Coldwater system

[skylsdale]

I see that SeaChem makes something called Cuprisorb for this purpose. It looks like I could put it in some sort of media bag and maybe place it in the coil reservoir where most of the flow would be.

 

[skylsdale]

Hey Matt, I was curious what info or experience you might have with any of the Pacific coast nudibranchs? I'm assuming they're pretty low in the intertidal area and don't recal ever seeing them in tidepools. I went diving out in the Sound off Whidbey Island last spring and saw a few Orange spotted nudibranchs (Triopha catalinae), but that's it.

However, I was just looking at WA state's saltwater fishing and collecting regulations, and they actually mention two species that are open for collection: Opalescent (Hermissenda crassicornis) and Sea Lemon (Anisodoris nobilis). Opalescents seem to prefer deeper waters with decent flow and plenty of sponges to munch on, but from what I can gather, the Sea Lemons are found in parts of the intertidal zone. I'm assuming they would munch on sponges, anemones, etc...which would be a bit hard to provide consistently. But, I was curious if you have any info or experience with them?

 

[Anonymous]

http://www.boydski.com/diving/photos/nudibranchs.htm

I have seen the first one arround at some point in my childhood. I have never laid eyes on a sea lemon that I can recall. Dunno if the first one (Dendronotus Iris ( Giant Nudibranch )) is still prolific (I have been out of the state since 1990), but I do not recall ever seeing a sea lemon in a tidepool. Cept of course at the Seatle Aquarium's tidepool exhibit when I was a kid.

 

[skylsdale]

Thanks alf. I dug up a little information, and it seems they can be found in the mid-tidal zone...but I've never seen them, either.

 

[Anonymous]

Their info on H. crassicornis is incorrect then. It might be found in deeper water, but it also is found right at the surface in seagrass type areas. I've never seen one in a tidepool, but I've seen dozens at the low tide mark in mudflat type areas among the seagrass; same habitat you would find the local pipefish, which would make a great tankmate. Mudflats are, by definition, pretty low wave action areas, so current isn't all that important. Also, their diet consists mainly of hydroids, not sponges. They will eat other decaying matter (they make great octopus tankmates...clean up crew) but they do need to get some hydroids now and then. Luckily it's easy to collect some. I would only keep this one if you intend on keeping this type of biotope.

I've never heard of or seen a sea lemon...sorry!

 

[Anonymous]

If you need to find a mudflat area on the Sound, If I recall correctly, Brownsville would be a good place to look. I used to fish for Flounder, ling and squid there. It has a shallow grade with lotsa flats, and plenty of shrimp.

 

[skylsdale]

Thanks for the info guys. I don't think I'll go with an eelgrass bed setup (although a pipefish and/or a few spiny lumpsuckers would make a cool little display). Actually, I have a bucket full of eelgrass muck down in the basement that's been festering for around 14 months now--tightly sealed.

They will eat other decaying matter (they make great octopus tankmates...clean up crew)

If I were up to designing a system to keep an octopus, this might actually be doable--according to the fishing regs, there is no minimum size on catching octopus, you're limit is just 1 per day. The only catch is that they must be caught by hand.

 

[Anonymous]

Octopus rubescens would be your best bet then.

 

[skylsdale]

I have another question for you guys. Below are a couple pics of the holes in the slate bottom for the intake and return plumbing (an above and below shot). Now, I'm assuming there originally was not a standpipe or anything similar attached. How well do you think it would drain as-is (would it creat a whirpool in there, suck in air, etc.)? There is such a small lip in the above whole (1/16" or so) that I don't think I could fit any PVC in there and silicone it very securely. Or should I remove what's there and put a small bulkhead fitting on there?

 

[Anonymous]

I'd remove it and bulkhead it. That way you can work with what you know, rather than an unknown. Durso Standpipes do not look to difficult to fabricate.

 

[skylsdale]

Thanks alf...that's what I was assuming. The ironic thing is I haven't ever needed to install a bulkhead on my systems. Quick question: if it says the bulkead size is 1/2" but the hole size is 1-1/8" does that mean that the hole size to accomidate the body of the bulkead must be 1-1/8"?

And does anyone have experience in drilling slate? Any recommendations on a drill bit?

 

[Anonymous]

I've never installed bulkheads for myself. I will see what we can dig up here on RDO. I'm sure it has been covered in the DIY forum somewhere.

 

[Anonymous]

Every bulkhead is different, so you have to wait until you've actually received it to know what size hole to drill. Some have greater outside diameters than others, even though they have the same inside diameter. You can be off by an 1/8th of an inch or so with no problems though.

 

[skylsdale]

Cool. Thanks, Matt. I'll just wait until I get it, then.

 

[skylsdale]

Hey Matt, I have a question for you regarding tidepool ecology. I know there isn't a blanket answer...but what do you know about nitrate levels in tidepools? Granted, it probably depends on the bioload in each pool, volume of pool, tidal zone, etc...but is there even much of a buildup worth mentioned given the fact that there water volumes are completely replaced at each tide, or does there tend to be a buildup of wastes and/or nitrates during the time period between tides?

 

[Anonymous]

Man, that's a toughie. I really have no clue. I know that salinity, temperature, and oxygen content will vary drastically in some of the smaller pools. I would guess that even if nitrate did build up it would be the least of an organism's concerns... hth.

 

[K]

Have tp agree with Matt, the water in the rockpools will be as clean as the surrounding sea, unless of course its very high up the shore.

 

[skylsdale]

What are some of your suggestions as far as return pump for this system? There is less than 1' of head from the pump to the water level, so I don't need anything super powerful. Also, tons of flow isn't a huge priority as I'm not doing any sort of breakwater setup--mostly just a rock/tide pool.

I'm looking at either an Eheim 1048 (160 gph, 1/2" inlet with 1/2" outlet) or and Eheim 1250 (320 gph, 3/4" inlet with 1/2" outlet). I was considering a Quiet One and was liking the price on those...but I'm not getting a good vibe as far as quality or reliability.

Anyway, I was going to try and match the 400 gph pump that originally came with the system, but with the type of system I'm putting together, I'm thinking that's not such a huge deal. You guys see any reason why the Eheim 1048 wouldn't work, or would you go with the 1250?

 

[skylsdale]

Okay, I decided to go with the Eheim 1250 after doing some more research on possible inhabitants, and I think the extra flow will help no matter what. But I have another quesion or two that I would appreciate your suggestions on:

The intake of the pump is 3/4" and the output is 1/2". You can see on p. 1 of this thread the plumbing as it stands. Do you think I should have the overflow/input lines 3/4"...or should I keep them at 1/2" and then make the line from the tee 3/4" to fit the pump? Also, would you keep the bulkhead and standpipe at 1/2" or go with 3/4? to be able to pull in more water as well? The footprint of the overflow towers are 6.5" x 2.5"

And Matt: I'm really wanting to try a pair of gunnels in this setup (preferably saddleback, but penpoint if that's all I can find). Any experience with these guys in Bodega Bay? I've tried to do some research, but I can't find much info other than where divers and whatnot have found them (subtidal, occasional tidepool, etc.) Any ideas on sexing?

Thanks guys, your suggestions and input are much appreciated.

 

[Anonymous]

Hmm, the only gunnels I saw were in the seagrass. These were a bright green and eel shaped. I don't know what species they were or anything, we just happened to come across them. I can tell you that they're hard as hell to catch with your hands even when they're in a bucket.

I couldn't find much info on them either...I would imagine they'd need a covered tank. Are you going to try to catch these yourself?