Pescado's frag Room Build - Page 4

meagan1823 · 03/11/2010, 10:25 AM

wow this looks awsome
wish I could do something like that

Pescado Amigo · 03/14/2010, 08:15 PM

Today I got the fill lines done. They run from the opposite end of the drain lines. It is a little far 6.5' from the pump, but it is the best way to keep things in the back flush to the rack. This is a small room and space is a premium.

1st pic shows the fill line.
Plumbing6.jpg

This pic shows the pump dry fit. The 8" pipe will be replaces with a ball valve.
Pump Dry Fit.jpg

Here is the skimmer test pick. I took it apart and cleaned it good today. I am running it overnite to leak test it.
Skimmer Test.jpg

Sump should be online this week!!!

Still undecided between a Rubbermaid or a 40 long. I am also concidering a 30 breeder.

jim t · 03/14/2010, 10:15 PM

Looks great

shrimphead · 03/16/2010, 10:31 PM

hey pescado, great thread, i'm in the process of doing something similar and i've based my stand design on your stand design apart from i'm not very good at carpentry so i can't do the chiselling out of the wood like yours so it's slightly different but similar,
sorry to hijak your thread but was wondering if you could have a quick look at my stand design. do you think it's strong enough?
so the tanks are 6ft long and hold around 55g. i think the weight of each tank will be around 80kg,
sorry it's not in inches, but the 1cm is 1inch, the 5cm is 2inch, and the 10cm is 4inch.
was wondering if i need to swop the 2inchers for 3inchers?
o ands it's all going to be screwed glued and bolted together.

fragboy94 · 03/16/2010, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pescado Amigo

Fragboy,

Yea Wavepoints are timer friendly. They have a GFI built into the plug. It makes the plug a little bulky, but they will go on a timer. The only problem that I see is that because of the bulky plug, it is difficult to plug them in one over the other on a power strip or a two plug outlet. I had to buy a powerstrip that had the outlets turned sideways rather than in-line.

pedro

ok yea i will have to figure the bulky part out but ive heard good things abt wavepoint but dont kno anyone tht has em

Pescado Amigo · 03/17/2010, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shrimphead

hey pescado, great thread, i'm in the process of doing something similar and i've based my stand design on your stand design apart from i'm not very good at carpentry so i can't do the chiselling out of the wood like yours so it's slightly different but similar,
sorry to hijak your thread but was wondering if you could have a quick look at my stand design. do you think it's strong enough?
so the tanks are 6ft long and hold around 55g. i think the weight of each tank will be around 80kg,
sorry it's not in inches, but the 1cm is 1inch, the 5cm is 2inch, and the 10cm is 4inch.
was wondering if i need to swop the 2inchers for 3inchers?
o ands it's all going to be screwed glued and bolted together.

Shrimphead,

Your stand design looks fine. I have a couple of quick question though. Are your tanks glass of acrylic? If they are glass do they have a rim? Second, I am not sure I understand the dimensions of your lumber. I used 2x4 lumbXr with is actually 3.5"x1.5" or 3.75cm X 8.75cm. Be sure to buy straight lumber and you should be fine.

shrimphead · 03/17/2010, 01:22 PM

the tanks are glass, when you say does it have a rim do you mean the glass braces on the inside of the top of the tank.
so when i buy my wood will it be a bit smaller than advertised.

Pescado Amigo · 03/17/2010, 02:39 PM

by rim, I was refering to a plastic rim on the top and bottom of the tank. Without a rim, you will need to support the tank with a plywood shelf. Can you shoot a picture?

shrimphead · 03/17/2010, 03:33 PM

no there's no rim, but yea i was planning on placing it on some mdf and polystyrene.
i posted the design to some other people and they said it would be nowhere near strong enough, they said it would be too narrow for the height? and said in general is just rubbish. should i scrap it i was thinking of just changing the thickness of the wood but now i'm thinking of scrapping the whole design? what do you think

Pescado Amigo · 03/17/2010, 06:58 PM

I am not sure that I follow your measurements. I am useing 3.75 x 8.75 cm lumber with no problems. If you are talking about using 1 & 2" lumber than I would agree that you need to beef it up. Where do you live? If you are using cm I am guessing it is not the US. 2x4 lumber is cheap and easily obtained here in the states. I've never been to a home store outside of the US so I do not know the standards.

shrimphead · 03/17/2010, 08:39 PM

i did the measurements to the nearest cm, so the 50cm which is surposed to be 2inches, 2 inches is actually 50.8cm, just made it a bit easiler to design.
but you were saying your 2" x 4 " actually measured 1.5" x 3.5"
my measurements are from converting say 2inches to cm, i didn't realise you actually get the wood a bit smaller

Pescado Amigo · 03/17/2010, 09:26 PM

Let's start over. What are the dimentions of your wood? Is all of the wood the same dimention (except length of course).

shrimphead · 03/18/2010, 01:09 PM

well looking at the place i was going to get the wood from, they don't even do 2" x 2", the smallest they do is 3" x 2" (4.7cm x 7.5cm) so thats screwed my plans up right there but if i was going to beef the stand up a bit it might be able to use it, and they have 2 x 4 pieces too, is that what you used? was your stand 6ft. or should i try and go for a 3 x 4's?
it's expensive though, it's like 1 pound 23p per meter for the 2" x 3"'s which is like $1.87 a meter.

Pescado Amigo · 03/18/2010, 01:21 PM

I used 2"x4". Which is actually 1.5"x3.5" OR roughly 4cm X 9cm. This is plenty sturdy for your design.

Good Luck!

shrimphead · 03/18/2010, 01:28 PM

ok thanks, sorry for hogging the thread

Pescado Amigo · 03/18/2010, 06:26 PM

people helping people, that is what it is all about. Good luck with your build. Pics are a must!!!

Pescado Amigo · 03/18/2010, 06:57 PM

Let's start by saying that the skimmer leak test worked. IT LEAKED! Then trying to tighten the fittings, I cracked/broke the PVC fitting. The good news, the skimmer body is fine. Just a small set back.

Pic #1 is a manifold I made to power the skimmer, plus 2 reactors.
plumbing9.jpg

Pic #2 is the gift that the "Brown Truck" brought. ( I love the Brown Truck). Locline fittings with shut-off valves. Two per tank.
plumbing10.jpg

Pic #3 shows the fittings assembled and installed.
plumbing7.jpg

Also today, I took up the four bad tiles and cleaned up the floor. I then applied leveling compound. Re-tile tomorrow. Grout Saturday, Sump Sunday? At least I can dream. I leave town Tuesday for for a week and would love to get water flowing Monday before I leave.

WmTasker · 03/19/2010, 03:27 AM

It would be cool to see water in by monday, but what will happen if you spring a leak while you are out of town?

Pescado Amigo · 03/19/2010, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WmTasker

It would be cool to see water in by monday, but what will happen if you spring a leak while you are out of town?

If I get water in it by Monday it will be just a leak test. I'd run it a few hours and shut it off. Then "the Wonderful & Gracious Lisa" could turn it on/off in the evenings while I am gone. If it does leak, I'll be in Florida. That would be a pleasent phone call.

pedro

Pescado Amigo · 03/21/2010, 08:39 PM

What a day. It started with a trip to storage to get a 30 breeder. Then I plumbed, a 3/4 horse pump and filled the tanks. Then I found that the bulkhead weren't tight enough. The I found more water on the floor, then I found that my pump leaks. (and shocks you when wet). The I replaced the 3/4 pump for a 1 horse pump and found it is too strong. Then I found a cap that has a smaaaaaallllll leak. (no such thing). At the end of the day, the floor is dry, the pump is running, and the only water is in the tanks.

I need to find a smaller pump. R/O is filling. I hope to fill threee more tanks tomorrow. I am also having serious doubts on the 30 Breeder sump. It looks like it is going to be a few gallons short of perfect. With the pump turned off, the backflow fills it to the rim. I only have three tanks on line and no skimmer or reactors.

Pic1 shows 3 tanks full and flowing.
water1.jpg

Pic2 shows the 30 breeder sump with water flowing. The fill line is temperary until I figure our my baffles. Water is flowing great. I fear that the 30 is too shallow for my needs. I might have to switch out for a rubbermaid.

water2.jpg

The leaks are resolved. I think!!

21 days late is 21 days early for me. I had hoped for 3/1/2010. I'll take 21 days late if it goes right. We'll see.

TiTAN · 03/22/2010, 03:31 AM

Well what can I say, never thought this day would come. CONGRATULATIONS!

21 days is not that bad.

The Sump you got going there looks a bit on the small side, I would get another tank exactly the same and join the 2 together. By doing this you will not be at the limit of the current sump.

You said the 1hp pump was to strong, do you have a ball valve on the output?

Pescado Amigo · 03/22/2010, 06:59 AM

Titan,

I made it!!!! 21 days late but still in March. I do have a ball valve on the out put. In addition each tack had a valve so I am able to controll the flow. As far as adding a 2nd tank as a sump, that is not an option. I have plans for that floor space in the near future. I have a 40 gallon rubber tub that I might have to bring in. Roughly the same footprint with a higher side wall. Not until April though. My schedule is full until then.

daniel89 · 03/23/2010, 12:53 AM

i bet that loc-line cost you a arm and a leg lol

Pescado Amigo · 03/23/2010, 02:10 AM

daniel,

The Loc Line certainly isn't the cheapest route to go but I love the look and the fuction.

pedro

So far four tanks are full and things look great. I showed "the Lovely and Gracious Lisa" how to top off, shut off, etc. I am off to Florida for a week of work.

Pescado Amigo · 03/29/2010, 09:24 PM

Today I built the 1st of six frag racks. Three tiers. Each 5.5" deep. About a 3" rise between shelves.

FragRack1.jpg

As you can see the bottom shelf has a wave to it. I tried to use an old piece of grid and I don't like the look. While the function is the same, the look will drive me crazy. I will remove and replace. >1 down. 5+ to go.

FragRack2.jpg

Calcium reactor arrives later this week. I made a trade for a 2x400 watt ballast for a reactor suitable for 300 gallons. My skimmer still needs a single union, and then it can go on-line too.

03/17/2010, 03:33 PM	#84
shrimphead Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 481	no there's no rim, but yea i was planning on placing it on some mdf and polystyrene. i posted the design to some other people and they said it would be nowhere near strong enough, they said it would be too narrow for the height? and said in general is just rubbish. should i scrap it i was thinking of just changing the thickness of the wood but now i'm thinking of scrapping the whole design? what do you think Last edited by shrimphead; 03/17/2010 at 03:38 PM.

03/18/2010, 06:57 PM	#92
Pescado Amigo Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: latitude 40.803119, longitude -81.504103 Posts: 611	progress? Let's start by saying that the skimmer leak test worked. IT LEAKED! Then trying to tighten the fittings, I cracked/broke the PVC fitting. The good news, the skimmer body is fine. Just a small set back. Pic #1 is a manifold I made to power the skimmer, plus 2 reactors. plumbing9.jpg Pic #2 is the gift that the "Brown Truck" brought. ( I love the Brown Truck). Locline fittings with shut-off valves. Two per tank. plumbing10.jpg Pic #3 shows the fittings assembled and installed. plumbing7.jpg Also today, I took up the four bad tiles and cleaned up the floor. I then applied leveling compound. Re-tile tomorrow. Grout Saturday, Sump Sunday? At least I can dream. I leave town Tuesday for for a week and would love to get water flowing Monday before I leave.

03/19/2010, 03:27 AM	#93
WmTasker Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Crestline, Ohio (central Ohio) Posts: 1,271 Blog Entries: 2	It would be cool to see water in by monday, but what will happen if you spring a leak while you are out of town? __________________ The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. 2006 -Broke down my 120 Gallon Reef and sold everything :( 2013 -Just starting my new JBJ 28 Nano-Cube :)

03/23/2010, 12:53 AM	#98
daniel89 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: West Ashley, South Carolina Posts: 145	i bet that loc-line cost you a arm and a leg lol __________________ To have the power to hold and maintain a entire eco system and life itself and have it in your grasp is amazing and shouldn't be taken for granted, so don't screw it up cause then you will be compared to god and you don't want that. Current Tank Info: 125g Reef, 50g sump, vertex in180, 3 KORALIA 3's, mag 12 return, marineland 72" pro light fixture 3-150w MH 8 t5ho actinics

03/29/2010, 09:24 PM	#100
Pescado Amigo Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: latitude 40.803119, longitude -81.504103 Posts: 611	Frag Rack 1of6 Today I built the 1st of six frag racks. Three tiers. Each 5.5" deep. About a 3" rise between shelves. FragRack1.jpg As you can see the bottom shelf has a wave to it. I tried to use an old piece of grid and I don't like the look. While the function is the same, the look will drive me crazy. I will remove and replace. >1 down. 5+ to go. FragRack2.jpg Calcium reactor arrives later this week. I made a trade for a 2x400 watt ballast for a reactor suitable for 300 gallons. My skimmer still needs a single union, and then it can go on-line too.

03/11/2010, 10:25 AM	#76
meagan1823 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 82	wow this looks awsome wish I could do something like that

03/14/2010, 08:15 PM	#77
Pescado Amigo Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: latitude 40.803119, longitude -81.504103 Posts: 611	Today I got the fill lines done. They run from the opposite end of the drain lines. It is a little far 6.5' from the pump, but it is the best way to keep things in the back flush to the rack. This is a small room and space is a premium. 1st pic shows the fill line. Plumbing6.jpg This pic shows the pump dry fit. The 8" pipe will be replaces with a ball valve. Pump Dry Fit.jpg Here is the skimmer test pick. I took it apart and cleaned it good today. I am running it overnite to leak test it. Skimmer Test.jpg Sump should be online this week!!! Still undecided between a Rubbermaid or a 40 long. I am also concidering a 30 breeder.

03/14/2010, 10:15 PM	#78
jim t Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 103	Looks great

03/17/2010, 01:22 PM	#82
shrimphead Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 481	the tanks are glass, when you say does it have a rim do you mean the glass braces on the inside of the top of the tank. so when i buy my wood will it be a bit smaller than advertised.

03/17/2010, 02:39 PM	#83
Pescado Amigo Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: latitude 40.803119, longitude -81.504103 Posts: 611	by rim, I was refering to a plastic rim on the top and bottom of the tank. Without a rim, you will need to support the tank with a plywood shelf. Can you shoot a picture?

03/17/2010, 06:58 PM	#85
Pescado Amigo Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: latitude 40.803119, longitude -81.504103 Posts: 611	I am not sure that I follow your measurements. I am useing 3.75 x 8.75 cm lumber with no problems. If you are talking about using 1 & 2" lumber than I would agree that you need to beef it up. Where do you live? If you are using cm I am guessing it is not the US. 2x4 lumber is cheap and easily obtained here in the states. I've never been to a home store outside of the US so I do not know the standards.

03/17/2010, 08:39 PM	#86
shrimphead Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 481	i did the measurements to the nearest cm, so the 50cm which is surposed to be 2inches, 2 inches is actually 50.8cm, just made it a bit easiler to design. but you were saying your 2" x 4 " actually measured 1.5" x 3.5" my measurements are from converting say 2inches to cm, i didn't realise you actually get the wood a bit smaller

03/17/2010, 09:26 PM	#87
Pescado Amigo Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: latitude 40.803119, longitude -81.504103 Posts: 611	Let's start over. What are the dimentions of your wood? Is all of the wood the same dimention (except length of course).

03/18/2010, 01:09 PM	#88
shrimphead Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 481	well looking at the place i was going to get the wood from, they don't even do 2" x 2", the smallest they do is 3" x 2" (4.7cm x 7.5cm) so thats screwed my plans up right there but if i was going to beef the stand up a bit it might be able to use it, and they have 2 x 4 pieces too, is that what you used? was your stand 6ft. or should i try and go for a 3 x 4's? it's expensive though, it's like 1 pound 23p per meter for the 2" x 3"'s which is like $1.87 a meter.

03/18/2010, 01:21 PM	#89
Pescado Amigo Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: latitude 40.803119, longitude -81.504103 Posts: 611	I used 2"x4". Which is actually 1.5"x3.5" OR roughly 4cm X 9cm. This is plenty sturdy for your design. Good Luck!

03/18/2010, 01:28 PM	#90
shrimphead Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 481	ok thanks, sorry for hogging the thread

03/18/2010, 06:26 PM	#91
Pescado Amigo Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: latitude 40.803119, longitude -81.504103 Posts: 611	people helping people, that is what it is all about. Good luck with your build. Pics are a must!!!

03/21/2010, 08:39 PM	#95
Pescado Amigo Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: latitude 40.803119, longitude -81.504103 Posts: 611	What a day. It started with a trip to storage to get a 30 breeder. Then I plumbed, a 3/4 horse pump and filled the tanks. Then I found that the bulkhead weren't tight enough. The I found more water on the floor, then I found that my pump leaks. (and shocks you when wet). The I replaced the 3/4 pump for a 1 horse pump and found it is too strong. Then I found a cap that has a smaaaaaallllll leak. (no such thing). At the end of the day, the floor is dry, the pump is running, and the only water is in the tanks. I need to find a smaller pump. R/O is filling. I hope to fill threee more tanks tomorrow. I am also having serious doubts on the 30 Breeder sump. It looks like it is going to be a few gallons short of perfect. With the pump turned off, the backflow fills it to the rim. I only have three tanks on line and no skimmer or reactors. Pic1 shows 3 tanks full and flowing. water1.jpg Pic2 shows the 30 breeder sump with water flowing. The fill line is temperary until I figure our my baffles. Water is flowing great. I fear that the 30 is too shallow for my needs. I might have to switch out for a rubbermaid. water2.jpg The leaks are resolved. I think!! 21 days late is 21 days early for me. I had hoped for 3/1/2010. I'll take 21 days late if it goes right. We'll see.

03/22/2010, 03:31 AM	#96
TiTAN Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Kildare, Ireland Posts: 260	Well what can I say, never thought this day would come. CONGRATULATIONS! 21 days is not that bad. The Sump you got going there looks a bit on the small side, I would get another tank exactly the same and join the 2 together. By doing this you will not be at the limit of the current sump. You said the 1hp pump was to strong, do you have a ball valve on the output?

03/22/2010, 06:59 AM	#97
Pescado Amigo Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: latitude 40.803119, longitude -81.504103 Posts: 611	Titan, I made it!!!! 21 days late but still in March. I do have a ball valve on the out put. In addition each tack had a valve so I am able to controll the flow. As far as adding a 2nd tank as a sump, that is not an option. I have plans for that floor space in the near future. I have a 40 gallon rubber tub that I might have to bring in. Roughly the same footprint with a higher side wall. Not until April though. My schedule is full until then.

03/23/2010, 02:10 AM	#99
Pescado Amigo Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: latitude 40.803119, longitude -81.504103 Posts: 611	daniel, The Loc Line certainly isn't the cheapest route to go but I love the look and the fuction. pedro So far four tanks are full and things look great. I showed "the Lovely and Gracious Lisa" how to top off, shut off, etc. I am off to Florida for a week of work.