325 gal set up on a budget!!

[duhfactor]

Greetings!
I have been reading threads for over a year now, and believe it or not, haven't included myself in any of the discussion..primarily because of the sheer volume of information available on these forums.

I do need some personalized advise however. I have enjoyed a 75 gal reef set up for 2 years, and stumbled upon a great deal.
I have purchased what apears to be a 325 gal acrylic tank with all of the live rock, sand, fish, minnimal coral, filtration equipment, pumps, etc......all for 800.00!!!!!! It even came with an R/O unit. (already had one, but what the heck...)

Unfortunately, the individual wanted it out of his building asap, so I had to scramble to tear it down. In addition, I had just sold my home, and two weeks previous had moved my 75 gal tank over to my brother in laws, and it's full......so I had no real place to put the contents of the 325...... here's some pics.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/325%20gallon%20system/100_0040.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/325%20gallon%20system/100_0041.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/325%20gallon%20system/100_0038.jpg

I am in the process of building a new home, and have designed a separate room in the basement for equipment, and have a perfect spot upstairs for the tank. (I'm thinking of ripping off some of HOP's ideas...only he doesn't know it yet.....)

Does anyone recognize the manufacturer of this tank? It is 72" x32"x38" tall, has approx. 1" thick acrylic, and a central overflow with dual 1.5" bulkheads for drainage, and dual 1" return line bulkheads. I have built most of my equipment in the past, and will do so with this project, as well as my home, so progress may be slow. I'll post some pics of the tank now unloaded so it's easier to see, I have a ton of questions and will ask them soon.

Thanks,

Damon

[TCU Reefer]

$800 bucks? I'd say you got a deal.

[duhfactor]

TCU Reefer,
I'll list all the stuff I aquired with this system in the next day or two...you won't believe it. The guy who I purchased it from bought a building with this tank in it, and didn't know what to do with it.. He had a servicing company care for it. He is the brother of a guy my brother in law flies with as a pilot...Word got around that he didn't want it, and my brother in law called me......He wanted 1000.00 bucks for it, can you belive I had the guts to talk him down another 200.00 bucks!!! That was even before he threw in the RO/DI system......

Damon

[Hop]

Looks like a score! Congrats!

I'll be looking forward to the rebuild and I think Hop knows now:) And thanks I hope my little thread has been of some help... It was a huge learning experience for me and I'm still learning:thumbsup:

[Hop]

Oh yeah and even though you've been here around a year, it looks like you just started posting today...

SO...
<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

or at least welcome to posting on RC:D

[duhfactor]

Thanks HOP!
You have no idea how helpful your thread has been...I have so many questions for you.......I didn't want to derail your thread...so I patiently just watched and read.......What a great journey your project has been. I have a very similar situation in terms of the equipment room being in the basement, and I'm a little worried about how far the water has to travel to get back upstairs. I'm pouring concrete tomorrow after work, so won't be able to post pics of the equipment room until tuesday. How far in total does your water go from your return pump to the top of your tank?

Thanks,

D

[Hop]

Wow thanks. Don't worry about derailing it:) I've been neglecting to post for a while... Waiting for something to actually change, right now the coraline is just starting to take off and the few corals I have seem to be growing..

Anyway back to your project... Sounds like yours is more work:) In regards to your question, the total height is about 9 feet and the total pipe run I'm guessing is about 21'. I doubt you will have any of the troubles I expected as I had to go down and then back up 2', which called for a plumber friend to help with planning, venting and stuff. All and all it works so I can't complain. There are better, smarter people here to help, but if you need anything fire off a PM or I just subscribed to this thread...

[duhfactor]

HOP,
I'm going to measure the exact lateral run distance today, and do the best I can to measure the vertical height. I suppose it always can be done, just a matter of how big of pump I'm willing to run. I will post some pics of the sub rough plumming for the equipment room, showing the drains. I need to figure out a way to post a picture of the general layout of the house, as I'm planning a refugium placed above the tank in a closet behind the tank. It will then be gravity fed into the tank.....I'll post pictures hopefully soon.

Thanks,

D

[duhfactor]

The project has began with the house, this first pic shows the footings, and the second shows the picture of the sub-rough plumming for the fish tank equipment room. The drain in the floor will be for crisis management :eek1: and the drain up the wall will be for a sink for cleaning equipment, etc. :thumbsup:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/House%20Plans/100_0141.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/House%20Plans/cd7ad5a8.jpg

This picture shows a bigger view of the fish tank equipment room, which is to the side of the location the fish tank will be, only the fish tank will be up on the main floor. The second pic is of the same room, but with the floor poured. The grey circle on the floor is the floor drain covered in duct tape.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/House%20Plans/100_0300.jpg


http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/House%20Plans/100_0301.jpg


It's cold as heck in Utah right now.....check out the ice....Framers are supposed to start either this friday, or the latest next week. I can't wait!!!

[duhfactor]

The following picture is the main floor where the tank will be in the great room just on the other side of the closets. The Architect drew in several GFCI outlets. I plan on running at least (1) 20 amp circuit underneath the tank. Most of the electrical needs will be in the equipment room below.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/House%20Plans/100_0303.jpg

Here is a close up of where the tank will be. I plan on a gravity feed refugium located in the upper closet labeled "Linen". It will be built up on a shelf. Notice the outlets on the plan for up there. People have asked me why I would ever want so many outlets in the closets???? :confused:
I'm hoping to put a 4ft tank up there somehow as I already have PC lights set up for that size.
I prefer to pump water up to the refugium and let the critters gravity slide down into the main display tank..I've always wondered how many get chopped up in the pump when the refugium is placed under the tank...Any thoughts?

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/House%20Plans/FishTankPlanPic.jpg

And finally, a pic of the equipment room under the main floor. I hope that the distance to pump water isn't unreasonable, because I really would like to have the space to work, etc. etc.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/House%20Plans/100_0309.jpg

I'm still not sure which pump systems to use. I know that with the current overflows available on the tank, I should be able to flow around 2500 gph to the sump, and the rest I would like to set up on closed loops. Any thoughts on how much flow above that would be recommended? :hmm5:

I searched the forums for acrylic drilling info, but didn't find much. Anybody know if it's possible to safely drill larger holes for 2" bulkheads into an existing acrylic tank that's 1" thick? :hmm1:

Thanks for any help,

D

[Chaotic Reefer4u]

nice,good luck.

[CTS]

Wow what a house, that thing is massive. This is one thread that I will be following. Good Luck!!!

[corb66]

looks like you might have a nice view.

How many dedicated circuits are you going with?

[duhfactor]

CTS,
The picture makes it look bigger than it is........It's a rambler design, about 2600 sq. feet. It's funny, I asked the architect to make it 1800 sq. feet, but by the time I picked up the plans, it had grown to 2600.........then I could'nt live without the room, so thus it is. Oh well.

I can't wait, this coming week the framing should start, and thus the fish equipment room should be done.

Thanks,

D

[duhfactor]

Corb66,
I plan on (1) 20 amp circuit under the tank, perhaps (2). I'll have at least (2) 20 amp circuits in the closet overhead for the refugium, and I may plug the ballasts in the closet outlets for the metal halides and PC's. Down in the equipment room, I havent fully made up my mind. I do all my own electrical circuits, and will wire the house myself (second time doing this.....crazy enough I've actually built a home before and wonder why I put myself through it again......slow learner I guess). I'm struggling right now deciding how I want to set up my sump, skimmer box, water change system, etc. etc. I will likely have (3) 20amp circuits down there. I would like to position everything close to where the equipment will be, and I haven't fully designed that yet. I've been reading good threads regarding this issue, any Ideas? I'm considering trying a different skimmer design, one with inclined or rather partially horizontal reaction chambers. Check out this thread.....

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=6158393#post6158393

There is also a very good thread on skimmer tuning, so I'm toying with just building a nilsen design. It's proven, but labor intensive, which I don't mind.... Check it out.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=554786&perpage=25&highlight=How%20to%20drill%20acrylic&pagenumber=13

Thanks!

D

[GP]

Damon,
You run into deals like that once in a lifetime! Congrats. And yes, the foundation of your house looks deceiving. Definitely looks more than 2600.

[motoxracing782]

800, nice find

[duhfactor]

Unfortunately the weather has been bad here the last week, no new news yet. I'm looking for a good thread on drilling acrylic tanks----that is, thick 1" material. I've searched this forum, but can't seem to find it. I'm thinking about running approx. 2500 gph through the sump, skimmers, etc., and running another 5000-6000 gph in closed loops. I've gone through the calculators on the main page which has suggested ~ 4500 gph. Does anyone have a recommendation on how much flow would be ideal for this tank? I've read many threads who have insane flow.....but none who have a similar tank size and shape as mine. Any thoughts? :twitch:

D

[Hop]

I think you will want to throttle back the flow through the sump to 3 to 5 X the system volume. Otherwise you are going to have some serious microbubble issues. I over estimated my return pump and the 3000 + gph are causing some bubble issues. If I could do it over, I would get a smaller return pump and add either a second closed loop or a larger pump for the closed loop that I have.

Also drilling acrylic is pretty easy. Just take your time. I used a regular hole saw from the local hardware store. I just kept a bucket of cold water close by and cooled the bit periodically and cleaned out the teeth. My overflow cover is two 3/4" pieces glued together and it took my about 10 minutes to get each of the 1.5" holes punched into the 1.5" of material.

[duhfactor]

HOP,
Thanks, That sounds easy enough. I think I can do that. How do you like your OM 4 way? I've read threads on Pauls forum at OM, and it seems some people have had problems with water hammer when their OM changed ports as the internal drum rotates. Have you had any trouble with this? I'm designing the closed loops now, and would like to run OM 4-ways to create side to side water flow, or front to back...... :smokin:
I would like to create a push of flow and then receed back flow simulating what appears to be the natural flow of water in shallower ocean current. I really want to hide all the plumbing, so I'm playing with concealed PVC racks like NEXDOG, and eductors or penductors. Man, too many options! :reading:

Thanks for your help!
D

[duhfactor]

Well,
It's friggin' cold out here, and the framers have just started in the basement. In addition, my computer power supply croaked, so although I have a few pics of the equipment room, I can't put them up yet because of my weak laptop........Interesting, my wife misses the 75 gal tank that's over at my brother in laws, and suggests "why don't you just start getting a few things here and there so you can set it up right when we move in?" I'm like, "what did you say?" I've warned her about the "so called" budget not always working out....and she knows how I am anyway...So I need to start getting serious about pumps, lights, and how to build my skimmers. :dance: I've tried to draw my equipment room plans on turbo cad, but evidently I don't know what the heck I'm doing...Will keep trying.

Damon

[craftytony]

that is a great deal!

[BrianPlankis]

Fabulous deal, really would like a list of everything you got for $800.

B.

[Lordhelmet]

Damon1 I know where your moving. west side of the Salt lake valley right? isn't that SLC in the backround. Nice house and Killer deal. I also would like to know what you got for that $800.
And are you one of the "local" residence or a move in. i'm sure you know what i mean.:D

[duhfactor]

LordHelmet,
Your right, it's south west salt lake valley.....Actually Herriman, Ut. It's funny, you couldn't sell land there a few years ago...Now you can't buy it.......:worried:. I'm actually a local. You can almost see the house I grew up in from the earlier foundation pic. We do have a ton of move ins....As long as they're good folk, I don't mind non-locals moving in.....If you know what I mean. I love it here, fits my active lifestyle, but I think a lot of other people are thinking the same thing.......

Here is a list of what I scored on this deal:
*72" longX30"deepX38"tall acrylic tank with center overflow
*(2) 2" overflow bulkheads, and (2) 2" bulkheads for return lines
*250-300 # of live rock (tank makes the rock look small, but the rock filled about 15 five gallon buckets).
*4" deep worth of live sand
*(6) 34" power compact bulbs with ballasts, ends, etc.
*Acrylic sump 15"X36"
*wavemaker pro
*Aquazone ozone unit (red sea)
*Crappy skimmer
*filter bags
*(2) 120 watt ebager heaters
*Kent float valve
*(2) other misc pumps
*Iwaki WMD-40-RLXT pump
*Fans and surge protector
*RO/DI unit
*Fish.........Coral
2-clowns
1-yellow tang
1-sailfin tang
2-blue tangs
1-six line wrass
1-spotted mandarin
1-horned tang
Misc large red mushrooms
Misc polyps
Pink/purple sarcophyton

And a bunch of other fittings, stuff, and more little stuff......:D

Damon

[Lordhelmet]

once again great deal you got. I enjoy Utah a lot but i dont think i'll ever live there. both of my younger brothers go to school in happy valley, and one of them loves it he probably will become a local soon. oh well.

Will they continue to build throughout winte? I seam to remember them doing that when i lived in Idaho but not quite sure.

[duhfactor]

yea, they build year round (unless it snows heavy). I went up to the house today, and they've framed the equipment room outside walls.....I plan to post pics hopefully tomorrow. Have you read hops thread? ("addiction wins" http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=623983&perpage=25&pagenumber=1)
A real bummer to get rid of your tank after so much work.......I think I'm going to seriously have to think about energy conservation after seeing what he's gone through....

[kysmith]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6135115#post6135115 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TCU Reefer
$800 bucks? I'd say you got a deal.

yeah seriously you stole that thing haha

[Lordhelmet]

Energy was one of my biggest concerns when i set up my puny 55. I wanted it to be as cheap to run as well as cool because i didn't want to get a chiller. thats why i stuck with T-5's and power heads. the T-5's might not be realistic with your deep tank. You might look into a few tunze instead of a closed loop so you could take out that big pump. just my thoughts.

[BrianPlankis]

I think this is the best deal I've heard of ever. I once knew someone who got a 75 gallon setup free, but I think this still tops that. Heck, 250lbs of LR goes for around $3/lb here on a good day. That means you got the rest of the stuff for $50. WOW.

Looking forward to seeing the progress

Brian

[Lordhelmet]

yeah i'll double on the best deal iv'e ever seen on RC. I once saw a 150 with MH lights, skimmer, hood and stand for 500 once. but that was it. this is a full reef for 800. totally sweet.

[hdtvguy]

Great deal....:)

[duhfactor]

Hey guys,
I finally installed the new power supply for my computer...and holy cow, it worked. The framers are getting along pretty well now, here are a few shots of the tank equipment room framing.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/House%20Plans/100_0336.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/House%20Plans/100_0332.jpg

And I thought I'd add a few pics of my current 75 gal set up, with a peek at the DIY calcium reactor, and stuff under the stand. I wish I knew how to upload a video, I've got a few of those I could post.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/325%20gallon%20system/100_0366.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/325%20gallon%20system/100_0365.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/325%20gallon%20system/100_0356.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/325%20gallon%20system/100_0354.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/325%20gallon%20system/100_0357.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/325%20gallon%20system/100_0311.jpg

Thats a load of pics....

D

[Lordhelmet]

that candycane is HUGE! :eek2:

[BrianPlankis]

WOW, nice pics. What kind of starfish is that? What does it eat?

Brian

[brianemone]

awesome big house, looks like a nice neighbourhood, spent a few months in utah (provo) nice place, good people.

wouldnt mind moving there once the kids get abit older.

The new tank looks like its in great condition. (nice find)

[Lordhelmet]

ok just wondering. you LDS?

[duhfactor]

yea, don't hold it against me .....ha ha

D

[duhfactor]

CirolanidHunter wrote, WOW, nice pics. What kind of starfish is that? What does it eat?

I'm not sure what kind it is specifically....We were told it was a "spiney starfish" .....kinda looks like a spiney starfish...Ha Ha. We've never fed it, it's a sand sifter...and now a portly one to boot...He's probably tripled in size in the last year. He's pretty cool lookin', and gets around pretty quickly nowdays.

Damon

[Lordhelmet]

just wondering. Your the first member i have met online. I actually served my mission in pocatello, ID.

[duhfactor]

I served mine in Taipei Taiwan. Probably no more foreign than pocatello...HA HA.:D

Damon

[TheCoralReef731]

Looks nice. I like your house, it's big.

[brianemone]

Italy Catania here:)

not the sort of thing that would normaly pop up in conversation unless someone's from utah;)

what sort of timeframe are you looking at to have the house/tank finished?

[duhfactor]

Well,
The house should be done in april, they're finishing the main level floor today, then they'll start the main level walls, etc. I'm actually working on my tank plans now, and may start building the DIY stuff this next week. My wife would like to start picking up items now for the tank, a little at a time lessens the shock if you know what I mean. I'm still crunching numbers to estimate the electrical draw, and am a little concerned about humidity issues. I think I'll start with a new calcium reactor. The one I have will probably work fine, but I found that having a dual chamber CA reactor has been not necessary. I get the same outcome with a single chamber. I think I'll just build a 5' tall acrylic tube single chamber reactor. I have an extra 5' section of acrylic tube left over from the last DIY.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/325%20gallon%20system/100_0311.jpg

Damon

[Lordhelmet]

hay my buddy went to Italy Catania. been home for about 2 1/2 years now. and your right not everyday conversation here on RC.
Damon1 did you DIY you last calcium reactor?

[brianemone]

reallly what is his name?? i got back in 2002 so about the same time.

[Lordhelmet]

Ryan Hobbson. he was from portland, OR and was going to school up in ricks. he got back in august of 2003.
Damon1 sorry to hijack your thread.

[duhfactor]

No worries mate!
This thread is fine for everything and anything.....yea, I DIY'd the calcium reactor in the above photo. If you ever want to make one, let me know. Cheap and easy----that is....cheaper than buying one. It works so awesome you wouldn't believe it. A can't turn it down anymore, it keeps the calcium at 425, and usually alkalinity at 11. Sometimes the Ph has dropped to 8.0, but this is rare, usually after I've jacked with something else....:D It's a dual chamber design, if you look at the picture, the closest tube to the front of the pic is the secondary chamber, and it appears to be leaving a layer of calcium carbonate on the top from not flowing into the sump. I can only drop 40 drops of effluent a minute into the sump, or my calcium goes through the roof!!! So a single chamber I think would easily handle a 75 gal. tank. If you all are interested, I can take pics when I build the next one and post em' up here.

Damon

[BrianPlankis]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6317544#post6317544 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Damon1
No worries mate!
This thread is fine for everything and anything.....yea, I DIY'd the calcium reactor in the above photo. If you ever want to make one, let me know. Cheap and easy----that is....cheaper than buying one. It works so awesome you wouldn't believe it. A can't turn it down anymore, it keeps the calcium at 425, and usually alkalinity at 11. Sometimes the Ph has dropped to 8.0, but this is rare, usually after I've jacked with something else....:D It's a dual chamber design, if you look at the picture, the closest tube to the front of the pic is the secondary chamber, and it appears to be leaving a layer of calcium carbonate on the top from not flowing into the sump. I can only drop 40 drops of effluent a minute into the sump, or my calcium goes through the roof!!! So a single chamber I think would easily handle a 75 gal. tank. If you all are interested, I can take pics when I build the next one and post em' up here.

Damon

Damon,

I would totally be interested in pics of you building one as I know I won't be able to buy a calcium reactor, it would never get past the "budget" watchdog :)

Brian

[Lordhelmet]

Im interested as well since the "budget" watchdog is also keeping me in line. are they really that easy to build?

[duhfactor]

You would be surprised how easy it is......It is even easier if you don't use acrylic for the main tube. The reason it is easier is because you do have to tap a few holes and the acrylic is more brittle, but if you take your time, it works out just fine. You can just use 4" PVC or schedule 40 for it instead of acrylic. It is fun to watch the water flow though. I feel like a DIY this weekend, so maybe I'll go to the depot, pick up some parts, and build it up. At least the main reaction chamber. Shall we do it??

Damon

[brianemone]

dont remember meeting him off hand but you never know.

the diy calcium reactor sounds interesting, i managed to score a really good combo deal for my new 120g tank that included the skimmer, calcium reactor and two fluidised reactors.

just instaled them last week:)

its neat that you get to plan the tank now as you can allow the space you really need.

i found that no matter how much planning goes into i still left thing out (like the ball vavle when installing a new pump):eek1:

getting things over a period of time also helps to ease the blow, my wife would never have let me spend all that money in one hit.

[Lordhelmet]

LETS DO IT!:D

[duhfactor]

I'll go get the few parts I need tomorrow from the depot. :D
Perhaps we'll build the main chamber first, then we'll add on the recirculation plumbing. Prior to building this CA reactor, I searched the web for about 6 mos. on and off before I settled in on the modified design I'm currently using. I'm real happy with it. One important factor however is in how to tune it. Once set, all you have to do is burp the valve at the top regularly (once a day or every other day) and it will work perfectly. (at least mine does.....or has......) I'll take some pictures of the different connections tomorrow to walk through the water flow.

Damon

[BrianPlankis]

Looking forward the lesson oh teacher sir!

Brian

[duhfactor]

CirolanidHunter wrote, Looking forward the lesson oh teacher sir!

That cracks me up!! :lol: I wish man.....

Damon

[duhfactor]

O.K. guys,
I decided to start a new thread in the DIY section for this build up. I'd love for others to give feedback, and get a wider group of people involved. The Po boy calcium reactor on a budget is here! (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=733057)

CirolanidHunter,
I read parts of your thread on your 75 gal set up, similar to mine in many ways, looking good. You'll be happy to know that I haven't had to dose my tank but maybe once since I started this reactor 1 year ago, and that was after we moved everything over to my brother in laws and the whole thing had to be re-set-up. It can save you a ton of cash in the long run my friend...

enjoy!!

Damon

[BrianPlankis]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6327008#post6327008 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Damon1


CirolanidHunter,
I read parts of your thread on your 75 gal set up, similar to mine in many ways, looking good. You'll be happy to know that I haven't had to dose my tank but maybe once since I started this reactor 1 year ago, and that was after we moved everything over to my brother in laws and the whole thing had to be re-set-up. It can save you a ton of cash in the long run my friend...

enjoy!!

Damon

Thanks for looking at my thread! Always nice to have visitors. I wish I had room for a calcium reactor. I'm thinking of trying to talk my wife into a bookshelf next to the tank with doors for hiding one and a better refuge :)

I'm definitely going to build one for my BIG tank....2-5 years from now :D

I'm going to do Randy's two part recipe soon to keep my calcium dosing costs lower. I also have some Kalk I'm going to start using as top-off to keep the levels more stable, followed by Mrs Wages when the Kalk is gone.

Brian

[pyro383]

You spoke about humidity, have the builder install a dryer vent leading into that fish room & install a bathroom fan along with a humidity controller from here http://www.energyfederation.org/consumer/default.php/cPath/39_766_376

This is what I am currently doing.

[BrianPlankis]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6337475#post6337475 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pyro383
You spoke about humidity, have the builder install a dryer vent leading into that fish room & install a bathroom fan along with a humidity controller from here http://www.energyfederation.org/consumer/default.php/cPath/39_766_376

This is what I am currently doing.

What size system (how many gallons) do you have? How often does it need to run?

Brian

[duhfactor]

pyro 383,
I think thats a gread idea. Initially I was planning to run an 8" HVAC duct in from the outside, then another one out from the fish room to get rid of humidity. I see how to set up the fan on a humidistat for out going air, but I would love to be able to pull cool air in in the winter or cooler months, but not during the summer months. I planned on running a cold air duct in from the A/C and have it dump cold air right where the CL pumps will be, but don't have any good solutions concrete in my mind yet on how to cheaply automate this to maintain a constant set temp, and humidity in the equipment room. Any more great ideas? :D

Damon

[Knyght]

Consult your HVAC contractor. Simple I know, and you most likely already have. Just tossing it out there to see what you say.

Everything looks 1st class :thumbsup:

:beachbum:

[duhfactor]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6369618#post6369618 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Knyght
Consult your HVAC contractor. Simple I know, and you most likely already have. Just tossing it out there to see what you say.

Everything looks 1st class :thumbsup:

:beachbum:

Thanks,
I did meet with him yesterday, and he is going to run an 8" duct outside with a flap that can be closed or open depending on temp outside. It's funny, he has the most beautiful tank I've ever seen....120 gal, just too busy to interact on these forums I guess. He had some good suggestions, like bringing in an A/C duct right over the area I suspect will have the CL pumps, and sump, etc for summer cooling, then open the flap from outside during winter months for cooler air to come in. I'm thinking of running them on not only a thermistat, but on a humidistat as well. I'm still figuring that out. :D

[pyro383]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6338222#post6338222 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CirolanidHunter
What size system (how many gallons) do you have? How often does it need to run?

Brian

I am setting up a 180 system in-wall to a fish room that is 6x10. I bought the fan & humidity controller but have yet to install. Hoping by the 1st of feb

[pyro383]

You can always install a fan on a timer to draw in cooler air or your HVAC guy can install a motorized louver unit tied into a temp controller

[duhfactor]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6369769#post6369769 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pyro383
You can always install a fan on a timer to draw in cooler air or your HVAC guy can install a motorized louver unit tied into a temp controller
Happy new year!!!

Thats a great idea, I'll have to look into this further. I remember another option......
I read a great post on another forum on how to wire up a temp sensor to a relay that would activate a 120 V. fan. I've got to find this because my hvac contractor is going to run an 8" duct outside for me, and I would like to automate the temp control in the room. :D I could wire the relay up to the fan attached to the duct, and somehow regulate incoming cold air as you've described above. I probably need to stop by the local HVAC supplier an educate myself a little more.

I've drawn up my equipment layout on paper for this room, and think I know where I want my outlets. I'll try to take a pic of it, and post it here later today.

Damon

[duhfactor]

I had a few minutes to post this pic of the equipment room plans, I haven't labeled anything, just sort of positioned things, etc. I have 10 feet wide to work with, and 9 feet high. I'm starting on the electrical for the house, so I need to get the boxes in place. Any suggestions? I didn't show other walls where fans or humidistat/thermostat will be placed, just the main wall with the majority of the equipment. I'm still toying with where to run switches to turn on/off the main return pump, circulation pumps for water change water, and top off water, etc. Remember, all the equipment is in the basement, so the lines coming down from the top of the page are from the display tank.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/325%20gallon%20system/100_0527.jpg

There will be an overhead fuge of 55-75 gal in a closet behind and above the display tank that will gravity feed into the display. I will run one 20 amp circuit in the closet for the fuge, and two 20 amp circuits for the display MH lighting. I'm still vascillating between running 220 V. or 120 V. for the MH ballasts. Most people tell me run the 220 V., but I'm still not sure. Maybe I'll run both :D

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/325%20gallon%20system/100_0528.jpg

[duhfactor]

Well,
It's been a crazy holiday season, and we're going gangbusters on building the house. I've placed the electrical boxes in the closet behind the tank for the overhead refugium, lights, and display tank MH ballasts. I've also found a trick little way of exhausting heat out of that upper closet area via a temprature controlled inline fan at the depot. You set the temp, and when you reach that temp, it sends power to the inline fan which then blows hot air up into the attic. I then will have three large capacity temperature controlled fans in the attic, blowing to the outside. I also plan on using an 8" duct from the fish tank room outside with a flap that also has an inline fan. I'm still working on a way to attach both a humidistat and the temp contoller to the same inline fan. Haven't worked that out yet, worst case scenario is that I run two 8" ducts out with fans, one controlled by the humidistat, the other by the temp controller. Seems a bit unnecessary to do that, and I can't run another duct in the future because the room the duct passes through will be finished. i plan to post pics of the rooms in the next couple of days.

Damon

[Lordhelmet]

look forward to that.
one question. why would you want to duct the air into the attic then from the attic outside. why don't you just duct it outside. maybe i'm missing something here?

[duhfactor]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6472607#post6472607 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lordhelmet
look forward to that.
one question. why would you want to duct the air into the attic then from the attic outside. why don't you just duct it outside. maybe i'm missing something here?
Actually, I'm running a straight vertical pipe from the closet up into the attic because it is a short run (about 5 feet). I personally don't like the "turtle" vents found on most houses to passively vent hot air out of the attic, so I've used two or three larger temperature controlled fan vents (on past homes) positioned on the roof in the back of the house. They are powered, and can be painted black to match the shingles. The nice thing is that they use very little power, and you can set the temp. It helps to decrease energy costs for the whole house function, not so much for just the tank. I actually have to do it anyway, it just helps to lessen the runs required from the closet refuge area, etc.

Damon

[duhfactor]

Now that my framers are mostly done, you can see the wall that my tank will go up against. It goes against the wall on the left with the closet behind it. You can see the electrical boxes in the closet behind the tank wall, mounted up high. There will be (2) 220 volt circuits 20 amp., and (2) 120 volt circuits 20 amp. My hvac guy is going to run a 6" duct into the top of that closet so I can have cool air go in there in the summer time. If you pan to the right, you can see through the stairway into the basement, and the tank equipment room is located on the right. I hope that is not too much distance and head to run for plumbing????

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/House%20Plans/100_0568.jpg

Any thoughts on something I should consider or have forgotten?

Thanks,

Damon

[duhfactor]

I also have gotten a 16 circuit sub panel for 20 bucks that I plan to mount in the fish tank equipment room. I will run a 100 amp circuit to it from the basement sub panel. I do the electrical work myself, so it's only the cost of supplies. Here is the framed equipment room.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/House%20Plans/100_0569.jpg

D

[duhfactor]

Some new events have transpired. I'm in the process of opening up a new clinic, and a good friend of mine is wanting a large fowlr tank in the waiting area. I've been concerned about the used acrylic tank, and getting the scratches out for fine viewing of a reef. He's offering me a good lump sum of money to buy this 325 acrylic tank from me, and me getting another tank for this room. One concern I have is how hard it will be getting in to clean and move coral around in a tank that's so tall. I certainly can't reach the bottom without a mask..:D What should I do? He's offering me 800.00 for the tank, 100.00 for the power compacts (without bulbs), 100.00 for the iwaki pump, and 100 for the protein skimmer. Thats 1100.00, and I keep all the live rock and sand!! I already sold off about 150.00 worth of stuff I didn't need. This thing just keeps getting better......potentially. What should I do??

[BrianPlankis]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6487871#post6487871 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Damon1
Some new events have transpired. I'm in the process of opening up a new clinic, and a good friend of mine is wanting a large fowlr tank in the waiting area. I've been concerned about the used acrylic tank, and getting the scratches out for fine viewing of a reef. He's offering me a good lump sum of money to buy this 325 acrylic tank from me, and me getting another tank for this room. One concern I have is how hard it will be getting in to clean and move coral around in a tank that's so tall. I certainly can't reach the bottom without a mask..:D What should I do? He's offering me 800.00 for the tank, 100.00 for the power compacts (without bulbs), 100.00 for the iwaki pump, and 100 for the protein skimmer. Thats 1100.00, and I keep all the live rock and sand!! I already sold off about 150.00 worth of stuff I didn't need. This thing just keeps getting better......potentially. What should I do??

Damon,

You buy something for 800 that most people would pay 3 times for, and then you get to sell it for 1100 AND already sold 150 worth. WOW. Of course, consider the cost of buying another tank, you will need to probably pay a pretty penny for a new one of the same size.

Personally I would go with a tank that isn't as high and is as wide as possible with what fits your budget. Unless you win the lottery you'll probably be using whatever tank you end up with for a long time, so make sure it is what you want.

At any rate, I envy your position! :)

Brian

[duhfactor]

Brian,

Your suggestion is what I'm considering. I could go with a 210 very easily, and have enough cash with this sale to go get it, but I'm considering a 96x24x24 240 gal tank instead. Envision quoted me $2200.00 for it, and ~ 700.00 to ship it. I think I would like glass though because I have 4 kids and lots of little cousins....Scratches....argh.... What do you think I should do?

Damon

[BrianPlankis]

Damon,

Without knowing your financial situation, I can't really give you my opinion. Do you have all your debt paid off, a nice college fund started for all four kids?

Personally, I know my budget would not allow me to spend 2900 on just the tank (although 1200 off by selling the old one makes it more affordable at 1700). But still, with my budget and spending priorities I could not afford what you are thinking of doing. Look at your spending priorities, finances and hopefully you can see what to do :)

Brian

[Lordhelmet]

I agree with CirolanidHunter, not knowing your financial situation I really can't make a judgment. Personally if i had gotten a 325 gal tank for 8 hundred with all the equipment i might hold on to it. you wil probably spend 2-3k more on getting all of that equipment back new.
It is up to you though. if you can swing it, go for a longer wider tank that isn't quite as deep to make it easier on you.

my 2 cents

[duhfactor]

Well,
I have no debt other than the house I'm building, but I'm pretty frugal, thus DIY most of the items that I can....My wife doesn't really like the big tank now that we're talking about a different shape, and a 210 would be no strain financially. All of the expensive stuff, mostly live rock and sand I still keep. I would have to buy MH lights, and pumps with the basement set up anyway, with either tank. I'm waiting for a bid from a place in cal that custom makes glass tanks, our local lfs has a 750 made by them that looks good. I couldn't get the number, so I had to go through a friend...............if you know what I mean. The bid is for a 96x24x24 with center behind back overflow. If that bid is fairly high...I think I would go with the 210 (for 749.00 at the LFS). This is a system on a budget.....I see too many people get huge tanks and then run outta' dough....I have a fair bit saved and available to use for this (in addition to the 1100.00 if I sell it), but that would go quick in lights and pumps. The other 1500.00 we've got set aside for the tank has been shifted by the wife for the kids something or other.....(big screen I think.....) :D

Damon

[Lordhelmet]

I would say then do whatever the wife is OK with:D

I know how much fun that can be and am very thankfull my wife supports my addiction.

it sounds like you can do whatever without any problems so, think about it a lot. you wouldn't want to rush making a descision then regret not getting a the right sized tank or what not.

probably doesn't help much but my thoughts on this.

[duhfactor]

I appreciate your thoughts;
I've been concerned about using acrylic in my house primarily because of all the small kids that are around. I had one nephew that liked to wipe boogers on my 75 glass tank.....:sad1: That was great asking his Dad to clean them off...Ha Ha, We joke a lot with family...he didn't mind :D I've been told by a few local guys to stay away from acrylic with small kids, but mine are very careful around the tank. Unfortunately, cousins of my kids aren't as careful, and their parents don't always watch them very good. That's why I'm leaning toward glass. Also, the financial outlay and maintenance cost of just doing water changes on a 325 display isn't cheap.......:eek1: I can do it, but I'm not sure I want to. I'm still waiting for a bid on the glass 96" long tank. The wall it will go against is 10 ft long, so an 8 ft tank would be way cool. We'll see how the bid comes back, then decide. I'm strongly considering it. My wife seems to like the size and dimensions of the 210, she loves the tank, and misses the 75 that is over at my brother in laws now while we're building the house.

Damon

[Lordhelmet]

i like the 240 because of the 8ft lenth. someday i would like my first big tank to be a 240.

[duhfactor]

I wish I had the skills to just build a 240 like your talking about. I would love an 8' tank too. I'm interested in getting that bid back, I guess I'll have to start hounding him.....:D I started the upstairs electrical in the house today. I've determined how I will run the power to the overhead refugium area behind the tank in the closet. I will have (2) 20 amp 220 volt circuits, (in case I decide to run icecap 220 v. MH ballasts, and (2) 20 amp 120 volt circuits. In the closet I will be running the ballasts for the display tank lighting, and the lighting for the refugium. I shouldn't need a pump, as it will be fed from the return pump in the basement. It will gravity feed down through the wall into the display tank. I will have a 6" A/C duct brought in and the register will be just above the refugium to keep the ballasts cool. There also will be a temperature controlled fan that will turn on if the heat gets too high, and will vent in the attic. There isn't much room in there, so the fuge will have to be mostly covered to prevent excessive evaporation and humidity. Here is a shot of the outlet boxes, the single gang is for the 220 V., the 3 gang is for the 120 V. The opposite side of the closet has the same arrangement.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/House%20Plans/100_0567.jpg

BTW, here is a pic of the house from the front, almost finished framing.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/Damon1_/House%20Plans/100_0571.jpg

I appreciate your feedback, any thoughts, let me know...

Damon

[duhfactor]

Well,
I've made my decision, I've decided to sell the 325 to my buddy, and we'll set it up in our new clinic. I will be the one setting it up, and checking it out, but he will be the one responsible for it, and caring for it. So I'll still get to be part of it any time I want. Right now, we're thinking about the 210 for inside our house, but will hear back on monday for the price on the 240. The total water volume for the system will still likely be 350 - 400 gallons. My buddy paid me $800.00 for the tank, $100.00 for the power compacts, $100.00 for a kent "te" skimmer, $100.00 for the iwaki pump, and will purchase whatever live rock I don't need for my new system. All told, I have been paid $1100.00 so far. That will easily buy a new 210, and leave me $400 bones for a new pump, lights, or whatever. I feel pretty good about it.

Damon

[Lordhelmet]

Sounds like no matter what you do you've gotten ahead there. looking forward to more updates.

[duhfactor]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6577181#post6577181 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lordhelmet
Sounds like no matter what you do you've gotten ahead there. looking forward to more updates.
Thanks!
BTW, what do you think about the calcium reactor build?

Damon

[BrianPlankis]

Damon,

I've been following the Ca Rx build and I think it is awesome! I do wish the pictures were a little smaller(cropped, not reduced in size) as I couldn't just print the thread. I'm going to try to cut and paste into MS word and then print.

I'm going to try one for my big system, but I've had nothing to add or ask questions about so I haven't been commenting to fill up everyone's inbox to go read a message that says "good job"

Brian

[duhfactor]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6583299#post6583299 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CirolanidHunter
Damon,

I've been following the Ca Rx build and I think it is awesome! I do wish the pictures were a little smaller(cropped, not reduced in size) as I couldn't just print the thread. I'm going to try to cut and paste into MS word and then print.

I'm going to try one for my big system, but I've had nothing to add or ask questions about so I haven't been commenting to fill up everyone's inbox to go read a message that says "good job"

Brian
If you want, I can copy the pictures from the file on my computer onto a CD and send it to you.....You just pay shipping. Also, I'm thinking about putting a file with at least the pictures onto a web site where people can download the whole MCoy easier.

Damon

[BrianPlankis]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6584460#post6584460 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Damon1
If you want, I can copy the pictures from the file on my computer onto a CD and send it to you.....You just pay shipping. Also, I'm thinking about putting a file with at least the pictures onto a web site where people can download the whole MCoy easier.

Damon

Thanks for the offer of the CD, but my time is worth less than my money :) I'll just do the MS word route, if I haven't gotten around to it by the time you put it on a web site then I can get it from there :)

Brian

[dryice]

u think its cold there i live in labrador,canada the past few days its been -50f here and there was still school and a few days ago we got like 3 more feet of snow my freind got stuck on skidoo i went to help him out and i gumped in the snow and was over my head and im 5'7

[dryice]

nice house its going to turn out good

[duhfactor]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6584694#post6584694 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CirolanidHunter
Thanks for the offer of the CD, but my time is worth less than my money :) I'll just do the MS word route, if I haven't gotten around to it by the time you put it on a web site then I can get it from there :)

Brian
No worries mate :D That's probably what I would do too, just trying to help out :D

Damon

[duhfactor]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6585964#post6585964 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dryice
u think its cold there i live in labrador,canada the past few days its been -50f here and there was still school and a few days ago we got like 3 more feet of snow my freind got stuck on skidoo i went to help him out and i gumped in the snow and was over my head and im 5'7
Holy crap!!! I'm such a pansie!!!

[dryice]

if u have google earth type in labrador city,nl and u will see the town i live in thats in the middle of nowere

[duhfactor]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6594095#post6594095 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dryice
if u have google earth type in labrador city,nl and u will see the town i live in thats in the middle of nowere
I don't have google earth, but it sounds crazy!!!

Damon

[sullyfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6600222#post6600222 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Damon1
I don't have google earth, but it sounds crazy!!!

Damon

FYI... if you just go to google, put it in and click LOCAL tab you'll get it. click satellite for a picture.

Dryice - You ain't kiddin. I though I was in the middle of nowhere. I guess that why we all keep reefs...its our escape.

[duhfactor]

Well, It's been 7 months since I've posted on this thread.. A lot has transpired. My house should be done in about 2 weeks, and was a much bigger project than anticipated...Isn't it always that way? I've set up the 325 gal tank in my new physical therapy clinic, and am running it as a fish only tank right now.....It's actually quite nice as it separates the waiting area from the gym, and has 3 full view sides. I think for now I'm going to set up the ol' 75 gal tank in the new house, until I make my mind up on exactly what I want........I spent a crap load of money on this house, and drained most of my fish tank money on house necessities...ouch......so once I move in the house, I'll start the ol' system up, and see how she goes.....I gues in order to qualify to keep this thread in the large tanks I'll need about a 200 gal sump!!!!! LOL!!!! We'll see how she goes..

D

[Shnabbles]

good luck on the new house... our should be finished in January... already planning the super large inwall tank..... i wish the builder would frame in the tank and all that crap for me... its gonna **** the wife off ripping into a fresh wall lol

[Lordhelmet]

i was just wondering how the build was going. Sounds like you have somewhat of a plan. keep us posted.

[duhfactor]

I found a local guy who will build a custom acrylic tank for a great price. He has a 10 foot tank at home, and builds all the large tanks for local businesses, etc. He is kept a mystery man because he works for local shops. He said he would help me out when I'm ready, so I'm going to start saving some $$$$$$$. I think I'm going to try my hand at some acrylic work when I get in the house on a custom fuge that will be mounted in the closet behind the tank.....Never done it before, but found a decent supplier here that I can get good acrylic from.....I'm a little nervous, but oh well, many have done it successfully............:D

D

[redtop03]

It's been over 2yrs now what happened,any updates,

whats the house look like now,I assume its done,

hows the tank in the physical therapy waiting room doing,

have you started your home tank yet?

[redtop03]

duhfactor

I just started posting on RC a few weeks ago,I'm gaining on you;)

[duhfactor]

Your right!!! Actually, we set the tank up as a fish only tank with live rock, and I work at our other clinic, so the therapist that worked at the clinic where the tank was took care of it. He became a real pain in the butt, and used tap water to top off the tank, and a bunch of other stuff that caused the biggest algea bloom I've ever seen. He thought it looked "cool". We had a falling out over lots of things, and I fired him. The new therapist dind't really have the desire to take care of it, and it would have taken months to clear up the tank, and get things right, so we sold the whole system to a friend. He actually hasn't set it up yet. It became quite a problem. The good news it, I got about 2500.00 through re-selling everything that I got for 400.00. It's probably the only time in my life that I'll actually make money on anything salt water!!!:D :D

Have a good one...and keep posting!!!!

D

[redtop03]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13435494#post13435494 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by duhfactor
Your right!!! Actually, we set the tank up as a fish only tank with live rock, and I work at our other clinic, so the therapist that worked at the clinic where the tank was took care of it. He became a real pain in the butt, and used tap water to top off the tank, and a bunch of other stuff that caused the biggest algea bloom I've ever seen. He thought it looked "cool". We had a falling out over lots of things, and I fired him. The new therapist dind't really have the desire to take care of it, and it would have taken months to clear up the tank, and get things right, so we sold the whole system to a friend. He actually hasn't set it up yet. It became quite a problem. The good news it, I got about 2500.00 through re-selling everything that I got for 400.00. It's probably the only time in my life that I'll actually make money on anything salt water!!!:D :D

Have a good one...and keep posting!!!!

D


glad to hear you made money,:thumbsup:

I can't sell anything and come out ahead

I was kinda hoping to see a tank in your house by now :)

also hoping to see pics of the house,from what I saw before,looked like it was gonna be a nice one :thumbsup:

[ricks]

Reefs on a budget!!!!

[duhfactor]

The house ended up being wayyyyy bigger than expected, 2700 sq. feet on the main floor, and a 650 sq. foot deck off the back overlooking the city...plus a full basement thats 90% done. Problem is, it cost a whole lot more than I wanted it to.....With the economy and all, I managed to set up a 29 gallon sps tank, only to find I have no time to take care of it because I have to work my tail off to heat this place....I was only planning on living here for 2 years, which would have ended on 8.29.08, then we planned to sell, and pay cash for a smaller house and have no house payment anymore......best laid plans.......Well, the market crashed, and it looks like I'll be here for a few years more.:mad: :mad:

D

[redtop03]

I hope the new President can turn the economy around,things are getting bad,a lot of people are suffering right now with high prices and stuff.

That deck sounds like a great place to hang out,bet you love the view,

I prefer the solitude,don't like neighbor so close,I am a bit of a hermit though,but to each their own :)

I hope everything works out for you to have another tank,this is a great hobby as you know,with your DIY knowledge(and willingness to share) it'd be a shame for you to quit reefing ;)

good luck with everything

[duhfactor]

Yea, thats one thing I really like about the south, more open space. My Dad lives in Tenn. tri-cities area, and I love how homes are spaced apart. Here, they're packed one on top of the other almost....A decent 1/3 acre lot cost 250,000.00 about a year ago, not to mention what it costs to put a house on it. I'll enjoy it for now, but can't wait for the market to turn around and send it down the road....Big nice homes are really over-rated....truthfully. I'm not getting out of the hobby, just saving my stuff, and aquiring more when the right opportunities come around, so the next house will have a great set-up. That's the nice thing about this hobby, you can always learn more. Have a good one,

D

[redtop03]

I'm still learning,that keeps it interesting I think.
RC is by far the best place I've found for info,most of what I've learned is from here

folks like yourself help more than you know with the DIY ideas,

some of the equipment for this hobby is so expensive it'll turn a lot of people away from salt water aquariums.

with the DIY projects like your Ca reactor being as simple to build as you made yours look,makes you wonder why anyone would buy one
it looks as good if not better than some of the store bought

that's money saved to buy more live stock with

[duhfactor]

That's exactly the way I looked at it. I've even tried my hand at making an acrylic tank and sump, it's not as crazy as I thought it would be. My brother in law and I learned how to drill holes in glass for closed loops, etc, which has also saved money. If you do your research, you can pretty much do anything I think...good luck with your build!!!

D

[redtop03]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13479726#post13479726 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by duhfactor
That's exactly the way I looked at it. I've even tried my hand at making an acrylic tank and sump, it's not as crazy as I thought it would be. My brother in law and I learned how to drill holes in glass for closed loops, etc, which has also saved money. If you do your research, you can pretty much do anything I think...good luck with your build!!!

D

I've not drilled for the closed loop but I did drill both my 120g tanks for the overflows,and my 30g upper fuge, 5 - 2 3/8 in. holes,I guess that was the easiest thing I done so far,I've got a 75g gonna drill in the next few days to replace the 30g,built my stand today,gotta get some more pvc to re do my plumbing

http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp188/redtop03_photos/004.jpg

heres a pic of my 30g fuge over 40g sump,set-up behind my 2-120g DT's I'm gonna replace the 30g with a 75g,

I have the 30g draining in the sump now,I want the 75g to drain back into the 120g's so the critters can flow in without going through a pump.

I want to later replace the 2 - 120g's with a 240g or 300g (money permitting)I'll probable go with closed loop on a new tank