Finally updating my son 50g SW

[bitterman]

Some of you may remember my sons tank I built for him as he wanted nemo.... (Never let a kid watch finding nemo)



Well after some time the CPR aquatics cy194 sump just was not cutting it.... At least the included skimmer. So At Aquamania last year I purchased a Cadlights PLS-100...

The Skimmer would not work int he CPR aquatics sump properly so I ordered a new sump... a 30 breeder to fit under the stand..... 30x18x12 ... as thinks happened were I was working cut 20% of the workforce in August last year so I was jobless and the tank had to hold off some more...

I finally got around to looking a the new tank I had purchased and it had a crack.. most likely due to construction or shipping as it sat nib on my shelf hear... was about 1/8" or less showing from under the black rim.. So had to contact Marineland as it had been so long did not expect the LFS to do anything. We after getting all approved we find that the 30 breeder is no longer available.. thankfully they have a new tank that is 30"x18" foot print its just taller. Think its 34 gallon. Anyways cut some glass did some silicone and got everything together.

Initial impressions of the skimmer installation and adjustment is dead easy... and even in minutes it was pulling skimate. I setup things and have had is running since the weekend now and really love the new skimmer. Over night the fist night it skimmer more than the old skimmer did in a week.... was obvious how much better this skimmer it.

Last night I emptied the skimmer cup again... and waited till about 6pm tonight.... when I took the pics. I am still skimming slightly on the wet side but as you can see that is not even a full day of skimming! Simply amazing! Bet the tank will be so much more happy so now to start restocking the corals!

Next steps:
1) fine tuning skimming for a much darker tea colour.
2) Light over the refrium
3) Cheto in the refrium
4) Get phosban and carbon running.
5) get filer socks

Bruce

[Philnashbass]

I have the same skimmer in my 50 gal cube.  I noticed the performance of the skimmer was diminishing some time ago and upon inspection I noticed tiny critters getting caught in the small bubble holes of the bubble plate just above the intake chamber. I make it a point to look it over once a month so as to ensure the unit has good flow.

[bitterman]

I have the same skimmer in my 50 gal cube.  I noticed the performance of the skimmer was diminishing some time ago and upon inspection I noticed tiny critters getting caught in the small bubble holes of the bubble plate just above the intake chamber. I make it a point to look it over once a month so as to ensure the unit has good flow.

Thanks for the tip! Will keep that in mind. That's another good argument for filter socks.

Bruce

[bitterman]

Got lights on the sump. I had 2 LED par 38's I put over the refrium.


I also got the GFO running in the 2 little fishies.

I had done it before but changed out the goldstar heater controller for a new ranco controller for the titanium heater in the sump. Set the tank to 78F 1 degree difference... its working amazingly well and gives me a readout of the temp too... I can compare with a thermometer.

The PLS-100 I have is a gen 1.... I noticed it was hard to keep the settings and sometimes vibrated... 3 days after talking to Cadlights I got a new friction lock to retain the setting. I installed it today and boy it makes a huge difference, I actually need to loosen it slightly to make changing the setting easier! Thanks for the awesome support Cadlights!

Getting some cheto for the sump on Monday too....

After a bunch more water changes time to start stocking again! The fish are more active and happy! I noticed a huge difference after adding the skimmer.

Bruce

[Parisiot]

Haha this is awesome! I have the exact same set up. 50G on top and 30G sump!
cool to see a similar build!

One thing I did was I started with the power heads on the side like you have and now have them on the back, pointing at a 45' .
Makes for a little cleaner side viewing if you have the space on the back. Just a suggestion!

[bitterman]

Thanks..

Hope to get the tank back to were it was starting to look nice...



Here are some pics from tonight of the sump.



And here is 2 days of skimmate after adjusting the skimmer for a nice dark skimmate



Some of the old corals I thought were dead are now starting to show some life so that was a bonus. They went through a lot with limited light and poorer water conditions after the sump went down.

I still need to mount the power bar.... but its so darn short a cord... might need a different unit. Need to make that safe...

[sas]

Looking great Bruce!

[ajm1961]

I like the "branches" in your rock work. Looking good.
So what's on your wish list for stocking?

[bitterman]

I like the "branches" in your rock work. Looking good.
So what's on your wish list for stocking?

-Zoe's
-Frog Spawn
-candycane
-cleaner shrimp
-Coco worm
-Maybe a flasher wrasse
-Always liked a mandarin but has to eat pellets... so not happening.

It already has
-2 nemos
-Royal Garama
-Red leg hermits
-Scarlet Hermits
-A toadstool leather looks like its coming back
-BTA is starting to eat
-2 small pieces of richordia
-Some muchrooms poping up.
-Some tube worms.

Time and budget will tell.

I also need to think about attinic lights. Right now at least one is burnt out.

Bruce

[bitterman]

pls-100 is working really well! This was emptied Thursday night. Just took the pic tonight.



The wrasse I picked up from Got Fish. Its young but already looking stunning!

[Got Fish?]

Looking good Bruce.

[NjOyRiD]

very nice tank Bruce
keep up the good work!!