X3-3.0i
Jul 9 2008, 11:25 AM
WOW that is really nice. the SPS is so beautiful in there. that sunpod is doing an awesome job for that tank. do you have any heat problems at all with the HQI light on the 22G? is the open top helping to keep the tank cool?
Phixion
Jul 9 2008, 12:21 PM
QUOTE (theclearblue @ Feb 15 2008, 07:10 PM)

I just had to stop this thread momentarily to point this out. That's a mod ?
You put in a different pump MacGyver...
Just noticed this one, but yes it's a mod. I modified the original setup of the tank return system. Sure I *only* swapped out pumps, but it's a mod no less, to the tank itself.

Thanks for the observancy though.
Scotty, the tank looks nice!
scottyreef
Jul 9 2008, 10:11 PM
Thanks Phixion i know the pic looks really dark and blue but i had to set the sutter speed of my camera really fast so my tank wouldnt look washed out.
also i need to find if they are any 22 gallon mods for my tank does any one have any?
Obsessed Reefer
Jul 10 2008, 12:27 PM
Scotty,
How do you like the setup of the 22G. I'm looking for a new tank, and I'm trying to decide between the 22G or the 30G finnex. The one thing that the finnex has over the cad, are square corners. But they are both glass, which I do like better than acrylic. Have you had any troubles with it yet?
And one more thing to anyone, what is C.A.D's website??? I can't find it anywhere.
Edit: Also, what comes with the tank, like what type of pump? Does a heater come with it?
Phixion
Jul 10 2008, 12:59 PM
Obsessed, CAD's website is:
http://cadlights.com/ 
Both are good choices. The Finnex is 8g bigger, and includes a skimmer for a $50 lower price (I'm comparing to the 6x24w full refugium 22g CAD model). Of course many will say the skimmer is crap, and compared to something like an ASM, that's not far off assessment. But it DOES work and will skim well with proper break-in and patience in fine tuning it. So those that say it doesn't work, either has never used it or didn't take the time to dial it in.

The CAD comes with a 400gph pump, and as far as I know, the RSM is the only tank that includes a heater with it. It's better to get your own really anyways than to be stuck with a cheap built0in one that will crap out on you in no time flat.
With that said, the CAD has the advantage of the single pane 3-sided curved front, as well as a 6 bulb T5 setup for 144w of total lighting. Both are great tanks, I'd still go with the Finnex though personally as it has the skimmer and it's larger as well as including all of that at a cheaper price of course. As for the main pump, if you calculate it out, while the CAD pump is less powerful, it still gives the tank a 2-3x turnover rate edge. The Finnex will have a 15.8x turnover while the CAD is 18x turnover (calculate pump flow rate in gph divided by tank size in gallons). Really I see it as a draw here with no tank being "better" than the other. Eitherway you'll end up with a good quality product.
Obsessed Reefer
Jul 10 2008, 01:09 PM
Dude. I swear. I tried every combination of cad lighting lights and what not, could not get the site, and got no results in google. Thanks.
Yea. The big issue for me, is price. I will have enough for this, but then the rock, and the water. I only have one 5 gallon jug, and I would need to buy more, to fill it up, because my lfs doesn't have jugs I can borrow for the initial fill up. My other big issue with price, is the lighting. I was looking at T5, but if they dont have individual reflectors, I dont want it. I was also looking at HQI/T5 combo, but it looks to be to wide for the tank. sigh. Maybe I should go standard.
scottyreef
Jul 10 2008, 01:12 PM
well i love my CAD tank and what Phixion said is true about the pump but i changed it ViaAqua VA2600 which gives 33X turn over aprox 740gph. the one and only down side is the display width it only 9" from the back panel to the front glass but in turn you get a pretty big fuge for all the stuff you put in the back of the tank other than that i couldnt be happier
Phixion
Jul 10 2008, 01:13 PM
I think you can get a lightless CAD tank. I know you can with Finnex. Go that route, then spend about $220 it is on a Current-USA Sundial 4x24w T5 fixture, it has individual reflectors.

Also get a couple 5g buckets from Home Depot, then water problem solved when filling up the tank and W/C's as well. I have 4 myself that I keep handy.
Oh and on google, I just typed in "cadlights" as one word, brought them up as the first listing.
Obsessed Reefer
Jul 10 2008, 01:16 PM
I think I was trying cad lighting or something like that.... ya know what, leave me alone. I had 2 hours of sleep, and have to work in 2 hours. And I was looking at the lightless tank, then getting the sundial, but would 4 bulbs be enough for that depth? That's the one good thing about MH, it can penetrate the depth of the tank, with T5 giving actinic supp.
EDTI: Also, how much sand do you have in your 22G? 20 lbs?
scottyreef
Jul 10 2008, 02:01 PM
Zero mine is Bare Bottom
Obsessed Reefer
Jul 10 2008, 02:46 PM
Got ya. Hmm. I think I'm not gonna get a cad tank. After looking through some threads, there's not a lot of display room.
Phixion
Jul 10 2008, 02:49 PM
llo, just messing with ya' man.

4 bulbs is fine. I have 4 on my Finnex 30g and it dows fine, ai added reflectors to mine thoughon the daylights so that made a differance. But MH only has penetration at depth in a limited area, where T5 will pretty much not leave any corner of the bottom unlit. T5 is also more intense at the surface (with reflectors) than MH in many cases...
bear-hugs
Aug 6 2008, 03:51 PM
Hey guys just decided to update some of the latest from CADlights. i received an email of the 39G being finished and ready for sale again with some cool new stuff. how is everyones CAD tanks doing? heres what i got from them in the mail:
Dear Hobbyists and Friends,
The 39G Signature and Pro systems are almost finished and we are now taking pre-orders for them. they are the same design as the last batch with all the features that are proven to be most effective for a thriving and vibrant reef. all the favorites such as the 100G Pin-wheel skimmer, drop-in UV, cooling fan, Furniture quality diamond mitered edges, 8MM thick glass,LEDHO, built-in ballast, 150WHQI and many more components that exceed industry standards have not been left out. now with a new addition of the 100% Cell-Cast Acrylic direct line Auto Top-off system which hooks up to your RODI unit to automatically top-off your aquarium without the need for a reservoir.
The ATO is fully compatible with our previous batch of 39G Signature and PRO packages and hooks up perfectly in the refugium or pump chamber. it is fully adjustable and can be simply adjusted in height at anytime.
*All pre-orders will include the ATO for Free.
*All prior customers of the 39G Signature and PRO systems will be able to purchase the ATO at manufacturers cost at $19.99 (you must include your name and order # to qualify for this special offer) one per customer please.
We will be available for any service or questions you may have regarding any of our products from Monday-Friday between 10AM-8PM.
39G Signature Series
http://www.cadlights.com/product_info.php?...products_id=11639G Professional Series
http://www.cadlights.com/product_info.php?...products_id=119(NEW) 22G High Output now has 4 X 24W 96W total W/ Individual relfectors to maximize the lighting while saving energy (same brightness as our previous 6 bulb strip).
Please let us know if you need any further assistance.
Chris Martin
Cadlighting Co.
Sales Manager
some pics of this sweet set-up:
front

back

39G PRO

what do you guys think of the new CAD systems? anyone Pre-order one yet! Pros and Cons? any new features you guys would love to see?
WindCloudWRX
Aug 12 2008, 01:33 PM
How much water is evaporated on these 35-39 gallon tanks?
And is the light fixture standing hinges sturdy? I am thinking of picking one of these up.
bear-hugs
Aug 12 2008, 02:27 PM
i lose about 3 gallons of water every week about with the lights turned on for 7 hours a day. great choice you will love this tank!
QUOTE (WindCloudWRX @ Aug 12 2008, 02:33 PM)

How much water is evaporated on these 35-39 gallon tanks?
And is the light fixture standing hinges sturdy? I am thinking of picking one of these up.
Phixion
Aug 12 2008, 03:29 PM
QUOTE (WindCloudWRX @ Aug 12 2008, 11:33 AM)

How much water is evaporated on these 35-39 gallon tanks?
And is the light fixture standing hinges sturdy? I am thinking of picking one of these up.
Remember that evap is ambient temp dependant, NOT so much tank size dependant. I have a 30g tank and lose over 5g due to evap a week! I'm filling up my 5 gallon ATO bucket every 3-5 days. 3g a week on the CAD tank is pretty good, but I have pretty high ambient temps too. I wouldn't base the decision on this tank on the evap rate, as it'll vary greatly in 2 identicle tanks placed in different places.
WindCloudWRX
Aug 12 2008, 03:45 PM
QUOTE (Phixion @ Aug 12 2008, 09:29 PM)

Remember that evap is ambient temp dependant, NOT so much tank size dependant. I have a 30g tank and lose over 5g due to evap a week! I'm filling up my 5 gallon ATO bucket every 3-5 days. 3g a week on the CAD tank is pretty good, but I have pretty high ambient temps too. I wouldn't base the decision on this tank on the evap rate, as it'll vary greatly in 2 identicle tanks placed in different places.

I guess what I meant to say was for a general estimate. I am thinking about an auto top off off from a resoirvour but have heard some horror stories about it lol. My understanding is it's much like a toilet bowl tank method? When it dips, it triggers the pump and it fills it back up, and when it float, it shuts off the pump? lol
PHIXION,
What types of lights do you run? And do you think a canopy or cover affects it? I read evap is actually the tank cooling down.
I had big tanks before, but felt that I had to fill up too quick too soon. I hope to run 150 HQI w/ PCs and pick up that new 39 gallon.
Obsessed Reefer
Aug 12 2008, 03:47 PM
DUDE!!! INDIVIDUAL REFLECTORS ON THE 22G!!!! AWESOME!!! I MIGHT HAVE TO GET IT NOW!!!
(I never do CLF, so that was my own version, CLT)
But that's sweet that they added some stuff. I really have to reconsider this now. I know that the display isn't very deep, but I don't plan on overstocking it.
Phixion
Aug 12 2008, 03:58 PM
QUOTE (WindCloudWRX @ Aug 12 2008, 01:45 PM)

I guess what I meant to say was for a general estimate. I am thinking about an auto top off off from a resoirvour but have heard some horror stories about it lol. My understanding is it's much like a toilet bowl tank method? When it dips, it triggers the pump and it fills it back up, and when it float, it shuts off the pump? lol
PHIXION,
What types of lights do you run? And do you think a canopy or cover affects it? I read evap is actually the tank cooling down.
I had big tanks before, but felt that I had to fill up too quick too soon. I hope to run 150 HQI w/ PCs and pick up that new 39 gallon.
Evap is indeed the tank (or water) cooling down, one of the most efficient ways actually. ATO is a grand idea, I have one on my tank and have never looked back since.
On my tank I'm running 4x24w T5HOs with individual reflectors. A canopy might not help as it'll have a tendancy to trap in heat which will do one of two things, either raise your tank temps up a bit, or cause even more evap to occur since again the rate of evap is relative to the tank temp to ambient temp or something along those lines. I have glass covers that came with my tank, but I never use them except in the winter when I want to keep more heat in.
X3-3.0i
Aug 12 2008, 04:03 PM
thats true, the evaporation of a tank has many factors that contribute to it like ambient temp, aquarium temp and others. it really depends on where you have your tank. my CAD 39G Sig loses about 4 (8 hours a day) gallons/week but if i turn the lights on less i lose 2 or so.
yeah i read up on the 22G also and its cool with the new individual reflectors and LEDHO moonlights. that thing is going to be kicking!
cant wait to see some of these new packages being set up here.
WindCloudWRX
Aug 12 2008, 04:10 PM
During summers, my room is quite hot, especially noonish, about 85 or so. I have to have the A/C because it's too hot. lol
But over all, temp is about 80-88 I would say in the summer and what not. I plan on going w/ the HQIs so I will see.
I'm really thinking hard on the 39. lol
Thanks guys.
WindCloudWRX
Aug 12 2008, 06:01 PM
anybody got a picutre of jus the skimmer itself and know if it can be taken out to clean?
also , does anyone know the pump on iot?
Phixion
Aug 12 2008, 06:04 PM
QUOTE (WindCloudWRX @ Aug 12 2008, 02:10 PM)

During summers, my room is quite hot, especially noonish, about 85 or so. I have to have the A/C because it's too hot. lol
But over all, temp is about 80-88 I would say in the summer and what not. I plan on going w/ the HQIs so I will see.
I'm really thinking hard on the 39. lol
Thanks guys.
Then you'll definitely get the evaporation rates I'm getting on my tank, especially with the fan that the Sig series comes with. My ambient temps are in the 80's as well... =/
WindCloudWRX
Aug 12 2008, 06:05 PM
QUOTE (Phixion @ Aug 13 2008, 12:04 AM)

Then you'll definitely get the evaporation rates I'm getting on my tank, especially with the fan that the Sig series comes with. My ambient temps are in the 80's as well... =/
I will own one VERY SOON. Trying to get the kinks worked out. lol..
The skimmer has had good reviews they said. Hope peeps can chime in.
merfin70
Aug 12 2008, 08:26 PM
I don't have a pic of the 39g skimmer by itself but it certainly can be taken out for cleaning very easily. I just did mine over the weekend.
WindCloudWRX
Aug 12 2008, 09:24 PM
QUOTE (merfin70 @ Aug 13 2008, 01:26 AM)

I don't have a pic of the 39g skimmer by itself but it certainly can be taken out for cleaning very easily. I just did mine over the weekend.
Do u know the dimensions and the size of pump?
thanks
merfin70
Aug 12 2008, 10:26 PM
Sorry WindCloud, I don't. I'd ask Ken at www.oceanreeflections.com or Eddit at Cadlights. Both were very helpful to me when I purchased my Cad.
WindCloudWRX
Aug 13 2008, 01:31 PM
QUOTE (merfin70 @ Aug 13 2008, 03:26 AM)

Sorry WindCloud, I don't. I'd ask Ken at www.oceanreeflections.com or Eddit at Cadlights. Both were very helpful to me when I purchased my Cad.
So it pulls straight up and down into the chamber? It's a straight style skimmer right?
merfin70
Aug 13 2008, 01:53 PM
Yep, slides into chamber 2 with the output resting on the divider between 2 and 3 (fuge).
WindCloudWRX
Aug 13 2008, 04:48 PM
I'm sorry I keep asking.
Is the return pump easy to take out to clean?
Thanks.
Phixion
Aug 13 2008, 06:20 PM
Cadlight skimmer...
WindCloudWRX
Aug 13 2008, 08:01 PM
Thank you.
Do you happen to know the pump?
Cadlight website doesn't really say.
Looks nice though.
merfin70
Aug 13 2008, 08:01 PM
Very easy to clean Windcloud, don't worry on that account. Of course the cup pops off for emptying and the entire unit slides right out for more major cleaning of the lower chamber. Very simple.
Phixion
Aug 13 2008, 09:27 PM
QUOTE (WindCloudWRX @ Aug 13 2008, 06:01 PM)

Thank you.
Do you happen to know the pump?
Cadlight website doesn't really say.
Looks nice though.
Nope, as I don't own a CAD. But email CAD directly, or ask the CAD rep that's registered on here in the sponsor forum.
thelastmucci
Aug 14 2008, 01:00 AM
Hey CAD owners....I've had a tank since 03/08...just now cycling...have had all sorts of troubles..posted in the beginners thread..because as much as we all would like to think so after researching these things, we're all noobs in the end. I hope to be as active as possible in these forums.
WindCloudWRX
Aug 15 2008, 03:48 PM
I've emailed them, and was wondering if anyone knows of a more direct contact w/ Eddie or someone who can help me?
They've replied, but it's been a while since then.
Thanks.
thelastmucci
Aug 15 2008, 04:00 PM
if you give me abou 100 then I'll go grab the number for you.
718-763-8024....Eddie is touch and go as far as the phone goes but hopefully you'll be able to catch him.
WindCloudWRX
Aug 15 2008, 04:12 PM
QUOTE (thelastmucci @ Aug 15 2008, 09:00 PM)

if you give me abou 100 then I'll go grab the number for you.
718-763-8024....Eddie is touch and go as far as the phone goes but hopefully you'll be able to catch him.
I rather not pressure to much on the phone, it's nothing serious. I just wanna place an order lol !
But had to contact them first. When Eddie e-mails me back, I hope it's good.
Phixion
Aug 15 2008, 05:09 PM
QUOTE (WindCloudWRX @ Aug 15 2008, 02:12 PM)

I rather not pressure to much on the phone, it's nothing serious. I just wanna place an order lol !
But had to contact them first. When Eddie e-mails me back, I hope it's good.
Just order through Ken @ OceanReeflections. He's in direct contact with eddie constantly, and has about the best customer support out there! He's also very quick and can contact Eddie and get orders in pretty quickly.
WindCloudWRX
Aug 19 2008, 01:56 PM
I'm about to join the Cadlight Owner's Club.
Working out things with Eddie via E-Mail. I'm so excited !
I'm thinking about putting a mag 7 drive instead of a 5 in there LOL!
thelastmucci
Aug 19 2008, 09:47 PM
I thought this was the cadlights owners thread....if you here haven't you already joined?
WindCloudWRX
Aug 20 2008, 07:16 PM
QUOTE (thelastmucci @ Aug 20 2008, 02:47 AM)

I thought this was the cadlights owners thread....if you here haven't you already joined?
Are you trynna be wise?
I've thought about it and researched in this thread.
I guess you could say, I haven't OFFICIALLY owned one yet, but soon I will.
Obsessed Reefer
Aug 20 2008, 10:18 PM
Does anybody run MH on their CAD? If so, which fixture do you use? I know that CAD limits the display area to their tanks, due to the sump area. If someone could post some side shots of their 22g, I would greatly appreciate it.
QUOTE (Obsessed Reefer @ Aug 20 2008, 11:18 PM)

Does anybody run MH on their CAD? If so, which fixture do you use? I know that CAD limits the display area to their tanks, due to the sump area. If someone could post some side shots of their 22g, I would greatly appreciate it.
I added a sunpod after my ballast blew.
scottyreef
Aug 20 2008, 10:31 PM
Obsessed Reefer
Aug 20 2008, 10:57 PM
Thanks. Yea, it might give you ample room for a sump, but a 22G tank, was just cut down to a little over 12 gallons, before you add rock and sand. That's the only thing I don't like, because it limits what I can house.
new2reef
Aug 21 2008, 01:37 AM
No help here.
WindCloudWRX
Aug 21 2008, 05:35 PM
My tank is coming in !!
I can't wait.
VDub90
Sep 9 2008, 12:17 PM
Ok I did a search and sifted through 20+ pages and I can't find the post about putting fans in the Cadlights light fixture. For those with this mod how much did it drop the temp? I have my tank set to 79, and with the halides on for about 6 hours the tank gets up to about 84, one day it almost went to 86.
I was thinking of getting a chiller, to just solve the problem for good. But was curious if the fan could drop the temp a few degrees. I don't want to spend the time if it's only going to make a half a degree difference. But if I could get 2 I'd be happy. 3 degrees I'd be estatic, lol.
scottyreef
Sep 9 2008, 12:24 PM
3 degrees is very attanable my 22g with a 150watt hqi runs 82 with no fan 78-79 with a fan just make sure you have a good ATO and a lot of extra RO water because you will need it with the faster evap
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