375-500G Projected Build - need some input

[02tts]

Some more pics.

Return #1 plumbed.
Decided to use 2 dedicated returns, not because of flow rate but for redundancy - I've had pumps fail before and with these DC pumps I am not quite sure what the longevity is, so better safe than sorry.

Have to order another L1 tomorrow for the closed loop and waiting to get the heavy duty 1.5" bulkheads that did not ship with the tank.

So 3 pumps total plus skimmer pump but I will be dialing down the 2 return pumps by more than probably half or at half output.

I plumbed for two reactors, gfo and carbon (setup as a single piece dual reactor) and I'm leaving one for the future, ran out of true Union valves so another HD run in the am

I think I'll be able to finish all the plumbing tomorrow minus the closed loop because I have to wait for the pump and bulkheads.

I expect to be able to test this puppy for leaks mid next week.

Lots of glued on pieces so I REALLY hope there are no leaks or this is going to be a pita.

Also, opted for paste vs Teflon (Rectorseal "5). Between the fumes from that and the pvc cement I have a headache that no pill can cure, this stuff is so damn strong.

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[02tts]

Last set of pics for a little while.
Waiting on bulkheads, new pump and strainers. Also need to put the additional support columns for the weight but that along with the board will be last.

Put some water in the sump and no leaks this far so that's always a good sign.

Hope you're all enjoying the build.

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[02tts]

I initially tried the smaller profile strainers by Life Aquatics on another tank as a test but they just were too restrictive in terms of flow, so, I got these koi pond strainers which should work well given the large open surface area. Will hide with some rocks best I can when I get to that point.

If I have time I should be done with plumbing this thing and finally putting some water to test it all.

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[02tts]

375-500G Projected Build - need some input

Got some real nice pvc clamps which I'm waiting for the glue to dry, this will be where the runners will be, meaning the return from the closed loop which will have 3 controllable entry points into the tank on each side for a total of 6 returns, plus the other two from the actual sump return so flow and ensuring that most of the water is fresh and not stagnant should not be an issue - in theory.

 

[02tts]

Just finished making the pieces needed for the runners that will be on the closed loop.

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[02tts]

Yeah baby

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[Kingi]

Looking good. Going to be tagging along.

 

[02tts]

So tank has water, no leaks but changing the runner setup from 1" to 3/4" to 1" to 1/2" with reducer for larger, stronger flow. So far all looks good but need to get some tank clarifier, water appears greenish and not sure if that the bottom panel glass causing it since that's not low iron or what the heck is going on. As the other 3 do appear to be low iron...anyone know of a sure fire way to tell if the glass is low iron? Can't look down the end because black silicone was used.

Thoughts?

Also, playing with setup to see what water temperature will be. Last night I was able to get it down to 73.9 with all 3 pumps running and the skimmer so total of 4 pumps. Had a fan blowing across the top, next couple of days going to try without the fan but having the water surface a little more disturbed. Fan caused too much evaporation and raised the humidity in the house up 2%. Which living in south Florida it's a big deal, it's already humid enough outside.

Today without the fan it's at 75 so 2 degree difference which is amazing that a little desk fan would lower the water temp that much.

If I can keep it at 76 or below with all pumps on then adding LED lights should only increase temp by a factor of 1 maybe 2 degrees, keeping me in that 78-79 range.

Let's see....


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[02tts]

Also, tank is super quiet, only hear humming if pumps. Amazing overflow design by BA.


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[02tts]

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[reefchile]

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Nice!
Could you send a photo of the entire tank and the sump?

 

[foxrazr]

Nice I like how everything is coming along. Subscribed!

 

[02tts]

Nice!
Could you send a photo of the entire tank and the sump?

I will once I get everything out of the way.
It's a complete mess rights now but I should be done in a few days, making ro/di water today and tomorrow so should have enough water in the next two days to put in the tank. Did rocks today, doing live sand probably tomorrow night or Thursday once I know the water parameters and water temp is holding - then have to do furniture.

 

[02tts]

Nice I like how everything is coming along. Subscribed!

Thanks, more pics coming now.

 

[02tts]

Just got done with the rocks.

Also put a couple of pics of the runners.

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[02tts]

375-500G Projected Build - need some input

Having an issue with murky water. This is a brand new tank so water should be crystal clear, and it is outside the tank so I am baffled....

(3) of the (4) sides are low iron, the one to the right which faces the wall is standard glass, didn't see the need to make that low iron, the glass braces on top of the tank are regular glass and the bottom of the tank is regular glass, which is irrelevant since the bottoms is all covered with sand.

If you look, you can see from one side of the tank to the other along the long side, but if you try to see from the short side across the the other two panes you can't, in fact you get a little mirror effect!

And the water, to me, appears to have a green hue...what gives?!

Can anyone help me find out what's causing this? I have already emptied the tank once and made clean ro/di water which again, outside the tank it's clear as can be. So obviously it has to do with the glass but I don't get it, it's clear looking at it which sides are low iron and which isn't so I'm lost.


If you look at the first and last two pics you will see that you are seeing reflections like if the glass was a mirror instead of seeing across like you do in the second pic.


Any thoughts?

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[sfsuphysics]

Well I see sand in the tank, that would be my #1 guess as to why it is "murky". It might take a while for the tiniest of sand particles to eventually settle. Or just use a heavy filter sock on your return for a day, it'll probably catch everything.

Reflections are from two things, the fact you're going from air, to glass, to water, to glass, to air, each with a different index of refraction, so you're going to be doing some funny total internal reflection tricks if you look at the right angle which causes that mirrored effect. Also, if it's brighter outside the tank than inside then you naturally are going to get a reflection from surface of the glass, once you get bright lights inside the tank, you should get less reflection from the outside.

 

[02tts]

375-500G Projected Build - need some input

It was doing this without the rocks and sand just empty which I thought would be the reflection from the bottom of the tank not being low iron. You're probably right on all else.

I've just put the filter socks and carbon in the carbon reactor last night so let's see how it fairs out in a few days.

Thanks for the advice.


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[02tts]

Still haven't finished wiring but some pics.

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[02tts]

Failed pump after 1 week.

So I have 3 new L1's on this setup as one can see - one which is now being replaced under warranty. All 3 pumps have been in use a total of maybe a week and already have a 1/3 failure rate...my very promising, let's hope the others hold up.

Glad I decided to go with a redundant setup on the return and that I don't have any livestock yet.

For those wondering about the issue:

Pump says its overheating but feels the same as it has over the last few days. Also, it says it's off online but the pump is running. Support had me reset the pump which fixed it the first time then within a few hours it's reporting its off when it's not.

Support folks were great at jumping to replace it but I'm no so happy to have a failing pump after 1 week...

Also, the iPhone app says all my pumps are at 50% when they are not, so not sure what's up with that.




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