Large zero/infinity edge
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: DIY
Forum Description: Do it Yourself
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40577
Printed Date: May 02 2025 at 11:24am
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Topic: Large zero/infinity edge
Posted By: alexmetal
Subject: Large zero/infinity edge
Date Posted: April 26 2010 at 3:56pm
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As I'm getting ready to start my next (and first in a long time) tank, I really want to do a zero edge tank. However, I want a larger tank, 120gal or so. So, before I seriously consider doing a zero edge this large, I'm thinking about things I need to take into consideration other than a high price tag for a zero edge that big. First thing would be flow. From what I understand, the hex zero edge at Marine Aquatics (I would probably have Eric build this tank) that is about 40gal has a Dart, moving about 1200gal/hr to get the water to flow evenly over the edge. That being said, with a tank three times the size, I would need about three times the flow, or 3600gal/hr. The problem this brings up is the effectiveness of a skimmer or UV sterilizer. Obviously I'm not going to be able to have (much less afford) a giant skimmer in the sump that could do even half that per hour. I'm looking at keeping mostly SPS and zoas in the tank. Would the flow from the returns possibly be too turbulent?
What other problems could you guys think of with doing a zero edge this size? |
Replies:
Posted By: Aquarium Creations
Date Posted: April 26 2010 at 5:06pm
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Our dart is wide open its more then 1200 gph
------------- Aquarium Maintenance,Consulting,Custom Built Glass Aquariums Rimless/Euro,24Hr Emergency Service 8015485201 Www.UtahAquariumDoctors.com [email protected] |
Posted By: Aquarium Creations
Date Posted: April 26 2010 at 5:07pm
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There very little draw back other then cleaning both sides of the glass which really isn't that big of a deal.
------------- Aquarium Maintenance,Consulting,Custom Built Glass Aquariums Rimless/Euro,24Hr Emergency Service 8015485201 Www.UtahAquariumDoctors.com [email protected] |
Posted By: alexmetal
Date Posted: April 26 2010 at 5:35pm
Oh boy. So I might as well install a pool pump? Haha. Reeflo Hammerhead, maybe? 5500gph at 4ft? |
FIRE SHRIMP wrote:Posted By: Aquarium Creations
Date Posted: April 26 2010 at 7:37pm
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Maybe depending on the size of the zero edge tank, Let me know if you have any questions on it.
------------- Aquarium Maintenance,Consulting,Custom Built Glass Aquariums Rimless/Euro,24Hr Emergency Service 8015485201 Www.UtahAquariumDoctors.com [email protected] |
Posted By: EagleEyez5
Date Posted: April 26 2010 at 10:46pm
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To answer your question, I run a Dart 3600 on my tank as the ONLY return. I do have two overflows though. One bypasses my skimmer chamber, while the other runs directly into the skimmer chamber. This allows me to optimize the skimmer by adjusting the flow rate feeding the skimmer chamber.
It all depends on how you plumb the overflow lines, you can even put in a T and ball valve to minimize the amount of water feeding your skimmer chamber. Oh I use TWO 2 inch overflow lines, one runs as a near siphon to keep it quiet. We should really chat if you are going to use a huge pump pushing serious water as a return. I can explain some of the things I have learned from doing it, as well as learned talking to the owners of the 'big flow companies'. |
Posted By: alexmetal
Date Posted: April 27 2010 at 2:40pm
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That's actually a good idea. I was under the impression it's not best to have raw water going to a refugium though? Isn't it best to have to go through the skimmer first, then to the fuge? Or would I put the second return after the fuge? I'm not sure how I want to set up the sump yet.. I was thinking sock filters>skimmer/UV/calc reactor chamber>fuge>bubble trap>return pump.
For the skimmer I've been looking at an AquaC EV-240 with a Mag 12 on it. I'd really like to make my own, but I don't have access to the tools I would need to do such a thing. Any better (cheaper would be nice too) alternatives? Another big concern with that much flow is how turbulent the water is going to be. I'd like a nice big carpet anemone, with some black percs.. Would 4500-5000GPH coming from 3-4 return lines in the center be too much for an anemone or anything else to handle? |
Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: April 27 2010 at 3:24pm
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I run water straight from the tank into the fuge on one drain and to the skimmer on the other. ------------- Steve http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef Currently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8 |
Posted By: alexmetal
Date Posted: April 27 2010 at 5:44pm
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Good to know I was mistaken. :)
Another issue, what about ripples on the top? It seems like this much flow would cause a lot of ripples, or does the zero edge eliminate that? |
Posted By: Aquarium Creations
Date Posted: April 27 2010 at 5:51pm
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Come and look at our tank at the store, I can show you how it works ------------- Aquarium Maintenance,Consulting,Custom Built Glass Aquariums Rimless/Euro,24Hr Emergency Service 8015485201 Www.UtahAquariumDoctors.com [email protected] |
Posted By: Deluxe247
Date Posted: April 27 2010 at 11:04pm
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I've never seen a "zero" or "infinity" edge aquarium before. I gotta see some pictures.
------------- 90G Mixed Reef |
Posted By: Aquarium Creations
Date Posted: April 28 2010 at 8:44am
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Make a trip down to Marine Aquatics, And you can see one first hand...
------------- Aquarium Maintenance,Consulting,Custom Built Glass Aquariums Rimless/Euro,24Hr Emergency Service 8015485201 Www.UtahAquariumDoctors.com [email protected] |