75 Gallon Build-Thread on a budget!

[mainereefer619]

As an avid reefer I finally feel it necessary to join RC. Conveniently I am also doing a build thread, switching from a 55 gallon stand alone system to a 75 gallon whole system equipped with sump, refugium and new lighting. This build will be all about getting the system put together on a budget, as I believe high priced, high end gear has its merits, I believe that a system can successfully be built with small investments over time.

So to begin. My 55 just isn't cutting it any more, it is acrylic, isn't drilled, and has a HOB filter and HOB Skimmer. Not my idea of a fun time when it comes to maintaining such an aquarium. Although I really havent had many hiccups, there has been trials and difficulties with the system. Cyano was a semi-constant problem, with nitrates always hovering at around 15-20, hopefully with this new system and a smarter approach to husbandry and best practices I will be able to eliminate issues for good. Currently my system is doing very well since I moved and no cyano, corals are growing and fish are prospering. No other algae to speak of.

I started to save for a bigger tank and looking for a RR tank that would fit the bill, I did not want tall, I wanted deeper and longer. I would have liked a 100 long but there were so difficult to find in general it wasn't worth it. I however found a great deal. My lfs closed without telling anyone and sold his entire stock to another lfs. When I heard this happened I immediately took a trip down to see what kind of deal I could get. Come to find out his main display tank, a 75 gallon RR was available, and they only wanted 125 bucks for it. I then purchased a stand at petco that was originally nearly $300. I got it for $59. A steal at that price, I could have sold it for more than I bought it. I also picked up a used Mag 7 return, knowing that I could throttle it down with a simple ball valve if I needed to.

I will add photos below, and show you how progress has come. Drop me a PM if you would like but feel free to comment below on anything that relates to the subject on hand. Thanks for following!!!

[mainereefer619]

http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1142_zpsd3d12f36.jpg.html?sort=3&o=6
My RODI unit came in from purewaterclub.com, cheap, effective, doesn't leak, and does exactly what I want it to do, 0 TDS.
http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1158_zpsf7378cbb.jpg.html?sort=3&o=9
Here is the stand I got from Petco for $59 bucks, it was literally a steal, I can only fit a 20L underneath, but it will serve it's purpose, although I would have preffered a 40 Breeder.
http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1158_zpsf7378cbb.jpg.html?sort=3&o=9#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1180_zps1ef9d7d2.jpg.html?sort=3&o=10&_suid=137390732217306947606816113041
I then picked up this 20L at the $1 per gallon sale, brand new and clear, so it will be a breeze to work with.
http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1158_zpsf7378cbb.jpg.html?sort=3&o=9#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1170_zps2eaef2a9.jpg.html?sort=3&o=10&_suid=137390732217306947606816113041

http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1158_zpsf7378cbb.jpg.html?sort=3&o=9#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1184_zps74deb59d.jpg.html?sort=3&o=00&_suid=137390732217306947606816113041 (http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1158_zpsf7378cbb.jpg.html?sort=3&o=9#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1184_zps74deb59d.jpg.html?sort=3&o=00&_suid=137390732217306947606816113041)
http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1158_zpsf7378cbb.jpg.html?sort=3&o=9#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1186_zpsd516dd4f.jpg.html?sort=3&o=60&_suid=137390732217306947606816113041
This is what it looked like uncleaned. The lfs told me they would do a quick clean but didn't, I figured I would do a better job myself anyways.
http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1158_zpsf7378cbb.jpg.html?sort=3&o=9#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1188_zpsc5b4025f.jpg.html?sort=3&o=50&_suid=137390732217306947606816113041
This is how it looks after lots of razor scraping and a couple of vinegar baths.

[mainereefer619]

Next was to paint the back, I was up in the air on black or blue but decided to go black, because I wanted everything to pop. http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1158_zpsf7378cbb.jpg.html?sort=3&o=9#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1212_zpsc32f5711.jpg.html?sort=3&o=40&_suid=137390732217306947606816113041
I hit a snag and taped onto the glass, therefore peeling it up and exposing clear glass, this was quickly rectified after applying more coats. I switched between a satin brush on paint and spray krylon fusion that I would use on the return and drain.

[mainereefer619]

I also painted the return and drain, letting them sit for a couple of days before putting them into the system. I then did a dry run with an unbaffled 20L and some extra tubing I had laying around. The Mag 7 performed perfectly, and was astonishingly silent. However the drain was a little loud and will need tuning. It has a durso, but I would be willing to work on a stockman or other type of standpipe if I cannot get it to silence. Dry run below.
http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1158_zpsf7378cbb.jpg.html?sort=3&o=9#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1220_zpseacf7a5a.jpg.html?sort=3&o=20&_suid=137390732217306947606816113041
Everything seems to be working great, excited to put it all to good use.

[mainereefer619]

http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1220_zpseacf7a5a.jpg.html?sort=3&o=3#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1220_zpseacf7a5a.jpg.html?sort=3&o=3&_suid=137390920238409762300981327188

This link should work better.

[mainereefer619]

Next was the design of the 20L sump. I wanted enough room for a decent skimmer, looked up dimensions of the most popular, and have basically decided on the Bubble Magus NAC6, its on sale always, and does an awesome job. But it can also accomodate a reef octopus too. I laid it out, only used 2 baffles for the bubble trap. I figured that if it does create too much bubble then I can figure that out at a later date. But my guess is that I will not have a problem with the return making bubbles. I decided on a small return section to make the refugium portion bigger. It requires me to have an ATO but for $37 plus a powerhead I have lying around it should be quite easy to make it with a 5 gallon bucket, and not go crazy topping off all the time. The return section is only a couple of gallons, but that means that I have nearly a 6 gallon section for my fuge. This should be sufficient for tumbling chaeto.
http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1220_zpseacf7a5a.jpg.html?sort=3&o=3#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1238_zpse12017f2.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2&_suid=137390920238409762300981327188
Here it is finalized and siliconed in.
http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1220_zpseacf7a5a.jpg.html?sort=3&o=3#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/photo2_zpsdc07c21c.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1&_suid=137390920238409762300981327188

[mainereefer619]

Next will be the plumbing of the tank which I have yet to do. I have spaflex, the necessary valves and adapters. The drain is 1.5" down to 1". I will most likely leave this dry fit. It drops straight into the sump anyways. The return will be a 1/2" adapter to 3/4" spa flex to a 1" return. This will be cemented in for the most part except for the pump, which will have a screw on pvc adapter that wont be welded to the actual pump.http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1220_zpseacf7a5a.jpg.html?sort=3&o=3#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/IMG_1219_zpsb37d7f25.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2&_suid=137390920238409762300981327188
Dont't mind the black barbed fitting, I took it off, he must have used vinyl beforehand, I want to make sure there is no algae growth inside the return line so I opted for SpaFlex.

[mainereefer619]

I want this system to be open top, with reefbreeder leds, I just like the idea of having an open top, and I am willing to lose some jumpers if necessary. This is why I painted the return and drain, but I may just decide to cut a piece of acrylic and spray paint to cover the overflow entirely.

[mainereefer619]

Let me know what you think, still have a ton to do and lots of decisions to make!

[mainereefer619]

Because this is on a budget would people like to see a running total of costs?

[TommyP]

Looks awesome so far. I do see algae growth in my overflow U tube and also on my return clear tubing. How does SpaFlex prevent this? I never heard of this.

[mainereefer619]

SpaFlex is flexible pvc, it is white or black in color so does not allow light inside the tube. The downsides to SpaFlex are slim, but can be noticable. SpaFlex is semi-expensive, but since I only needed a 4 foot section I find it easier to manage and move around, therefore not requring me to be as accurate as hardpiping it. It also seals well with PVC because it is meant to be used in conjunction with it. It comes in 2 different grades, flexible and ultra flexible, although the ultra flexible is hard to find except on the net, if you find you have very tight bends you can just use hard pipe PVC parts for just that bend. but being flexible, it produces less noise than hard piping, although I wouldn't notice a difference in sound if it is under the cabinet. The other downside is the inside is not as smooth as hard pipe, therefore slighty more friction, however with less joints than hard piping this usually negates it. Unfortuantely with something like your overflow u tube the only thing you could do is paint the outside of it with krylon fusion and let it sit for a couple of days. This is generally not feasible because you need to run your sump, however it would eliminate the algae buildup, and make your system more reliable in case you forget to clean it. In any case, cleaning is just a natural part of taking care of our tanks.

[AQUAholic91]

Your build is coming along well! Keep up the great work!

[mainereefer619]

Ran into a bit of a snag last night. Got everything dialed in but my mag drive 7 pump was really loud. I got it used from a lfs, had only used it for 10 minutes and then it started rattling. Took it apart and the ceramic shaft was broke! I was so mad, was going to move everything over this weekend. So I may have to order a new impeller or he can give me a replacement one, regardless, it may set me back another week to make the transfer. On the upside though, everything in the plumbing seems to work well, although I am a little skeptical of how much water back flows into the sump, it fits, but I may raise the durso to alleviate a little bit, also my bulkheads leaked, but that is because I didn't tighten them except for hand tight. Will have to do another practice run before I am confident that it will keep water out of the sump.

[YoungREEFA]

what silicone did you use? and your looking very good on this build. Did you say you have a skimmer? Definently check out the reef octopus that costs 219.99.
Also could you tell me how you got your glass and cut it and managed to fit it in there so snugly? thanks!

[YoungREEFA]

http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/T1073_020.html
great investment if you cant bare the mag 7.

[mainereefer619]

The mag 7 I have found is quiet when running properly, and the shaft isn't broke! I used Silicone I from HD, doesn't have any of the chemicals that silicone II has. Thanks for the positive feedback, currently I have a skimmer but it won't be able to keep up when I am fully stocked. I looked at the reef octopus but for the value I have found some bubble magus skimmers for cheaper and are just as effective, found the NAC6 for 174.99. Its a steal compared to other similarly equipped ones. My advice on the baffles is to take the measurement from the inside and then subtract 1/8 of an inch off each side. That way they do sit snug as a bug, so total say the inside is 12" your baffle width should be 11 3/4". They should touch silicone on the inside of the tank.

[YoungREEFA]

did you measue the width of the panel or go inside the take and measure from wall to wall?

[mainereefer619]

Measured from the inside, because the glass from the tank will add a little to the overall measurement.

[mainereefer619]

I have been busy ordering things this weekend, spending more than I anticipated but nevertheless it is items that I need. I ordered a refractometer from amazon, works just as well as a name brand one, at about half the price. I also ordered an aqualifter pump for the inevitable auto top off. On top of that I got a filter sock that I may/may not use depending on whether or not I find I have time to clean it enough. Also from DFS I ordered a new impeller for the mag 7, 160 gallon bucket of reef salt, a reefmaster test kit (mostly for calcium) and some kalkwasser. Probably spent too much but I know it will be worth it to have a sustainable and thriving reef.

[mainereefer619]

Move day is Sunday. Should be interesting, I have people coming and getting some coral from me, hopefully selling some fish as well that I don't want in the new setup and having a nice transition. 55 to a 90 whole system will be a nice change of pace. Doing it smart is the name of the game, debating on whether or not I want to wash the sand, since it will be transferred rather than staying in the bottom. Will have to get out my beach toys, its going to be time for some digging!

[mainereefer619]

So got in my filter sock, aqualifter pump and refractometer last night. Amazing how much I got them for off amazon. $ for filter sock, $15 for aqualifter and $23 for the refractometer. Can't go wrong with those prices. The filter sock is 12" which is a little longer than I expected but I can most likely work that into the design in the skimmer chamber.

[mainereefer619]

Finally a restful day. I spent all Sunday afternoon into the evening transferring the 55 gallon into the 75 gallon tank. Took a lot of time, especially because the new system needed to be leveled on the carpet. I needed close to 40 gallons of new saltwater, so it was almost like a 50% water change! Then disaster. My used return pump that I just replaced with a new impeller died at 2:30 in the morning. :headwallblue: I took it apart and still it wouldn't go. Impeller was fine, motor must have gone. So I took it back to my lfs that I bought it from, complained that I ran it for 6 hours total and then it died. Luckily he was hhttp://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/null_zps3509e64e.jpg.html?sort=3&o=4#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/null_zps3509e64e.jpg.html?sort=3&o=4&_suid=137520552368104258652563077145appy to oblige and traded it out with the same model that was even newer and gave me a credit for the impeller that I had bought, now that is service! I had to wait until Monday night however to install it. Lucky for me I had extra powerheads and just chucked an extra up top and 2 tiny ones to keep the sump circulating a little. All in all a successful move, I even found a ricordia that I thought I had lost, so that was a score. The corals themselves still are acclimating to the new environment, but I am sure they will open up soon. I didn't see any spike in nitrite or ammonia by the end of it, phosphates were at .25 and calcium at 440. dKH was sitting nice at 10. http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/null_zpsf8a8feb9.jpg.html?sort=3&o=6#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/null_zpsf8a8feb9.jpg.html?sort=3&o=6&_suid=137520535991407470894145586915
http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/null_zpsf8a8feb9.jpg.html?sort=3&o=6#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/null_zpsf8a8feb9.jpg.html?sort=3&o=6&_suid=137520535991407470894145586915
30 Gallons of Mixed Water
http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/null_zpsddf5e20e.jpg.html?sort=3&o=7#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/null_zpsddf5e20e.jpg.html?sort=3&o=7&_suid=137520539857308599141734305784

http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/null_zpsddf5e20e.jpg.html?sort=3&o=7#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/null_zpsddf5e20e.jpg.html?sort=3&o=7&_suid=137520539857308599141734305784 (http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/null_zpsddf5e20e.jpg.html?sort=3&o=7#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/null_zpsddf5e20e.jpg.html?sort=3&o=7&_suid=137520539857308599141734305784)
Who says you can't put a tang in a ten gallon with 2 clownfish? Luckily it was only for a few hours.
http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/null_zps3509e64e.jpg.html?sort=3&o=4#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/null_zps3509e64e.jpg.html?sort=3&o=4&_suid=137520552368104258652563077145
http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/tuckeradams2012/media/null_zps3509e64e.jpg.html?sort=3&o=4#/user/tuckeradams2012/media/null_zps3509e64e.jpg.html?sort=3&o=4&_suid=137520552368104258652563077145
The finished (cloudy) product. I got so tired I just threw the rock in a pile. Aquascaping at its finest.

Ill be taking more pictures once it clears up to decide on aquascaping.