Plenum Info

[argan]

here is a link to my article about my Plenum tank
3reef.com - Forums for coral reef aquariums, salt water fish, corals, inverts, protein skimmers, aquarium lighting and more! - 3reef Articles - Reef Aquarium Articles and How To's - My Plenerific Adventures (Anecdotal Plenum Info)

Let me know what you think

[Jason McKenzie]

Great Article. Nice to see the Pictures too.

I would imagine you would get a lot of " a Whatem?" as Plenum systems are very rare, and not very often talked about.

Thanks I learned a lot

J

[ziggy222s_gurl]

their becoming more popular lately.i have one in every tank i set up but i use the plenum in adition to other filters such as carbon skimmer and chaetto and so does my lfs.i've seen immediate improovements.i could'nt keep a clown alive in my daughters tank but a wk after installing a plenum she was able to keep a clown just fine.i've stalled them incorrectly and still seen great results

[reef_guru]

most old timers only used plenum and they swore by em.

[Matt Rogers]

I enjoyed your article argan and like your writing style. Thank you for being the 1st to write a 3reef article in a while.

If anyone else wants too, please PM me.

For anyone interested in the 'p' word... here is something I wrote years ago during the great sand debates that used to rage:

3reef.com - Forums for coral reef aquariums, salt water fish, corals, inverts, protein skimmers, aquarium lighting and more! - 3reef Articles - Reef Aquarium Articles and How To's - Sand: DSB vs. Plenum

If you like the plenum thing, Bob Goemans and others appear to go with the 'remote plenum' method these days - putting them in a sump with nothing on the sand (no rocks) for ideal plenum action and maintenance. It also allows for more space in the main tank.


DISCLAIMER: I am not endorsing one method over the other. I have had friends with successful DSBs, barebottoms and even Plenums. My personal opinion is that HUSBANDRY IS KEY. No method will guarantee you to have a successful reef aquarium. Find a method that suits you and stay up on the maintenance.

[ziggy222s_gurl]

yes i agree.i arranged my rocks so they only sit on the sand in a MINIMAL AMOUNT OF PLACES SO MORE WATER CAN HAVE CONTACT WITH THE SAND BED IN MY DISPLAY TANK WHERE I HAVE MY PLENUM.opps i hit that caps lock by accident lol.when i remake my sump it will include a plenum along with chaetto in the same chamber.actually that and a cup of carbon will be my whole sump.

[Tangster]

I've not had time to read this whole theory of your build here. But I looked at the photo's and will read the article when I get settled at the shop later today. But I'd have to ask a few questions .. Where did you get your ideas for this plenum design and have you ever ran a plenum before and if some one had this design in print as a well functioning plenum system and what means did you incorporate in your design to allow for removal of the bio sludge from under the plate and was it designed in a way to allow for removal and not allow a reverse osmoses condition ? Thats the weak link with all plenum's Even the French Dr. plenum God in has his issues with them.. But they don't tell you that.. You have to be able to relive the pressure .. Its just a festering anaerobic sore that will come to a head. Not sure of your experiences with them and I'd hate to see you get knocked out 2 yrs and lots of money down the old aquarium road.

[argan]

Originally Posted by Tangster

a few questions .. Where did you get your ideas for this plenum design and have you ever ran a plenum before and if some one had this design in print as a well functioning plenum system and what means did you incorporate in your design to allow for removal of the bio sludge from under the plate and was it designed in a way to allow for removal and not allow a reverse osmoses condition ?

"The simple guide to marine aquariums" By Jeffrey Kurtz is where i first read about Plenums, but just a basic set-up was explained. I then Googled "Jaubert Plenum" and read my fill.
I set mine up using just materials i had anyway, but i wouldn't have done it any different if i had gone out and bought the stuff.
This is my first saltwater tank, and so first plenum. I just had a feeling this was the best and lowest maintenance system for me, and I could do it on a very slim budget. As of today i have only spent about $850 CAN on my
55g (used)
It is basically my own design, although the main system components are the same with any plenum, By varying the substrate thickness and composition i hope to totally avoid the "Bio-Sludge" Reverse osmosis effect. Circulation seems to be the key here, and as long as the water under the plenum is nice and clear, and my ammonia and nitrates are 0 ppm, i will be happy. If anything like a crash were to occur, I am confident i would detect anything abnormal before losing livestock.
Most set-ups i have read recommend you hide the plenum from view for esthetic reasons, but i left spots where i could see all the way under it from one side to the other.

I appreciate all your feedback and i'm glad people are interested and have ideas and questions about Plenums

[Tangster]

O.K But I have set up many Plenum's and came really close to using another one on this last home set up. But I'm not trying to sound like a A/H But what you have there is as we say down home it ain't fish and it ain't foul.. You have a semi dsb that is receiving to much oxygen and light. Hoss to keep it simple and as straight forward as I can is . Even the good Dr Jaubert is having issues with his patented systems last I heard a yr or two back Over looked that sludge factor (:
First off Gravity sucks (: and any waster from food or fish will fall to the bottom and being as all form's of waste has to break down to spent carbons then it has to go somewhere.. And the void area up under that plate is there for a reason Look up the definition of the word plenum.. Here did it for you Plenum - Search Results - MSN Encarta Let me know how the thing works out for you.. If interested in really saving money! I'd start to tear it down now and not add any more live stock..
I can see form your pictures that you really have little idea of what is going to happen in there or how they really work. But with a little more time you'll learn all about them . Good luck and this is just free advice and maybe thats all it is worth ??? But old

[argan]

I guess you're right Tangster, My system is more of a variation than a a strict plenum.
Although I would not say it is a DSB. Let me make it clear i am not an expert by any means, I don't recommend what i am doing, i am just documenting what is working for me and why. Also the dictionary definition doesn't accurately describe the systems use and purpose in aquaria?