150 Gallon Build Thread ... From the Start

Thanks a bunch Vader!

Sweet looking setup! I just love the idea of having everything you are working with directly in front of you (especially after wrestling with the Co2 setup on my 45 corner tank) and out of sight. Bad ***!

A couple of quick questions:

The Fluval loop is solely for the bioreactor and UV sterilizer - correct?

Where is the Ph controller?

What media do you have in the Fluval? Is maintenance on it the same as if it were “only” filtering the tank?

It looks like there is a single Co2 tube coming from the Co2 tank to the reactor without a bubble counter (only a check valve) – the bioreactor obviously regulates the diffusion rate – correct? It’s hard to tell – is there another Co2 tube (blue) in the pic?

Thanks again,

Coy
 
Coy, I think I need a new USB cable to get my camera working. I'll try to get you some updated shots with the finished install. See below in blue.

cfsinc said:
Thanks a bunch Vader!

Sweet looking setup! I just love the idea of having everything you are working with directly in front of you (especially after wrestling with the Co2 setup on my 45 corner tank) and out of sight. Bad ***!

Yes, it certainly helps the aesthetics but it also means having another intake tube in the aquarium. The one for the Fluval 205 is small and I have it in the corner (pretty unobtrusive).

A couple of quick questions:

The Fluval loop is solely for the bioreactor and UV sterilizer - correct?

Yes, the Fluval FX5 is all the way on the other side of the tank and has nothing at all to do with the loop. Note to all: do NOT install any CO2 injection to feed directly into the FX5; it causes a malfunction in the auto-purge mechanism.

Where is the Ph controller?

The Co2 tank solenoid is plugged into the pH controller. I have the pH probe next to the FX5 intake. I have the controller itself sitting on a little wire shelf just to the left of the CO2 and UV loop in the photo.

What media do you have in the Fluval? Is maintenance on it the same as if it were “only” filtering the tank?

Less maintenance actually. I crack the FX5 to clean the mechanical every week. This 205 I only crack maybe once every 2-3 weeks as its purpose is only to power the loop. Nothing wrong with a little extra filtration: I have Fluval Prefilter and Biomax inside just as I do in the FX5. Because of the long loop, I do not rely on the priming stick to get all of the air out of the 205 however. I just fill it up with water to the top after service, prime the air out a few times and plug the filter in to get the water going again. So far, so good.

It looks like there is a single Co2 tube coming from the Co2 tank to the reactor without a bubble counter (only a check valve) – the bioreactor obviously regulates the diffusion rate – correct? It’s hard to tell – is there another Co2 tube (blue) in the pic?

Correct. I don't need a bubble counter... they stink IMO LOL. I can count the bps directly in the bioreactor as it upwells from the downtube. There is only one CO2 line going from the pressurized tank to the bioreactor port with a check valve to prevent back-flow. That couple with the pH read on the controller plus the drop checker tells me all I need to know about CO2 levels in the tank.

Thanks again,

Coy
Click to expand...

 
cfsinc said:
Vader - I see the Co2 Reactor has 1/2" input and output - is that the same as the 205? Wonder if the 305 is the same size or the next size up - 3/4" (brain is working here)?
Click to expand...

SMART MAN! The reason I chose the 205 (vs. 305 or 405) is because it has inlet/outlet hosing that is 1/2" ID. The 305 is 5/8" ID. This particular bioreactor (from DFS) only accepts 1/2" thread and the 25 w Gamma UV sterilizer (also from DFS) can accept 1/2" ID thread.

You really have to check to make sure any/all components match up first. Any canister filter or inline pump that accepts 1/2" ID thread could power a loop through this bioreactor. I'm sure there's an Eheim etc. that would get the job done.
 
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