :) Hard to tell since there's no real close-up shots of polyps and whatnot to determine if the far side of the tank...
  9. nsamouroux

    Closed Loop

    So it's only started drooping in the last couple months? Have you tried the blue pill? :) Sorry, couldn't resist!
  10. nsamouroux

    silica sand safe for aquariums

    Yeah, when you factor in shipping expenses I can see where using the non-aragonite sand would be justified. Definitely look into the pool filter sand, I've used it in the past and have had no problems (brackish / cichlid tanks). The only possible detrimental factor I can see is the loss of a...
  11. nsamouroux

    Closed Loop

    Weird, it might be a difference in construction between the k7 pump and the k8, because my four k8s have no problems with staying aimed anymore after I realized I hadn't fully attached the base to the pump housing. My tank is a bit wider than yours, but probably shorter, so I'll try aiming the...
  12. nsamouroux

    silica sand safe for aquariums

    Oh, damn. I completely missed that you were a Canuk :) Yes, that would affect the shipping price, because they use US Postal Service priority mail boxes which each hold 40-45 lbs of sand when full. I had 8 boxes total for my order, a couple were only 40lb but most were 41 / 42 lb and a coule...
  13. nsamouroux

    silica sand safe for aquariums

    Before making the purchase, look into the Marco Rocks sand. I bought 340 lbs for only $198 (no tax, free shipping, etc). He sells it in different increments. His current prices are slightly higher than when I purchased mine, but they have: 20 lb packages for $19.95 40 lb packages for $29.95...
  14. nsamouroux

    Closed Loop

    Saltyfish, I'm curious after seeing your troubles with the k7 pumps since I'm in a very similar boat with my new system... I at first had similar problems with my four k8 pumps not staying where I aligned them (they would slowly point downwards, as you described) until I took them out to see...
  15. nsamouroux

    silica sand safe for aquariums

    Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with using silica-based sand, but make sure you wash it VERY well to eliminate the dust. The main problem with play sand or other quartz-based substrates is that they have a lot of zinc, mica, etc in it which break down very quickly in saltwater...
  16. nsamouroux

    360 gallon logistical nightmare and no spare time!

    I know, I should have just turned all of the pumps off until it was clear, but messing with the sand is like picking scabs or chewing fingernails ;) My first idea of blasting the heck out of it with 17,000 gph and letting everything settle in the sump to be removed by the skimmer / canister...
  17. nsamouroux

    silica sand safe for aquariums

    Interesting reads :) I've seen two of those articles, but not the first one. The first appears to state that silica-based sand is a bad idea, while the other two say "what the heck, go for it". It's like the old question of "which is better? Glass or acrylic?" :)
  18. nsamouroux

    360 gallon logistical nightmare and no spare time!

    Behold, the first large reef tank utilizing coconut milk instead of water. I'm sure it'll be the next big craze in the reef hobby scene :lol: There's a water polishing filter in there somewhere... Not much for the skimmer to do. I actually dumped a small amount of wet skimmate from...
  19. nsamouroux

    360 gallon logistical nightmare and no spare time!

    Just hold yer horses spanky, Photobucket is being a pile and taking forever to upload them :)
  20. nsamouroux

    360 gallon logistical nightmare and no spare time!

    Damn, you're more demanding than my ex :badgrin: Fine! I'll go get the camera and take a few pics of the Horchata Reef for you :) I just buried some eggcrate grids under the sand to place the rock on, and have ALL the powerheads / pumps turned off right now to let it settle back down overnight...
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