120g in-wall build thread
- Thread starter JDL
- Start date
painkiller1009
Member
been following this thread from the start.
looks like your on the home streach keep up the good work.
seems it might be a pain to clean your skimmer cup though
looks like your on the home streach keep up the good work.
seems it might be a pain to clean your skimmer cup though
JDL
New member
thanks!
I tested it already. I can easily remove the reactor and then get access to the skimmer. The cup easily comes off. I can also put a collection container inside the stand and run a tube from the cup to it if needed. In the pic you can see the tube on the wood next to the skimmer area. However i did turn on the skimmer and it wasnt working as intended. I will get the pump out tomorrow night and test it.
If ever needed i will put a union on the tubing on the right side and left side, but for now i just left them alone. I do have ball valves on each side that cant be seen.
I've also tested a 'power' failure and sump easily contains any water syphoned back.
I've also removed the micro socks, didnt like them. Once the water clears i'll be able to tell if i need something for the micro bubbles, but it seems like they wont be an issue.
still debating on any sand in the sump. Not sure how to contain it to one area without any baffles.
atwinparadox2
New member
More rock always helps, Personally I love an open look for space for corals and fish to swim. Plus you'll get great flow. But it is strictly opinion based. Love the tank so far!! Like painkiller1009 said about the skimmer cup, did you ever think about putting it in the other tub for easier access and maintenance?
JDL
New member
as of now, i have 100lbs base that is cycled, and 120lbs in my 90g that i will move to the 120. I may just put the rock from the 90 in the 120 dt and the 100 base in the sump.
I thought about the skimmer in the rubbermaid, but they work better with constant water level so where it is at will have the most constant level.
I know, i am still debating on half my ideas. Easy to change it now with only water/sand in the tank. Soon as i add the fish, changing will get harder.
I will be adding an algae scrubber to one of my drains.
MVlk
New member
I'd recommend the skimmer tub in the sump design I am using. It allows me to keep the skimmer level constant and the elbows for the drain allow me to adjust the that level up or down easily. Also, being in the sump reduces the chances of any flooding if something goes wrong. The Rubbermaid, even with the skimmer tub in them, offer plenty of space.
Just my two cents. Oh, the scrubber is number 43 on my list of things I'd like to do.
Just my two cents. Oh, the scrubber is number 43 on my list of things I'd like to do.
JDL
New member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14948795#post14948795 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MVlk
I'd recommend the skimmer tub in the sump design I am using. It allows me to keep the skimmer level constant and the elbows for the drain allow me to adjust the that level up or down easily. Also, being in the sump reduces the chances of any flooding if something goes wrong. The Rubbermaid, even with the skimmer tub in them, offer plenty of space.
Just my two cents. Oh, the scrubber is number 43 on my list of things I'd like to do.
i was going to use your exact design, but since i have the 50g and not the 100g stock tank it didnt fit so well. I was also going to lay the 50g where the toughbox is at so i would have a very short return putting the eheim kind of where the skimmer sits, but that didnt work out either.
I can still change things by turning off the ehaim and then draining the water in the sump into a side container. But the current setup seems ok for now, unless someone can show me a better setup? Which i am all for improvements. :beer:
painkiller1009
Member
even if you have the skimmate go to a seprate container you still have to clean the neck of the skimmer so often.
not saying your design wont work just might be more of a pain later down the road.
not saying your design wont work just might be more of a pain later down the road.
MVlk
New member
After the first week I setup my new MSX 250, I decided to hook up the discharge to a 5 gallon bucket. Woke up the next morning to a spill on the floor of about a gallon... I do not recommend hooking it up to anything but a drain until you have it dialed in and know how it will react in different situations.
JDL
New member
This is my only regret of my build....no drain, and i couldnt run a pipe through my walls to the sump pump. I may look into builing one up into the ceiling and across to the sump pump. This will make my water changes easier as well.
got my skimmer working last night, wow this skimmer is awesome.
Water was also very clear this morning. Tonight i am going to finish my algae scrubber and put my base rock in the tank (some in tank, some in sump).
also going to treasures from the sea to see if they have any bangaii available.
