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>>Marine<<
27-09-04, 09:34
Hi all
As I am considering getting a Percula 90, I thought it might be a good Idea for all you Percula owners to say "Hello" and exchange Ideas..Tweeks...Likes ...Dislikes...etc... .
So if you can find the time to do this, I think maybe a lot of us can all benefit .

elliot
27-09-04, 09:44
Marine,

There must have been 4 or 5 threads on the reefs section over the last two weeks exactly on this :)

IFIWY, I would do a quick search ... :)

E

Shaggy
27-09-04, 09:47
I know I will get flammed probably for my comments, but I can only base this on my own experience.

The sump at the back is a pain. Gives you limited options if you want to add other gadgets. Its also a pain to get the water levels setup initially, however, once they are set you should have no problems.

The pumps are bothe noisey and do not start first time or 2nd or 3rd etc etc after you have turned them off for a water change.

The Skimmer, IMO is not good enough for the system (I have a Perc 120)

The lights could do with being 250W

The build quality is good. I have never run a tank that has had so few Nitrates. I have never had any reading of Nitrite, Nitrate, Amonia, Phophate etc etc since day 1. I cycled the tank with live rock and have left the bio balls in.

Flow rate is not good. I have added a stream which has made all the differnce.

My tank looks great, or so I am told, I really like the way it has come on. The niggles I have posted above are annoying to me and are my thoughts only.

If I was doing it again, and I know what I know now, I would not have gone for a Perc.

alfa
27-09-04, 09:54
Shaggy you are right in that you are about to get flamed :D :D

maffu
27-09-04, 09:55
fair point elliot theres been loads on this... its like deja vu. :bored:

FWIW- reckon for what you pay they are a good deal. depends what you want to do with the tank though. Mines out of the box, no mods or extra kit, runs fine, no problems with any of the kit and the lighting suits my livestock.

but like I said.... depends what you wanna keep and what you want to achieve. figure that out and see if it fits the needs of your creatures.
m

peachys
27-09-04, 11:42
i have a perc 90...but....it hasn't got any water in it just yet! but it will by the end of the week :wave:

>>Marine<<
27-09-04, 18:40
Elliot
Perhaps you should read the topic again...!!! The question is not... what are the pluses and minuses of a Perc Vs All-in-one (ring a bell...my post ! ) . My point was...to get a list of all the Percula owners, past...present...and future. Exchange Ideas, modifications, etc...only related to a Percula . So do you see where I am coming from..?? Have you got one..??... <_<

kaos
27-09-04, 18:52
Originally posted by maffu@Sep 27 2004, 10:04
fair point elliot theres been loads on this... its like deja vu. :bored:

Hi,

What does it matter if there has been a few posts about Perc's in the past weeks ? ;) Some people may only come on here once in a while and have missed the past ones, if your not intrested, its simple, Dont open the thread ! Its a big forum and there's plenty others to read. The title itself explains what its going to be about.

Anyway i have just ordered a new perc, should get it in the next few weeks. I for one be glad to get as much info and ideas as possible.

:idea: Maybe the mods could give us our own Perc/chromis page/forum ?
where we could post stuff without :bored: other members. :P


:thumbsup:

Stuart

elliot
27-09-04, 18:53
Marine,

I was suggesting that in the last few weeks there have been several threads on this and other perc topics.

I understand where you are coming from precisely :)

If I were you... start at Big Build 3.... on the Members Tank specs.... as it incorporates all of what you want and more....

And no... I do not own one. (FWIW)

elliot

>>Marine<<
27-09-04, 18:54
@ Shaggy..Thanx for your coments. Can I ask how old is your Perc, as I believe that their have been some modifications made in the last few months. Do you have the air driven, or motorized skimmer.?

>>Marine<<
27-09-04, 18:59
Phew..!! :wacko:

Thanx Kaos..I thought it was only me...Too many late nights on this terrific forum, trying to learn...learn...... :dance:

fire999
27-09-04, 19:06
Well here is mine... 8 weeks old

>>Marine<<
27-09-04, 19:06
Elliot
Have read everything on Big build 3 ..Fantastic :wub: ...and probably every other topic in the last 3 months, but perticularly on Percs

kaos
27-09-04, 19:19
Yeah im the same mate, want to set it up right, trying to plan it all out so i get it right first time.

Elliot was right about having a look at Anna's ' Big Build 3' it gave me a few good ideas. going to borrow a few of her ideas :ph34r: :blush: doing something similar with the egg crate and using the circulation pumps with a spray bar under it. Ive also bought a 6100 stream.

Im going to keep the Bio Balls in it but have also ordered a nitratereducter to go along side it.

I also ordered a 2nd door for the cabinet. i dont like the shelf so im going to take them out and put in a small tank for an auto top up.

The lid that covers all the gubbings in the sump etc, ive ordered a 2nd one also, to put on the front of the tank, i did this on as chromis i used to have and think it finnishes the tank of much better.
its also handy as i want to add more lights, last tank i used this lid and stuck the tubes to the under side of if, powered by a starter motor, then clipped the cables along the side of the tank.

I will do the same this time i think, but have also been toying (spelling) :wacko: with the idea of a retro fitting lights if i cant get them to sit under the lid. will have to see once the tank arrives and figure somthing out. (unless any other perc owners know of any ?)

Last big spend i have done is buy an IKS pro, should have it tommorow.

Dont know what im going to do about a calcium and Kalk reactor. was looking at a ratz ones today in my LFS, looked quite impressive. but thought i better hold out and do a bit of info on here as the best ones to buy?
I have heard Aqua Medic does one for the percs that sit in the sump at the back, not sure though ?

Anyways enough typeing for now, sure ill think of something else later

:thumbsup:

Stuart

Ps could any Perc 120 owners possibly give me the size INSIDE of there cabinet? its just so i can see about getting a small tank made for an auto top up :thumbsup:

>>Marine<<
27-09-04, 19:20
Fire999...Im sure you have been asked this before..are you a firefighter...?? If thats a personal question...Sorry dont worry.

What a fantastic tank...!!!!!! :wub: Did u transfer from another setup ? Is that an actinic their ? You must feel very proud !! Any future plans ? Not that I think you need them !
Well done..!!!

>>Marine<<
27-09-04, 19:33
Kaos...Yes you are right ..same wavelength..Just trying to get it right . Are you getting the 90/120 ? I only have room for the 90. Is that the £100 door ? Why are you getting so many add-ons before seeing how it goes, Shaggy says he has no Nitrate problems. Like the idea of the topup tank, and the lids...will you put an actinic under the front lid.? Sorry..what is Retro..Ratz..??

sowerby reef
27-09-04, 19:38
Hi

I know I will get flammed probably for my comments, but I can only base this on my own experience. Hey Shaggy, your a brave man. Hehehehe

I must say that I just filled the system up. Banged the salt in, banged the auto top off system into the rear sump, and hey presto - right first time.

Never had a problem with starting pumps or the level of noise. The skimmer should be more than adequate and works a treat if set up correctly. The flow from the supplied pumps is a bit suspect, and needs increasing in my opinion. All of the filter sump is very quiet on my system. I did take care to make sure that all of the pumps were positioned correctly.

I have some agreement with shaggy regarding the mhalides. Altough you can keep SPS in the upper levels growth MAYBE a bit slower than 250w halides.

Build quality good. I have found it very easy to add extra's - auto top up (5 gallon reservoir in cabinet.) Calcium reactor / phosphate reactor / carbon reactor.

No sump overflowing onto the carpet. :thumbsup:

The prefilters on the cric pump can be a little awkward to remove for cleaning. But once done, it gets much easier the second time around.

Lastly, it looks good in the room. Non of those dodgy home made carpentry cabinets and trims (I am crap with woodwork)

Kev

sowerby reef
27-09-04, 19:42
Oh I forgot. You will need no additional kit to remove nitrates. Despite the bioball, you will have no nitrates.

Kev

fire999
27-09-04, 19:46
Marine..... Cheers mate, But tank is only 8 weeks old, from Scatch.....

fire999
27-09-04, 19:50
And yes I am A firefighter.. :wave: :wave:

Anna
27-09-04, 20:26
I suppose I should chip in as my name has been mentioned :blush:

Before the Percula 120 I had a drilled tank and sump set-up. My descision to switch to the Percula was based on a few things.... but most importantly was the "everything housed in one glass box" ideal. Even though I taken every precaution on my old tank to prevent floods - float switch on the return pump - adequate height in the sump for overflow from the main tank - I was always worried at the possibilty of a wet floor :wacko: But the new tank is no worry at all - it's much, much quieter and seems to be running pretty well (albeit after only one week ;) ) .

I will concede that the flow from the OR 2000PH's is pretty feable - I've got a modified maxi-jet 1200 and a New Jet 1700lph in there at the moment supplementing the flow and will be replacing the OR's with 2 New Jet 3000lph soon. But even though it's a plug in and play tank it really is quite adaptable (hopefully shown by my modest modifications).

Can't comment on the bioballs=nitrates situation yet but I reckon you're only going to run into problems if you're overstocking the tank significantly.

Anyway, that's my 2p added :)

cheers

Anna

>>Marine<<
27-09-04, 20:49
Respect Fire999... :thumbsup:
What about the actinic.?


Sowerby Reef....90/120..? Is this a new system.? Must find out more on the Auto-topup . Where did you put the reactors..?


John27....Congrats !! How did you manage to get a 240w..Nice !! Sounds like a nice setup !! Have fun in setting up.!! Let us know how you get on.

Sowww many people..!!

Anna....Great article...keep the updates going Please..Some of the things are over my head...But I am learning all the time...your 2p is worth pounds to me..(All of us I hope)

Thanx Everybody for your 2p worth...!!!!!

:thanx:

sowerby reef
27-09-04, 20:58
Marine

Sowerby Reef....90/120..? Is this a new system.? Must find out more on the Auto-topup . Where did you put the reactors..?

Now 3 weeks old. Clean up crew went in last weekend. Leaving a few more weeks to let settle. My system is a 120. The Calcium reactor is within the cainet along with the CO2 bottle. The phosphate and calcium reactors are situated within the "clean" water chamber. Auto top up float swicth located in same chamber. All tubing to top up reservoir and calc reactor runs neatly through to the tank through the duct that goes from the cabinet up through the tank.


http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/per120.JPG

Kev

>>Marine<<
27-09-04, 21:21
Kev.....Lovely picture / tank..!! :wub: I knew this would happen..but I just cant fit a 120...!!! :( Keep everybody updated..!!

Shaggy
27-09-04, 21:51
My Perc is 4 months old. No idea if its airdriven or motorised. Is has a huge pump on the bottom of it :)

kaos
27-09-04, 22:02
Are you getting the 90/120 ?

I have ordered the 120

Is that the £100 door ?

Im afraid so <_<

Why are you getting so many add-ons before seeing how it goes

Im getting the nitrate reducter as i reckon with the bio balls it could lead to problems after a while. I thought about removing them, but reckon ill leave them incase i do end up with a higher bio load then i have all angles kinda coverded. plus its only £60 for the bit kit. not to bad i thought.

Like the idea of the topup tank, and the lids...will you put an actinic under the front lid.?

Yeah the actinic will go under the front lid. I am thinking about possibly trying to get some retro fitting T5 unit. just prefer the idea of a sealed unit compared to tubes with a starter motor.

Sorry..what is Retro..Ratz..??

It was a calcium reactor and kalk stirrer. was a neat little unit that was for tanks up to 250 gallons. was half the size of other reactors i seen.

Think thats everything.

:thumbsup:

Stuart

>>Marine<<
27-09-04, 22:07
Sorry Peachys.....How could I forget you... :blush: You sound really exited :dance: Please let us know how you get on..!!

maffu
27-09-04, 22:39
not sure of the dimensions inside a 120 cabinet but the 90 is big enought o fit a 5 gallon water drum \barrel that you can pick up from your LFS or some benevolent food manufacturer..... ;)

I sit mine in here with an autotop up by aquamedic (.. dont remmeber what its called but its the new one not the dodgy old one). :D


I sit with Kev... I have had no problems what so ever with the set up. Its so versatile and with a much reduced chance of a flood its worth the peice of mind! B)

I have added a fuge to mine and its been fine but Anna's big build project is simply awesome. :thumbsup:

no offence intended with the bored sign... but this is the 3rd one that has asked the same question... if you dont feel previous threads have got enough coverage try 'bumping' you previous thread- might help everyone keep track a bit easier. :wacko:

:cheers: .... best of luck selecting your new set up
M

alfa
27-09-04, 22:45
Shaggy yours is motor driven , only the earlier ones were air driven

Shaggy
27-09-04, 23:29
Thanks Alfa :D

>>Marine<<
27-09-04, 23:37
John27....Nice to know you can upgrade the halides...Did not know it was possible.

Maffu....Thanx for the info..!!

>>Marine<<
28-09-04, 07:31
My point was...to get a list of all the Percula owners, past...present...and future. Exchange Ideas, modifications, etc... related to Perculas


Any more of you out there ?? Say Hello !! :wave: :)

Smart82
28-09-04, 10:54
Originally posted by >>Marine<<@Sep 28 2004, 07:40
My point was...to get a list of all the Percula owners, past...present...and future. Exchange Ideas, modifications, etc... related toÂ* Perculas

Hi :D

I own a Percula 120 so i guess i can join the thread, although i can't really add any usefull comments as i am very new to all of this. :blink:

As far as the good points/bad points about the sytems (chromis, 90 or 120) i don't really agree or disagree. I found the pumps a pain at first for the reasons mentioned (noise, power, circulation, sponges, placment etc) but after two months its all much better.

So far the system has done/started what i want it to do, which is to house/mature a reef for 2 years or so before moving it to a bigger tank in my first house, i'd had enough of reading and wanted to experience it first hand.

I bought the system already up and running as i decided that the unbelievable price difference was to much to ignore. for what i paid compared to what i could of paid i am amazed.

My system was already up and running (4 months old) before i found this website and saw actual Percula set ups like Anna's. The only addition to the sold set up i have is a tunze stream 6100, so far everything seems healthy although i'm still fiddling with the skimmer.

Thanks to all the Percula owners showing pictures of the set ups its really taught me alot. :thumbsup:

:thanx:

Andythescientist
28-09-04, 11:30
I've got a silver Perc 90... very happy with it, particularly the looks, everyone that comes to my flat says it looks stunning :)

Only mods i've made so far are adding of blue moonlight leds to it. And I've just ordered a stream too, to boost the circulation. Not really had any ammonia, nitrite or nitrate since the first cycle when the live rock went in. Pics are on members tank specs section if interested : My New Perc Pics (http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=28051)

maffu
28-09-04, 12:20
Which stream are you going for Andy? I am seriously thinking of one for my tank.... but dont want to blast the water out of the tank though! lol

I have the Blue LED's too... they piggy back onto the pendant really easily and look superb.
M

Andythescientist
28-09-04, 13:27
Just a 6060. This is the one that essential were giving away with their percs, and from what they said they work well. I'm probably going to put in the left corner near the overflow combs (attatched to rear brace bar), pointing across the tank towards the front glass, which when it hits the glass should mean flow goes in all directions. Main reason for this is that it means the power cable can go into the comb area and along the back next to the skimmer cable.

Generally i just feel the flows not good enough from the recirculation area, and i'm not a good enough diy'er to do a nice closed loop like anna's done on her big build :)


Ohh and i want alot of surface movement, to get the nice halide flashing effect :D

maffu
28-09-04, 15:15
I have currently got a tapered bit of tubing stuck in the outflow of the top re-circ pump to close 'spray' it up and around a bit... works well to break up the surface but its no stream!!!!!

I think I spotted Shaggy has some elbow joints in his which seem to work well too, although he has added a stream as well.

Think Xmas might have to come early for the fishies!!! that stream is looking ever more exciting.
M

fire999
28-09-04, 15:57
A stream 6060 ??? is that the full name. What output lph?

And were would i pick one up and for how much. ??? My floow is way to slow at the mo

Andythescientist
28-09-04, 16:05
The 6060 is the smallest one they do

Tunze Website (http://www.tunze.com/gb/index.html?lang=en-gb)

6000l/h recommended for 250-800 litre tanks. This is the basic model and cannot be adjusted with controler or used to make waves with the controler.

Lots of board sponsers do good deals on these ~ 80 quidish

>>Marine<<
28-09-04, 17:46
Thanx all for your comments so far...!!!

Im sure everyone is picking up a few pointers. How about a few more Pics...everyone loves Pics..!!

Has anyone managed to upgrade any pieces of the system before actualy buying.! ..Lights ..pumps etc....Do Aquamed have a policy..??


Lets keep this thread alive.....!!!!!


:thanx:

sowerby reef
28-09-04, 18:28
Tunze stream 6060 on mine is cracking. Fitted this on brace bar next to circ pump chamber. Just cut a small nick in the back panel to get the wires in with all the rest and down into the cabinet.

Some great mods fot this system I have read on this forum, but at the end of the day, the results most probably won't be any different than just the bog standard set up.

Kev

kaos
28-09-04, 19:08
After reading past posts last night saying the 250w lights would be better, i went to my lfs today. enquired about upgrading, he phoned aqua medic for a price and there getting back to him tommorow.

There is no problem with upgrading the lights, you just need to pay what ever the diffrence is.


:thumbsup:

Stuart

>>Marine<<
28-09-04, 19:28
Wonder if the same would apply to the pumps ??


I think everyone agrees on the Tunze . :idea:

Exibit
28-09-04, 22:32
I have just order my Perc 90 today

Exibit
28-09-04, 22:36
Originally posted by sowerby reef@Sep 27 2004, 19:47
Hi

I know I will get flammed probably for my comments, but I can only base this on my own experience. Hey Shaggy, your a brave man. Hehehehe

I must say that I just filled the system up. Banged the salt in, banged the auto top off system into the rear sump, and hey presto - right first time.

Never had a problem with starting pumps or the level of noise. The skimmer should be more than adequate and works a treat if set up correctly. The flow from the supplied pumps is a bit suspect, and needs increasing in my opinion. All of the filter sump is very quiet on my system. I did take care to make sure that all of the pumps were positioned correctly.

I have some agreement with shaggy regarding the mhalides. Altough you can keep SPS in the upper levels growth MAYBE a bit slower than 250w halides.

Build quality good. I have found it very easy to add extra's - auto top up (5 gallon reservoir in cabinet.) Calcium reactor / phosphate reactor / carbon reactor.

No sump overflowing onto the carpet. :thumbsup:

The prefilters on the cric pump can be a little awkward to remove for cleaning. But once done, it gets much easier the second time around.

Lastly, it looks good in the room. Non of those dodgy home made carpentry cabinets and trims (I am crap with woodwork)

Kev
Hi guys

Interesting post - I was only asking today in my LFS about fitting a phosphate reactor to a Aqua Mediac Perc 90 - Now would this fit in the empty back chamber on the rear of the tank - If not where have you fitted yours, Also are you from Sowerby Bridge m8


Calcium reactor / phosphate reactor / carbon reactor.

alfa
28-09-04, 22:51
Think a rowareactor would have to go underneath , would not cause any problems though

wsmithwaz11
28-09-04, 23:00
ermmm just a quick question ocs im thinking ov getting anova tank , how much are perc 90's?
thanx warren

alfa
28-09-04, 23:01
£ 895 to £995 ish

kaos
29-09-04, 10:12
Originally posted by Exibit@Sep 28 2004, 22:45
Interesting post - I was only asking today in my LFS about fitting a phosphate reactor to a Aqua Mediac Perc 90 - Now would this fit in the empty back chamber on the rear of the tank
Yes there is a Aqua medic phosphate reactor that fits in to back of the tank. they have a few bits of kit that fits in there, my LFS told me you can get a calcium reactor that fits in there too, i have yet to see one though.


Stuart

sowerby reef
29-09-04, 19:33
Interesting post - I was only asking today in my LFS about fitting a phosphate reactor to a Aqua Mediac Perc 90 - Now would this fit in the empty back chamber on the rear of the tank - If not where have you fitted yours, Also are you from Sowerby Bridge m8

The LFS where I got my perc said "don't bother with the Nitratereductor -you won't need it".

Kev

Smart82
30-09-04, 10:36
Hi

I was thinking of putting a simple t junction on the end of my sump pump pipe so that the flow is in both directions clearing the back of the tank!?

Was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this, or perhaps have this, how is this getting on, wondering if the power flow will blow the t junction off! hoping that because the flow is decreased (because its being split in 2 directions) it wont blow the sand up!?

Anyone!?

Martin

maffu
30-09-04, 11:02
try it... wedge it into the pipe rather than over the pipe and it should stay put- neat idea!

I pushed mine up through rock work so the inner bits of my patch reef style rock cluster were getting flow- wonder if I can get a t-bar on it now... hmmm.... could be time to get my hands wet!

M

Smart82
30-09-04, 11:11
I'm gonna try it out. I,m sure it will be much more usefull for flow purposes than what the pipe sticking straight out does now! I think that any pipe fixings are slightly thicker than the pipes, because there disigned for the pipe to be wedged in, so i dont think i can wedge the t junction into the pipe. I think a layer of putty/glue around the joint/pipe should fix it! I'll just turn the pump off for a while to let it set!

Hopefully it will work as what i have right now annoys me! lol.

Sarge
30-09-04, 13:37
This is my Perc120, which was setup in October '03 - hence the lack of content (taking it easy). Sorry about the picture quality - still learing how to master this peskie digital lark :huh: . Pic taken at the end of December.

http://www.ianknapper.f2s.com/aquarium/gifs/marine/mar034-20031230a.JPG


I've changed mine only a little since then. I've replaced the rubber tubes on the circulaton powerheads with black 45deg plastic ones from other powerheads I have - looks much better. Added a spray bar to the return pump at the bottom of the tank.

I've also removed the sponges from the circ pumps - they get clogged far to quickly, resulting in very poor water movement, and are just to expensive to replace so often.

I've started using pre-filter media ontop of the bio-balls to remove dirt from the water. The skimmer is now picking up quite a bit of skimate. The only other mod is that I've added the blue LEDs to the back of the main MH - £10 from Maplins - brilliant (although I think they've stopped doing them now :(

I think I'll add a stream in the next couple of months just to give it that "little" bit more :).

The thing I have trouble with is the light. Docs say hang it no closer than 30cm above the water surface. I think that's a little high and you get a lot of light escaping into the room - so much so infact that we don't need any other light on in the room when the MH are on!!!


Ian

>>Marine<<
02-10-04, 00:47
Hi all........!!!

As you can upgrade the halide lights when buying a new Percula........all you have to do is pay the difference in price, and as I dont fully understand yet the theory of lighting....apart from the deeper the tank...the more wattage is required...My Question is :

Assuming you were to keep a mixture of hard corals and some softies.....would it be wise to go for the upgrade to 250w.....rather than paying out twice...???

Aquamedic did not recommend the upgrade, as it may cause bleaching...????

Shaggy
02-10-04, 08:57
TBH, I have hard Corals in my tank. Growth is amazing and no Bleaching. This is with 150's.

http://www.seatcupra.net/shaggy/new1/2.jpg

sowerby reef
02-10-04, 10:05
Wow, they are growing Lee, in comparison to a previous pic. Looks better buy the day your perc. In some respect its a pity to strip it down for the new tank. But the world don't stop still.

Kev

>>Marine<<
03-10-04, 23:17
Hi All...!!!

Can you Please tell me how many gallons the Perc 90/120 holds..??

:) :)

Shaggy
04-10-04, 06:42
i think the perc 120 holds 117 gallons not surre on the 90. if you go to the aqua medic site you can work it out from the dimensions

maffu
04-10-04, 10:39
perc 90 holds 90 US gallons... hence the name.. which equates to approx 76 empiric gallons in theory... but while I appreciate that a 25 litre barrel holds a bit more than 25 it took me 9 and a half of those to fill my tank which is around 60 gallons being generous.. and that was before rock and sand.

.... all I know is that I was very happy not to have to get more water!!! :D

HTH
M

I

alfa
04-10-04, 10:50
Maffu im pretty sure the name comes from the length of the tank ( 90 cm and 120 cm ) apologies if im wrong

maffu
04-10-04, 10:55
that could be a good point!!!!... I may be victim of someone elses spin there!!!!

although it does hold just under 90 US gallons... according to the calculators ... spooky coincidence but I think you are right!

M

Smart82
04-10-04, 11:59
This may help. ;)

http://www.onlineconversion.com/volume.htm

A conversion page, its great for working out ltres/gallons of different set ups!. :thumbsup:

Martin

sowerby reef
04-10-04, 20:57
Hi all

When feeding your fish, do you perc owners switch off all or any of the system pumps for a few minutes?

Kev

nick dean
04-10-04, 21:37
hi kev
i leave my pumps running when i feed my fish the food seams to hold up better in the flow and it gives the shy fish time to eat some food because its blowing around the tank more
nick

nick dean
04-10-04, 21:40
hi alfa
your right the model number is in relation to the size in length of the tank i was told the perc 120 holds 100 uk gallons less of course rock displacement
nick

maffu
05-10-04, 08:24
Historically I leave all my pumps on 24\7.... although have started to switch the skimmer off when dosing phyto as an experiment to see if the filter feeders react better over a period of a month or so...

Matt

Shaggy
05-10-04, 10:22
i leave all pummps on even the stream as i guess obody turns the current off in the sea at feeding time. its great to watch the fish actually chase the food

>>Marine<<
08-10-04, 08:43
TBH, I have hard Corals in my tank. Growth is amazing and no Bleaching. This is with 150's.

Thanx for the nice pic Shaggy....thats answered my question....and do you run a calcium reactor ??

Question for all..!!

Can you sit the tank flush against the back wall, or is it best to leave a gap, and why ??

Has anyone found a retro-fit light for the actinic yet

:) :)

Can we have anymore updates Please on your tanks ..tweeks etc

Ohh...just a thought...there have been some good posts on Perculas...is it possible to have links or something for Percs, so we can keep them together a bit more...makes it easier to find....What do you think...?????....Opinions Please..!!



:) :)

Shaggy
08-10-04, 09:47
I do use a calcium reactor sometimes. its a well known fact that i am useless at setting up gadets and i really have not manged to set the reactor up to run how it should.

at the moment i am back to dosing c balance. for the corals i have in my tank i have the level set to 450 when i get home from work, 24 hrs later its down to about 400 and i then redose.

as for actinics i have a t8 milliputed on the front brace bar. looks ugly but it works.

i also run a stream and imo should be a default bit of equipment for any reef tank.

i also have plenty of surface movement as this cuts down on the build up of cack on the surface.

my tank is still up for sale btw.

sowerby reef
08-10-04, 21:56
Hi Marine :whistling:

(Is it safe here at the moment :thumbsup: )

and do you run a calcium reactor ?? I have one all plumbed in, but it ain't running at the moment. I think this will come into play soon. My intention is to keep LPS / soft coral. Here and now, with my new system, there is no need to run it, I am keeping a balanced tank with water changes.

Kev ;)

craigg
09-10-04, 08:03
Replaced back after being extensively cleaned up.

Those involved know what went on and it had NOTHING to do with prices or censership.

If it happens again the THREAD will go for good.

but as its a useful thread to many people I have some time cleaning it up.

Those involved in the public war of words.........KEEP IT PRIVATE.

CRaig

>>Marine<<
09-10-04, 11:02
Hi all

Just asked CRaig (Mod) if he could make this thread a Sticky, as it could be used as a reference library for all Past -Present- Future owners of Perculas, which would make it a lot easier to find any information on the subject

craigg
09-10-04, 11:06
Pinned for a month or so.

sorry cant leave here for ever as there are alot of other tanks out there not just percs.

>>Marine<<
09-10-04, 11:11
Ok...Pinned....I mean Point taken....Thanx anyway :) :)

peachys
09-10-04, 14:00
on my perc 90 i really wanted to get a 250 watt halide but i now its up and running the 150 is plenty bright enough! very very suprised :D

my star polyps are starting to show now (its been running 7 days) i guess there just getting used to the brighter lighting :P

kitenski
12-10-04, 22:16
Evening all,

I've got a beech bow front Perc 120 sat in my garage, awaiting my lounge being painted, sockets installed and carpet laid. hopefully should be installed within 2-3 weeks.

Do I need to put some egg crate in the bottom?I was hoping to use live rock and a little cosmetic layer of sand to cover the glass.

I've got an RO unit, a PH tester, and a thermostat on the way to me, apart from live rock, salt and test units is there anything else I need?

Regards,

Greg

peachys
13-10-04, 06:51
hi greg :D

well....i didn't use eggcrate (where the hell do they sell it) and used an inch of sand around the rock,you'll need 5 (i think its 5) new plugs as the plugs don't fit through the empty chamber going into the cabinet!

you might wan't to add some more flow as its pretty poor on the 90 and i guess worse on the 120 :P

>>Marine<<
13-10-04, 08:24
Hi Greg....." Welcome " :) :)


What is the thermostat for...?? Do you mean heater...??

If you have not already read it..this should help

http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/index.p...opic=27645&st=0 (http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=27645&st=0)


Joe

kitenski
13-10-04, 08:40
hi all,

I meant thermometer for checking water temp!! DOH!!

So just to be sure, your saying I have to cut off the existing plugs so as to fit the wires thru the hole?

I read Annas thread, scared me silly on the amount of customising she's done! As this is my first marine tank I'm hoping it'll work fine "out of the box"

regards,

greg

>>Marine<<
13-10-04, 09:33
Talking about "Heaters"...can I ask what size and make Heaters all you Perc owners are using.....could be interesting !!! :o ;)

Anymore updates....Pics.....or even some links of your projects posted would be nice..!!!


Thanx

Joe :) :)

sowerby reef
13-10-04, 09:42
I have a 200w heater in my perc 120. Don't think it switches on much though. Temp stays between 25 - 26 degrees.

Here's a couple of pics of my new stock. 5 Green Chromis went in the tank yesterday joining the pair of maroon clowns. :D

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/chromis1.JPG

Kev

Anna
13-10-04, 12:18
Vistherm 300W for me - again like Kev, my temperature seems to be more determined by the heat from the pumps - sitting at around 26.5 most of the time.

cheery

Anna

narthur
13-10-04, 23:14
Aquamedic must love you lot :P

craighuckins
14-10-04, 10:45
200w for me. tried a 100w and it struggled. tank temp now stays between 25.5-26.5 C. Have noticed people moaning that the pumps don't start first time when switched back on.....would be interested to know if people have cleaned the impeller as per instructions so that there is a the little bit of rotation of the plastic impeller in the magnet... they need this to be able to start. if you don't keep 'em cleaned and free moving, you will likely get problems with it not starting!
poor circulation is a problem with the perc 120. At the mo' mine is standard but seems ok with only having softies and inverts, will be adding a tunze 6060 as soon as cash allows :dance:

>>Marine<<
14-10-04, 11:32
Hi Kev, Craig

Thanx for your input...sure it will help others !!

Craig......Any pics on your tank...especially lighting...pop bottle...bio-filter...or maybe you have some links ?? :) :)


Joe

fire999
14-10-04, 20:15
Odered a Stream 6000 from a lfs in Germany on E Bay .. Paid him and he sayes he sent it 7 days ago.. have i been had or is the post bad... its for my perc 90 :ph34r: :ph34r: :ph34r: think he is a hitler banditt LOL

kitenski
15-10-04, 15:58
I've just bought some of the AM wall supports for the lights on my perc 120, how high should I put them above the top of the tank?

cheers,

greg

maffu
15-10-04, 16:00
recommendation of lights to be 30cm from water.... I think if you do a quick squint on the various perc threads there are people who have them lower

hth
m

craigg
24-10-04, 08:05
Ok unpinned now as it seems to have run its time.

CRaig

kitenski
29-10-04, 13:51
Do I need to put anything between the tank and the Perc stand? The manual says I can sit it straight on, but I just wondered what others did in practise. mine's a bow front, so getting polysterene to fit would be interesting!!

nick dean
29-10-04, 15:46
no you dont need anything underneath its the same as the juwel tanks just place it on top of cabinet and a way you go

nick

kitenski
29-10-04, 18:45
next question, how many people will it take to lift my Perc 120 bow front off the pallet in the garage around the house and into the living room via french doors! It's going to be a fair couple of 100ms to travel.

regards

greg

sowerby reef
29-10-04, 20:47
They are heavy. I had 3 friends amd myself.

:D Kev

nick dean
29-10-04, 21:47
just getting mine through the front door was a mission only had me and the mrs to do it they are heavy but two people can manage it if theres a few of you you may well get in each others way

nick

>>Marine<<
29-10-04, 22:40
Greg .....Did you ever get an answer to your question ??

Can I hook my RO unit up to a garden hose pipe, and then run it direct into my tank for a first fill?

I would also like the answer to this question....concerned mainly on the plastic pipe ??

Also, how many electrical plug points for a basic Perc 120 ??

Joe

:)

nick dean
30-10-04, 19:38
youll need the following plugs
3 for circulation pumps
1 for skimmer
1 for halide unit
1 for heater (not supplied with tank) <_<
and then any additional equipment you wish to add to your set up

mark-c-
30-10-04, 20:44
Hi all

just ordered pec 90(not got room for the 120)today

have a chromis at the mo but time to upgrade

will keep you all posted

Mark

>>Marine<<
31-10-04, 00:26
Hi all

As you probably know I have been considering a Perc 90......Well, finally ended up with the 120 :dance:

After a lot of sweet talk, grovel with the missus (some of you know what I mean) ;) because if Im honest it really is just a wee bit too big for the room.....But do we care :) :)

Im in the process of filling it up now with R/O...Thats after spending hours cleaning the tank...And those b****y plugs :o horrible job. I take it that when you want to take a pump out, you have to take the plug off first ??

Anyway, back to the manual and try understand the skimmer better

Oh the tank is in silver, I think it looks really nice !!

:wave:

Joe

>>Marine<<
31-10-04, 00:37
Hi all

Can I ask what type of sand you are using, and why ?? Also how deep ??


Joe

peachys
31-10-04, 09:30
hi >>marine<< ;)

i used 3 bags of argonite (spelt something like that) live sand! i used live sand because i had existing stock from my old tank and was worried of an ammonia spike etc! it seemed worked as i haven't lost or had any problems with anything (touch wood) :unsure:

i used 3 bags because it said on the back of the pack to use 1 pound of sand every gallon of water so 20lb bag x 3 and a 60 gallon tank! ;)

the sand comes dead level with the wood part so it isn't in view of the glass (i think that makes sense) :D

kitenski
31-10-04, 20:23
Originally posted by >>Marine<<@Oct 29 2004, 21:52
Greg .....Did you ever get an answer to your question ??

Can I hook my RO unit up to a garden hose pipe, and then run it direct into my tank for a first fill?

I would also like the answer to this question....concerned mainly on the plastic pipe ??

Also, how many electrical plug points for a basic Perc 120 ??

Joe

:)
No I didn't. I'm going to run it via my hosepipe into the tank and hope/assume the RO unit will clean the water up so it will be fine to use.

Otherwise I'll be there for weeks filling the thing up!

cheers,

greg

kitenski
31-10-04, 21:37
ok, just trying to measure for my lights, the blurb says the lights should be 30cm above the water, so if I have the water just up to the stress bar, that's 8cm from the top of the tank, so I reckon I need the lights 22cm above the tank.

Them I'm trying to used the Aqua Medic light brackets, does anyone have any tips on how to measure were to fit the bracket?

thanks!

Greg

>>Marine<<
31-10-04, 22:04
Hi all

Peachys.......Thanx for the info......And I sorted out how many plugs I need. ;)
Any more pics or updates yet ??

Greg......Decided to run the R/O through the hosepipe into the tank.....Been running now for 31 hours, and have only managed to fill 8 inches :lol: :lol: I got to laugh !!!

The good news is, It has helped me to take my time in sorting out the electrical side

Nick....Thanx for the Info, I managed to find the manual eventually :) :)

Oh !! The lead from the skimmer to plug......I have run it along the back, inside the tank, over the top of the partitions, but can see it when sitting down. Is there a particular way it should be run ??

Joe

JAGR
31-10-04, 22:09
Originally posted by gregh@Oct 31 2004, 21:49
ok, just trying to measure for my lights, the blurb says the lights should be 30cm above the water, so if I have the water just up to the stress bar, that's 8cm from the top of the tank, so I reckon I need the lights 22cm above the tank.

Them I'm trying to used the Aqua Medic light brackets, does anyone have any tips on how to measure were to fit the bracket?

thanks!

Greg
ive just fitted mine bolt the light to the braket measer 9 inches above the tank and mark centre on wall and light put a level on top of light hold light and brackets in position and level mark holes trough slotted holes in brackets drill and plug holes fasten light up 9 inch mark is to undeneath of light giving you 12 inches above water level good luck

peachys
31-10-04, 22:17
i'll sort some pics out soon mate! still not happy with my rocks yet as i spent every night for 2 weeks moving them about to try and get them just right! but....found it really stress's me out so gonna have another go during the week :D

i thought fishtanks were supossed to be relaxing :huh: i look in my tank and think i need to move that an inch that way,that coral up to there..... :P

did a water change today! my god it was so confusing,emptied 50 litres but because of the sump type area the whole tank lost about half of the water!!!!! there must be a few tips for water changes or maybe i'm turning the wrong things off :huh: :rolleyes: :lol:

>>Marine<<
31-10-04, 22:44
i look in my tank and think i need to move that an inch that way,that coral up to there.....

Sound just the sort of thing I would do :angry: :lol:

[/QUOTE] there must be a few tips for water changes or maybe i'm turning the wrong things off [QUOTE]

Now thats got me worried.....Hopefully someone more experienced can help....."HELLO out there !!!!!! "



:whistling: :whistling:

Joe

kitenski
01-11-04, 08:45
Can I just check two details on my skimmer (These percula instructions are basic to say the least!!)

There was something inside my foam cup, wrapped in paper, with an o ring. I'm assuming it is referred in the diagram as elongation for foam pipe (optional) and thus I don't need it - am I correct?

Also where are people securing their silencer, on the side of the tank or hidden away somewhere?

thanks,

Greg

sowerby reef
01-11-04, 20:01
did a water change today! my god it was so confusing,emptied 50 litres but because of the sump type area the whole tank lost about half of the water!!!!! there must be a few tips for water changes or maybe i'm turning the wrong things off

I turn the filter pump and the skimmer pumps off. Take 5 gallons out of the main tank, replace 5 gallons. Switch skimmer and filter pump back on. Easy :thumbsup:

elongation for foam pipe (optional) and thus I don't need it - am I correct?
You are correct :thumbsup:

Also where are people securing their silencer, on the side of the tank or hidden away somewhere? At top of bioball trickle chamber.

Kev

simonm
02-11-04, 11:40
Wow, Aquamedic are really on a winner, didnt realise there was so many perc owners on UR... I really fancy the 120 bow front...but I too would put 250's on it.


yours...lowely Chromis owner :D

kitenski
02-11-04, 19:27
Hi Simon,

I seem to remember you are Sheffield way, I'm in North Leeds, so if you'd like to look at the Bow front 120 I have you are welcome.

It's very empty though at the moment, about 1 inch of water in it from 6 hours of RO and counting!!!

regards,

greg

simonm
02-11-04, 19:34
BTW, if you want to add a stream for free look at this,

http://www.reefpark.19a.net/forums/index.p...=ST&f=7&t=10016 (http://www.reefpark.19a.net/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=7&t=10016)

simonm
02-11-04, 19:42
Originally posted by gregh@Nov 2 2004, 19:39
Hi Simon,

I seem to remember you are Sheffield way, I'm in North Leeds, so if you'd like to look at the Bow front 120 I have you are welcome.

It's very empty though at the moment, about 1 inch of water in it from 6 hours of RO and counting!!!

regards,

greg
many thanks for the offer, I may take you up on that soon, im traveling for a while but will be in touch,

BTW, is the pocketPC site yours ? Ive just got a mitac 168..your site looks great for software..im getting hooked on pocket PC's wish I had one sooner.

sowerby reef
02-11-04, 20:59
Hi all

How about posting some latest picture updates? Would like to see how your percula's are developing. :thumbsup:

Kev

kitenski
02-11-04, 21:37
yup the pocketpc site is mine :D

>>Marine<<
03-11-04, 08:27
Hi all

Finished filling up the tank with r/o after 73 hours :o

Added the salt, but 48 hrs later still really cloudy....How long before it clears ?????

Temp 26

Sounds like Niagra Falls....need to adjust the water level with the combs

I know there are some pics of the combs here somewhere, but I cant find them :rolleyes:

Any Ideas on the noise level from the water flow and pumps, would really help :)


Joe

Anna
03-11-04, 17:04
Hi Joe,

Added the salt, but 48 hrs later still really cloudy....How long before it clears ?????

do you mean sand? or salt? if it's salt then I guess something isn't right <_< but if it's sand you'll need to run some sort of external filter with floss to take out all the fine suspended particles.

The pumps always seem to have a certain "hum" (my return pump is the noisiest) - but you should try and make sure they aren't vibrating on the glass.

I have my combs set as follows:

First comb at a level which means the water in the tank sits just below the stress bars

Second comb - down pretty low so the water flows over the teeth, I did have it set higher so the water flowed under the comb - through the small gap between the comb and the plastic divider but I found that the surface of the water in the tank wasn't clear - having it flowing over seems to take care of the surface "scum".

Third comb - on the bioballs chamber - as low as it will go.

This means (on my tank) that the water in the skimmer section sits about 1-2cm above the bottom of the skimmer cup, and the water in the return chamber sits about 1/3 of the way up - enough to cover the return pump and a bit to spare.

To avoid the sound of running water I would recommend some corse sponge placed behind the 2nd comb - you can "wedge" it in between the skimmer and the divider, and I place filter wool on top of the bio-balls chamber - you wouldn't belive the amount of crud on it after a week (I change it weekly). I also make a point of washing the sponge through once every two weeks.

hth

Anna

>>Marine<<
03-11-04, 18:15
Hi Anna

Thank you for a very thorough explanation. Some of those points are very interesting, especially about the sponges and combs <_<

I have just had a look and there is no third comb, between the sponge and bio-balls....I mean it did not come with one....one phone call coming up !! :angry:

Yes I did mean "Salt", it has still not dissolved yet. This may be my mistake, as I added ALL the required salt in one go....instead of adding gradually....Oopps !!....and the water was cold.....Oopps !!

What are the opinions on turning on the skimmer now ?.....Some say wait untill there is some load in the tank

[/QUOTE]To avoid the sound of running water I would recommend some corse sponge placed behind the 2nd comb - you can "wedge" it in between the skimmer and the divider[QUOTE]

Sorry not too sure which divider you mean ?

Do you have any pics of this, and the third comb ?

Thanx Anna :) :)

Anna
03-11-04, 18:46
Hi Joe,

ok, first off - bit misleading my comment about the third comb - its more of a gate that you can raise or lower to adjust the water level in the skimmer section, sorry about that :blush:

I'm sure the salt will dissovle if you get the temperature up and have the 2 circulation pumps running.

divider - I mean the piece of plastic that creates the skimmer "box" - the comb sits atop this - placing sponge here sandwiched between this and the skimmer will definately cut down on your water noise.

No point in turning the skimmer on until you have rock & sand in tank.

hth

Anna

kitenski
03-11-04, 20:23
are there any other bow front perc owners out there? I'm trying to exactly line the tank up with the stand, and I'm not sure if it's going to be possible, I can line the front bow line up, but that leaves the sides off and vice-versa!!!

cheers,

greg

craighuckins
04-11-04, 10:58
Well finally I have sorted the problems out with my perc120 (no brace bar!!!) and I have got it set up again, with no bow in the front glass this time! apologies for the crappy photo, I just can't seem to get a decent piccy with the nasty fuji finepix204. Tank has been running since mid july, but has been set back by being broken down for four days whilst silicone set. Still, seems to be going OK, no losses of livestock, no disease, no annonia, nitrite, nitrate <5ppm and should hit zero after chrimbly when the plenum matures.

craighuckins
05-11-04, 09:00
well didn't I just tempt fate with the previous post? Got home last night to find my cherub angel had passed away, (seems like natural causes, no obvious signs of illness or distress, he was fine & feeding happily on the morning). I'm gutted as this was my first marine fish and was bought for me by my partner and our little daughter. Bugger.

kitenski
06-11-04, 22:32
I've asked these same questions in the big build thread, but here goes again!!

1) How do you work out how much RO Water to add, before adding salt? I'm assuming when I add egg crate, rock and sand the water level will rise a fair bit, so trying to decide at what level to quit making water and add salt, then rocks etc

2) is there any set way to first fire the pumps? I'm assuming I only plug the skimmer pump in when I have LR in. I'm also assuming I only switch on the highest pump when I've added the LR and the water level has risen past it's exit pipe, and thus I can switch on the 2 other pumps to help mix the salt once the water is up to temp?

cheers,

Greg

kitenski
11-11-04, 19:48
Hi guys,

My water level is now just about covering the top pipe of the highest pump in my Perc 120, can I switch that pump on now, or do I need to make sure the whole pump is covered?

ta!

Greg

sowerby reef
11-11-04, 20:08
Hi Greg

I think you will find that the water level in the circulation pump chamber will fall when you switch the pumps on. This may lead to the top pump running dry at its current level.

Enjoying things I hope?

Made your mind up on the eggcrate yet?

Look forward to seeing the pics of your aquascape.

Kev

kitenski
11-11-04, 20:28
the circ pump chamber can't really fall can it, as it has holes which means the main tank level will always be reflected by that chambers level,

So I switched it on!

Going to go with egg crate and see what it looks like, if it looks cr*p I'll take it out and not bother!

Hopefully if I can get the salt in tonight, I can get live rock in on Saturday, and then leave it a week or so and start measuring....

cheers,

greg

kitenski
16-11-04, 19:48
Has anyone added moonlights to their standard light system that comes with the Percs?

just seen this on ebay, look the db's but not sure how they'd look strapped to the side of the Aqua Medic light system!

cheers,

greg

aquayle
16-11-04, 21:31
There is a lot about Perc owners setting up tanks, I am TOTALLY new to this hobby, but for what it's worth - here's my experiences & what I was told. Perc 90 added 20Kg live cured rock & 3Kg uncured (smelled of H2SO4). Added Salted water & waited. I measured the Ammonia levels every day, hoping it would fall to zero. I used Tropic Marin test kits. The Nitrite & Ammonia levels seemed to track properly - i.e. I got Ammonia spike then Nitrite then Nitrate. However the Ammonia levels never went below .2ppm I tried fresh water to test the test tkit got 0. Assumed the ammnonia(m) still there. Then used a Seachem & Nutrafin test kit after 5 weeks - they said 0!!!!
Who do you believe?? I had lights & skimmer on from day 3 (skimmer still noisy despite what is said here about them getting quieter) & the wier can be noisy - tried corse filter - that works. I think you get used to the noise, rather than things getting quiet. Got loads of hitchikers - dove snails (abot 30 tiny ones), stomatella (looks like a wood lice), some tiny shrimps. If you seek advice from experts - you get it, but its all different, so I chose to just go with one person's advice. I used to stress about testing the water, but found the kits are "just a guide" and not at all accurate. Trying to locate a source of the Merck test kits (Deltec sell their high accuracy Phosphate kit), would like Nitrite.
Threw away crappy swingy arm hydrometer & bought an accurate refractometer! Bought all the chemicals to change this/that/t'other - DON'T. Just buy an all in one.
Found cleaning the pump filters a pain, especially the bottom one. To remove the bottom pump I have to pull the pipe from inside the tank, remove the pump from the sump, then putting it back, have to push the pipe back on. This means can't have any rock bottom right of the tank - you need to have access to the pipe.


Phew - hope no one was bored?


Andy

sowerby reef
16-11-04, 22:06
Hi Greg

Hope things are going well?

the circ pump chamber can't really fall can it, as it has holes which means the main tank level will always be reflected by that chambers level,

The pumps here are quite powerful. As the return water back from the main tank, I have seen the level on mine fall, yes this is replaced by water being drawn into the main chamber, but the level on my systems sits 2" apporax below main tank level. If the pumps are switched off, an even level returns.

Kev

john27
20-11-04, 18:45
Hi, I now have my Perc 90 filled with ro water. I have done quite a few changes to it, and adding bits. I swapped the 3 pumps to 3000lph aqua-bee pumps. Sold the 150w halide and put up a 400w. Added a Deltec mce 600 skimmer, a phosban reactor.a closed loop to a chiller, a 6000 stream and a 3000lph tunze pump. Then adding a Kalk stirrer and a calcium reactor. So just a few alterations :P

John.

>>Marine<<
20-11-04, 19:07
Hi John

Sounds an exciting project.....you must let us know your opinions on your add-ons...especially the aquabees

Is this from an existing tank setup, or are you starting from new ??

Any pics ??

Joe

john27
20-11-04, 20:28
Hi Joe,
A lot of the equipment is from my existing tank.
I have the Aqua-bees running now and they work fine. I used the aqua-bees as i had one from my old set up so i knew they would fit in the back of the perc 90.
The Deltec skimmer seems to work okay, seems quieter than the Aquamedic skimmer.
I will try to get pictures up when theres something in it :D

John.

kitenski
22-11-04, 19:38
Couple of skimmer/chamber related questions if any Perc owners can help out.

Do other owners get bubbles in the skimmer chamber, and not just in the skimmer cone?

Also which way do people have the powerhead exit under the skimmer pointing? Mine is pointing at the bio balls.

I find every 10-20 mins or so I get what sounds like an air bubble rising up the skimmer chamber, then the water weir gets a little noiser for 10-20 secs, then it quietens down again.

cheers,

greg

sowerby reef
22-11-04, 19:43
Hi Greg

My 120 releases a few bubbles outside the skimmer column. I have the skimmer pump outlet pointing in the direction of the chamber exit.

Kev

sowerby reef
22-11-04, 20:15
Here's my latest edition to the percula 120. A finger coral, bottom left in pic. Polyps are just starting to open up:

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/2004_1122Image0010.JPG

Quite pleased with the perc.

Kev

Elliott89
22-11-04, 21:11
Here is a pic of my perc 90

had a few problems with noisy pumps and skimmers though <_<

alfa
22-11-04, 21:11
Looks great :thumbsup:

Elliott89
22-11-04, 21:13
another pic of my favourite fish in the tank

Elliott89
22-11-04, 21:22
green torch coral :wub:

sowerby reef
22-11-04, 21:34
yellowtang89

nice setup

kev

Elliott89
22-11-04, 21:37
squamosa clam

Elliott89
22-11-04, 21:38
glad you like my tank!

kitenski
22-11-04, 22:43
Originally posted by yellowtang89@Nov 22 2004, 21:23
had a few problems with noisy pumps and skimmers though
Did you solve your problems? If so, how ;)

regards

greg

>>Marine<<
22-11-04, 23:07
Yellowtang89
Nice tank and pics....how long you been setup ??

Joe

>>Marine<<
22-11-04, 23:15
Hi Aquayle

Thanx for a great description of your setting up.....Im sure a few Percs will find this very usefull...myself included

How long have you had yor Perc ??

Lets hear from you a bit more !!

Any pics ??

Joe

>>Marine<<
22-11-04, 23:17
Hi Kev

Now its starting to look really good...you know how i like your setup :thumbsup:

Joe

DairyleaMonster
23-11-04, 08:58
I too have a Perc 90 that I have recently set up, and I also have the skimmer pump pointer towards the bio balls. I did try it the other way round but it seemed to be noisier. And I also get air bubbles in the skimmer chamber too

Also found that the pumps can be noisy if they have trapped air, so I just wiggled them about a bit until all the air was released and they quietened down a bit after that. Still got a bit of a hum too

I found that if you take the pre-filters off the circ pumps, then they are slightly less noisy and slightly more powerful

HTH

Baz

sowerby reef
23-11-04, 20:17
Joe

Now its starting to look really good...you know how i like your setup

Cheers mate. It is changing. Just got to decide on what coral to get next. I have a final look in mind, but probably take me a year to get there, but will get there.

I am chuffed with it. Saw the pics of your system, aquascape looks good.

Kev

kitenski
23-11-04, 22:55
I seem to have managed to cut my pump noise in half by simply unplugging each pump in turn, then when identifying the noisy one, keep restarting it until it seems quieter, must be air in the pump I reckon.

Now put my sponges back.....bottom pump is almost upside down ;)

regards,

greg

aquayle
24-11-04, 21:58
Originally posted by >>Marine<<@Nov 22 2004, 23:27
Hi Aquayle

Thanx for a great description of your setting up.....Im sure a few Percs will find this very usefull...myself included

How long have you had yor Perc ??

Lets hear from you a bit more !!

Any pics ??

Joe
Hi Joe

As I said - I am TOTALLY new to all this, so I am definitely NOT an expert, just reporting what I found during the setup of my Perc90.
I posted a picture in the members tank specs forum
http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=31456
only had the tank for 12 weeks

Problems I have identified:-
The skimmer is noisy, others report here that the water in the skimmer sump is aerated (boils) and is noisy - YES mine too!
The pump (powerhead) filters are a PAIN to get to - I have to clean mine every week at the moment - they get full of crud. The bottom pump is a pain to reach & needs 2 hands to get the tubing back on.

The sump is the only place where water evapouration is apparent - you can't tell from the main tank until the sump is empty. If the sump becomes dry, then the main pump introduces ait into the tank - if it is nearly empty - it entrains air and can give the sounds some others have reported earlier on this forum.

I am about to add an auto-top up system with Kalkwasser reactor (advice from TRISTAN LOUGHER) will report more

Am also considering changing the lights from the included Aquastarlight to the ocean light 150+ anyone any experience with these??

Apart from these *minor* problems, the Perc is great and a lot less trouble than my son's tank which has no decent skimmer, no bactoballs or wier - so I guess all things considered Aquamedic got it right!

Andy

kaos
26-11-04, 17:06
Hi Everyone,

Thought it was about time i put a pic up of my new perc, i will do somthing better on it later but here is a quick pic.

Excuse the mess of it, its "still under construction" :blush:

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/P1010001.JPG


Lett me know your thoughts

Stuart

sowerby reef
26-11-04, 18:36
Excuse the mess of it what mess?

Thats coming along nicely. Looks very good in development. Nice scape.

Kev

kaos
26-11-04, 18:45
clever photography you see, i mean if you look at the left side, all the cables, ive got a canister filter and UV sitting on poly boxes. i wont even mention the mess of cables etc in the cabinet.

Ill do a more detailed thread later tonight, digi cam has packed up, think im going to nip out and get a new one.

Stuart

>>Marine<<
27-11-04, 00:01
Hi Kaos

Didn't know you was up and running....how long now ??

Tank looks REALLY good....like the aquascape too :thumbsup:

Not too sure about the actinic look being all at the front....probably impossible to put it anywhere else though

Is that a stream u have...which one ??

Is that why the sand looks all to one side ??

Tempted to buy a stream ....but dont want the sand to blow about, as i have the sugerfine Aramax sand

Whats the white thing on the left ??

Will need lots of pics as it develops......but looking really good !!!!!

Hope you dont mind my comments

Joe

kaos
27-11-04, 10:35
HI, No i dont mind the comments at all. its just my photography skills with the Acintics, they dont look that bad, I have just fitted a set of Deltec twin T5's under the front lid, still needs finally tuned a bit. ;)

Is that a stream u have...which one ??

Its a 6100 with 7091 controller, yeah thats why all the sand is blown a bit, its sugar fine white sand, need to fine tune the stream yet and find a better place for it.

Whats the white thing on the left ??

Its just my old mag float cleaner, i have a bad whitespot problem just now, i have a UV running through a cannister filter its just holding the filter pipes in place :blush:

Didn't know you was up and running....how long now ??

Its been set up for about 5 weeks now, but havent had much time to put anything up here as have still been busy moving house and was offshore for a few weeks in between.

I will try and make a thread up later today on the whole thing, still have a bit of work to do, finnish of the IKS and get the Auto top up set up. Plus i got a new digi cam last night so good excuse to play with it. :dance:

:thumbsup:

Stuart

kitenski
27-11-04, 17:34
Looks nice Kaos, could you do some pics of the actinics in detail and where you have fitted them?? I really like the idea of a blue light in my Perc as well.....


cheers,

greg

kaos
27-11-04, 19:17
Originally posted by gregh@Nov 27 2004, 17:46
Looks nice Kaos, could you do some pics of the actinics in detail and where you have fitted them?? I really like the idea of a blue light in my Perc as well.....


cheers,

greg
Will do, when i bought the tank i ordered an extra lid, i have put this at the front of the tank, bought a set of D&D 39 W Mega twin T5's, got a local double glazing firm to drill holes through the glass in the lid and bolted them to that. will post some pics later when i can figure out this new camera. :wacko:

Stuart

Manta
27-11-04, 19:53
Tank looks great Stuart, aquascaping top notch.

sowerby reef
28-11-04, 20:34
Here's a few more of my 120:

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/2004_1128Image0008.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/2004_1128Image0001.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/2004_1128Image0006.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/2004_1128Image0004.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/2004_1128Image0002.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/2004_1128Image0009.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/2004_1128Image0012.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/2004_1128Image0010.JPG

Hope you are all enjoying your perc as much as me :thumbsup:

Kev

kitenski
28-11-04, 21:19
looks great Kev, how quickly did you add corals?

My Chromis have been in since Friday and all water params seem ok, so I'm hoping to get one or two soft corals at the open house on 4th Dec.

Then maybe add 2 percs just before Xmas.

Which I think will do me for 2004, and see how the tank copes!

Also how often did and do people test the water? I've been testing every few days through the cycle, but wondered wether doing it weekly now would be ok?

cheers!

Greg

sowerby reef
29-11-04, 20:03
Greg, after 5 - 6 weeks I added a large leather coral The system is now 3.5 months old and I have added the rest of the stock over a 2 month period, including 5 green chromis and a pair of maroon clowns.

I think your proposed stock addition for 2004 will be no problem.

I can't see a problem testing weekly for you now.

Kev

aquayle
30-11-04, 20:50
For what its worth - my perc 90, started September. (Clowns missing, poorly - Ahhh!)
pity the dottybacks don't come oput to play much.

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/aqperc901.jpg

Smart82
01-12-04, 13:45
Hi everyone :D

I am thinking of getting an auto top of for my Perc 120.

Thinking of building a glass tank to hold the water but i want enough to hold for 8 days. I calculated roughly that the cubic inches of the return area was 1200, i think it takes about 2 days from full for this to run dry, i guess this all dpends on temp, lights and fans etc.

Does anybody have an auto top up and know how many gallons/litres of evaporation they get? I can test this over time but thought it would be quicker to ask.

:thanx: All the best :thumbsup:

Martin

sowerby reef
01-12-04, 21:26
i have auto top up. I currently fill the reservoir with about 4.5 gall per week.

Kev

Smart82
02-12-04, 08:23
Hi Kev

How long do you have the halides on for and how high off the water level? Do you have a fan over the water?

All the best

Martin

Smart82
02-12-04, 08:25
Oh!

And also what is the optimum level of water to stop noise and to make the skimmer work perfectly?

All the best

Martin

kitenski
02-12-04, 12:11
Hi Martin,

I've never managed to completely get rid of the weir water noise. You need the water level as close to the bottom of the skimmer cup as you can get it. to do this push down the comb in the bio ball chamber as low as it will go, this should lower the water in the skimmer chamber.

The other two weirs from the main tank control the water level in the main tank, I have my 1st one very low, then the second one lifted as high as possible, then slowly pushed down until it just touches the water, this seems the quietest to me. the second comb the water is actually flowing under it.

Now if anyone has managed to quieten down the pumps I'd love to know how! I think the 2 circulation pumps are the noisest, both mine are firmly attached, but still noisy, I can hear them in my bedroom above the tank at night.

cheers,

greg

sowerby reef
02-12-04, 19:13
How long do you have the halides on for and how high off the water level? Do you have a fan over the water?

Lights on 11.00am and off 10.00pm.

The halide is 30cm above the water level. I use no fan.

Kev

scar
02-12-04, 20:03
hi greg
my pumps are quiet but the tank i had before with the same type was very loud constantly huming i was the same because the tank is above my bedroom i could hear the noise but like i said this tank which is the same as yours the pumps in that are very quiet if i was you i would contact aquamedic and tell them about your pumps.
The water level in my tank is as high as it will go its touching the brace bar at the front of the tank it flows through the first weir so that it can stop any debris flowing into the skimmer chamber the second weir is posistioned just above the flowing water that goes into the skimmer
scar

mark-c-
08-12-04, 18:54
Hi all

just starting to read from page 1

few questions at the mo,taking delivery of perc 90 on friday after upgrading from chromis tank so going to do change over hopefully this weekend.

1,how much water (roughly) does 90 hold after the live rock has been added?will have a total of 40kg of live rock.

2,what pumps have people added to 90?as dont think what you get would give enough flow

3,when adding ca reactor how have you added yours?can this go in the cupboard?

sorry if these questions have alredy been asked

Mark

sowerby reef
08-12-04, 20:07
Hi Mark

Don't know the answer to the first question regarding volume of water. As for additional pumps, I have added a Tunze Stream 6060, but turned this off for half an hour the other day and the flow from the standard pumps seemed ok.

I have a calcium reactor in the cabinet, although have yet to start this up. All of the tubing just goes through with the wiring. I have an aquamedic peristaltic pump to supply water, but judging by posts on here that maybe too much. So may use a small powerhead T'd off. We'll see about that.

Exciting times though?

Kev

mark-c-
08-12-04, 20:17
cheers

think it holds around 200 litres reading other posts.

was thinking of cutting off plugs and feeding them down chamber but to clean pumps you would have to take the plug off so that seems a bit pointless.

keep us updated on the reactor,i no aquamedic do 1 that sits in the chamber but dont think the reports on it are the best

Mark

sowerby reef
08-12-04, 21:14
was thinking of cutting off plugs and feeding them down chamber but to clean pumps you would have to take the plug off so that seems a bit pointless.

I have cleaned the pumps once. I just popped them on the lid, and removed the impellor shaft to clean at the sink. IMO you don't need to get the plugs all the way back out. Whilst I cleaned them, they probably did not need it.

Any news on the Bi-colour. No worries if you can't get it to me, although still up for it if you can.

Kev

DairyleaMonster
09-12-04, 08:39
Mark - I didn't cut the plugs off mine, but carefully trimmed some of the plastic grips off the plug so that they would fit down the wire chamber. Others have managed (somehow!) to fit the plugs down without any such butchering, though

HTH

Baz

mark-c-
09-12-04, 16:51
thanks baz

will see how it goes when i get it but would like to hide most wires.

have most people put the plug adaptor bar inside the cabinet?

yes thats no prob kev was waiting till strip down etc to catch him :rolleyes:
only prob i have is my bro doesnt leave till around half 7-8 so its going to be late on a sun night is that a prob?also can you just meet him at barracks(or somewhere easy to find)?if you pm a mobile number i can get him to call you half hour or so before he arrives,im sure he is up this weekend so i will let you no if this sunday would be ok,will pm either way

Mark

sowerby reef
09-12-04, 19:39
Hi Mark

late on a sun night is that a prob?also can you just meet him at barracks(or somewhere easy to find)?

No problem with either. I will pm you my number.

Kev

peachys
10-12-04, 17:07
Originally posted by mark-c-@Dec 8 2004, 19:06
1,how much water (roughly) does 90 hold after the live rock has been added?will have a total of 40kg of live rock.

2,what pumps have people added to 90?as dont think what you get would give enough flow

3,when adding ca reactor how have you added yours?can this go in the cupboard?

hi mark :D

1.i found mine to hold roughly 170 litres and i have a little bit more rock than you!

2.did have an extra poerhead but have now taken it out as my zoo's seem to prefer it abit quieter

3.apparently this is supposed to be able to fit in the sump area in the back but to me the perc 90 seems very small and iv'e yet to see one installed in there yet! :P

hope this helps a little :D

mark-c-
10-12-04, 19:46
cheers peachys

Do you find things ok with the standard pumps?

i think its only the aquamedic reactor that fits in the back

does anyone no of any other ca reactors that fit in back of perc?

:thumbsup:

Mark

peachys
11-12-04, 15:03
hi mate! :D

i find the pumps fine! bit noisey at first but after the first water change when i'd turned them off they seem almost silent (same with the skimmer) B) i have mushrooms and zoo's on the left at the moment and they seem to love the calmer water! iv'e taken the sponge off of the top pump but left it on the bottom one as it just kept blowing the sand everwhere but keeps the right hand side and middle with plenty of flow :P

kitenski
12-12-04, 11:50
I wish my pumps would quiten down, they are noisy, I can hear them in the bedroom upstairs!!

fire999
12-12-04, 13:46
Originally posted by gregh@Dec 12 2004, 12:02
I wish my pumps would quiten down, they are noisy, I can hear them in the bedroom upstairs!!
:idea: :idea:


Make more noise in the bedroom and you wont hear the pumps :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

DairyleaMonster
12-12-04, 18:32
Yeah, and you won't care either!!! :P :D :lol:

Sarge
14-12-04, 13:20
Gregh,

I find that my circulation pumps cause a vibration on the black perspex panel that they sit behind. This has been made worse as the top of this has come loose. Pushing it back on (so that it traps under the glass lid) seems to do the trick. Might have to silicone back in place in the future.

Might sound a bit daft but just check if yours is the same.

Also could be that your heater is touching the lower pump.

Other than that mine is quite quiet - certainly quieter than my Prizm skimmer on the last tank.

Hope it helps.

Ian

Cain
14-12-04, 13:32
I have had my percula 90 for 5 months now. And found that the pumps were very noisy. This was when i decided to take them out and insert them upside down and turn them round again in the water. I am sure that some air got trapped inside but this solved the problem. The tank is actually very quiet now, i added an AquaClear 70 to the tank a few days ago, up in the right hand side. Its very very powerful and all the corals love it.

Hope this helps

mark-c-
14-12-04, 17:35
Hi all

setting up perc 90 and transferring over tanks after year,tank is here but planning things at the mo

im interested to know if

1, have you fitted an auto top up? how did you do this?ideas please

2, calcium reactor, what type?where did you put it?

3, fans or chillers, was thinking of getting cheap fan to clip on from diy store,possibly a silly question but can you set it up somehow so it comes on when tank reaches a certain temp then goes off when it reaches a lower temp ie some kind of thermostat fan with temp probe?

4, liverock, i have 20kg of liverock in my chromis tank,i thot i would need another 20kg but i saw a good deal someone was selling-50kg of liverock and other bits and pieces so i have arranged to buy it,picking it up mid jan,guy at fish shop said put it all in,you could have lots of ledges etc,what do you think?far to much? use say 40-45kgs total or just keep adding and see what it looks like?

thanks in advance

Mark

DairyleaMonster
14-12-04, 17:54
I'm interested in the calcium reactors and auto top up systems too, so any advice or recommendations would be great.

As for the live rock, I have 35kg in my Perc 90, and it's just as I like it: with enough nooks and crannies for the fish to hide in and to make it look interesting, but also to leave ample room for long swims! :D I suppose it's really up to you how much you put in.

The guy at my LFS (Neil @ Mostly Marines) has a Perc 90 set up as a display tank, and IMHO he has too much LR in there... but that's just his prerogative, suppose. And yours too! :thumbsup:

Smart82
14-12-04, 18:23
Originally posted by mark-c-@Dec 14 2004, 17:47
Hi all

im interested to know if

1, have you fitted an auto top up? how did you do this?ideas please

3, fans or chillers, was thinking of getting cheap fan to clip on from diy store,possibly a silly question but can you set it up somehow so it comes on when tank reaches a certain temp then goes off when it reaches a lower temp ie some kind of thermostat fan with temp probe?

4, liverock, i have 20kg of liverock in my chromis tank,i thot i would need another 20kg but i saw a good deal someone was selling-50kg of liverock and other bits and pieces so i have arranged to buy it,picking it up mid jan,guy at fish shop said put it all in,you could have lots of ledges etc,what do you think?far to much? use say 40-45kgs total or just keep adding and see what it looks like?

thanks in advance

Mark

Hi mark

I dont think any other brands of auto top up fit at all or anywhere near as good as the aquamedic auto top ups, they fit well, as they are made to fit, in the sump area at the back, cost quite a bit, about £110 i believe. You just get a pump in a water storage compartment, for this you can use a nice glass tank or a salt bucket, then stick the auto top up in the return chamber, set the levels you want and away you go, pretty easy. :thumbsup:

The only thing i can suggest for the fan is to document how the temp fluctuates over a day, assuming you have a regular system in regards to turning your lights on, length left on and room temp, then simply put the fan on a timer in the plug socket at the specific times when it gets a bit hot, you would then have to document the new fluctuations, hopefully you should be able to get some kind of routine.

With regards to the liverock, two tanks could have virtually the same look but one could have 25kg and the other could have 50kg, it all depend on aquascaping and density of rock ofcourse.

Hope all goes well for you

Martin

fire999
14-12-04, 21:49
Bit of a tip :rolleyes:

For the past 3 days have not been getting good results from my skimmer. Tried stripping and cleaning etc..


Well do not have the intake oposite the two outlets, keep them a a bit of an angle. the intake goes against the glass and lowers the flow.. <_< <_< :rolleyes:

aquayle
15-12-04, 21:47
Fire999
Just noticed your tank spec - with Tunze
I am considering putting one in my Perc90 - can u upload piccy showing position - and can you share your experiences with positioning it?

TIA - Andy

Cain
21-12-04, 19:10
Is it possible to fit a wavebox onto a percula 90?

mark-c-
26-12-04, 22:10
Hi Cain

i think you would be able to add one as if you look at essential aquatics site on sponsors forum there is a video link to one working on the 120,so im sure it would fit,but not exactly sure if would work on a 90.you could give them a call to check.does look good but i thought it was a bit pricey at 300 quid

cheers

Mark

kaos
26-12-04, 23:08
HI,

A perc 90 is to small for the wave box, plus its going to look cr%p with this huge box sitting in a tank that size. i think it would look to out of place.

Just my opinon though

Merry xmas folks :D

:thumbsup:

Stuart

Cain
27-12-04, 11:08
Probably, a wavebox would look bad guys. Just an idea though.

fire999
27-12-04, 15:24
Hi Andy,, Sorry for the delay :o

The stream is in the top right rear corner facing the fromt glass at about 45 deg angle.

Was a bit too strong for me :huh: So i took off the impeller and with a pair of sharp scissors, cut a very small strip off both blades, Reduced the flow so the sand does not move but still very good for the corals etc. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Cant get pics small enough for here, so take a look at this link :thumbsup:


http://community.webshots.com/user/perc90diving


Also a few funny ones there of my retained work. :D :D

kitenski
27-12-04, 22:20
Andy,

I've added a Tunze into my Perc 120, piccie of it in my Perc pics thread in my signature.

Really helped the flow and has removed some cyano from the tank that was building up.

fire999 - what have you fitted over the ends of your exit pipe from the circulation pumps???

regards,

greg

>>Marine<<
28-12-04, 23:31
Hi Fire999

Cant get pics small enough for here, so take a look at this link

Try this link to reduce photo sizes, so they can be posted here....works for me !!

http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=26432

Joe

kitenski
29-12-04, 21:20
Maybe one thing for other owners to check. In an effort to track the source of micro bubbles, I removed both circulation pumps and found that the output pipe (not the bit that sticks into the tank) was loose on both. I tightened it up, which appears to have reduced the noise and the bubbles. Now need to do it on the return and skimmer pumps!

cheers,

greg

john27
30-12-04, 13:45
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/fish27.jpg

A pic of my perc 90. Its in place temporary at the moment thats why theres loads of wires on show.

John.

john27
30-12-04, 13:50
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/fish28.jpg

And another

John.

john27
30-12-04, 14:05
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/fish31.jpg

Last one. :D

mark-c-
30-12-04, 16:00
looks really good John

some stunning colours lets see some close ups :D

whats the braching acro type coral on the left,the red 1?

do you have any fish in there?
also i see no sand,seems to be a few people going with the glass bottom,is that for a reason?

what pumps have you got?

moving it to its new homes goiong to be fun.

cheers

Mark

john27
30-12-04, 16:23
Hi Mark,
There is no chance of close ups ( Im useless with a camera) :P The Red coral i got mail order fom Clayton on here, i think.
There are now a couple of clowns in there and a large clean up crew, i might add sand soon i have a bucket of aragamax next to the tank, i will probably put it in after i move the tank.
The tank has a few changes from the standard Perc 90.
1. A Giesemann 400w halide
2. A Deltec mce600 added
3. 3 aqua-bee 3000lph pumps
4 A tunze stream 6000 + multicontroller.
5 Korralin calcium reactor.
6 2 actinic T5s.
I also have a spare stream i might add, a Teco chiller and a kalk stirrer.
Luckily most of the equipment came of my larger tank.

Cheers John..

jamie reefer
30-12-04, 16:33
Hi John

Tank looks very nice mate ,Im lucky enough to see this tank in real life and its a fantastic set up....John when all them corals grow and come together it will look amazing...Keep up the hard work?....

cheers Jamie

john27
30-12-04, 16:37
Thanks Jamie,
Just need to get rid of the larger tank now :D It looks a bit empty in there now.

John..

peachys
30-12-04, 17:00
thats a cracking looking tank mate! stunning colours! love the 2 door cabinet (i'm very jealous) :P :D

john27
30-12-04, 17:05
Hi Peachy,
Thanks for the comments.
I need the 2 doors to hide all the equipment :D it was very expensive for a bit of chipboard.

John..

peachys
30-12-04, 17:26
just thought i'd post a pic of my tank as were now on page 14 :o and i haven't really added anything yet! :P

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/peachywrx/DSCN0068.jpg

>>Marine<<
30-12-04, 17:27
Hi John

I'm impressed....lovely tank...............Gorgeous colours :wub:

Keep us updated on the growth rate....should be interesting

Joe

>>Marine<<
30-12-04, 17:33
Hi Peachys

Looking good.....new you could't resist another pic... ;) :huh: :lol:

Do you run a Calcium reactor ??......How did you get all that coraline algae ??

Joe

peachys
30-12-04, 17:38
hi joe mate! :D

well i got a new camera! :P

i had corraline starting to grow on the back of the tank on day 5 of it being setup :blink: i don't run a calcium reactor and i don't even add calcium,the corraline just keeps growing! in my last tank i had the same and it kept growing on the front glass! i'm starting to get patches on the front of the perc 90 now :D

john27
30-12-04, 18:09
Hi Peachy,
Very nice tank you have there.

John.

>>Marine<<
30-12-04, 18:12
Hi all

Talking about moving the tank...Oh dear !!

Got up christmas eve morning....sitting there with the missus looking at the tank...as you do !!

Out of nowhere, she says..." I think the tank needs to be moved...its not right there "

" WHAT...!!! " I said...then quickly remembering , it took me 2 months to persuade her we needed a Perc 120 rather than the 90 (no offence)....I said " Yes dear ..no prob...Gulp !!!

Sat down again...and started to forward plan, How ??.....As you do !!!

Went to Asda and bought 4 ...I think they are about 20 gall round buckets.....Only £5 each

Now, remembering i have no corals in there yet

Attached a hose to the bottom right hand pump ...and syphoned out 50% of the water

Pulled out the 2 plugs for the extension leads

Syphoned down to about 25 % of water level left

The very SLOWLY...walked it across the other side of the room, and put in position....( Wood flooring )

Then with a bucket...poured the water into the back sump..less stressfull for the fish

Plugged in the 2 plugs.....FINISHED....PHEW !!!

Took just over 1 HOUR....Could not believe how easy it was

:cheers:

Then the bad news !!!

Took over 3 hours to find the joists in the ceiling to fit my piece of wood for the M/H

For some strange reason...the joists decided to change direction !!!...no wonder I couldn't them....and the ceiling looks like its got woodworm

Good job I used a very fine drill bit

Hope you find this of interest !!!! :wacko: :wacko:

Joe

Sorry had to duplicate this post on my thread

john27
30-12-04, 18:24
Hi Joe,
Im planning on doing the same thing. Pump about 75% of the water out then slide it across the room.

john.

>>Marine<<
30-12-04, 19:01
Hi John

Hope it goes as easy as mine did..I was really surprised how easy it was

Lots of luck !!!

Joe

peachys
30-12-04, 19:06
yea good luck mate! i really wouldn't fancy doing that :P

aquayle
01-01-05, 15:56
Live rock in a Percula 90
How much do we have??
I have about 25Kg and am wondering if I need another 20Kg - my Nitram levels are going up!

Andy

john27
01-01-05, 16:01
Hi,
I have 28kg in mine. Any more and there will be no room left in there :D

John.

peachys
01-01-05, 18:06
hi! :D

iv'e got roughly 45kg! :blink:

mark-c-
01-01-05, 23:10
setting mine up next saturday and i would say 40kg+ have 20kg in my chromis at the mo although it depends how you aquascape your rockwork,how they rock fits together,caves,bridge etc etc

cheers

Mark

Col2008
03-01-05, 19:30
hello there perc owners

i am thinking about upgrading from my rio 300 to a perc . what excactly do you get for your money considering i only paid £400 for my rio brand new.

thanx for the input in advance......

––––•(-•CoL•-)•––––Â*

kaos
13-01-05, 21:23
HI perc owners,

Could any of the 120 owners who has an auto top-up fitted lett me know how much water there losing through evap a day ?

I put a mark on the top up last night then measured it 24 hrs later, I just used this calculater (http://www.reefpark.19a.net/calculate/calculate.cgi) to measure out how much has went it. says 1.70 ltr/0.37 gallon.

Does this seem right/about the same as you guys ?

:thanx:

Stuart

Ps off to New York tommorow, :dance: Xmas pressie from the other half ! :wub: going to go to the New York Aquarium so will take loads of pics! Be intresting to try and see an LFS too, see what there like, things they stock etc. Not sure if ill be allowed though ! :unsure:

kitenski
13-01-05, 21:52
Col,

check the aqua medic site for all info on what u get with each tank, with my Percula 120 I got tank, stand, 3 pumps, skimmer, bioballs and MH lights.

http://www.aqua-medic.de/

Stuart - I reckon I lost about 20-25 litres in 5 days!!! Lost more over the weekend when heating was on all day, funnily enough!

>>Marine<<
13-01-05, 21:55
Enjoy yourself Stuart :thumbsup:

Look forward to the pics !!!

Oops...about 1 gall per 24 hrs....but this does depend on indoor temp...so can vary

Joe

kitenski
16-01-05, 20:30
Has anyone succesfully kept any 'hard' corals in their Perc's with the standard 2 x 150W MH lights?

Just trying to plan where I want to take my tank over time, without spending loads on new lights ;)

cheers,

greg

Elliott89
16-01-05, 20:36
i keep About five colonies of LPS corals under the standard 150s and they appear
to be doing well,acros dont seem to do that great though so i am upgrading
to 250s

Elliott

kitenski
16-01-05, 20:41
Cheers Elliot,

Do you have any pics of the LPS you've been keeping?

I assume you have to sell the complete light unit and replace with another one to get to 250w?

cheers,

greg

mark-c-
16-01-05, 20:42
you will be ok with the standard light Gregh but keep them nearer the top of tank,maybe get a few frags from other reefers near you and see how it goes.

Mark

scar
16-01-05, 20:43
hi greg
ive got a cornet euphillia which ive had for about 3months thats doing well in fact so well its the clowns home at night <_< ive also got a gonipora that has come back to life a couple of months ago it was just a dead ball but now growing all the time
i hope this helps you out
nick

Elliott89
16-01-05, 20:44
my frogspawn
do you think i will be able to sell the 150s

Elliott89
16-01-05, 20:49
purple tipped acro which is doing alright ;)

Elliott89
16-01-05, 20:52
clams,hammer and gonipora

Elliott89
16-01-05, 20:56
yellow bubble

mark-c-
18-01-05, 20:55
Hi Guys

a quick question when i changed my tank over from chromis to 90 it being same light and wasnt sure if was going to get dif lights etc,i left it up although it wasnt in centre but after a week i need to centre it and change light to new 1(its only off 3" or so but didnt want lots of holes in ceiling if i was to get a new say 250w light)anyway-

do most of you run with shelf/slide bit on top of tank at front?my plan was to fix actinic there but if i put shelf in,there is not a lot of room between this and back of water line if you see what i mean?was thinking of just leaving it off as thought i might get a better spread of light.

any thoughts on this?

cheers

Mark

ps quick question :lol:

fire999
18-01-05, 21:17
Originally posted by mark-c-@Jan 18 2005, 20:55
Hi Guys



do most of you run with shelf/slide bit on top of tank at front?my plan was to fix actinic there but if i put shelf in,there is not a lot of room between this and back of water line if you see what i mean?was thinking of just leaving it off as thought i might get a better spread of light.

any thoughts on this?

cheers

Mark

ps quick question :lol:
The shelf goes at the back to cover the filter etc.... :o

I have put my actinic at the front under a bit of 2 1/2" grey gutter pipe , will post a pic of it :thumbsup:

mark-c-
18-01-05, 21:23
cheers

ive not got the plugs down the slot,daft design on it as you have the hole where the shelves are,they should have put the door on this side so you could fit the plug bar there or is it just me?

other problem the lights have changed on the perc 90-you now get the ocean light 150 that comes with chromis so cant really fit actinis to this.

small teething problems

thanks

Mark

mark-c-
18-01-05, 21:24
sorry fire999 i thought you had fitted actinic to long light that came with it.

yes picture would be good

cheers

Mark

fire999
18-01-05, 21:28
Here you go.... The actinic is under a reflector under the gutter pipe. Looks ok and does the job :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

fire999
18-01-05, 21:30
A close up ( I think) :D

mark-c-
18-01-05, 21:32
cheers :thumbsup:

looks ideal

any problems getting shelf out to clean skimmer/top up?

Mark

fire999
18-01-05, 21:35
Sorry.... :rolleyes: .. now you got me in the photo mode :lol:

fire999
18-01-05, 21:36
No it lifts off ok, Also you will see that it cuts down on the noise a lot :thumbsup:

mark-c-
18-01-05, 21:39
cheers

nice tank :thumbsup:

take it you cut the plugs off etc?
did you cut hole in side and put plug bars in the cabinet part with door or have you just got this at back of tank?

Mark

fire999
18-01-05, 21:51
Plugs fitted down the hole ( Not easy ) ha d to cut 1 off. Most cables are in cubboard.

I think the reason your hole is over the shelves maybe because you built the cabinet wrong :rolleyes: ie left gable should have been on the right. Means the door should be on the right.

Is yours right or left ???? :wub:

mark-c-
18-01-05, 21:54
awe #/?[

door is on the left

Mark

mark-c-
18-01-05, 22:00
i see from your earlier picture from the start of the thread yours is on the right.

ok numpty me.

john27 when you fitted the other door-easy to do?did or can you keep the shelves in?

cheers

Mark

kitenski
18-01-05, 22:04
yeh my hole is on the left as is the door, so plugs go down special section of tank, thru hole into cupboard with door.

fire999, you seem to have your water lower than me, but I can't get mine any lower!! I have removed the 2nd weir, (the one closest to skimmer) and the 1st one now has water going over the top of the weir, I would expect the water level to drop and the combs to peak out a little but it hasn't.

Any ideas?

cheers,

greg

john27
18-01-05, 22:12
Hi Mark,
Yes you can keep the shelves in with another door added. If you get another door also get the hinges with it. (They are not normal kitchen cabinet hinges) The doors are easy to fit, tape measure ,pencil, screwdriver and a 5mm drill bit. Then just take all the hole measurements off the other side.

John.

mark-c-
18-01-05, 22:17
Thanks John

cant believe that happened,thought it was a bit strange but didnt think as all fitted ok. :lol:

another door on that side would solve the problem and can hide auto top up tank in other side.

:thanx:

Mark

fire999
18-01-05, 22:20
Originally posted by gregh@Jan 18 2005, 22:04


fire999, you seem to have your water lower than me, but I can't get mine any lower!! I have removed the 2nd weir, (the one closest to skimmer) and the 1st one now has water going over the top of the weir, I would expect the water level to drop and the combs to peak out a little but it hasn't.

Any ideas?

cheers,

greg
Ok,

The first comb. adjusts the amount of water from surface and bottom . ie does not affect you water level. :thumbsup: Only adjusts how mush water is taken from surface / or bottom hole.

The second comb . adjusts tank water level , this should all be straight forward. If you ar having diffs, try removing the first one. then adjust second to get your tank level right. OK :thumbsup: Now fit the first so as the water is half way up the comb.

Let me know how you get on :thumbsup:

kitenski
19-01-05, 13:15
Originally posted by fire999@Jan 18 2005, 22:20
The first comb. adjusts the amount of water from surface and bottom . ie does not affect you water level. :thumbsup: Only adjusts how mush water is taken from surface / or bottom hole.

The second comb . adjusts tank water level , this should all be straight forward. If you ar having diffs, try removing the first one. then adjust second to get your tank level right. OK :thumbsup: Now fit the first so as the water is half way up the comb.

Let me know how you get on :thumbsup:
Hmm! Not quite working for me.

Back to basics. First comb is the comb that water exits from the tank, second comb is the one closest to the skimmer, right?

If I remove the 1st, and then set water level all fine.

As soon as I put back the 1st, the water level rises

:blink: :ph34r:

Cheers,

greg