all in one owners please chime on on design

[Halo_003]

Looking at getting a custom PicO and I was hoping some owners of other AIOs would have some feedback.

 

Display dimensions

36" x11" x13"

 

Total size

36x15x13

 

Same size as the IM 30L if you didn't notice. So my questions now are:

What return pump? I have a Rio 1100+ sitting around right now, (382gph). Would that be worthwhile or should I get something with higher gph? Like a Mag 5 or sicce 2.0?

 

Center return or on a side? If center it would have a split loc line return.

 

Media racks, should I get PicO to build them or see what InTank could do?

 

Should the back be completely blacked out? (The actual back panel of glass or back of the tank. I would like to use an optical ATO so at least a portion needs to be clear.

 

Right now I think the design includes the following in the filtration side. Dual overflow with media baskets on each side, two chambers for skimmers/reactors etc, and finally the center return. Does this sound solid?

 

I don't want the actual IM 30L because of all the issues I've heard of. With this PicO I'd also be getting a perfectly fitting mesh top because I'll have a purple firefish harem and I don't want any jumpers. Which would be an issue with the IM fusion where the lid doesn't fit properly.

 

That's all I have for now but figured input would be really nice. If I think of anything else I'll post. Thanks guys & gals.

[StevieT]

 

 

Media racks, should I get PicO to build them or see shat InTank could do?

 

 

 

We do not do any custom work, sorry. You could design the chamber around one of our existing baskets. Or see if Chris can make one.

 

I can not guarantee wet water if Chris makes the basket

[Halo_003]

 

We do not do any custom work, sorry. You could design the chamber around one of our existing baskets. Or see if Chris can make one.

 

 

I can not guarantee wet water if Chris makes the basket

Ah I see, not a problem. My quote included baskets regardless.

 

This might be an issue because I really like having my water wetter.

[jabeuy]

Not sure if I qualify to answer, since I've had an AIO for all of 2 days lol.

 

My tank is 36x18x14 (36x14x13 display), so similar to yours. I have 4 chambers in the back: overflow (space for media basket/floss/etc.), skimmer chamber, large area I'm not sure what to do with (chaeto, rock, not sure really), return chamber.

 

So my return is off on one side. I have a split locline on it, but probably will switch to just 1 nozzle.

 

 

Return pump is a sicce syncra 1.0 (around 250gph i think). Not too sure if thisnis enough, will see when I put livestock in.

 

The back is blacked out with vinyl sticker stuff, so you can peel it off. My ATO is also optical, but since my return is on the side, I'll put it on the side wall rather than the back.

 

Hope that helps somewhat.

[Halo_003]

Not sure if I qualify to answer, since I've had an AIO for all of 2 days lol.

 

My tank is 36x18x14 (36x14x13 display), so similar to yours. I have 4 chambers in the back: overflow (space for media basket/floss/etc.), skimmer chamber, large area I'm not sure what to do with (chaeto, rock, not sure really), return chamber.

 

So my return is off on one side. I have a split locline on it, but probably will switch to just 1 nozzle.

 

 

Return pump is a sicce syncra 1.0 (around 250gph i think). Not too sure if thisnis enough, will see when I put livestock in.

 

The back is blacked out with vinyl sticker stuff, so you can peel it off. My ATO is also optical, but since my return is on the side, I'll put it on the side wall rather than the back.

 

Hope that helps somewhat.

Thanks for the input! Is your tank custom? I'm very interested to see what you think about the flow with the side return and that pump.

 

My filter side would look like this (roughly) :

 

Overflow/rack1 --> skimmer --> return <-- reactor <-- overflow/rack2

 

BTW, for the media tasks I was thinking of having each one directly below the overflow and each side would have a filter sock. This would save me having to deal with things like floss or sponges. Then below the sock I'd want a mount for a bagged media like chemipure or purigen, etc. Thoughts on that idea? I would like to use 100 or 75 micron socks. 4"x7".

[jabeuy]

Thanks for the input! Is your tank custom? I'm very interested to see what you think about the flow with the side return and that pump.

 

My filter side would look like this (roughly) :

 

Overflow/rack1 --> skimmer --> return <-- reactor <-- overflow/rack2

 

BTW, for the media tasks I was thinking of having each one directly below the overflow and each side would have a filter sock. This would save me having to deal with things like floss or sponges. Then below the sock I'd want a mount for a bagged media like chemipure or purigen, etc. Thoughts on that idea? I would like to use 100 or 75 micron socks. 4"x7".

I have no experience with socks, but I chose to use floss cause it would mostly be disposable. I wouldn't want to wash those socks lol. I'm also planning to make a media basket/mount thing for the overflow, with space in top of floss, then other media below it.

[Halo_003]

I have no experience with socks, but I chose to use floss cause it would mostly be disposable. I wouldn't want to wash those socks lol. I'm also planning to make a media basket/mount thing for the overflow, with space in top of floss, then other media below it.

I want to avoid floss if I can since I always get loose fibers everywhere.

 

 

 

This is a very rough sketch of what my design is, and isn't perfectly to scale obviously.

 

[masterbuilder]

Your drawing looks pretty good. Try to think of the rear chambers as a sump. The flow thru the back is for filtering, equipment, probes, chemicals (no chemipure PLEASE), etc. So..you don't want or need lots of flow back there. Too much flow reduces the contact time with your chems and skimmer. Flow in your tank is better off handled by pumps like Vortechs or similar. Socks are fine. I'm not a fan of floss either, I use "cut it yourself" pads. I especially dont care for skimmers that fit in the back, IMO they are ineffective, touchy and generally troublesome. A top of the line hang on back skimmer is so much better for skimming. Blackout the entire back and sides of the rear chambers unless you want a nuisance algae farm. You can leave an opening for the ATO sensor if necessary. I kinda feel the same about "in the back" reactors as I do about the tiny skimmers. What are you planning to use it for?

Anywho...this is what works for me. ...your mileage may vary.

Look forward to your build.

Mark

p.s Snake oil, oops...meant to say chemipure is not nearly as effective as ROX Carbon and adding some GFO if you need PO4 reduction. Just put them in a bag in your media rack. As a bonus..its cheaper too. BRS has good prices and carries good quality on both.

[jabeuy]

I want to avoid floss if I can since I always get loose fibers everywhere.

 

 

This is a very rough sketch of what my design is, and isn't perfectly to scale obviously.

 

http://www.nano-reef.com/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=143984]sketch.jpg[/url]

Really does look like the nuvo 30L

[Halo_003]

Your drawing looks pretty good. Try to think of the rear chambers as a sump. The flow thru the back is for filtering, equipment, probes, chemicals (no chemipure PLEASE), etc. So..you don't want or need lots of flow back there. Too much flow reduces the contact time with your chems and skimmer. Flow in your tank is better off handled by pumps like Vortechs or similar. Socks are fine. I'm not a fan of floss either, I use "cut it yourself" pads. I especially dont care for skimmers that fit in the back, IMO they are ineffective, touchy and generally troublesome. A top of the line hang on back skimmer is so much better for skimming. Blackout the entire back and sides of the rear chambers unless you want a nuisance algae farm. You can leave an opening for the ATO sensor if necessary. I kinda feel the same about "in the back" reactors as I do about the tiny skimmers. What are you planning to use it for?

 

Anywho...this is what works for me. ...your mileage may vary.

 

Look forward to your build.

 

Mark

 

p.s Snake oil, oops...meant to say chemipure is not nearly as effective as ROX Carbon and adding some GFO if you need PO4 reduction. Just put them in a bag in your media rack. As a bonus..its cheaper too. BRS has good prices and carries good quality on both.

 

Excellent points. What pump would you recommend for this design? Should I be aiming for lower GPH in the 300 range? Ideally I'd like to use 1/2" tube & fittings if I can. (Assuming I don't use the RIO 1100). I'm not sure yet but if the Vortech's drop much when the Maxspect Gyre's are released like the MP40 did then I may get one with the intent of two later on. Though I'd be looking at a (pair) of MP10's if they did drop much in price.

 

For reference, this is my ideal gear list.

 

tank (36x15x13) see above etc.

2x MP10

Apex JR + probes etc

Nanobox Quad?+Bluefish -unsure on what I want to do for lights exactly yet. I've considered T5's but I'm leaning toward LED much more.

CADlights PLS-50 Elite

Tunze 3155 ATO

Doser - no idea which, maybe Jebao actually I've heard decent things about it.

 

I'd like to keep everything contained which is why I want the skimmer to fit the back. I'm planning to pick up the CAD Lights PLS-50 Elite for this which would fit just fine and has a good running history. I do see your point though. I would just like to keep it all in one package and maintain maximum sleekness.

 

Reactor wise I'm not really sure I would even run one, or if I'd just get a 3rd media rack for that chamber as well. I just want the option of adding one if I ever feel the need.

 

Good point on the Carbon, I actually need to pick some up soon all I'm running right now is Purigen in my 20 long.

 

Really does look like the nuvo 30L

I would buy the IM 30L but I'm not willing to drop $500+ to get a tank that bows or has QC issues like I've read about. Thank you though, if the 30L didn't have issues I'd just buy it instead.

[masterbuilder]

Excellent points. What pump would you recommend for this design? Should I be aiming for lower GPH in the 300 range? Ideally I'd like to use 1/2" tube & fittings if I can. (Assuming I don't use the RIO 1100). I'm not sure yet but if the Vortech's drop much when the Maxspect Gyre's are released like the MP40 did then I may get one with the intent of two later on. Though I'd be looking at a (pair) of MP10's if they did drop much in price.

I like a Tunze 1073.008, second choice MJ900. I use two MP-10s set up to create a gyre flow, I run one at a time on opposite ends and alternate the flow direction every 2 hours, they are controlled by an Apex. The Maxspec looks like it may be a darn good alternative to the stupidly EXPENSIVE Vortechs. The upside to the Vortechs is that they keep the electrical part out of the tank and interface with the Apex. The more pumps the more heat. Heat one reason I use a Reef Octopus BH-90 skimmer and Vortechs ( I know the HOB ruins the sleek look which is important to me too.) I do my best to keep in-tank pumps limited to the return.

Looks like your tank is going to be terrific. I have no interest in the IM tanks or the likes, Pico was an excellent choice.

 

Thats my 2 cents and it worth almost that!

Mark

 

p.s. Running a Bubble Magus doser. Works a advertised, no complaints.

[Halo_003]

 

I like a Tunze 1073.008, second choice MJ900. I use two MP-10s set up to create a gyre flow, I run one at a time on opposite ends and alternate the flow direction every 2 hours, they are controlled by an Apex. The Maxspec looks like it may be a darn good alternative to the stupidly EXPENSIVE Vortechs. The upside to the Vortechs is that they keep the electrical part out of the tank and interface with the Apex. The more pumps the more heat. Heat one reason I use a Reef Octopus BH-90 skimmer and Vortechs ( I know the HOB ruins the sleek look which is important to me too.) I do my best to keep in-tank pumps limited to the return.

Looks like your tank is going to be terrific. I have no interest in the IM tanks or the likes, Pico was an excellent choice.

 

Thats my 2 cents and it worth almost that!

Mark

 

p.s. Running a Bubble Magus doser. Works a advertised, no complaints.

 

 

That Tunze pump is nice.

 

What about this for my return pump though? Jebao DC3000LV

 

Pros of DC3000

Controllable 12VDC

Silent from reviews

Flow from 230-800GPH

1/2", 3/4", 1" compatible

APEX controllable? I'm not sure here I'll need to read more.

 

Con of course is the price.

 

 

 

Ideally I would like to use an MP10 I think. Will have to see what the word on the Gyre thing is but MP10 is the top choice for now. (Assuming it goes through a price drop like the MP40 did). Otherwise I'll probably go with a Jebao RW4 for in tank flow since it's only like $90. You comment about heat reminds me, I forgot to mention but heater wise I'd like to pick up a 100W Cobalt Neo-Therm.

 

 

Can't wait to actually get the ball(s) rolling on this. Timeframe is probably March 2015 I'll have funding to start piecing it together with the goal of getting it all set up in the summer.

[mallek]

just recieved my custom pico, it doesnt matter what dimensions or filtration you specify with them, your going to love it.