Come with me on my Custom 77 Gallon setup

[Stile2]

Hello,

I was planning to build a new stand for my 29 gallon to hide the overflow and get a bigger sump. Well, over dinner one night my wife said that as long as I was building a bigger stand why not just get a bigger tank!!:eek2: :D :rollface: :mixed:

So I started to plan out the new tank.

There are a few features of tanks I have seen on RC that I just had to have in my new one. First, three sides viewable, second, wider than normal. Now I own a pretty small house 1000 sq ft, so the option of a 180 or bigger is just out of the question.

So I decided on a custom build 77 gallon 36"x22.25"x22.25" by LeeMar. I am ordering it today. I know it has strange dimensions, but there is a reason for that. At first I was thinking about a 36x24x19 and being a Math teacher and Philosophy Major I thought wow that is really close to a Golden Rectangle. :confused: Ancient Greek stuff that has been proven to be more attractive than other shapes. With a little mathematics I came up with the current dimensions.

So on with the plan.

One of my main goals is to have as few foreign objects in the tank as possible. I do not want to see pvc pipes or powerheads, at least as little as possible.

Custom 77 gallon from LeeMar drilled for closed loop
with DIY external overflow (LeeMar did not want to cut the top of the glass away so I will do what I did to my 29) )External Overflow 29 gallon (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=534878)

The plan is to put the overflow against the wall with the tank sticking out into the room, three sides viewable.

Closed loop with a Quiet One 3000 and OM Squirt. The tank will have two holes drilled by LeeMar. One for the input to the Closed Loop and the other for the low output from the CL. The other three outputs will be over the top with clear pvc 45 degree pieces about 1/2" below the surface, two at the far end and the other near the overflow or maybe in the middle.

DIY Stand and Canopy (Birch plywood with some 2x4 inner support) Stained to match other furniture and front door)

DIY Sump/fuge (in design stage, still figuring out how big it can be and needs to be with skimmer in it)

DIY skimmer in sump (6" diameter with Ocean Runner 2700 NW gravity fed)

Lights will be my current 110 watt pc, with 2 95 watt VHOs, I may add more later, but I am not planning on more than a few SPS high up in the tank.

Chiller 1/10 hp Arctica, running on my 29 right now, hooked to the return pump.

2 heaters in sump

DIY auto top off (need to run RO water from kitchen sink under the floor and inside the wall. The benefit is that we will get RO icemaker, the frig is on the opposite side of the wall from the tank.)

Later I plan on a DIY Calcium Reactor, but that will have to wait for a bit.

It should be fun!!

All comments and suggestions welcome!:D

Keith

[Stile2]

Well, 3 months later and I have finally collected almost all of the stuff I need.

A few pictures of the tank.
Again it is 36 inches long.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/IMG_4433.JPG

And 22 1/4" wide and 22 1/4" tall.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/IMG_4434.JPG

A closer look at the input to the closed loop and one of the outputs for the OM Squirt.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/IMG_4435.JPG

I cut away part of the trim to drill the holes for the external Overflow.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/IMG_4437.JPG

I will be out of town for the next couple of days, Jack Johnson concert, but I will start drilling it on Wednesday.

Keith

[Stile2]

I have also been in discussions with people on RC about auto top off systems. I will be running a line from my RODI from my kitchen to the wall behind the tank.

Here is the thread about diy auto top offs.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=606215

I will be using the design on the last page.

http://reeftank.zenmods.com/autotopoff/Autotopoff3a-1.jpg

This system will allow me to have a small return area in my sump but not have the RODI solenoid turning on and off many times a day.

In the schematic the Turn On float switch will be about 2" below the Turn Off float.

Having Fun,
Keith

[fishboy19]

Looks awesome man, I'll be here!

-MatthewM

[A\/enger]

That is such a perfect size for a tank. Im tagging along to follow this.

[Stile2]

Update Time!!

I did start the holes for the external overflow a week ago or so.

Here is the dam made out of plumbers putty.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/waterdam.jpg

And here are a couple of holes, I have a few more done. They are taking about 7 minutes per hole.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/holes.jpg

Keith

[Stile2]

I had some time this weekend to draft my Dad into the project. I had originally wanted an all wood stand, but given my workshop right now, no real table saw, and no money to buy one. I decided that a metal stand skinned with wood would be the better choice.

I drew up some plans and had them checked by a structural engineer that works with my Dad.


With the plans checked I went and bought 40 ft of .120" wall 1"x 2" rectangular tubing.

Raw Material.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/metal.jpg

Cutting the metal into the right sizes.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/cutting.jpg

Here are all the parts for the stand.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/parts.jpg

[Stile2]

We first milled both ends of all the pieces to get all similar pieces the exact same length.

http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/milling.jpg

After milling the ends we sand blasted everything so I could paint it when I got it home.

Here is the top tack welded.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/topweld.jpg

The reason for the middle cross tube, is that the tank is as big as the bigger area and the return tubes and closed loop tubes will go through the end section.

Welding the bottom.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/Bottomweld.jpg

We built the whole thing on a 4'x4'x1" slab of steel. It was sitting on a forklift to create a table big enough and flat enough to do the work.
Legs clapped and welding together, also checking for square as we go.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/legsclap.jpg

[Stile2]

After that was done we made plugs for the eight open ends of the long tubes and welded them in. This is so the entire structure is sealed and when painted will not be exposed to salt water.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/weldingplugs.jpg

And here is the finished product, at least the metal structure.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/finished.jpg

And just for fun since we had the forklift, we used it to load it onto my Jeep for the ride home.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/Forklift.jpg

Now I just have to complete the holes for the external overflow, paint the metal, and get the wood to skin the stand.

I'm having fun, are you?

Keith

[Stile2]

Well, it has certainly been a while since an update. I started my Master's Degree in September so that has slowed things down on the tank. But I finally managed to get out to the garage a couple of times this last week.

I got tired on holding the drill by hand to drill the holes for the overflow. So I set up the drill press next to the tank.

http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/drillpress.jpg

There will be about 40 3/8" holes which gives me 15" of linear overflow, so it should be about to handle the QuietOne 3000's 780 gph (not subtracting head).

Here's the water damn I've been using to make the holes.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/drilling.jpg \

Hopefully the next update won't take so long.

I am hoping to transfer tanks during Winter Break.

Keith

[rdmpe]

Originally posted by Stile2
...I was planning to build a new stand for my 29 gallon to hide the overflow and get a bigger sump. Well, over dinner one night my wife said that as long as I was building a bigger stand why not just get a bigger tank!!:eek2: :D :rollface: :mixed: ... What a way to start a thread! Give that lady a day at the spa!

[SHOmuchFUN]

Looks good so far, but those small holes concern me... Not going to take much to get those things clogged with algea and debris.

[rdmpe]

Nice job welding that stand up! I've done some novice welding and it sure does look sloppy compared to your pictures! Is that your father's shop?

I haven't built a stand of skinned steel, but I have heard that it can lead to the pumps resonating in the stand since the skinned panels are more free to vibrate. So you may want to consider that when figuring out how to skin it.

I love your plans for the tank overflow. It will be really nice to have the overflow outside of the tank like that.

[rdmpe]

Originally posted by SHOmuchFUN
Looks good so far, but those small holes concern me... Not going to take much to get those things clogged with algea and debris. Do you have room to do another row of holes above your current ones, sort of as an "emergency" set that will still drain until you notice the clogging? Will the holes be along the full side length of the tank? Let's see more pictures!

[JuJuMan16]

tagging along on this one, looking good

[Stile2]

shomuchfun,
To be honest I didn't think about the holes getting clogged. But I have a 29 gallon with a similar set up and only 1/4" x 1" slots and have never had a problem with anything getting even near the holes. Plus there will be 40 holes which is 15" of linear flow, which should flow 1000 gph, and my return is only a QuietOne 300 at 780 gph and that is without head. So I am thinking that if one or two holes do get clogged that the other holes will take up the slack.

rdmpe,
Thanks, I wish I could say I did the welding, but that was my Dad. I have helped him build two experimental airplanes and he works for a company that builds R&D airplanes, so lots of experience. And yes that is his shop that is attached to his airplane hanger on the Mojave Airport.

[Stile2]

So I have put a ton of time into drilling the 3/8" holes for the over flow, but now I am starting to doubt myself.

I had the thought the other day to just be done and cut a weir the whole length of the side and use a plastic guard.

Two reasons for this:

1) much easier to clean when necessary than the 40 small holes would be.

2) will get more flow than the holes.

What does anyone think?

All opinions appreciated

Thanks
Keith

[rdmpe]

Well, I don't see why the weir wouldn't work. I think it would be fine. So how many holes have you done? How would you make this cut in the glass? I'd be scared to break the tank!

[Stile2]

I have finished about half of the holes, 22 I think.

There are several threads out there about people who have cut weirs with Rotozips.

Like this one (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=444094)

and here is another one (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=605433&highlight=external+overflow)

I figure it can't be any harder than just drilling a hole. Just use lots of water and go slow.

I still haven't decided, I have put a lot of work into the little holes. So we will see.

It might take a little while for it to happen, I need to pour a cement leveling floor in the back room soon.

Keith

[gkarshens]

What kind of bit do you use to drill with?

[Stile2]

With the rotozip it is this bit (http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/jsearch/product.jsp?pn=130556)

And with the dremel I used the 7103 and 7134
I found them here (http://www.mytoolstore.com/dremel/dmdbits.html)

If I do the weir I will try it with the rotozip. I have read that it goes really fast through the glass.

Keith

[Stile2]

Well, I decided to go for it.

I took the Rotozip with the carbide bit and cut a 22" long by 3/4" weir long the side.

I am getting a 1"x22"x1/4" piece of glass that I will silicone in just below the weir to both strengthen and to place the plastic screen on.

I will post pictures tomorrow, my photo card reader is at work.

Keith

[Mr. Eko]

Looks like your off to a great start. Ill be here for the long ride.

[rdmpe]

So you did it! Well, looking forward to seeing some pictures of the results. Question for you - will the glass that separates the tank from the overflow remain clear glass? If so, do you anticipate any problems or issues with this?

The way my tank is made, it has a glass overflow box inside the tank, and there is an acrylic cover that slides over it and covers it. But I actually think the glass walls look kind of cool and was thinking about leaving the glass overflow walls uncovered...

[Stile2]

The tank side of the overflow will be a 1/4" smoked glass or black if I can get it. And the rest will be painted black. I really want a fully black back. I think that corals and fish look better with a black background.

I have a similar setup on my 29 gallon and it looks pretty bad with all the growth that you can see from inside the tank.

Again I will post pics tomorrow.

Keith

[Stile2]

I promised pics today.
So here they are.

I used the TC1 carbide tile cutting bit in a rotozip.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/Cuttingbit.jpg

The bottom pane of glass in the overflow. My drains.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/holescut.jpg

Here is the weir cut into the side of the tank.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/weircut.jpg

And here is the picture of my current overflow on my 29 gallon. This is why I don't want to be able to see into the overflow from the tank.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/overflowugly.jpg

I will be ordering an extra piece of glass today to help hide the overflow from inside the tank. I should be putting the overflow together in the nextg couple of days.

Keith

[Stile2]

Slight update.

I am picking a smoked gray piece of glass today to block the sight of overflow from inside the tank. The rest of the back will be painted black.

I should be able to build to overflow box tonight.

I would love to get it up on the stand this weekend, but I still have to finish painting the stand. The POR-15 is going on great, but need another coat.

I also have to pour a cement floor in my back room this weekend.

So I don't know how much I'll get done on the tank.

My goal is to have the tank setup and running with critters transfered from the 29 gallon by Christmas break. We'll see!

Keith

[gkarshens]

Did you cut the whole opening for the bulkhead with the rotozip?

[Stile2]

Yup, both holes for the bulkheads and the entire weir all with the rotozip.

I just started by tracing a fine line with the rotozip, and then slowly moving back and forth about a 1/4" to 3/8" until I worked my way through the glass and then went around the trace. I moved the rotozip up and down the length of the bit almost like a saw and it went through very quickly. I used a spray bottle of water to keep the whole thing cool.

Each of the bulkhead holes, 1" bulkheads, took abotu 5 minutes, and the wier took about 15 minutes.

This is the second tank I have done this to. The first time I used a dremel, the rotozip is way faster.

Keith

[scbauer]

Keith,

Why do you think the rotozip is faster? Does it have higher RPM's? Is it the bit?

The other question I have is about the holes for the overflow. I'm pretty sure that on your 29 you drilled holes, then cut to the top of the glass so you had slots instead of just holes... are you doing the same here, or is it just 40 1/4" holes? Maybe a picture of the finished overflow area?

Thanks... looking good.

-Scott

[gkarshens]

I really want to do that myself but I am scared to death! Maybe I'll practise on a spare little 2.5 gal tank I have.

[mc-cro]

Do you think by cutting the weir like that across the back of tank, you could be weaking the centerbrace's ability to hold the tank
from bowing?

I have been considering doing this eversince I saw your first thread about it on your last tank.
but I wonder about cutting out half the plastic, then the glass below the plastic, right at the center, seems like it may pop over the glass or that a thin piece of glass may snap under pressure.

I really like the idea, just a little chicken myself.

[Stile2]

Originally posted by scbauer
Why do you think the rotozip is faster? Does it have higher RPM's? Is it the bit?


Scott,
I think that the rotozip may have a few more rpm, but I think it is mainly the bit. It is much rougher (for lack of a better word), it just takes more material per revolution.

On my 29 I used a dremel and just cut out a slot, without using a diamond hole drill. It has worked flawlessly for almost a year.

I was doing 3/8"holes about 40 of them on the new tank, but decided that the holes would be hard to clean. So I just cut a weir that is 20.5"x3/4" and will use a plastic grid as a guard. The plastic will be removable to clean.

Maybe I'll practise on a spare little 2.5 gal tank I have.

gkarshens,
May I suggest that you start with a 1/4" think piece of glass. The thinner the glass the harder it is to cut without breaking. I first did this with the piece of glass a was using for the bottom of the overflow on my 29 gallon. A 2.5 gallon will have really thin glass, be careful.

Do you think by cutting the weir like that across the back of tank, you could be weaking the centerbrace's ability to hold the tank
from bowing?

mc-cro,

This tank has no centerbrace. As for the tank bowing, the plastic trim is pretty weak to begin with and would not stop bowing. The plastic is really strong under tension which helps the front and back stay attached with silicone. So I am not worried about it.

That said I would be worried if you took the plastic all off, maybe you could add some eurobrace to make up for it. And I am doing all this on the short side, not the back which would freak me out a little.

Keith

[gkarshens]

Ok so I bought the bit and tried it on the 2.5... It broke every time it punched thru a surface. Is that because the glass was so thin?

[Stile2]

I would bet it is. How thick is the glass on a two and half?

Remember lots of water, and go slow.

Edit: I just thought, does the glass on the two and a half have tempered sign on it. Because you can not drill tempered glass, no way no how.

[gkarshens]

The glass is only like 1/8". I used tons of water and didn't put any weight on the drill. This really makes me nervous about drilling my tank!

[Stile2]

I would get a small piece of 1/4" and try again.

[gkarshens]

That's what I was thinking.

[thereefmaster]

Good lookin tank :) Can't wait to see it all the way completed! I will tag along for this one. BTW, I would go with a SSB, BB isn't that great, IMO.

[Stile2]

I agree, BB looks completely unnatural, IMO.

I like the Shallow sand. Get the right look without the work of a DSB.

Thanks for the comments,
Keith

[Stile2]

Well, I spent most of the last two days pouring cement to level the floor in my back room. A really cool product called LevelQuik. Mixed it in a 5 gallon bucket with an electric drill and paddle and pour it onto the floor. It is so runny that it self levels. Still a ton of work.

But today I got to work on the tank for a bit. I siliconed on the overflow box and only one more coat of paint to go on the stand. I will post pics on Monday.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Keith

[Stile2]

As promised pics for the updates.

Here is the corner of the overflow. I used black silicone just because last time I used the clear and it looks white from inside the tank.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/Cornerofoverflow.jpg

The three sides of the overflow. Notice the extra piece of dark glass attached to the tank side of the overflow. This is so I won't be able to see into the overflow from inside the tank.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/bottomframe.jpg

The overflow complete and drying. Yes drills as weights.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/overflow.jpg

And here is the steel stand painted and ready for skinning.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/steelstand.jpg

Any questions or suggestions are welcome.

The to do list.

Set up in garage to test.

Next is the skimmer. I will post plans for the skimmer. I already have the Ocean Runner 2700 Needle Wheel.

Then the sump. I will post plans for that too!

Canopy will come after set up and plumbing.
I told the wife that I would like to set up the tank with no skin on the stand until I build the skin. We are still negotiating:D

Thanks for visiting.
Keith (Over a thousand views Yeah!!:D :D )

[Airman]

It is looking good.

[gary faulkner]

Great thread, just tagging along

Gary

[rdmpe]

Great job so far! I just love that external overflow. That's the thing about this hobby, there is always something that you see later and go OOOHHH I wish I would have seen this before I did mine! Future upgrades...

[Stile2]

Airman and Gary,

Thanks for tagging along. Any comments are always welcome.:)

Randy,

Remember it is never to late. Check out my eariler thread.
Link (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=534878)

:D :D :D

Now my question. I am planning my sump. I have 20.5" width under the tank. I am planning on putting down some pond liner in the bottom on the stand to help with spills.

I was planning a 20" wide sump but am worried about clean up between the sump and the stand. How much room do you guys have between sump and stand?

How is that for long winded?:D

Thanks
Keith

[rdmpe]

My sump tubs fit tightly into my stand. I don't have any way to get in there really. If I were to have a significant water spill in there, I would just wedge something under the sump to lift it up a bit, and point a fan in there for a day or two to dry it up.

The pond liner is a great idea! Dang there's another one :lol:

[got2lb]

Looks really good!

My sump fits really tight in my stand. I had to actually put it in from the top in order to get it in. But I also have a 94 display tank and a 55 gallon sump in my stand. I would def. put the pond liner down just to be on the safe side. I forgot to do that so befor I put water in mine I have to take everything back apart and do it again. Oh well I guess.

[Stile2]

Hasn't been an update in a while. I just finished my first two classes for my Masters so I have been kind of busy.

But I did manage to come up with a sump design.

I am planning on two pipes coming from the overflow, one that is a fairly short straight pipe with a gate valve on it. And the other with a Durso. I will dial the straight pipe back unitl the water starts to flow through the Durso. I have heard that this is the quietest set up.

The straight pipe will flow directly into the skimmer in the skimmer section, the durso pipe will flow into the fuge.

The flow through the sump is the fuge flows into the skimmer section and then into the return. The 3" space in the bubble trap will have either carbon or filter floss.

I hope that melev will join in and give his opinion, since he is the sump master.

I will be building it out of 1/4" acrylic with eurobracing.

On with the pics.
Sump from the top
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newsump/sumptop.JPG

Sump from the fuge side
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newsump/sumpleft.JPG

Sump from the return side
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newsump/sumpright.JPG

All opinions welcome and appreciated.

Thanks
Keith

[elephen]

Wow, quite the craftsman! I'm tagging along.

[got2lb]

According to some of the sumps I've seen melev build your's isn't right. Not saying it won't work because mine isn't "right" either. You're supposed to have one drain line dump into your skimmer compartment and the other into your fuge. Then both compartments overflow into an open return area. Don't have them dump into each other.

The problem with having your fuge dump into your skimmer area is if you want the pods and stuff to get into your display they'll probably never make it because they will probably end up as skimmate.

Mine overflows into the skimmer compartment then to the fuge then the return area. That way hopefully enabling some pods to make it to the display tank. The way mine is setup I can actually put the return pump where the fuge area is but right now I only have about 5-600gph overflowing to the sump and I didn't want to T it off and possibly slow it down even more. That's just what I've read on here. Not saying your idea won't work because I'm sure it will just fine. This is just what the "experts" say! :D

[Stile2]

I think maybe you misunderstood. The only water that will be getting into the skimmer is coming straight from the drain out of the display. Skimmer will be a needle wheel recirculating type with gravity feed.

So the water from the fuge will simply combine with the water coming out of the skimmer and then into the return area.

Sorry I probably explained it badly before.

Keith

[melev]

My concern is how full the sump will be. There is no room or void left to hold excess water when the return pump is off. So it is important to keep that in mind.

When reading your description, it sounded like the refugium would flow into the skimmer section, then into the return section. If you have it going into the carbon bag area along with the skimmer's output, that may help. Still, you don't want anything screening out the pods that you hope to send up to the tank.

I'm about to go out of town and won't be back online until Sunday/Monday, so if you don't need to get this done over the weekend, I can add more input later.

[Stile2]

Thanks for the input guys,

I redesigned a little and will post pics tonight. Have got to get to work right now.

Keith

[rdmpe]

There are definitely a lot of opinions on different ways to set up a sump. I think Anthony Calfo usually recommends that all tank water go into the skimmer area first to skim as much waste out as possible before any water is passed to the fuge. I'm sure you could find many people that have either of those methods working well for them so it's probably not too critical. On the other hand, having enough room in your sump to handle what ever drains down during a power failure, that is critical to keeping your floors dry!

[Stile2]

Randy,

That actually makes sense to clean the water before it goes into the fuge. My return pump is a Quiet One 3000 and with head should be delivering 583 gph. The closed loop, also a Quiet One 3000, should deliver about 660-700 gph.

So with that in mind I do not want 583 gph going through the fuge. And I also not want to tee off the return and reduce the flow through the skimmer. Damn if I do, Damn if I don't.

I redesigned the sump a little so that the fuge goes through a second bubble trap straight to the return. This fixes Melev's concern about the pods being filtered out by the filter and or carbon. But does nto address the clean water into the fuge thing.

I will look into it some more tonight.

Keith

[Stile2]

Well here is the next version of the sump.

This version solves getting the pods into the return section, but making this is going to be very complicated.

New top view.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newsump/sumptop2.JPG

New view from the end.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newsump/sumpend2.JPG

What do you guys think?

Keith

[Stile2]

Ok I looked through Melev's sumps on his web site. And really my first design is just a modified version of his M model. Model M Link Thanks Melev (http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/m/sump_model_m.html) I just need to let the fuge flow into the return section. I don't think the bubble trap is necessary either.

I just have to decide whether to bit the bullet and divert some of the return into the fuge or to use the leftover drain.

I would love some opinions.

Keith

[rdmpe]

I was in the same boat. I originally wanted to pipe the skimmer output the the fuge, flow would be just about right I think. But I couldn't do it cuz the water had to come up too high, creating too much backpressure on the system. It had to come up over the wall of the sump to get into the fuge. Some day I may try to rig a bulkhead to get the water over there that way, but for now I'm feeding from a tee of the sump return pump.

Everything is sort of on hold right now though. I'm having some heat issues that I'm concerned about, and some PH issues too for that matter :rolleyes:

[Stile2]

Since no one has replied I guess I will go with the sump described in my last post.

Here is a picture describing the flow.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newsump/finalsump.JPG

And I think I have decided to let the low flow from the drain go through the fuge.

I have started on the skimmer to know for sure how big it will be so that I can expand the return and fuge section if possible.

Will post some pics later.

Keith

[gkarshens]

Looks good. So is the drain going to split to the fuge and skimmer area?

[Stile2]

There will be two drains out of the external overflow. One main one that will be a striaght pipe, fully submerged and regulated by a gate valve, and take most of the flow, it will go straight into the skimmer. And a second with a Durso on it to take the extra flow not going into the main one, which will feed the fuge.

Does that make any sense? Its been a long day.

Keith

[gkarshens]

Yep. Sounds like a good plan.

[melev]

So, are you done yet? ;)

[Stile2]

Not quite, I am the yearbook advisor this year at the high school where I teach. We had 60 pages due today. I get there about 7:00am and leave around 5:30pm.

I am hoping that this weekend I will build the skimmer and then maximize the fuge and return area of the sump. Then get the materials for that.

Keith

[Stile2]

Well I tried to make a slant neck skimmer today and I must have the worng type of acrylic. I heated to in a 450 degree oven for thirty minutes and it still would not form. It actually started to bubble. I will check the old slant neck skimmer thread to check on types of acrylic.

Oh, well. I guess I will give it another try. I will post some pics of the failure.

Keith

[GMGQ]

I like the idea of splitting the drain. It's something I'm considering when I redo my plumbing in the coming months. Mainly so that the macroalgae will get more nutrients.


<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6279846#post6279846 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Stile2
There will be two drains out of the external overflow. One main one that will be a striaght pipe, fully submerged and regulated by a gate valve, and take most of the flow, it will go straight into the skimmer. And a second with a Durso on it to take the extra flow not going into the main one, which will feed the fuge.

Does that make any sense? Its been a long day.

Keith

[Stile2]

Well, I definately have the wrong kind of acrylic to heat form.

Here is a pic of my first attempt. Notice how the edges are pulling up.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/skimmer/firstpush.jpg

This was heated fro twenty minutes at 350 degrees.

I tried heating at 450 degrees for thirty minutes, but then it bubbled.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/skimmer/bubbles2.jpg

But at least I have the ring for the body.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/skimmer/ring.jpg

And I ordered some lexan (polycarbonate) today for delivery tomorrow. They have real curing ovens where my Dad works. So this weekend we will go in a try it with some lexan.

Keith

[melev]

You probably used FF (extruded) instead of GP (cast). FF has a lower temperature point for melting, and overheated in your oven. Perhaps a shorter period in the oven or lowered temperature would work. I've never tried to do what you are doing, but Weatherson did this so you could ask him.

The thickness of the acrylic could be a factor as well.

[Stile2]

Well, I had to take a small break from the tank to build built-in benches in the new dining room. Tank building goes slow sometimes when you also doing a house remodel.:D

But as I am up at my parents house for Christmas I thought I would take advantage. I ordered three 12"x12" 1/4" sheets of Lexan (Polycarbonate). Which I heard could be formed pretty easily. The company where my Dad work's has ovens for curing carbon fiber and composite structures. We're talking about ovens that range from 3 sq ft to 6000 sq ft.

So I brought up my forms and mounted the first piece of lexan.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/skimmer/prebend.jpg

We heated the oven up to 390 degrees and heated the piece for 15 minutes.
Here is the first push.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/skimmer/bending.jpg

Here is the best piece that we got.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/skimmer/goodbend.jpg

Here is a picture from the side.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/skimmer/sidebend.jpg

We did reheat the first two attempts and repushed and got even more height.

I then cut out the circles with a bandsaw and sanded the edges.

I will complete the skimmer when I get home.

After the skimmer I will finalize the design of the sump and get that going.

I also need to start cooking my old LR which is now DR (dead rock).

Have a Happy Christmas!

Keith

[melev]

Very nice. All this work for just one piece of the skimmer too! ;)

[Stile2]

Well, finally an update. I know, I'm really slow, but I have a pretty good excuse. Ok, not for all the delays but for the latest one.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/skimmer/backroom.jpg
We stripped the backroom to the studs and redid everything. Then I built the benches. Still some more work to do back there.

But I did get some time on the skimmer this week.

Here is the temporary cutting set up to cut the acrylic tube.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/skimmer/cuttingsetup.jpg

Here is the cirst part cut. The last part of the riser tube.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/skimmer/firstpartcut.jpg

Here are the parts of the skimmer except the bottom.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/skimmer/partsdrying.jpg

It rained about 2" just today so I didn't want ot hang out in the garage. But I will finish the skimmer this week. I figure I can start cooking my old rock after the skimmer is done. It will be a good break in period for the skimmer as well.

Happy New Year Everyone.

Keith

[Cprowler]

Wow, looks like your having fun too. I'm Looking forward to waching your progress.:D

[Stile2]

I know it is going very slowly as compared to other people's set ups. But I am having fun with it. Like you said in your thread, kids (6 & 3), house (picture above), work (yearbook advisor for the first time this year), etc, etc. Lots of stuff gets in the way.

But then again I'm not doing to knock myself out. I work on it when I can. I hope that it turns out to be as beautiful as many of the other tanks on RC.

Thanks for checking in. I post so rarely that I feel like I'm the only one watching sometimes.

Keith

[rdmpe]

We are all watching ;)

[melev]

I'm watching too. :) I just didn't post because sometimes it seems like I'm the only replier. :lol:

<B>Drone voice:</b> <i>Melev is RC. You too will be assimilated. Resistance is futile. You will all be RC. You will be one with us....</i>

[Stile2]

Thanks Guys,

It is nice to know people are interested. I was getting a little disheartened, I thought people lost interest because I'm going so slow.

Keith

[melev]

Keith, I'll post 20 pictures at a time in my thread, spoiling the readers rotten. Then I'll get one reply. :lol: It really isn't a big deal, because there are a lot of people that read quietly every day and never say a word. Just do your best to be informative, and you can bet your bottom dollar you've helped someone out there with their own tank.

I just had a guy post in my thread today that he's been reading it for a long time, and this was going to be his first time to post in my thread. Since my thread is ~238 pages now, you can see how long that person waited to jump in and finally add something to the thread.

[Stile2]

Slightly off topic but, in my 29 gallon tank I am battling a mass of Red Hair Algae in the sump. I have been for a couple of months now. I even took the sump out a cleaned it out. But if I leave even one little hair, it all comes back.

Luckly I don't have any in the display tank, only in the sump.

Any ideas on how to get rid of this stuff?

Thanks
Keith

[Cprowler]

I know what you guy's are talking about, sometimes I post and post with no responses. I wish people would just say hi and that they have subscribed and are going to follow along.(if that’s their intent.:D)

[Cprowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6413943#post6413943 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Stile2
Slightly off topic but, in my 29 gallon tank I am battling a mass of Red Hair Algae in the sump. I have been for a couple of months now. I even took the sump out a cleaned it out. But if I leave even one little hair, it all comes back.

Luckly I don't have any in the display tank, only in the sump.

Any ideas on how to get rid of this stuff?

Thanks
Keith

Is it like cotton candy?

[gkarshens]

By the way Stile I know how you feel too. Sometimes I feel like I am the only one posting in my thread. I am still following along here.

[MAreefer1]

looks like its coming along pretty good :)

[Stile2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6414214#post6414214 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Cprowler
Is it like cotton candy?

Exactly, if there is a little bit it is red, but as it grows it turns a tan color. At least the bottom layers.

It grows faster than my cheato.

Keith

[BrianPlankis]

I've been following your thread, just have nothing to add yet and I can understand people getting annoyed with those "just tagging" comments that sends us an email and then we have to go to the thread before we find out it is "just tagging".

I personally like your slow approach, it is a LOT of fun building everything and I think that is 60% of the fun of the hobby. I'm constantly thinking of ways to tinker :D

I really like your pictures of the construction, so helpful. I hope to do my own DIY skimmer someday.

If you like long construction threads, you can checkout mine, it took 3 months before I was ready and it is almost one year and I'm still getting ready to add my first fish. Just click my red WWW house.

Brian

[gnoles]

Keith, keep the posts coming...

I can relate... I have been working on getting my tank running since last year, but a job transfer, kids (3 & 6) and school stuff constantly keep me from completing it. Ironically, the M sump Melev built was for me. (I promise Marc, it's been running in the test setup for a week and it's been great.)

I'm pulling for you, and hopefully, I can post a shot of my stuff up and running after the weekend as well.

Keep it coming!

[Cprowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6414406#post6414406 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Stile2
Exactly, if there is a little bit it is red, but as it grows it turns a tan color. At least the bottom layers.

It grows faster than my cheato.

Keith

If it's the kind I'm thinking, I just got some Mexican Turbo Snails and the got rid of it within a few days. I'll post some pics of the algae I had.

[Cprowler]

Here is what I had.

http://www.zld.ca/reef/cyano01.jpg


And the Mexican Turbo's eating it.

http://www.zld.ca/reef/mts.jpg

And after.

http://www.zld.ca/reef/a1.jpg

[melev]

<b>Gary</b>, good to hear. Actually several people like that layout now. I hope it works out good for your tank.

<b>Cprowler</b>, I love those pictures. Mind if I use those pictures and essentially build a reference page to help others? Of course you'll get photocredit and if you want your email address included so they can contact you, I can put that in there too.

<b>All</b> - don't encourage the posts that are "tagging along", as we work very hard to stop those here on RC. If people want to add their input, they will. You can always look at your thread views to see if anyone cares. ;) Or you can take solace knowing I'm reading your threads. :lol:

[Cprowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6414874#post6414874 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
<b>Cprowler</b>, I love those pictures. Mind if I use those pictures and essentially build a reference page to help others? Of course you'll get photocredit and if you want your email address included so they can contact you, I can put that in there too.

I would be honored and I could use the royalty checks right about now. :lol:

[got2lb]

Tagging along

Just kidding

I'm a silent follower as well. I'm actually following threads by almost everyone that posted on here. Just didn't have much to say. (yet :D )

If you want to check out mine and be a silent follower you can as well. I should make a thread in the main forum instead of just my club forum.

Plus you all have very great looking setups and I hope someday mine will be as nice.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=737025&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

[Stile2]

I got some pics of the red hair algae I have and what I think are turbo snails. I'll post pics tomorrow morning.

Thanks for the info and the encouragement.

Keith

[Stile2]

Here are some pictures of the algae and what I think is a Mexican Turbo. Let me know if it is or isn't.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/pictures/turbosnail.jpg
I have three of these in my 29 gallon. If it is a Mex Turbo hta explains why I have no red hair algae in the display.

Here is the Algae.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/pictures/redhair1.jpg

And here is a picture of my Candy Cane Coral. Just playing with my new Nikon D50.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/pictures/candycane.jpg

I am totally copying weatherson's method of bordering the pictures. I think they look better (at least more professional) that way.

I will try pulling two of the turbos out of the display and put them in the sump tonight. We'll see what happens.

Thanks
Keith

[gkarshens]

Nice Candy cane. Looks familiar :D

http://artisticindustries.com/IMAGE081.JPG

[rdmpe]

Nice pictures! That Mexican Turbo looks exactly like mine. I think that is the correct ID. I have 5 or 6 huge ones in my display. Hopefully that means I'll never see any red hair algae! :)

[Stile2]

gk,
Nice Candy Cane! Mine is still pretty small, maybe 3.5" across.

Randy,
Thanks for the ID. I fell a bit foolish. I have had the turbos in the display ever since it was set up and have been battling red hair in the sump for months, if all it takes is moving a couple of snails!! Oh well, live and learn.

Thanks again,

Keith

[Cprowler]

They look like MTS to me, they should have it eaten in a few days. I found when I put them in they ate everything but the algae I wanted them to but they finally got around to it.

[Stile2]

I couldn't help it. I played with some of the sharpness and color balance in photoshop.
Here is the candy cane again.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/pictures/candycane2.jpg

Keith

[Cprowler]

I love photoshop, I want to take a class on it so I can learn everything it's capable of.:D

[Stile2]

Well, no work on the tank this weekend. The parents bought me and my wife an all expense paid trip to Yosemite, 5 star hotel, plus guest chef's from famous restaurants to teach cooking classes during the day and prepare 5 course meals in the evening.

It will be the second overnight trip without the kids in SEVEN years.

A bit overdue really.

Have a great weekend everyone. I will.

Keith

PS I'll post pics when I get back.

[gkarshens]

Wow! That is awesome! Yosemite is my favorite place on earth!

[Stile2]

Well, we're back from Yosemite.

What a beautiful place and what a great time!:D

We went to a three day cooking seminar with three chef's from San Diego. So there were cooking classes during the day and on the last night there was a Gala Dinner, six courses with matching wine with each course. Truly amazing!:D

So on with a couple of completely off topic pictures.

During one of the cooking courses.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/yosemite/cookingclass.jpg

A picture of the dining hall at the Ahwahnee Hotel where we stayed.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/yosemite/diningroom.jpg

And a picture of me and my wife at Lower Yosemite Falls. Great hike!
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/yosemite/ksndmlowerfalls.jpg

We had a great time!!

Now back to regular schedule programming. And trying to get back to regular life.

I will be finishing the skimmer up this weekend.

Keith

[rdmpe]

What a great trip that must've been. I've never been to Yosemite. Have you seen that show on the science channel (?) about the volcanic activitiy under Yosemite? Just a little scary.

[Stile2]

Kinda glad I haven't seen that show. It was very relaxing, although I don't think I will feel like eating for at least a couple of days. I haven't had that much rich food in a long time.

One chef actually poached venison in butter. That's just a heart attack on a plate.

Keith

[melev]

That actually looked pretty cool, with the mirror above. Imagine the same setup for a Frag Demonstration. :D

[kbmdale]

The tank looks great.. Did you add any bracing below the weir I couldn't tell... Oh and I have to ask, where you wondering the whole time you sat under the water fall how many gph it was running...lol....I would have been :lol:

[Stile2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6483819#post6483819 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kbmdale
The tank looks great.. Did you add any bracing below the weir I couldn't tell... Oh and I have to ask, where you wondering the whole time you sat under the water fall how many gph it was running...lol....I would have been :lol:

I have added an extra layer of black glass on the outside of the weir, but not really a brace. Now that I have seen yours I am definately considering something like that.

GPH over the falls:D :lol: Actually that thought did cross my mind as we went over the walking bridge at the base of the falls. BTW this is only the lower falls, you can't see it from this angle but right above this is the bigger upper falls. Between the two falls the water falls about 1500 feet.

I have a shot of both falls I'll post it tonight.

Keith

[kbmdale]

Yeah that little 2 dollar piece of glass might keep you from ever hearing that god awful sound of glass popping... ;). Like I said it was that little strip above the weir that popped but still bought made me pass out...lol

[Stile2]

Here is a shot of both upper and lower Yosemite Falls, the other picture above is my wife and I sitting below the lower falls.

Sorry about the lighting, still learning how to use the new camera and photoshop.

http://reeftank.zenmods.com/yosemite/bothfalls.jpg

I promise to get back to reef pics soon.

Keith

[kbmdale]

sweet pic, that last part of the waterfall looks like a neck tie ;)

[Drakeskakes]

Very Very Impressive

[Stile2]

Well, I finally put some time in on the skimmer today. I got the collection cup done (except for a lid) and the holes drilled and tapped with a gasket in place. Tomorrow I will drill the holes forthe uniseals and mount the pump. One bummer, I forgot to order 2 1" uniseals, I only have one, so at least a couple of days to get that. I also need to cut the bottom and glue the bubble chamber to it.

I'll post some pics tomorrow.

I don't know if anyone saw my other thread, but I got a pepperment shrimp and my cleaner shrimp was beating him up as soon as I put him in. The pep starting hiding behind a rock so I went to eat dinner. After dinner I was looking for the pep, and the cleaner was ripping at the pep, as I am reaching for a stick to chase the cleaner away, my Maroon came over and ripped the pep out of the grasp of the cleaner and fed it to my RBTA, who ate it whole.

It left me pretty shocked and now I don't know what to do with the cleaner, any ideas?

Keith

[got2lb]

Not sure if it would of helped but, it might have been better to add the pepperment after the lights went out.

[Stile2]

I might try to trade the cleaner in. He has gotten amazingly agressive, ripping food out of the RBTA. And bitting me pretty much everytime I put my hand in the tank.

[got2lb]

You could always get the Fry Daddy Out! :D

[rdmpe]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6502329#post6502329 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Stile2
...I don't know if anyone saw my other thread, but I got a pepperment shrimp and my cleaner shrimp was beating him up as soon as I put him in. The pep starting hiding behind a rock so I went to eat dinner. After dinner I was looking for the pep, and the cleaner was ripping at the pep, as I am reaching for a stick to chase the cleaner away, my Maroon came over and ripped the pep out of the grasp of the cleaner and fed it to my RBTA, who ate it whole.

It left me pretty shocked and now I don't know what to do with the cleaner, any ideas?

Keith
WOW that must have been pretty unbelievable to watch!

[Stile2]

Here is a shot of the skimmer so far. I have a little leak around the gasket and I need either to get the venturi up about two or three inches or build a better ventrui.

http://reeftank.zenmods.com/skimmer/skimmerfullshot.jpg

I am also having a problem with my UPS. We had a two or three minute power out and the tank power went down. Which is comfusing since it has a UPS on it.

I am working on that now.

Keith

[rdmpe]

Maybe if you build some sort of pump support you could just run the pump upside down and reverse the intake/output positions.

[Stile2]

The intake needs to be below the output or the intake will take in to many bubbles. But I was planning on something like that. I figure replumb until the pump is vertical and venturi is higher by about three inches.

I also need to rework the gasket a little to stop to few leaks.

Go thing I have today off.

Keith

[Stile2]

I re-plumbed the skimmer today and while the pump is no longer self priming, it works great.

Here is a pic of the replumbing.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/skimmer/newplumb.jpg

I positioned the venturi about 3 1/2" higher than it was.

Now I just have to get some more plastic bolts and that will solve the gasket issue.

Next plan is to start cooking some old LR it preparation for the new tank.

Keith

[gkarshens]

That looks really good. I am a DIY person but that is way beyond me!

[Stile2]

Thanks, but up close it isn't as nice as I would like it to be.
Some of the joints are pretty sloppy. Acrylic work is not one of my best skills yet.

I am actually considering having a local acrylic shop build my sump for me.

Good thing about the skimmer is it blows bunches of bubbles.

Keith

[boyer]

nice setup so far im reading along as well :)

[Stile2]

Boyer,

Thanks for the comments.

Well I finally got the last uniseal I need to finish the skimmer which will happen this weekend. Can I just say that I hate ordering from Aquatic Eco-Systems? Good company, but the shipping to California is outragous!! I ordered a couple of uniseals and shipping was $12!!!:eek:

It will go into a tupperware tub to start cooking some old dried LR.

Next up is the sump. Now that I know the footprint of the skimmer I can finalize the sump design. And given my lack of skill with acrylic I may ask my local acrylic guy to help build it. It will cost a bit more but I would be sure to get a good unit.

More this weekend.

Keith

[Stile2]

I tried to capture my cleaner shrimp and trade him in at the LFS, but couldn't manage to get him. How to people go about catching a shrimp?

Any ideas are welcome!

Keith

[kbmdale]

Shrimp are very difficult to trap. I have a peppermint that likes to get in the overflow box. even with nothing but a pipe in there it takes a few minutes to round him up. I have seen at the LFS he will take a piece of rock the shrimp is on and remove it from the water. The shrimp will jettison from the rock right before the part it is on comes out of the water. Its at that point you net him.

[gkarshens]

Does he ever come up and clean your hand? I think I could just grab mine. Almost every time I put my hand in the tank he jumps on and starts cleaning me. If not, mine loves Mysis as well, you could try a trap.

[Stile2]

Well, finally another update and I actually got some stuff done.

I have had a busy couple of weeks with everything but the tank. I had a computer melt done to the point of simply buying a new computer, so that was fun, not:mad2: :mad2:

So on with the update.

First, the cleaner shrimp is still in my 29 gallon. I got another peppermint, about equal size to the cleaner. Took more time on acclimation and feed the cleaner and clown before putting in the new one. He is slowly eating the aptasia, but stays hidden most of the time.

Got the skimmer finished and it is now in my fish closet in a tupperware with rock. I put in one rock from the 29 to seed the rest.

Tapping the final holes to attach the top
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/skimmer/tapping.jpg

Here is the skimmer finished in the tupperware, being feed with q QuietOne 3000 dialed back quite a bit.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/skimmer/skimmerfin.jpg

Rocks in the tupperware brewing away. Yes I am using Saranwrap as a lid right now.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/skimmer/rockscooking.jpg

Lots of bubbles.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/skimmer/bubbles.jpg

No foam as of yet, but it needs a break in period.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/skimmer/foam.jpg

I am thinking about redesigning the skimmer. With a wider flange, redesign the collection cup so I can put a tube into the bottom to go to a waste container.

I also painted the back of the aquarium, pics later.

Keith

[Stile2]

I finished painting the back of the tank. I painted it with Krylon Fusion. Took a couple of coats.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/blackback.jpg

Next is the sump. I will be talking to a guy about that this week.

Keith

[Stile2]

Here is a drawing of the latest sump design. The most my tank could possible drain with power out is 6.9 gallons and the sump can hold 7.9 gallons to the top.

http://reeftank.zenmods.com/skimmer/sump2.JPG

any comments welcome.

Keith

[melev]

The return area appears to be very small. With an auto top off it may work out okay, as long as the return pump doesn't suck it dry trying to fill the tank up enough to start more water draining.

Tiny sumps are always difficult.

[Stile2]

It will have an auto top off, as discussed earlier in the thread. It will have three float switches, one to turn on the RODI, one to turn off the RODI and a third as an emergency shut off.

The RODI will turn on at about 7" of water in the return, or 1.9 gallons, and shut off at 12" of water, or 3.2 gallons. I am pretty sure that will work out.

I agree that a sump this small has been the hardest thing to think about. I am still trying to figure out how to install the pump to the chiller.

Is it possible to have two pumps in series? Both QuietOne 3000's, one as the return and plumb the reutrn to the chiller and the other pump pumping the water back.

Not sure if that would work just starting thinking about it.

I may just bite the bullet and drill the side of the sump for the chiller pump.

Thanks for reading.

Keith

[melev]

That skimmer looks sharp! I didn't see that the first time I clicked to your thread, so congrats. Hopefully it will break in and work well, after all that work.

Yes, you can have multiple sumps in series, plumbed together.

[Stile2]

Thanks for the comment on the skimmer, but I already would do things differently. LOL

Any idea how to figure out the gph with pumps in series? Does gph stay the same and possible head increase?

Any pump experts out there?

Keith

[melev]

Oh, I thought you said sumps, not pumps. That one I can't answer. I prefer to reduce the amount of stuff pulling power if at all possible.

[gkarshens]

That skimmer looks great! Want to make me one??? :D

[Stile2]

Thanks, Gabriel

We'll see if it breaks in nicely and starts foaming.

Keith

[gkarshens]

What are using for bubble production?

[Stile2]

Homemade venturi with an Ocean Runner 2700.

Works pretty well.

Keith

[Stile2]

So I have been thinking about the sump design and layout.

Then I thought that it is only 15 ft from the tank location to the new garage (when it gets built in the next couple of months), each way. And I was going the run pumping through the crawl space to the new garage for the chiller anyway.

Why not run the pumping for the sump and everything in the garage? And I can use two 40-50 gallon rubbermaid troughs for sump and fuge, plus maybe one more for the return. Just need to figure out bubble traps and such.

I would run 2" drain and 1" return. My quietone 3000 just not going to cut it at that point, so I am looking for a new pump.

I need about 1000 gph, roughly an Iwaki 55RT.

In all of your opinions what is the best pump for the money in that range?


Thanks
Keith

[xtrstangx]

I'd look for a good used pressure rated pump. Sequence has really nice Pressure rated pumps and Pan-world has good ones too. I am not sure if the flow rates on the Pan-world are high enough to get the flow you need.

I wouldn't buy a cheap return pump. If it breaks/leaks, then it will drain your tank quite a bit and make a huge mess. Might as well buy a good one now.

[Stile2]

xtrstangx,

I absolutely agree! And I will probably go with a new one. Just need to do more research into which pump would be best.

Keith

[got2lb]

I've heard alot of good things about the panworld pumps. I know a guy using one in his stand and it's quieter than my Magdrive is submersed.

[Stile2]

got2lb,

That's definately good to hear.

Thanks
Keith

[Stile2]

Well I am definately going to plumb to the garage and set up two 70 gallon Rubbermaid Stock Tanks. One as a Fuge and the other as a Skimmer and return section. I have also pretty much decided that I'll go with the Pan World 150ps pump for the return.

Only one snag to my plan. The garage that I am going to plumb to isn't built yet. :D Ok, ok, you're thinking that I'm crazy. But the plans are drawn we are just waiting on the contractor. (I think I mentioned before that we were remodeling our house, right?)

So in the mean time I am going to use two 11 gallon plastic tubs under the tank and run the return with a Quiet One 3000.

Which means that I should be water testing this weekend and working on the wood skin for the stand very soon.:bounce1: :bounce2: :bounce3: :dance:

I can hardly wait to get water in this thing.

Its only been like 9 months.

Stay tuned I will post plans for the under tank plumbing and garage plumbing, along with pics of the water test.

Keith

[melev]

If you are building a new garage, you can definitely incorporate a fishroom in those plans, and still leave enough room for parking. Your stuff could be built in a way to let you do some really neat stuff, with cubby holes and more.

[Stile2]

That's definatley the plan, I hope to include a frag tank, space for a QT (although I have to becareful with that as it would not be hooked up to the chiller, so I would only be able to run it at certain times of the year).

I converted our coat closet into a mini fish room a while back. Not really for equaipment but for storage of random fish stuff, plus brewing Phyto, etc. So when I proposed the idea to the wife I made sure to mention that she would get her coat closet back. Needless to say she now more excited about giving up some space in the garage!!

Keith

[Stile2]

Well, I had a slight mishap with my current 29 gallon last night.

I turned off the return pump to feed, and about 10 minutes later my wife and I heard that tell tale sound of water trickling. She looks at me and we both say "What's that?":eek:

I dive toward the tank and see water running out the cabinet door. I look up at the water surface and notice the water level is getting lower than the overflow. I switch the return pump back on and everything goes back to normal.

I know that I am going to get blasted for this, but I am still using a check valve to stop a siphon when the return pump is off.

It lasted over a year :D

Well you have probably guessed what I will be doing tonight :D

Take water out, drill hole in return, put water back in!!

Just thought I would reenforce what I have always heard, check valves fail eventually.

Keith

[MacnReef]

Ok, so its obvious...you don't need to show off....we all know now that you have every tool available to man.:lol:

Great job! I cut a 29 like you did and after two weeks of running...CRACK!!!! So, good luck!

Mike

[Stile2]

I also did a 29 this way and its been up for over a year, so far no problems, except for the check valve.

I have cut the weir on the one end not the back, the shorter span of glass is quite a bit stronger than the longer span.

As far as the tools go, I have a few things, not nearly the shop I would like to have. But the good thing is whatever I don't have my Dad does!!!



I do have a question, has anyone used uniseals on a tupperware? Or does the unisea need more meat in the wall to work?


Thanks
Keith

[H20ENG]

I used some Uni's on a rubbermaid trash can- worked fine. Make sure the holesaw is not wobbly so it stays tight.

A tip: If a uniseal leaks, remove it and wrap teflon tape around it about 5-6 turns, then try again. Eventually the super thin tape will build up to the perfect thickness and the pliable tape will seal your Uniseal. :D You can also shim it up with some gasket material, acrylic, whatever. Just make a ring that the Uni fits into. Even 1/8" will get you to the bigger flare at the bottom.

Also, 2 pumps in series will have the same flow rate at twice the pressure. You were right.:)

[Stile2]

Cool, thanks for the info about the pumps and the uniseals. I should have test water in my new tank this weekend.

Keith

[reefarchitect]

Just curious as I may have missed it, besides a few SPS up high, what are you planning on keeing in this tank?

Looks good so far and dont worry about how long it's taken, I've had an empty 180 sitting in my dinning room for almost 4 months. If it's not done soon, my wife will have me sleeping in it :D :D

[Stile2]

Pretty much a true mixed reef. clams, some sps, a few lps, a few fish.

To be honest I really haven't planned out a stock list yet. My local LFS isn't to well stocked and shipping corals and fish just seems SO expensive. I should really start thinking about it.

Any cool suggestions (with pics)?

Keith

[melev]

So you drilled a couple of anti-siphon holes in each return?

[Stile2]

Yup, did it last night on the 29 gallon. Couldn't take the chance on a 3-4 gallon flood on my wood floors.

Keith

[Stile2]

So the plan for the weekend.

1) Join the two tupperware sump/fuge together with 2" pvc and uniseals

2) Put the tank on the stand in the garage

3) the closed loop plumbing

4) The drain and return plumbing

5) Fill tank with tap water and test for leaks.

6) after it tests ok for leaks I will pull the skimmer from the rocks and increase the output pipe from the skimmer to 1 1/4" to get more through put

7) run the plumbing through the skimmer

8) let the system run for several days and test for any problems


I think I have a idea how to reduce bubbles, using part of Randy's dual tupperware bubble trap and an isolation of the return input.

Well see this weekend. Good thing it is a three day.

Next thing on the list is the wood work around the stand. Then move it inside.

Keith

[Stile2]

So question time for all the lighting experts out there, at least more experienced than me.

During the whole setup and buying of things, I knew that I would be short on light. Currently I have 4 x 55 watt PC 10k, and 2 x 95 watt VHO actinic, which totals at 410 watts over a 77 gallon tank, or 5.324 watts per gallon. My tank is also 22.25" deep so I am a little worried about penetration.

As a result I got a wild hair, and started looking at MH.

Man is that stuff confusing:confused:

What is the difference between regular ballasts, Pulse Ballasts, EYE ballasts?

Now all of these are PFO. Is IceCap better or worse than PFO? If so, how much?

I figure I will go with 2 x 250 watt 14k. How do people feel about 14k? I read that the 20k are bluer.

The icecap would run $506 for Marine Depot, and the PFO would run $437.

What I would end up with is 2 x 250 w MH 14k, 2 x 55 w PC 10k and 2 x 95 w actinic, total of 800 watts, or 10.389 watt/gal. Is that overkill or under or just about right?

What would you guys and gals suggest?

Thanks for the Recommendations,
Keith

[Stile2]

Also what do you guys and gals think of the MH retrofit setups from Hello lights?

Here is a link (http://www.hellolights.com/25methalbalk.html)

Total here even when getting the 14k bulbs from Marine Depot would be $340 instead of $506.

Opinions?

Keith

[MacnReef]

I really like ARO ballasts and I think those kits are great!

Mike

[rdmpe]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6701933#post6701933 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Stile2
So the plan for the weekend.

1) Join the two tupperware sump/fuge together with 2" pvc and uniseals

2) Put the tank on the stand in the garage

3) the closed loop plumbing

4) The drain and return plumbing

5) Fill tank with tap water and test for leaks.

6) after it tests ok for leaks I will pull the skimmer from the rocks and increase the output pipe from the skimmer to 1 1/4" to get more through put

7) run the plumbing through the skimmer

8) let the system run for several days and test for any problems


I think I have a idea how to reduce bubbles, using part of Randy's dual tupperware bubble trap and an isolation of the return input.

Well see this weekend. Good thing it is a three day.

Next thing on the list is the wood work around the stand. Then move it inside.

Keith Plan for the weekend?? You mean plan for the month of February, right? :eek:

On the 14K question, I started out with Ushio 10K DE lamps. They were very bright white but did not seem yellowish to me personally. When I switched to Pheonix 14K I felt that they were much more blue. More so than I expected. And obviously less overall brightness to me. I am planning to swap one back for a 10K and look at the tank with a 14K at one end and a 10K at the other for comparison. Haven't done that yet though since I want to finish my rockwork first... My advice is to spring for both lamp temperatures and then just hang on to the ones you like least as "emergency backups". At least that's how I justified it to myself :D (didn't have to justify it to the wife, what she doesn't know won't hurt me) :lol:

Can't help you with the ballast types and such.

Looking forward to some pictures of your fuge/sump setup!

[Stile2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6711685#post6711685 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rdmpe
Plan for the weekend?? You mean plan for the month of February, right? :eek:

Looking forward to some pictures of your fuge/sump setup!

Actually most of the steps in the plan are really small and simple, but I usually bite off more than I chew, habit :D

Thanks for the advice on the bulbs, but I can really only afford one set right now. So we will see.

Thanks Mike for the ARO ballast input. To save $160 would be nice!! :)

I will take lots of pics of the process and testing setup.

Keith

[MacnReef]

IMO ARO is equal to IceCap. Good luck man, can't wait to see it running.

Mike

[gkarshens]

I'm not sure if you followed my MH lighting quest in my thread, but the best deal IMO was found at www.DIYreef.com. I got their retro kits with the Icecap upgrade. I also bought the XM 15K bulbs because they were on sale. I have been very happy with them. I think the color is just right. I hear that the XM's can have a lot of variation in color between bulbs so maybe I was just lucky. HTH

[MacnReef]

gkar...well, XM has gotten a little better since they first started. Heck I got one of the first batches that had bad seals.

Plus, the XM15K has a low par compared to other bulbs on the market with similar color.

Mike

[gkarshens]

I figured that was the case, but money was a huge factor for me at the time. Actually it's a huge factor for me all the time! :D

[MacnReef]

It's always a huge factor for me too.:D

Mike

[Stile2]

Gabriel,

I have been following your thread, but I may have glossed over the MH section, as I have just started to consider them. I'll go back and do some reading.


I right there with you guys on the HUGE factor!! :D :D
Thanks
Keith

[melev]

If you have all actinic PC bulbs now, then I would suggest 10,000K bulbs. 250w SE are easier to work with, and typically cost less.

I've used Ushio, XM, Plus and ReefLux. <b>Ushio</b> is more yellow to me; <b>XM</b> and <b>ReefLux</b> are affordable and look good; <b>Plus</b> is pure garbage I wouldn't even give away.

There are different ballasts, such as Pulse and Probe start. Whatever you choose, you have to get the bulbs that match it. I have used PFO and IceCap ballasts. PFO are magnetic and hum. The IceCap Electronic ballasts run cooler, are small and silent, and will light almost any bulb you buy. IceCap has a excellent reputation for customer service, so I am more inclined to do business with them.

[Stile2]

My PC bulbs are 10k and my VHO are actinic so I was thinking about the 15k XM's.

Thanks for the advise on bulbs and ballasts, Marc. I like the deal from DIYReef.com with IceCap ballasts and the 15k XM bulbs for $139 and $57.

Do you guys think that 800 watts total would be overkill for a 77 gallon display?

Thanks
Keith

[melev]

It sounds like you'll have plenty of light. Mushrooms will cower in fear. :D

I've never had a 15,000K bulb, but odds are with that you won't need actinics.

[Stile2]

Well I did it. I just ordered 2 x 250 watt icecap ballast with the 15k XM bulbs from DIYReef.com (http://diyreef.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=64&products_id=83).

Thanks for all the advice guys. This is definately one of the main reason why I like being on RC. The collective experience on here is amazing.

Keith

[tfetter]

I think you'll really like them.
Nice build up by the way.

[DaveAngie79]

just been reading your thread from start to finish. well almost skipped some things here and there, but wanted to say I am a newbie just starting in the hobby and learning quick, and its because of people like you give so much to read and just wanted to say thanks and good luck with this weekends projects. You have given me so many ideas for down the road projects. oh 2 250 MH should be just perfect with some acents just use plenty of fans with a canopy aleast 12-15" above water line

[Stile2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6714148#post6714148 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Mushrooms will cower in fear. :D

I've never had a 15,000K bulb, but odds are with that you won't need actinics.

Good thing I don't really love mushrooms :D

I think, at least for the moment, that I will mount the 250's first, then add both the 110 w of PC's and 190 w of VHO and play with the bulbs for the latter two. Seeing is the test, I guess.

tfetter and DaveAngie,

Thanks for the compliments.

As far as lights were going I was trying to be cheap and get away with just PC and VHO total of 410 watts. I finally got it through my sometimes thick head that it just wasn't going to be enough. :D


Keith

[rjwilson37]

Very nice job, I can't wait to see some more of this setup.

[gkarshens]

Keith, that is the exact same set up I bought. I have been very happy with it. I am using a 40w Actnic 4' florescent as a supplement but mainly just for sunrise and sunset. I don't think it has any effect when the MHs are on. I think you will love them.

[Stile2]

RJ

Thanks, I can't wait to just get some water in it.

Gabriel,

That's good to hear. Like I said on the last page, I kept thinking I could cheap out on the lights. I think I'm going to glad I didn't.

Keith

[Stile2]

Quick update, going to be late for Tae Kwon Do

The tank is finally on the stand. Although still in the garage :D
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank2/tankonstand.jpg

Here is the end with the bulkheads installed. I am going to have to drill on of the drains from the overflow to 1 1/2" instead of 1", what with the new plan with the sump in the garage.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank2/bulkheads.jpg

Here is my idea for a bubble trap (tupperware style)
The inner baffle
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank2/intrap.jpg

The outer Baffle.http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank2/outtrap.jpg

The water will drain into the inner through the holes in the sides and be pushed down out the bottom hole in the outer.

We'll see if that actually works.

And finally the tupperware sump and fuge. The fuge is on the right with draining into the sump/skimmer area. The return will be all the way on the left and straight up.

More progress tomorrow.

Keith

[Stile2]

I forgot to post the picture of my temporary sump/fuge set up.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank2/tempsump.jpg

Like I said above the fuge is on the right side and the sump/skimmer section is on the left.

I water tested the sump setup and no leaks.

This was the second try. Yesterday I tried to cut the holes with my rotozip (didn't want to buy a hole saw). I got the holes a little off and it leaked like a sieve. So this morning I ran to Lowes got new tubs and a hole saw. You just have to have the right tool.:D :D

Tomorrow I have to run and get a few plumbing parts and I will plumb the drains, return and a simply version of the closed loop.

Have fun,

Keith

[melev]

:thumbsup:

Sorry you had to spend more money on bins just to figure out you needed the right bit.

[Stile2]

Fortunately they were only $15. Lesson learned for next time I think about faking it.:D

Keith

[Stile2]

Well, I learned a very valuable lesson today. DO NOT KEEP YOUR SPARE LIGHT BULBS ON A TOP SHELF!! :(

I reached for my OM Squirt, for the new tank, and two of my spare light bulbs fell. Lets just say that they didn't make. Good thing they were still in the boxes, or else I would probably still be cleaning up the glass.

Getting the plumbing done I'll post pics later today.

Keith

[Stile2]

I forgot to mention.

I downloaded the first two ReefCast shows to listen to on my Dell mp3 player. Really funny and informative. :D :D

I now know that I need a Phosban reactor!!

Thanks to Marc and Evan for putting the time and effort into the show. I personally think it is going to be huge.

If you haven't listened yet click here (http://www.reefcast.com/index.php)

Have fun,

Keith

[Stile2]

Got some major progress done today.

Here is a picture of both drains (white with red handles) the far one goes to the skimmer and sump and the close one goes to the fuge. You can also see the input to the CL going down to the pump and up to the OM Squirt.

http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank2/majorplumbing.jpg

Here is a better picture of the drain to the fuge. The pipe coming from behing the CL pump is the skimmer/sump drain.

http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank2/fugedrain.jpg

Here is a close up of the OM. I couldn't finish the rest of the inputs from the OM to the tank. Ran out of 3/4" pvc and 3/4" 90 degrees. :(

http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank2/omsquirt.jpg

Here is one of the two inputs from the CL the I got done.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank2/oneomfeed.jpg

Each of the inputs (except the one from the CL that enters on the lower back) will enter at a 45 degree. I am going to replace the white PVC with clear during the final set up.

http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank2/oninput.jpg

So I hopefully will have test water in the tank tomorrow. I may shoot some video of the OM working.

It sure is nice to finally made some progress on this tank.

Thanks for all the help so far guys,

Keith

PS If you haven't listen to the Podcast's on ReefCast.com you should soon. (Plug, Plug)

[Stile2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6414735#post6414735 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Cprowler
And the Mexican Turbo's eating it.

http://www.zld.ca/reef/mts.jpg


From several pages back. I got two more Mexican Turbos for the sump in my 29 gallon and all, and I mean all, of the pink cotton candy algae is GONE :bounce1: :bounce3: :bounce2: :dance:

I will be finishing up the CL and return plumbing today and putting test water in the tank. I will take some video and post it later.

Keith

[Stile2]

I finished the temporary return and the closed loop today.

And there is water in my tank!! Yeah!

I ran out of time to shoot video. I will later.

Keith

[gkarshens]

Good job. It is really coming together now!

[xtrstangx]

Try running it full of water (with the sump), like you would normally running it with SW.

Then turn off your return pump.. Does your tank drain out from you CL not being "closed"? Or does it just drain to the lowest level return from the CL?

[Stile2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6735466#post6735466 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xtrstangx
Try running it full of water (with the sump), like you would normally running it with SW.

Then turn off your return pump.. Does your tank drain out from you CL not being "closed"? Or does it just drain to the lowest level return from the CL?

I not sure I know what you mean Closed loop not closed. Mine is a closed system. I do need to drill one more siphon hole in the return just to be sure.

I ran the closed loop and the return from the sump for about three hours today. No leaks no problems.

I am not as excited about the velocity coming out of the closed loop as I would like to be. If I reduce the 3/4" outlets to 1/2" will that increase the velocity?


Thanks guys,

Keith

[Stile2]

Anyone have a suggestion as to what pump I should use on my CL? Right now I have a QuietOne 3000, but it is just not putting out the kind of flow that I would like.

It is coming out the bottom of the back of the tank and down to the pump, then up to the OM Squirt. One output from the OM is going down to the back, and the other three are going over the top of the tank.

The QuietOne 3000 has 1" input and output, so I have 1" going in to the pump and reducing the 1" coming from the pump to 3/4" into the OM.

I would prefer not to run a bypass, so not over 1300 gph.

I was thinking about QuietOne 5000, or Pan World 50PX-X?

What are your thoughts?

Thanks
Keith

[goodblasson]

Awesome system. Tagging along for the ride.

[MacnReef]

Tonight or tomorrow I am going to drill my 58g Oceanic just for the heck of it. If it works, I will keep it, if not, in the trash it goes. I am going to drill holes in the back for a closed loop...any suggestions on starting. I seen earlier where you moved the bit around or something to start the drilling. Any further instructions?

Mike

[Stile2]

I shot a short video of my closed loop tonight. I lowered the water so that it would pull air down from the surface just so we could see the air bubbles.

Link to Video (http://reeftank.zenmods.com/mpegs/ClosedLoop_0001.wmv)

The bubbles only get pulled about half way down the height of the tank. I am silly for thinking that it should be a bit more powerful?

Any recommendation on a different pump. Right now I am running a QuietOne 3000 780 gph.

MacnReef,

I will post a detailed description of my drilling technique tomorrow morning.

Keith

[got2lb]

I would go with the Panworld pump. They are way quiet and made to run external. Should help keep some of the heat out of the water!

[gkarshens]

I like the big fish that swims into view right at the end! ;)

[got2lb]

Are you planning on keeping SPS or Softies/LPS. Sand bed or Barebottom? After watching the video if you're going with Softies/LPS I would just leave the pump on it that you have.

But if you're going SPS or barebottom def. get a bigger pump!


Edit: Just thougt you'd like to know that there is a head of a little girl floating around in your tank! :D

Cute kid! :D

[Stile2]

That's Hannah, she's 3 and one of the three loves of my life. The of two are Mary, my wife, and Nick who's 6.

I would like to go with a mixed reef, some LPS near the bottom and SPS, Zoas, etc up on the rocks.

I plan on about 1/2" to 1" worth of sand/crushed coral on the bottom. Just don't like how the BB looks.

When I move the sump and stuff out to the garage I was planning on the Pan World so two might make sense.

Thanks
Keith

[chocolateblnt]

Damn ... your like the martha stewart of reefing ... great craftsmanship :D

[acroporid23]

cool

[Stile2]

MacnReef,

Here is my technique for drilling glass.

1. I plot a drawing on my CAD program of the hole or slot that I am drilling, then print it full size. Cut out the shape.

2. Draw the shape on the glass with a Sharpie Marker.

3. I run around the shape with the rotozip (using the TC1 bit) lightly to etch the drawing into the glass. The reason for this is that Sharpies don't stay on glass after you start pouring water on it.

http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/Cuttingbit.jpg

This pic shows the tracing of the hole with the bit.

4. As in the above picture. I concentrate on one area about 1/4" long and slowly go back and forth until I get all the way through. Then slowly work my way around the tracing using an up and down motion, almost like I'm sawing my way through. I don't push to hard, just let the bit do the cutting.

5. The most important thing to remember while doing this is use lots and lots of water. I personally use a spray bottle, that way I can direct the water exactly on the bit. Basically one squirt for every movement of the bit.

Also remember that the thicker the glass the easier this is. People tend to want to try it out on a cheap 10 gallon tank, but the thin glass breaks really easily.

HTH

Keith

[Stile2]

MacnReef,

Here is my technique for drilling glass.

1. I plot a drawing on my CAD program of the hole or slot that I am drilling, then print it full size. Cut out the shape.

2. Draw the shape on the glass with a Sharpie Marker.

3. I run around the shape with the rotozip (using the TC1 bit) lightly to etch the drawing into the glass. The reason for this is that Sharpies don't stay on glass after you start pouring water on it.

http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank/Cuttingbit.jpg

This pic shows the tracing of the hole with the bit.

4. As in the above picture. I concentrate on one area about 1/4" long and slowly go back and forth until I get all the way through. Then slowly work my way around the tracing using an up and down motion, almost like I'm sawing my way through. I don't push to hard, just let the bit do the cutting.

5. The most important thing to remember while doing this is use lots and lots of water. I personally use a spray bottle, that way I can direct the water exactly on the bit. Basically one squirt for every movement of the bit.

Also remember that the thicker the glass the easier this is. People tend to want to try it out on a cheap 10 gallon tank, but the thin glass breaks really easily.

HTH

Keith

[MacnReef]

Thanks! I have actually done this before with my 29 but I only cut out the weir and like I said, it ended up breaking after about 2 weeks of the tank running.

Now I feel comfortable trying it on my 58 when I get home. I bought two of those bits yesterday as that is exactly what I used in the past.

Mike

[Stile2]

Make sure that you have no sharp corners. The sharp corners can concentrate the stress and lead to cracking.

Good Luck
Keith

[MacnReef]

Ok, do you recommend using any sort of sanding on the cut?

Mike

[Stile2]

I didn't on my weir cut or my holes but if you got a good sized diamond bit, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea. The rotozip bit tends to cut pretty rough.

Keith

[MacnReef]

Yeah I remember it being rough but I don't have a sanding bit was just looking for a suggestion.

Thanks!
Mike

[acroporid23]

u guys are way to brave lol

[Stile2]

Well I ordered a Pan World 100PX-X 1270 gph for my closed loop. I may need to plumb in a bypass for the OM Squirt, but we'll see. I also ordered a Pan World 200PS for the return pump that I will save for when I move the sumps out to the garage. The 200 PS is rated for 1750 gph with 39' worth of head. I figure that will give me about 1200-1300 gph. I can always dial it back a bit if I need to.

Keith

[MacnReef]

Hey, I drilled my 58!!! One hole for a 2" bulkhead and four holes for 1" bulkheads...now I gotta get some bulkheads and see if it holds water!

Mike

[Stile2]

Cool, it really surprised me after a couple of holes how easy it really is.

Keith

[xtrstangx]

Doh, nevermind. I guess it was a long day when I posted. I thought one of the drains on your overflow fed your closed loop.

You should be good as far as your plumbing on what I can see. Forget about my comment..

[Stile2]

I need an ID of a very bad crab.

These are the only pictures I could get of him.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/Pictures2/crab.jpg

I know that he is a bad guy because I saw him pull two hermits into his cave at the same time.

http://reeftank.zenmods.com/Pictures2/crabhermits.jpg

I did manage to save the hermits. I got a pair of dissection scissors and pulled the hermits out of the cave.

Anybody know what this guy is. I have tried to trap him but he won't came out of that cave. I am almost ready to break the rock into rubble in a bucket and get rid of him that way.

Keith

[reefarchitect]

Looks like a pic posted in another thread; It was eating corals in that tank. I Wish I had a link to the thread. Nonetheless, I have a pretty good method for getting him out. If you can get the rock out of the water, pour some seltzer water down the hole he is in. The PH will drive him out and you wont have to trash the rock, or kill lasrge quantities of life in the process.

Good luck

[melev]

This might be wrong, but you might look up Teddy Bear Crab. I'll google it now.

[reefarchitect]

Here is a pic of a Teddy Bear Crab, just a little different than the pic above

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/87111teddy_bear.jpg

Good luck getting him out :eek1:

[Stile2]

Everything I've read about the Teddy Bear Crab says that it is Peaceful and Reef Safe. I fear that it might be a Gorilla Crab.

http://reeftank.zenmods.com/Pictures2/gorillacrab.jpg

Mine has the sparse hair like the picture above. And I have seen him attack hermits and snails. I have been losing snails for a while now.

I have been trying to trap him but no luck yet. I may try the seltzer thing if I can't trap him.

I will be using this rock in my new set up and I really don't want him in my new tank.

Keith

[reefarchitect]

Just to qualify my earlier post, I have used the seltzer method to expel more than one pest from my tanks in the past.

Good luck to both of you

[acroporid23]

i would say gorilla crap the other one doesnt really match

[Stile2]

Goodblasson, Chocolateblnt, & Acroporis23,

Thanks for the compliments. The setup has taken me a while, but it looks like it is coming together.

I'm not sure how to take the Martha comment, but thanks for the craftmanship comment :D :D :D

The new CL pump is coming in today. So I will hook that up Friday evening and shoot some more video. Saturday I'm going to the local SouthWestern Coral Farmers Market.

Here's a link. (http://www.sw-cfm.com/)

I will post pictures of the up coming woodwork.

PS The new MH set up should be here tomorrow.

Keith

[melev]

Keith, that is quite an exciting event. Talk about a lot of cool stuff and support for a full day of activity. I showed the link to our club's members.

[Stile2]

Marc,

I am pretty excited about going, it will be my first big event like this since being in the hobby. I will be taking my camera and will take lots of pictures. I will post a few of the good ones.

Got my CL pump yesterday, MH lights should be in today.

Keith

[Stile2]

After several days of ISP problems, my connection would simply go dead for no reason, then come back and go away. Seems to be working this morning though.

I installed my new CL pump, Pan World 100PX-X, 1270 gph, about the same as Iwaki 40RLXT. Below is a link to a new video of the CL working. The beginning of the video is just the CL, no return, so the water is pulling bubbles from the surface to show the force and direction. The middle is a close up view of one outlet of the CL. Then with the return running the fuge first then the sump showing microbubbles, I say not many.
Then I show the surface, this is what I was looking for. Nice surface ripples just from the CL.

Link to Video (http://reeftank.zenmods.com/mpegs/CL2movie.wmv)

I also went to my first Coral Farmers Market on Saturday. I bought 12 frags. I will take some pictures this morning and post later.

Keith

[got2lb]

Looks like you picked the right pump for the CL for the flow anyway! :D How quiet is it?

Keep an eye on the bulkheads on the sterilite containers. I did the same thing and the containers started splitting where I drilled the holes. Luckily I was just FW testing it when i noticed it. I ended up using an old 55gal. tank someone had laying around.

[Stile2]

The Pan World is definately louder than the QuietOne 3000, but a lot more flow. Although it is still not to bad. I need to replace one part of the plumbing with spa flex and I think that will make the pump a little bit more quiet.

Thanks I will definately keep an eye on the tubs.

Keith

[Stile2]

I took some pictures of my new corals. Right now they are in my 29 gallon under PC lights so they are not coloring up. I am also leaving they on their stands and nothing is glued down. I want to set up the 77 gallon then glue all my pieces down after the aquascaping.

Please understand that I am terrible with names so I don't really now the names of anything. ID's would be appreciated.

Cool purplish pink thing.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newfrags/Pink1.jpg

Brain (I think)
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newfrags/brain1.jpg

Different Brain (Open Brain?)
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newfrags/brain2.jpg

Green thing in the foreground and Ricordia (spelling?) just behind it.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newfrags/green1.jpg

Two Montipora caps. The top one didn't come out very well. It is brown with green spots (polyps)
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newfrags/montipora.jpg

The guy called this a Pink Bird's Nest.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newfrags/pink2.jpg

I got these pink Zoa's and an Urchin from a local reefer who was taking his tank down. They are in pretty rough shape. We'll see.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newfrags/pinkzoos.jpg

The front one is half way between green and yellow, the one right behind it is purple.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newfrags/purple1andyellow.jpg

The last two, front one is white with purple polyps, and the rear one is called Purple Grape something.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newfrags/white1.jpg

The show was definately fun.

Keith

[Stile2]

I just hit page 10!! WooHoo!!

Keith

[melev]

Cool purplish pink thing. <b> Pink Pocillopora</b>
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newfrags/Pink1.jpg

Brain (I think) <b>Acanthastrea</b> (Acan for short)
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newfrags/brain1.jpg

Different Brain (Open Brain?) <b>Favia</b>
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newfrags/brain2.jpg

Green thing in the foreground and Ricordia (spelling?) just behind it. <b>Maybe Psammacora (need better picture) & you spelled it right</b>
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newfrags/green1.jpg

Two Montipora caps. The top one didn't come out very well. It is brown with green spots (polyps) <b>Looks right</b>
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newfrags/montipora.jpg

The guy called this a Pink Bird's Nest. <b>Yep</b>
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newfrags/pink2.jpg

I got these pink Zoa's and an Urchin from a local reefer who was taking his tank down. They are in pretty rough shape. We'll see. <b>Hope they bounce back. When they open they may not be pink at all</b>
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newfrags/pinkzoos.jpg

The front one is half way between green and yellow, the one right behind it is purple. <b>A. millepora (maybe) & Tricolor acropora (maybe)</b>
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newfrags/purple1andyellow.jpg

The last two, front one is white with purple polyps, and the rear one is called Purple Grape something. <b>Don't know & maybe Montipora foliosa</b>
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newfrags/white1.jpg

[Stile2]

Thanks Marc

I can't remember names of people let alone corals.

Thanks again,

Keith

[xtrstangx]

Pictures don't work for me :(

[melev]

They are working now.

[xtrstangx]

Nope, I reloaded the page and they didn't load. I also tried going straight to the picture:
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newfrags/Pink1.jpg

and that didn't work either.

[melev]

Maybe they are in my cache folder. Come on over and you can see the pictures on my monitor. :D

Btw, I've not seen Strange Brew in two decades, but that was one great movie. ;)

[Stile2]

I have been having some issues with my web space provider. They got sold to another company and have been spotty ever since. I may move providers.

Should be back in a bit.

Keith

[melev]

Who are you with? What does it cost you? How much space and bandwidth are you allowed?

[Stile2]

I was with Netbunch.com but they got bought out by Wehostplus.com. It seems that every time one place gets bought out I have problems.

I pay $20 per year for 100 Mb, I am not sure of the bandwidth.

Who do you use? I would at this point be willing to change.

Keith

[melev]

I've been with ipowerweb.com for the past few years. It always costs me $96 a year, but I've had a very good experience with them. I'd say for the year they are online 99% of the time. There have been a few hours that my site would go down, maybe 4 times a year, usually late at night.

For that price, I get 2000 megs of space and 250gigs of bandwidth. I was just checking, and I'm at 84gigs of usage this month. And I'm just asking because I never know if anyone does it: If you'll include my email address when you sign up (and if a total of three people do it during 12 months), the following year is free. It's never happened, but maybe it will one year. It is part of the referral program I only found out about last December. :rolleyes:

The control panel has a ton of great features, if you want to really go all out. It is called Vdeck, and the statistics page that I like is awstats.

[Stile2]

Sorry about the pictures guys. I have had problems with my web hosting service. They got bought and the new company screwed up the file transfer, they transfered a two week old version of my site. I really hate dumb people!!

I will reupload all the pictures and video tonight. I am also going to get a new hosting service.

Tank Update.

CL and return have been running for about a week with test water in the garage. Only one problem. The input to the CL bulkhead has a very small leak. So I will drain the water and redo that.

I have gotten a bunch of stuff for the tank I will take pictures this weekend and post.

Keith

[Stile2]

Ok after much stress all the pictures and video are back up on a new server. Thanks melev. I went with ipowerweb.com. I signed up this morning and the website is already up and running. I am amazed how fast they did this. Great service so far.

Keith

[melev]

That's awesome!

[Stile2]

Not really an update but I got some goodies.

The CL pump installed. I will probably hang the pump by some wire instead of by the bulkheads.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank2/clpump.jpg

Here is the leak around the CL input bulkhead. I got a new one yesterday. I will fix it tomorrow.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank2/leak.jpg

MH lights, so cool!!:D
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank2/mhlights.jpg

I went ahead and got the return pump that I will use once the garage is built and I build the fish room out there. It is a monster. Pan World 200PS
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank2/returnpump.jpg

And finally a American Marine pH Controller. I will eventually have a calcium reactor.
http://reeftank.zenmods.com/newtank2/phcontroller.jpg

I have to work on the back room today, but I will work on the tank tomorrow.

Keith

[melev]

Please remember to remove the blue film in your reflector before lighting that bulb.

[Stile2]

LOL!!!:D :D

I lit one of the lights up today, yes I took off the blue flim.;) Man that thing is bright!!

I do have a question about the pH controller. melev, you said on one of the reefcasts, yes I actually listen to them, that pH monitors with a AC adaptor can read wrong because of interference. Is that also true with pH controllers?

Tomorrow I want ot fix the darn leak in the bulkhead. I don't really feel like I can start building wood stuff until that is done.

Keith

[melev]

The pH controller works fine plugged in, but the pH Pinpoint Monitor will give you a false reading at times. That is why I use the 9v battery instead.

[Stile2]

After watching my DIY skimmer run for almost a month. I am having to put the water level about 1/2" below the top of the riser to get any skimate and it is very wet skimate. I am not happy with the amount of bubble output.

So I order a Sedra 9000 yesterday, should be in today or tomorrow. I plan on running both the Sedra and the Ocean Runner. I have to be honest that I will probably rebuild the entire skimmer when I move the sumps to the garage. I will probably go with a 11" body (surprising how much cheaper 11" is vs. 12", its like half the price).


I also ordered a piece of soild PVC rod. From which I am going to make a better venturi. I will have pics of the process.

I got all the wood (probably not all but most, there are always last minute runs to HD) for the skin of the stand and canopy. I will start on the canopy this weekend. I'll get pics as always.


Have fun,

Keith

[Stile2]

I have a question my RBTA. I will get pics tonight but he has been deflated for a the last couple of months. He still eats like normal, but just won't get big anymore. I thought I was under feeding so I doubled his feeding schedule, no effect.

Then last night I noticed that a bristle worm was coming out from right next to the RBTAs foot. Could the worm be effecting the RBTA? Could this be the reason why he is not inflating? I have never had problems with Bristles worms.


Thanks
Keith

[melev]

It could be stealing any food right out of the BTA's mouth.

Check on the BTA late at night and see if it is inflated and happy in the darkness. Mine did that for a long time.

[Stile2]

Cool I'll check it out tonight.
Keith

[Stile2]

Well I have checked the RBTA at around 4:45 am, when I get up, and it was still deflated. I will try and check it around 1-2 am.

I am pretty sure I fixed the leak around the bulkhead. I replaced it with a new one and smeared silicone around the gasket and tighten it as much as I could. I am letting it dry and then we will see.

Keith

[melev]

Are you feeding it, and how much exactly and what kind of food? What is your nitrate level and salinity? Here's a great article if you've not read it already (I'm not one of the authors):

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/bubbletipanemones.htm