Pgr11's TRFS/AA 265 upgrade

[pgr11]

Well the journey has started as my wife and I have begun our upgrade. We initially started with a 45 gal tank we bought off cl got it home and before it even got wet we decided it was just too small, so off to look for another. We extremes on a 55 gal with a nice stand & canopy, got some live rock and began the cycle. After a few weeks the cycle was complete and we started to think about getting some livestock but my wife gave me a little hint that she could consider going even bigger. Well I posted the question here and the overall consensus was do it. So off again to find a bigger tank. I found a 125 with a stand and snatched it up. Transfered it all over from the 55 and waited. The cycle didn't take long and we were ready to go. This all started back in june of last year. The tank has come a long way in that time and we have loved having it but it has now become too small. My wife loves the tank so persuading her to go as big as possible was not an issue. So out came the tape measure to see how big we could fit. She told me if were gonna do it were going BIG. The wall we have for our tank was a little over 100" long but it we went the max it would crowd the walking spa e from the hallway and coming from the kitchen so 84" was decided. Next came the height. Our current tank is 24"t and since my wife is in the tank all the time she said no taller, not a problem. Now depth. I love a deep tank and after more measurements 30" was what we wanted. So our tank was going to be 84x30dx24t. Now who to build it. We have had a awesome relationship with jason at Tropical Reef Fish Store since he opened and he has been a world of help so naturally I talked to him about it. Acrylic was the way to go and John at Advanced Acrylic was the man to build it. So jason called him up and worked out a amazing deal with him for the tank. I can't say this enough without jason this would have been a little tougher journey. After multiple discussions on overflow size overall tank design drain setup return set up we went with a 48" external overflow with 3 drain holes and 4 return holes. John also designed a matching sump/fuge with 2 sock holders,skimmer section, and return. The tank would be 3/4 all the way around and 1/2 top. 3/4 allowed us to have 2 very large openings on top to allow large rocks to be added and plenty of space for my wife to get in the tank. John also would hand polish the tank along with the front corners. Needless to say we were super excited. That was three weeks ago. Tonight we went to pick up the tank. John was going to deliver it to trfs but was still polishing it all up so we decided to go to him and pick it up at his shop. What we saw blew us away. The tank is gorgeous, stunning, exceeds my expectations. Johns work is top notch this cannot be stressed enough. I've heard all the stories about him but forget all that noise john builds some gangster tanks. So without further ado here are the pics. Sorry for the cell phone pics tomorrow I will try for better pics and bigger ones as well.

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe21c6-0bd4-248b.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe21c6-0be7-0798.jpg
My catfish
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe21c6-0c05-2b3d.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe21c6-0c16-8d86.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe21c6-0c46-cec2.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe21c6-0c57-cc75.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe21c6-0c7d-71f4.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe21c6-0c93-0f5f.jpg
And of course my 2 dogface puffers and my angel fish
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe21c6-0ce6-2259.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe21c6-0cfb-641e.jpg


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[pgr11]

Ok now for some more. Since we were getting a lg tank and didn't want to worry about too much heat being put in the tank from MH lights we went with led's. 4 AI units were ordered to light this bad boy. Depending on the coverage once the tank is up we will decide if a couple more are required and let the pocket book recover a little as well.
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe21c6-4d7e-d925.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe21c6-4d90-39c1.jpg



The stand is currently being built by a welder named travis. His stands are amazing. This stand should be sweet. Travis is having it powder coated and is also building a custom light rack that will pivot to allow the lights to be moved for Maint of the tank. Stand will be made from 2x2x120 steel. As stated before sump was an AA sump that john set up for this tank. Skim duties will belong to the new cadlight skimmer model tia-1350. The duty of returning water from the sump will be performed by a reeflo dart gold pump. This will also power the brs dual reactor and anything else that comes along. A new apex controller with 12 total outlets ph and temp probe will control it all. As far as fuge light im thinking about mounting a par 38 bulb from like costco or HD. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I also picked up some awesome shelf rock from a local guy on another fourm. Gorgeous pieces and big. most 24" wide
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe21c6-4dab-7cbe.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe21c6-4dbc-5d41.jpg

Picked up this one from jason at trfs
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe21c6-4de1-a6fa.jpg
Once the stand is here I will start laying out the plumbing.

[bmullikin1]

Nice tank, like the led aspect as well, here's my swing arm on my old 125, just upgraded to a 180, so added some more leds and t5's.



http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m202/bmullikin1/DSC00704.jpg

[pgr11]

Nice light setup. The way that my setup will be is that there will be 2 arms,1 on each side of the tank. Mounted to the tank will be a round sleve that round bar will slip into. part way up the round bar will be welded to square tubing and then 45 over the tank. Next we will have 2 rails mounted that will run horizontal with the tank. This will be on a pivot as well. Each side will operate indepently of each other. And should swing towards the back wall. Its a little hard to explain when its all done I will get some pics up. Thanks

[geaux xman]

man thats a nice looking DT and SUMP. You guys are lucky to have a local builder. That easily saves 500+ on crate and shipping charges.

You mention your external overflow was 48"L. how deep and tall is it?

I am looking at a similar size acrylic tank too and am gather ideas. Thanks..

[pgr11]

man thats a nice looking DT and SUMP. You guys are lucky to have a local builder. That easily saves 500+ on crate and shipping charges.

You mention your external overflow was 48"L. how deep and tall is it?

I am looking at a similar size acrylic tank too and am gather ideas. Thanks..

Thank for the compliment on the tank. As far as the over flow its 48" long x 5 1/2" deep x 9 1/2" tall. I had it drilled with 3 holes. 2 will be main drains and the third will be an emergency drain. We wanted to be able to skim a lg amount of water but in order to do the we would loose alot of valuable space inside the tank. When my lfs guy Jason suggested the external overflow it was a no brained. I must say I love the way it looks it will keep the tank looking way less cluttered with equipment.

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[krjackso]

super excited for you my friend. glad this worked out. looks familiar, ahaha. I hope mine is nice and shiny when I get this plastic shrink wrap off. everything looks top notch for you though. keep the pics coming. Lets keep bouncing ideas off one another, since we are kind of doing similar builds here.

Couple considerations...
1) what about electrical. got some dedicated outlets, etc? this thing will be pulling some power
2) skinning ideas?
3) got a pic of where its going?

[pgr11]

super excited for you my friend. glad this worked out. looks familiar, ahaha. I hope mine is nice and shiny when I get this plastic shrink wrap off. everything looks top notch for you though. keep the pics coming. Lets keep bouncing ideas off one another, since we are kind of doing similar builds here.

Couple considerations...
1) what about electrical. got some dedicated outlets, etc? this thing will be pulling some power
2) skinning ideas?
3) got a pic of where its going?

Thanks man. Im sure your will be very shiny. He had me show at his shop at 8:30pm and when I got there he was just finishing buffing it out. When I saw it I about fell over it was stunning. He went over the whole tank with me to make sure I was satisfied and then loaded it up. I truly have no idea how you have the restraint to keep the wrap on your bad boy.
Now to you questions. The elec while not a dedicated line it is on a breaker that is used for my front room in the house. We have nothing pluged into that room and have not for 15 yreas we have lived here.
Skinning. For now a nice black curtain will cover the stand. Im looking for skinning ideas as well. so if anybody has some i would appreciate them. Just remember, im a dummy with wood.
Pics of where it going well it will be going in the same place as the 125 is currently. here is the pic.
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe22b4-0ee1-c97a.jpg

I just got a text with some pics of the stand. The builder is another reefer and said he will post some pics and info on it in a few days. The stand is looking awesome though must say. I will try and keep the pics and info coming.Here are some of my current tank
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe22b4-0f00-aa00.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe22b4-0f2b-7f3e.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe22b4-0f60-a0b1.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe22b4-0f88-a6c9.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe22b4-0fa8-fa5a.jpg

[pgr11]

Here are some pics of the stand in progress. He still needs to weld the rest of the legs in place and add a few gussets. The light rack will be next.
http://img.tapatalk.com/476982ca-d27a-b35a.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/476982ca-d28f-0adb.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/476982ca-d357-a0e5.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/476982ca-d36d-4d55.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/476982ca-d385-727b.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/476982ca-d39a-5416.jpg

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[blkg35]

Pgr11, what city is the stand builder in? I need a stand done for my tank too.
Looking forward to pics of the finish stand.

Sweet tank, all of my tanks come from John also! Keep us updated and looking forward to A LOT of pics....:spin2:

[pgr11]

Hey thanks
The stand builder is a little north of me so I have to drive a bit but its worth it. It ia atuscadero ( not sure on the spelling ) its just above san Luis obisbo . Im hoping to get some pics of the stand completely welded up and ready for powder coat this weekend. Then I will go get that bad boy and start setting it all up. More pics to come as soon as possible. Pm me if you want the builders info

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[pgr11]

Last night Jason the owner of my lfs TRFS stopped by and dropped off my new skimmer. Front door service doesn't get better than that. I also picked up my pump reckon dart gold and another rock from a local reefer. Hope you guys like
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe20b8-4c10-629c.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe20b8-4c63-d477.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe20b8-4cc5-6092.jpg


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[pgr11]

The stand Is finished and ready to be picked up from thee powder coater. I will get it tomorrow. Can't wait. I will get some pics as soon as possible :bounce1:

[pgr11]

I made the long drive yesterday to pick up my stand left at 7am and got back a little after 4pm. Nice trip but it was pouring rain most of the way. My friend and fellow reefer came over to help me move all my stuff around. I could never done all this moving without him yesterday. Juan is the man. First we had to drain the 125 gal tank sown and move it to it temporary place. It will stay up and running until the new tank has cycled and is ready for my livestock. Here it is in its new position.
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe22ea-0f06-4ba3.jpg

Then we moved the big boy into its rightful place.
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe22ea-0f4e-55de.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe22ea-0f61-d6c4.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe22ea-0f7a-5c4d.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe22ea-0f8f-edb3.jpg

Then we put the light bars up. I think these are so cool. Each one will swing back towards the wall and be out of the way for any cleaning or Maint.
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe22ea-1000-4f9e.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe22ea-1015-a152.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe22ea-102c-4dce.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe22ea-1042-d01e.jpg
The 125 looks so small
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe22ea-1073-6a65.jpg


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[pgr11]

Yoohoooooo! !!!!! My lfs stoles off all my sand last night and I picked up some plumbing parts and will start to plumb it all up. I also got a deal on an 800w heater that I will pick up this weekend. I have a question though. Im going with a bean animal drain setup and since my over flow is centered on the back of the tank it makes it very difficult to get to a valve to adjust. Could I place the valve under the stand to make adjustment easier?

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[pgr11]

Got some plumbing done and am doing a water test now. I need a 3" hole saw to drill the hole in sump for bulkhead to attach the pump. Once I drill that I will build the manifold. I got all the plumbing done behind the tank, placed foam under the stand and moved the tank back into position. Last night I mounted the lights. I will drill the sump this weekend because I have plans tomorrow night. Hopefully Saturday I will be able to do a full run and test all the plumbing. Here are some pics of my progress.
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe50e5-0e1a-3e6d.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe50e5-0e33-5317.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe50e5-0e49-7c52.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe50e5-0e75-9095.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe50e5-0e97-66c1.jpg

Got her all wet! !!!!!!!!!! :D:p
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe50e5-0ed9-769d.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe50e5-0ee8-95be.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe50e5-0efb-1f9c.jpg

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[pgr11]

Almost forgot the lights. The plan is to get some more ai's as soon as the pocketbook recovers lol

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe50e5-0fbf-ee1f.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe50e5-0fd2-20fe.jpg

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[bmullikin1]

Im liking the light tree's, very clean looking.

[krjackso]

Looking really sweet my friend. Loving the light trees too. Great idea and execution. quick thought, did you consider using the all black AIs? Might match everything up better. If you are still within your return window. The whites look awesome, don't get me wrong, but with the black background and frame, who knows. I have never seen them in person.

As far as dropping your valve that low on a bean animal, I don't see why it would be a problem, but oddly enough I thought I remember reading somewhere to keep it high? Can't back that up and don't want to read through 600 more pages of that thread to find it, but I think you will be fine. Just remember to terminate your drain pipes about an inch under the surface in your sump. Another good idea is to have that 3rd emergency drain line terminate above the water line. Idea here is that if it is use, something is most likely wrong and it will audibly alert you with some extra splashing. Who knows how often you will look back in your plumbing box you know.

Also another thought. Any way to get around drilling the sump for return pump? I have seen too many acrylic sumps cracked from accidentally bumping into the return and stressing the walls. Always user error, and easily avoidable, but stuff happens. Seems like an unnecessary risk if you can avoid it. Now you may be trying to reduce heat, have no room, etc, but just a thought.

So what did you put under the tank? Looks really great and clean. Ply and foam?

Keep it up bud, you are making really great progress. This is the fun part, so enjoy!

[pgr11]

Hey thanks. I didn't even know about the black bodies on the AI units until after I bought them but I kinda like the white contrast in color. I would ha e bought the black if I had known but I'm real happy with how they look now. As far as the drain I just decided to bring the valve down and see what happens. Under the tank I placed the same foam I put under the tank. I wanted to have it soak up any imperfections. I will take some pics of it. Now for the sump with the external pump you need to drill the sump for a bulkhead fitting. No big deal ill make sure all is secure. Thanks for the encouragement im having a blast building this beast.


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[pgr11]

I think im finally done with the plumbing. It took a 2 hr drive to toms to get a Tru union check valve but I got it all done. The tank is full and im filling the sump now. This will give the plumbing time to set then im switching her on. Cross your fingers for me. Please oh please no leaks!!!!!!!

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe53e9-7c47-7a5f.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe53e9-7c6b-8e2a.jpg

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http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe53e9-7cb7-138a.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe53e9-7cd9-a184.jpg

So what do you think? Its my first time plumbing a big tank and making a manifold for an aquarium. I've laid out hundreds of irrigation systems built big manifolds for them but never for a tank and boy was I nervous. I left the three ball valves empty for future expansion. One of them will be taken up by my brs reactor and the other 2 for whatever I might need later.

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[krjackso]

congrats getting it plumbed up.:bounce1::bounce1: getting close now bro.

Couple thoughts...

any support for all that plumbing? is it pretty rigid? would help to reduce stress on the fittings and bulkheads if possible.

Also, can not really tell from the pics, but did you tie all your drain pipe in together? If so, heard that might negate the benefits of the bean animal. If not, you are good to go.

[pgr11]

Thanks man. Im gonna give some support. I have a couple ideas just gotta see which way I wanna go. As far as the drain no they are all three separate lines. Pics must just be deceiving.

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[krjackso]

good to hear. could use something like these...
http://www.lowes.com/pd_298088-34146-AV298088_0__?productId=3223393&Ntt=pipe+hanger&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dpipe%2Bhanger%26page%3D1&facetInfo=

or I used a plastic version of this stuff from my local Lowed/ HD...

http://www.lowes.com/pd_301700-34146-AV301700_0__?productId=3223483&Ntt=pipe+hanger&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dpipe%2Bhanger%26page%3D1&facetInfo=

much simpler to use and less obtrusive. keep it up bro. scaping next? saw that really cool rock from a local reefer you picked up.

[pgr11]

Thanks Those look great. Looks like im headed to lowes tomorrow

[pgr11]

Here's a shot of inside the overflow. I can tell you it completely silent.
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe522d-4722-6828.jpg

We added sand tonight in the tank and fuge area. Tank looks like crap now but should settle soon. Its time to start thinking about the scape. Im gonna take my time figuring it all out so it looks cool. Work is just getting in the way.
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe522d-47d6-1530.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe522d-47e5-5bcb.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe522d-47f6-9e11.jpg

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[franny.boy]

Looks good so far.

[pgr11]

So I plugged in the lights and turned them on to see what it looks like and im very happy. It will work well until I get enough cheddar to get a couple more Ai units. The rock is some that I got from another member and is just sitting in the tank for now while I contemplate my aquascape. Im looking at lots of other tanks for inspiration.
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe5720-7bbb-3b1a.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe5720-7bcd-b081.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe5720-7be2-7332.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe5720-7bf9-fba0.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe5720-7c17-f26e.jpg

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[pgr11]

Update time......

Well I've always den letting things settle in a bit and cycle. Water parameters looked good so we decided to buy some chromis and tops them in and double check things before we transfer our existing livestock. We also finalized the aquascape after much fiddling and fiddling and asking the advice of others who's scaping we enjoy. We both really like it. It gives us lots of space on the sand and plenty of shelf space also. We only ended up transferring a few pieces from the other tank and because we had some coral on it it had to come with it. Also one of the grow out pieces had started to encrust to that rock so we decided to pull it off and leave it in the other tank. Subsequently it got a little damage. Oh well not like we were gonna win anyway. These pics are of the tank very cloudy because of all or tinkering with it. We just got done and I wanted to post our progress. Please limited what you think. Im very interested on everyones feedback. The more feedback the better good or bad. Anyway here it is.

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe5291-6996-34f6.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe5291-69aa-773d.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe5291-69c0-7d2f.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe5291-69d0-fe1a.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe5291-69e5-f517.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe5291-69f7-0f21.jpg

And plenty of room in the back for good flow.

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe5291-6a24-1461.jpg

Again the tank is cloudy so I will try for better pics tomorrow when it clears up. Thanks for looking

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[pgr11]

So all afternoon I have been catching fish crabs snails and shrimp acclimating them and adding to the tank. Everybody is now in the new home and looking very very happy. The last hold out is a maxi mini that refuses to let go of his rock. I can't seem to get him off. Any ideas are welcome. I have him in a bin now with a powerhead 2" him. I tried ice on his foot and no dice. Idk what to do with him. The house is a mess now but im gonna sit for a few and relax before I clean up. Here are some more pics

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe54b7-d1f2-eb8c.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe54b7-d203-13cf.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe54b7-d211-cb67.jpg

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http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe54b7-d26c-7433.jpg

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[pgr11]

So if you saw tropical reef fish store thread on his purple and sohal tangs you know I picked up one of each last night. They looked great at the shop and all were eating. I have a red sea salifin in my tank already so I needed to get a pt that was as big as possible so we got what seemed to be the biggest. He is still quite a bit smaller but I figured id give it a shot. The sohal was also super nice and healthy looking. So after acclimating them in they went and let's just say salifin not happy. He was going nuts on them. To my sunrise the purple stood his ground pretty good. Because of his size he was still getting punked but he did ok. The sohal found a home and stayed there. I fed the tank heavy and everyone came out and ate including both new tangs. I shut off the lights and crossed my fingers. This morning everyone is getting.g along great and the all ate again. Im super pumped. I was worried for a minute but super happy this morning. Here are some pics

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe2b52-c0a3-bff8.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe2b52-c0bd-2280.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe2b52-c0d1-c6ef.jpg

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http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe2b52-c109-2d94.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe2b52-c117-c08f.jpg

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[bullitr]

Looks very good
I might sell my big 7" and rounded powder blue (the big boss of my tank )
if it doesn't get along with my large achilles and supermale naso.
Let me know if you are interested.

[pgr11]

Wow lmk what you might want for him if it doesn't work out. I saw pics of your achilles tang and he is gorgeous. Thanks for the kind words

[dogpound]

Very nice tank. I have a 300dd and I want a large achilles tang can u pm me where u got him. Also how is he doing now. Send me a pm. Thanks.

[pgr11]

Got the cover for the stand on today. Its just an outdoor type of material. Its cloth on the outside but with a waterproof backing on the inside. Looks pretty good a.d allows me to just lift it up in any spot to access anything under the tank. Things are coming alone nicely.

http://img.tapatalk.com/aef0436b-7202-038c.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aef0436b-721b-c5b0.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aef0436b-722e-8f97.jpg

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[geaux xman]

coming along real nicely bud.

Hey, if you dont mind, can you go more into detail with the overflow box? you mentioned it was 48" long, can you estimate how deep(down) it is, and how far back?

how big are your drains and returns? is that 2 drains and one saftey? what return pump are you using?

[pgr11]

Thanks. The overflow is 5.5" wide and 9.5" tall. I have 3 drains that are 1.5" that I set up like a beananimal system. The first is a full syphon second is a drain with a stand pipe and third is a straight pipe that is a little above the waterline of the overflow. If anything gets backed up the water level will rise and the straight pipe will kick in. As for the return pump I have a reeflo super dart gold pump that I built a manifold for using 1.5" pipe and reduced it down to 3/4 for the 4 returns and used flow accelerators in the tank. I also built in extra outlets on the manifold for reactors or anything else that might come along. Hope that helps.
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[geaux xman]

gotcha, thanks. i had to read up more about the beananimal overflow. i was wondering how much room outback i would need for an external overflow box too.

[pgr11]

No worries. Imo having the space behind the tank for the overflow is no big deal. Especially since it gives you so much space inside the tank. You loose no room inside. Plus I love how much surface skimming I get. Plus it looks super cool. Got a new toy yesterday. We have 2 now that are synced and moving tons of water

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http://img.tapatalk.com/aefe20e5-c295-923e.jpg

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[pgr11]

Been awhile since the last update. Things have been going real good. Fish are all happy and getting fat. Corals are doing good as well. As I add more im having to adjust in dosing a little. My Alk was a little low but now pretty stable at a little over 9 and my ph 8.1-8.2 . I got a 55w uv that I need to plump into the system but am being lazy about it. I love to watch our tangs swim and interact with each other. The sohal def uses the full length of the tank. She swims so beautifully.


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[Chappy]

Looking good. So do you think you will need some more AI's or will 4 be good enough? I'm setting up a 300 and bought 3 of them to start and hopefully the vega's will come out soon so I can add 2 more. They have 4 more colors than the sol blues.

[pgr11]

For now the 4 running parallel with the tank is lighting it very nicely. The back pf the tank has some dark spots but nothing is back there. I will eventually buy 2 more and switch the direction they are run. My coral are all loving the lights and im getting good growth. Looking forward to the vega as well. I spoke with ai and they confirmed that a upgrade will be available for the sol to make it a vega.

[pgr11]

So its been forever since I updated here. I just picked up this skimmer and thought I'd share it. Boy its huge http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/25/esame5yb.jpg

I had a stand made so it would run at the recommended water depth
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/25/y2utuhe6.jpg

Then decided to start building my mixing station
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/25/besy8e8e.jpg