Pimp my-tank, complete tank renovation.

[HornetMech242]

So i moved from San Diego to Canton Michigan. (got out of the service) So i decided while i have the tank broke down i should change a few things around and upgrade some equipment. It is a 26G bow and with 20 G fuge/sump. The 20G tank does not fit under the bow so i made a stand for it. Upgraded the skimmer from a ViaAqua multi skimmer to a EuroReef RS-80, drilled the tank for a DIY over flow drilled with one 1" drain and drilled the tank for two 3/4" returns. A OceanRunner 2500 pushes 600GPH through this bad boy. Replaced the 130 watt PC fixture with a 175 watt mini PFO pendant with ARO ballast and 14000K bulb. I have pics and will post them tomorrow.

Do you think the changes was for the best?

Chris

[drummereef]

I think so. Sounds like quite a significant upgrade. Got any pics? :)

[HornetMech242]

I got really busy today getting more glass for the sump/fuge, wood to make a mount for the light and plumbing that i did not get a chance to get a pic. I will try again tomorrow.

Chris

[drummereef]

Ok, sounds good. :)

[frederickk]

Looking forward for those.

[HornetMech242]

So i finally got around to taking the pics. I had the pics but when i put the plumbing on the over flow i cracked the glass. So off to the store i went for more glass. It was originally made from 1/8" but went with 1/4" this time. All plumbing is complete and i just got back from the store with my water to get the water and salt in. Tomorrow i will post more pics of the skimmer going and live rock in the tank.

Chris

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w278/reefgeek81/DSCN0401.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w278/reefgeek81/DSCN0402-1.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w278/reefgeek81/DSCN0402.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w278/reefgeek81/DSCN0403.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w278/reefgeek81/DSCN0404.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w278/reefgeek81/DSCN0405.jpg

[sabbath]

Love the set up.

Thank you for you for serving our great country!!!!!

I like the sump with the fuge and skimmer on opposite ends as you did. I did this and have the skimmer input as my only mech. filter. Pods get fed and can go right to tank.

[HornetMech242]

I also put that ball valve in there to control the flow between the two.

Chris

[mg426]

Looks pretty AOK to me. I would make sure that I had enough reserve in my sump in the event of a power outage.

[SaltyBoG Water]

Hey glad you served our country. Even more had you got out of that stupid crap. Anyway your tank looks nice how bout a pic from the DT. Also i'm from grand rapids Mi.

[Tupps11]

Looks awesome. Love the pics. Im also considering an Aqua Medic return pump for my sump. Do you recommend it?

[Frick-n-Frags]

I think you have a good thing going there.

is it quiet enough when you are running it with water?
if you just pull the plug, will it backsiphon and overflow the sump onto the floor?
overflow handles the return OK?

[and any other questions I can think of which would address issues that could be most easily tweaked at this stage of the game]


edit, knew I'd think of more....

Is the steady-state-ON water level in the tank correct? (the height of the inner overflow edge determines this) the water stacks up just a bit higher when the pumps are running.
(I just set the top of the overflow to a hair above the bottom of the plastic frame when I drill-n-box my tanks = keeps the waterline hidden, but leaves a little room in the tank still)

[HornetMech242]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9989951#post9989951 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Frick-n-Frags
I think you have a good thing going there.

is it quiet enough when you are running it with water?
if you just pull the plug, will it backsiphon and overflow the sump onto the floor?
overflow handles the return OK?

[and any other questions I can think of which would address issues that could be most easily tweaked at this stage of the game]


edit, knew I'd think of more....

Is the steady-state-ON water level in the tank correct? (the height of the inner overflow edge determines this) the water stacks up just a bit higher when the pumps are running.
(I just set the top of the overflow to a hair above the bottom of the plastic frame when I drill-n-box my tanks = keeps the waterline hidden, but leaves a little room in the tank still)

I guess i needed to explain everything better. :) I put the inside over flow box about half way up the plastic brace so it is close to the top but wont over flow. I kinda messed up with the size of the outter over flow box. Its not big enough for me to make a standpipe to make it completely silent. It makes a little slurping noixe but not too much to drive me crazy. On the return i used a true union check valve. It is clear so i can see if anything gets stuck in it and comes apart for me to clean how ever often i need to. I did a power out test and the sump does not over flow and the water level does not rise more than an inch. The pump i left on the mount with the suction cups. It is completely silent and provides great flow for the tank. There is not a spot in the sand that does not show signs of water flow over it. The over flow handles the flow like a champ.

Here are some pics of things in action

Chris

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w278/reefgeek81/DSCN0408.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w278/reefgeek81/DSCN0412.jpg

The rock and sand out of the buckets to start cycle.

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w278/reefgeek81/DSCN0409.jpg

The light to be installed today. PFO mini with 175 watt ARO electronic ballast

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w278/reefgeek81/DSCN0411.jpg