Bulletproof Reef:Tips for Avoiding wipeout

[dnjan]

I think that a good place to start (when bullet-proofing your tank setup) is to look at every component and consider the possibilities if (and when) that component fails. Start with the components with the biggest potential for disaster, and then try to think of a way to add redundancy and/or reduce the disaster potential.

Some components will require regular maintenance (like those holes people drill in their returns to reduce flooding potential from siphoning), and you simply do the maintenance at least twice as often as you think is necessary.

Other components can be protected with back-ups (control valves in auto-topoff setups).

First, though, it is best to understand the failure potential and mechanism. Then you can devise bullet-proofing techniques.

And if you can't come up with a protection method you are comfortable with, see if there is a way to eliminate that component. (Personally, that is how I feel about siphon-overflows. So I won't use them. Personal decision.)

 

[trido]

All I can really say from this point on in this thread is. " Don, when I get ready to build my 360G built in with frag tanks I expect to drive down to see your system in person".

 

[DonW]

All I can really say from this point on in this thread is. " Don, when I get ready to build my 360G built in with frag tanks I expect to drive down to see your system in person".

Not much to see, its all in the logic. There's a thread here in the diy section. Very compact with the new power modules. The flexibility is in the choice of controller. You just have to be able to use simple monkey logic. IF one thing happens THEN something else happens.

Don

 

[jezzeaepi]

"If one of my temp probes starts reading 104 and the other two read 80 the automation system is not going to concider the wacky reading, it just ignores it and takes that probe offline.
"
So you have 3 temp probes then? How do you get them all too communicate? That sounds like an excellent idea I just don't know how to implement it. Looks like I need to start reading the diy forum more.



"Not much to see, its all in the logic. "
Hey some of us are visual learners =P Im sure I could design and program a system on paper, but setting it up is where I struggle. What controller do you use?

 

[dragoneggs]

On the subject of generators...

I definitely second Krisfal's comments. Typically generators do not get used regularly and when they are 'fired up' its when you really need them. I have heard from enough friends and aquaintences about generators giving them so much pain due to lack of starting, noise, gas guzzling, etc. The common thread is that they were all 'cheap' brands.

I have never heard of anyone complain about their Honda generator. Two days into our infamous storm I was able to pick up a Honda 3000W unit. The thing was great. Electric key start, quiet, and very easy on the gas. I highly recommend the Honda. The only problem... price$$$.

I ran extension cords everywhere. This summer after I recover from the cost of the generator, I will have a gentrac wired to my critical circuits for a more automated system.

 

[DonW]

"If one of my temp probes starts reading 104 and the other two read 80 the automation system is not going to concider the wacky reading, it just ignores it and takes that probe offline.
"
So you have 3 temp probes then? How do you get them all too communicate? That sounds like an excellent idea I just don't know how to implement it. Looks like I need to start reading the diy forum more.



"Not much to see, its all in the logic. "
Hey some of us are visual learners =P Im sure I could design and program a system on paper, but setting it up is where I struggle. What controller do you use?

Here's a little info. http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18641

Don

 

[Paul B]

My reef is automatic but there is no electronics. I built all the float switches from old mercury switches from thermostats. I use two and sometimes three smaller heaters. There are five powerheads that run my tank. I have had times when one would jam and overheat causing a rise in water temp but never seriously enough to hurt anything. I also have a mercury float switch on the bucket where the skimmer efluent goes into. The bucket is also under the skimmer so if it leaks it will also shut off the pumps that feed the skimmer.
My generator is about 30 years old and very noisy, luckily I don't use it often. My tank would also do fine for a couple of days even without the generator. As for silicone, it is correct I never had a leak (so far) and I never re siliconed the tank. If it leaked I would put everything in a plastic garbage pail and buy a new tank.
Have a great day.
Paul

 

[jezzeaepi]

Threat:
Mass spawning or death of a large creature in the closed system.

Solution:
???

Just curious if any of you have come up with a way of dealing with a spawn or other mass water fouling?

 

[dnjan]

I haven't had a mass-spawning event, so I don't know how to deal with that.

As far as death of an animal in the tank, do you have examples of large animals that would die too quickly to be removed to a Q-tank?

 

[DonW]

Threat:
Mass spawning or death of a large creature in the closed system.

Solution:
???

Just curious if any of you have come up with a way of dealing with a spawn or other mass water fouling?

That has alot to do with initial tank set-up. I have clams and urchis spawn with no ill effects. Turns the tank white for a few hours. I do run about a quart of carbon 24/4 so Im sure that helps.

Don

 

[Paul B]

I had 24 purple urchins spawn all at the same time. My skimmer can put out about four gallons of effluent into a bucket before the overflow switch shuts it off. That day was before I had an auto shut off on the skimmer and the bucket overflowed. I don't have that many urchins anymore so it can't happen. If the three urchins I now have spawned it would all be removed by the skimmer with no problem. The key is to have a large capacity container for the skimmer to fill. Don't depend on that silly little cup that comes with many skimmers.
I have been doing this many years and when I think I planned for every possable occurance, it surprises me and I have to re design something.
Paul

 

[Slickdonkey]

24 urchins, wow. Are you a sushi chef?

 

[Paul B]

No but I had an urchin collecting business. "Urchin Searchin Enterprise

I had too many to keep in a seperate tank so they were in my reef. Apparently, they liked it

 

[buffalo]

At one time aquariums were guaranteed for 25 years then it dropped to 10 years.

The most important thing to do in case of a power outage is maintain some kind of water circulation and prevent the temperature from dropping into dangerous levels.If you don't have a generator a couple of battery air pumps could really help. Keeping the temperature is difficult ; I've heard of people insulating the aquarium to minimize heat lost. Using blankets or styrofoam panels. Without power heating is really difficult you have to be creative.