220 Inwall - Plan
- Thread starter bheron
- Start date
- Status
AuroraDave
New member
It's a thin, clear circular sleeve that a regular NO bulb slides inside. So they're 48" long and typically fit the thicker sized NO bulbs (T12 I think).
You can definately fit Christmas lights inside. HD & Menards have them next to the bulbs. Check it out next time you are there, you'll understand once you see them
gig
New member
Bryan:
Way back when you were setting up, you placed your 70g sump underneath the tank. how did you get it under there? I doesn't seem like it was physcially possible. Did you have some support removed and then readded? was there enough room from the side to slide it in?
I am building a 180 system right now. And I cannot even slip a 55g (standard size) underneath and may need to go with a smaller sump (40g long or something in the 30-40g range).
Thanks,
Chris
Way back when you were setting up, you placed your 70g sump underneath the tank. how did you get it under there? I doesn't seem like it was physcially possible. Did you have some support removed and then readded? was there enough room from the side to slide it in?
I am building a 180 system right now. And I cannot even slip a 55g (standard size) underneath and may need to go with a smaller sump (40g long or something in the 30-40g range).
Thanks,
Chris
bheron
Active member
Hey Chris, good question. For me it was easy. Yes, I removed one of the middle support beams in order to get it to fit. But, I did this BEFORE I filled anything up with water. I knew this way ahead of time and planned the building of the whole stand around the idea of using my 75g as a sump.
One thing to think about that might help: I thought about keeping the ends of my stand open, or accessible, so that I might be able to slide my sump in and out longways. Not sure if thats possible with your setup?
Thanks for stopping by.
UPDATE: in other news, I just returned from an 8 day vacation away from home, so I'll write in soon on how the first extended trip away from my setup went!
One thing to think about that might help: I thought about keeping the ends of my stand open, or accessible, so that I might be able to slide my sump in and out longways. Not sure if thats possible with your setup?
Thanks for stopping by.
UPDATE: in other news, I just returned from an 8 day vacation away from home, so I'll write in soon on how the first extended trip away from my setup went!
gig
New member
Thanks Bryan...unfortunately I don't have the room to slide it in sideways! doh! 
Might just go for a 37g that is 36" long, that should fit. No way I can get a 48" long tank like the 55g or 40g long in from any angle.
I don't have water in mine yet, but I don't want to cut away at my middle support.
Might just go for a 37g that is 36" long, that should fit. No way I can get a 48" long tank like the 55g or 40g long in from any angle.
I don't have water in mine yet, but I don't want to cut away at my middle support.
tgunn
Active member
Bryan,
Hope your vacation was enjoyable and you returned to a healthy and happy tank!
Let us know the details of what you did to prepare for the vacation, who was left in charge, etc. I'm going to probably going on a trip to Florida in December and need to figure out the best way to keep the tank going while I'm gone.
Tyler
Hope your vacation was enjoyable and you returned to a healthy and happy tank!
Let us know the details of what you did to prepare for the vacation, who was left in charge, etc. I'm going to probably going on a trip to Florida in December and need to figure out the best way to keep the tank going while I'm gone.
Tyler
bheron
Active member
Hey all, been away for awhile. A vacation and the NCAA tournament have been taking up most of my time! Just a small update...
- My first real vacation allowed me to test out my system to see how it would fare running virtually by itself for the first time. I had people come by each day to check on the house and the tank. To be honest, I dont think they paid too much attention to the tank. With this in mind, I kept instructions simple and just had them drop in a pre-measured amount of food each day. (Im not even sure if they did this since my Hippo tang looked a little thin!) With inexperienced helpers, there wasnt much they could do IF there were problems with the system. But, what would a vacation be without problems?? Here's what DID happen:
.....In order to address water evaporation without any topoffs for 1 week I filled up the sump with extra topoff water before I left. I tested this the week before and was confident the extra amount would be enough for 1 week. Well, I knew the only way I'd get burnt is if the return pump failed and the backflow was too much for the sump to handle. Well, guess what happened?
...When I came home from vacation I found a semi-wet floor and a sump almost dry! The return pump was also running 1/2 dry and not pumping any water back to the display. So what happened?
....As luck would have it, we did have a power outtage. And, it came at the perfect/worst time, in the beginning of the week when the sump level was at its highest! So, as a result, Im guessing the sump overflowed b/c of the high level and inability to handle the backflow. Hence the wet floor. Then, because of the loss of water, when the pump started back up, there wasnt going to be enough water in the sump to compensate for the water evaporation loss that was sure to come the rest of the week.
....Result: wet floor, dry sump and pump when I returned. In the end it wasnt a big deal at all. And, I guess, it couldve been alot worse!
- My first real vacation allowed me to test out my system to see how it would fare running virtually by itself for the first time. I had people come by each day to check on the house and the tank. To be honest, I dont think they paid too much attention to the tank. With this in mind, I kept instructions simple and just had them drop in a pre-measured amount of food each day. (Im not even sure if they did this since my Hippo tang looked a little thin!) With inexperienced helpers, there wasnt much they could do IF there were problems with the system. But, what would a vacation be without problems?? Here's what DID happen:
.....In order to address water evaporation without any topoffs for 1 week I filled up the sump with extra topoff water before I left. I tested this the week before and was confident the extra amount would be enough for 1 week. Well, I knew the only way I'd get burnt is if the return pump failed and the backflow was too much for the sump to handle. Well, guess what happened?
...When I came home from vacation I found a semi-wet floor and a sump almost dry! The return pump was also running 1/2 dry and not pumping any water back to the display. So what happened?
....As luck would have it, we did have a power outtage. And, it came at the perfect/worst time, in the beginning of the week when the sump level was at its highest! So, as a result, Im guessing the sump overflowed b/c of the high level and inability to handle the backflow. Hence the wet floor. Then, because of the loss of water, when the pump started back up, there wasnt going to be enough water in the sump to compensate for the water evaporation loss that was sure to come the rest of the week.
....Result: wet floor, dry sump and pump when I returned. In the end it wasnt a big deal at all. And, I guess, it couldve been alot worse!
agarza
New member
Murphy never fails, "If something can go wrong...".
I hope no one in the tank suffered from the reduced flow. Good to hear it was not a big deal. Makes me think on the auto top off system now that my April 2 week vacation is coming and, as in your case, inexperienced volunteers will be checking on the house/tank. Too much to do, too little time.
Cheers
I hope no one in the tank suffered from the reduced flow. Good to hear it was not a big deal. Makes me think on the auto top off system now that my April 2 week vacation is coming and, as in your case, inexperienced volunteers will be checking on the house/tank. Too much to do, too little time.
Cheers
bheron
Active member
Agarza - so right! You know, I really wanted to keep it very simple, even thought of shutting off the return pump for the week and running on my Streams. I've done that in the past and may do it next time. And your mention of your autotopoff, I would never let one run that was hooked up directly to the plumbing. Are you going to have it connected to a resivoir? Otherwise, an problem could be costly!
Conda - thanks. you know, I dont know for hole long the Mag was running dry, not too long but i'm guess maybe a day or so, and I cant detect any damage. With that said, Im sure it wasnt good for the pump long term.
Conda - thanks. you know, I dont know for hole long the Mag was running dry, not too long but i'm guess maybe a day or so, and I cant detect any damage. With that said, Im sure it wasnt good for the pump long term.
agarza
New member
I'm still working on the plan, but I'm thinking on a reservoir enough for 15 days @.5 gals a day is not hat much water. It will be a gravity system until I have the nerve to trust an electronic system. I have all the power heads on computer UPS and they work like a charm. We get power losses here about once a week and they last around 20 or 30 min so that has been tested, but then again I can always count on Murphy.
bheron
Active member
Alfonso - sounds like youre working on a good system there! Gravity fed is the way to go!
Which reminds me, I also had another mishap this week with my top off system (notice I dont use the word "auto" in there anywhere).
I have my RODI hooked up directly to my cold water plumbing. It fills up an 18g rubbermaid tub and has a float valve to shut it off when filled. The waste water is plumbed to a sump with a sump pump in it (my system is in the basement).
So, I never trust this thing to run on its own. I always make "makeup" water while Im at home. Just the other day I checked on it and found a nice puddle of water!! The float on the sump pump mustve gotten stuck and all the waste water was emptying onto the floor!
I need to get in there and make sure nothing's blocking the float. Even so, its just another reason not to trust it (right Conda?!)
Which reminds me, I also had another mishap this week with my top off system (notice I dont use the word "auto" in there anywhere).
I have my RODI hooked up directly to my cold water plumbing. It fills up an 18g rubbermaid tub and has a float valve to shut it off when filled. The waste water is plumbed to a sump with a sump pump in it (my system is in the basement).
So, I never trust this thing to run on its own. I always make "makeup" water while Im at home. Just the other day I checked on it and found a nice puddle of water!! The float on the sump pump mustve gotten stuck and all the waste water was emptying onto the floor!
I need to get in there and make sure nothing's blocking the float. Even so, its just another reason not to trust it (right Conda?!)
conda
New member
As a wise sump builder once said:
"I would never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, hook an ATO directly to a plumbing source."
Did I mention he said never ever?
"I would never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, hook an ATO directly to a plumbing source."
Did I mention he said never ever?
melev
Well-known member
Bryan, we have to get you an Auto Top Off system set up. I'm picturing your system running for a week with the sump shut off and the Tunzes running, as suggested. You come home, turn on the sump pump, and push that foul stagnant water into your display. :eek2:
Setting up a resevoir via gravity or electronic is totally fine, and that is what I do when I go out of town for MACNA. I have more fresh and saltwater made up, and available to the tank sitter. They know how to add more RO/DI water to the ATO system, and have the saltwater available if something goes wrong.
Regarding food servings - if this is powder-flake-or-pellet, just put them in individual cups, covered with cellophane and write the day on the wrap with a Sharpie. That way they can grab the cup, pour it in, and leave.
Setting up a resevoir via gravity or electronic is totally fine, and that is what I do when I go out of town for MACNA. I have more fresh and saltwater made up, and available to the tank sitter. They know how to add more RO/DI water to the ATO system, and have the saltwater available if something goes wrong.
Regarding food servings - if this is powder-flake-or-pellet, just put them in individual cups, covered with cellophane and write the day on the wrap with a Sharpie. That way they can grab the cup, pour it in, and leave.
bheron
Active member
Marc -
- OK! Yes, please. Ive had some ideas about a gravity fed one, but havent seen any, I dont think, other than the automated ones with pumps. Help?
- You know, Ive never thought of it that way. Just figured the water would be a little cold is all. UGH! Ok, point taken.
- Actually, thats what I did. Just not sure if they even did THAT.
So, any hep on the gravity fed top offs would be great. I have my RODI running now in the basement and Im nervous the sump pump will fail again.
Alright, time for updated some pics!
Full tank shots...
Dont get excited - the tank water isnt that clear.
And here's one of my Frogspawn. Im pretty sure the little bubble on it is the splitting process? Happened once before and a new head came out of it. Thoughts?
Here's a new one. Take a look at whats appeared in the bottom of my overflow chamber:
Not sure what to do about THAT one.
Now, now with my problem coral. Its the torch. Here's what it looked like when I first put it in the tank weeeks ago:
Since then, I've been playing with different places in the tank - flow and light combinations, and cant seem to get it right?
Here's what it looks like the past few weeks:
Is it sick? Unhealthy? Again, I've tried several places and will continue to do so. Just confused b/c the rest of my tank, and all parameters that I test, seem fine.
- OK! Yes, please. Ive had some ideas about a gravity fed one, but havent seen any, I dont think, other than the automated ones with pumps. Help?
- You know, Ive never thought of it that way. Just figured the water would be a little cold is all. UGH! Ok, point taken.
- Actually, thats what I did. Just not sure if they even did THAT.
So, any hep on the gravity fed top offs would be great. I have my RODI running now in the basement and Im nervous the sump pump will fail again.
Alright, time for updated some pics!
Full tank shots...
Dont get excited - the tank water isnt that clear.
And here's one of my Frogspawn. Im pretty sure the little bubble on it is the splitting process? Happened once before and a new head came out of it. Thoughts?
Here's a new one. Take a look at whats appeared in the bottom of my overflow chamber:
Not sure what to do about THAT one.
Now, now with my problem coral. Its the torch. Here's what it looked like when I first put it in the tank weeeks ago:
Since then, I've been playing with different places in the tank - flow and light combinations, and cant seem to get it right?
Here's what it looks like the past few weeks:
Is it sick? Unhealthy? Again, I've tried several places and will continue to do so. Just confused b/c the rest of my tank, and all parameters that I test, seem fine.
melev
Well-known member
<b>- OK! Yes, please. Ive had some ideas about a gravity fed one, but havent seen any, I dont think, other than the automated ones with pumps. Help?</b>
We have a great thread on our club's message board that is rather old, but it had lots of different ways of doing this. I'll try to locate it for you.
Your tank looks great. Cerith eggs on the back glass is a good indication.
The shrimp in the overflow can be netted out of there, along with the kent scraper blade.
Put the torch in an area of very low flow, surrounded by rocks and it will open up more if it isn't sick (brown jelly disease).
The bubble is how the frogspawn splits one head into two. It will take time, but soon you'll see the division clearly.
We have a great thread on our club's message board that is rather old, but it had lots of different ways of doing this. I'll try to locate it for you.
Your tank looks great. Cerith eggs on the back glass is a good indication.
The shrimp in the overflow can be netted out of there, along with the kent scraper blade.
Put the torch in an area of very low flow, surrounded by rocks and it will open up more if it isn't sick (brown jelly disease).
The bubble is how the frogspawn splits one head into two. It will take time, but soon you'll see the division clearly.
- Status
Similar threads
