Recent content by Mr Smiley

Well I was just curious because i just read a post about why water siphons back into the tank when the power goes out. And i thought, and have seen, that a check valve would help on the return side just not the supply side.

Are check valves a good idea to have in the return line?

With lights, my biggest worry is the ballast. If i were to buy a used fixture id replace the bulbs right off..... The ballast is a little more questionable. How long do they last?

I just thought of an important question..... What equipment can I buy used that is safe and what should I absolutely get new?

Is there any other equipment i should be considering? Reactors? Ozone? Anything that could make things easier? Or giving me a better chance of success?

Which would be a better choice of a skimmer. A Octopus or an I-Tech? I like what ive been reading about them both.

Of all the pumps ive looked at i like the Pan World. I like the idea of a external pump anyway. I think an internal pump would warm the water up quite abit. In time i may have a extra but to start ill have to just stick with one.

AHHHH Thank you. I understand much better. Makes sence now:^: I just wasnt sure if two were better then one as most things are..... Just in case if one pump starts to fail. So one good quality pump is the way to go.

Would i be better off with two return pumps or just one quality pump?

I have seen the real LED lights and yes $2500 is way too much for LED lights. I thought the ones i was looking at for $1300 with T5 bulbs weren't too bad.... I was Whatong. I think a Combination of MH and T-5 and moon lights will work for me. What is the benefit of having a controller unit? I...

So if I understand correctly have lets say one foot of line coming out of the pump, then add a tee, then a valve or some sort in both the return to the DT and the fuge? Or just one valve going to the DT? Either way it seems easy enough.

I found the Pan World pump at Premium aquatics. Im looking at the PW-200PS. Its rated at 1750 gph. Or the PW-250PS Which is rated at 1900 gph. Id like to do a split return line. Can you reduce the flow with a ball or gate valve if its too much?

I will definitely have to do more looking in about the recirculation skimmers. What size return pump would be good? Ill have about 6ft to the top of the tank.

So the sump not only has to hold the water from the overflow and return lines but also the skimmer.... That can add up to alot of water if the power goes out.

So which one would be a better skimmer? The in sump or the recirculation skimmer? Or are they the same quality just different advantages like more room in the refuge if you use a recirculation skimmer? Also if i have a overflow with 1500 gph i take it i need a return pump with at minimum 1500...