5 foot long in wall tank build
- Thread starter Thornbreaker
- Start date
Thornbreaker
New member
Wow, that looks great, fishgate.
My only concern with a window ledge like Ivan mentioned is that we have cats.
However, I'll forward these backside pics to our builder as I've been hunting a great example like this. Thank you for sharing.
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My only concern with a window ledge like Ivan mentioned is that we have cats.
However, I'll forward these backside pics to our builder as I've been hunting a great example like this. Thank you for sharing.
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Thornbreaker
New member
Hey Fishgate,
It looks like a lot of your electrical is above your tank, is that correct? Is it pretty safe to have an outlet or two above a tank for at least plugging in lights? Will evaporation from the tank be any problem or a future problem?
It looks like a lot of your electrical is above your tank, is that correct? Is it pretty safe to have an outlet or two above a tank for at least plugging in lights? Will evaporation from the tank be any problem or a future problem?
fishgate
Active member
The only electrical above the tank is an outlet for the FIOS and Alarm system. I ran 2 new circuits for the tanks and had one existing outlet. Since I use a Reefkeeper controller, that is the outlet that I use and it is below the tank. I have never had any issues in the 4 years this has been set up with evaporation effecting the outlets. I would say it will not make a difference where your outlet is located. Above should be fine for the lighting. All of the outlets that I added are protected by GFI. But I did not add that to existing outlets although it probably is a good idea. Current code would require it.
Thornbreaker
New member
That makes me feel better. I really don't want cords from the light fixtures hanging down across the tank somewhere, so I'll be sure to put in an outlet over the top of the tank somewhere convenient. I'll have a GFI breaker for sure and probably the outlets as well in the room. Thanks again for your help.
I'll update again once I've got the tank delivered. Probably a couple of months from now as were still in the framing process on the house.
I'll update again once I've got the tank delivered. Probably a couple of months from now as were still in the framing process on the house.
fishgate
Active member
Are you planning on getting a tank controller? Especially for the lights this is a good idea. It may effect your wiring plans if so.
Thornbreaker
New member
Down the road I'll look at an apex, unless Im just able to find a used one for inexpensive. I'll get timers for the lights initially. I'd like to learn the ins and outs of my first aquarium before graduation to an Apex.
What wiring would be good to be prepared down the road?
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What wiring would be good to be prepared down the road?
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Thornbreaker
New member
So I'm going to have a water line run to the closet. Is there a good recommendation on how to "stub" that out so it's ready for an RO/DI line?
Would a hose bib (like on an outside faucet) be good? Or is there something better to go for?
Thanks!
Would a hose bib (like on an outside faucet) be good? Or is there something better to go for?
Thanks!
Thornbreaker
New member
Brief update. Drywall is in, frame for the stand is almost done. Flooring has actually started this week and trim should start by next week. I'm just waiting on the trim guy to add the plywood on top and make it level.
May be July before I can order the tank.
I may ask them to widen the center supports underneath, so I'll have better access to the future sump.
Y'all should be able to see the hot/cold water lines, and the floor drain.
If a Moderator needs to move this thread to the tank build forum, please do so. I probably won't update until the tank has arrived.
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May be July before I can order the tank.
I may ask them to widen the center supports underneath, so I'll have better access to the future sump.
Y'all should be able to see the hot/cold water lines, and the floor drain.
If a Moderator needs to move this thread to the tank build forum, please do so. I probably won't update until the tank has arrived.
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Thornbreaker
New member
Awesome. I'll take a few pics tonight of the finished room.
I've been delayed for a couple of reasons. I ordered the tank shortly after the pictures above were taken, but I waited to set it on the stand as we still had painting and staining to take place. (We moved in just a month ago). I didn't want to cross contaminate the tank.
On top of that the tank had an issue on the bulkheads that I just got around to trying to patch last night. Long story, but basically one of the holes got gouged during delivery. I'll post a couple pics.
I'm going to order a pump and a RO/DI this weekend so that I can start setting up the mixing station. Tank will go on the stand hopefully next Friday when we have a bunch of friends over anyway.
From there it'll likely be a slow process of ordering the remaining equipment. Having just finished our house, there's several other expenses that may have priority (like a lawnmower, additional furniture). My goal though is to have a fish in by Christmas, but that's likely wishful thinking
Thornbreaker
New member
Going to try for a steampunk theme in the room.Awesome. I'll take a few pics tonight of the finished room.
I've been delayed for a couple of reasons. I ordered the tank shortly after the pictures above were taken, but I waited to set it on the stand as we still had painting and staining to take place. (We moved in just a month ago). I didn't want to cross contaminate the tank.
On top of that the tank had an issue on the bulkheads that I just got around to trying to patch last night. Long story, but basically one of the holes got gouged during delivery. I'll post a couple pics.
I'm going to order a pump and a RO/DI this weekend so that I can start setting up the mixing station. Tank will go on the stand hopefully next Friday when we have a bunch of friends over anyway.
From there it'll likely be a slow process of ordering the remaining equipment. Having just finished our house, there's several other expenses that may have priority (like a lawnmower, additional furniture). My goal though is to have a fish in by Christmas, but that's likely wishful thinking
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Thornbreaker
New member
Just have to set the tank on the stand in the next week. I've ordered a Panworld 50px-x and a 5 stage brs ro/di to get the mixing station started.
Hopefully the patch on the bulkhead works.
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Hopefully the patch on the bulkhead works.
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Thornbreaker
New member
So quick update, tank is on the stand and rodi is hung on the wall. Next up is plumbing for the mix station.
I have 2 40 gallon containers with 3/4" outlets. Will convert it to 1" as I ordered a Panworld 50px-x to use on the mixing station.
I've been reading a good bit on the saltwater mixing station thread, but my knowledge of plumbing is limited.
Can anyone tell me what is usually best to attach to the inlet/outlet of the pump, as in is it typically just a few inches of pvc, then a conversion piece then a union? Is it best to glue the pvc to the pump, or is that not necessary? I'd like the pump to be easily unhooked for cleaning and incase I need to use it as a back up later for the return pump in the sump. I'm just not sure what the best practice is.
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I have 2 40 gallon containers with 3/4" outlets. Will convert it to 1" as I ordered a Panworld 50px-x to use on the mixing station.
I've been reading a good bit on the saltwater mixing station thread, but my knowledge of plumbing is limited.
Can anyone tell me what is usually best to attach to the inlet/outlet of the pump, as in is it typically just a few inches of pvc, then a conversion piece then a union? Is it best to glue the pvc to the pump, or is that not necessary? I'd like the pump to be easily unhooked for cleaning and incase I need to use it as a back up later for the return pump in the sump. I'm just not sure what the best practice is.
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Thornbreaker
New member
Got the mixing station set up and started my ro/di water last night. Next up will be getting a quarantine tank cycled once my test kits arrive Friday.
Now if only I can find a good black Friday deal on a ~40 gal sump.
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Now if only I can find a good black Friday deal on a ~40 gal sump.
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Thornbreaker
New member
Figured Id go ahead and start a quarantine up. Cycle started Tuesday night. I did use some ammonium chloride and Dr Tim's bacteria. So far in testing the ammonia looks to be coming down, but I haven't seen a spike in nitrate/nitrites yet.
In other news, I've got to fix the bulkheads on my mixing tanks as I didn't use enough teflon tape on the threaded fittings. Fortunately they are both slow leaks, but need to fix it before getting the display tank set up.
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In other news, I've got to fix the bulkheads on my mixing tanks as I didn't use enough teflon tape on the threaded fittings. Fortunately they are both slow leaks, but need to fix it before getting the display tank set up.
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Thornbreaker
New member
So after 3 weeks of cycling I'm still waiting for the ammonia to come down. Having used Dr. Tim's, I'm a bit disappointed, but I imagine part of the slowness may be a lack of oxygen, over dosing ammonium chloride, or not enough surface area.
I have seen at least nitrates as well from testing, but I haven't tested it regularly as the ammonia still seems to be over 1ppm.
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I have seen at least nitrates as well from testing, but I haven't tested it regularly as the ammonia still seems to be over 1ppm.
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Thornbreaker
New member
Week 5 update. A little progress, but still getting ammonia. I did double check the test kit with rodi water and it came out at 0 ppm/yellow tint. So it's definitely the tank just not completing its cycle yet.
Any suggestions on why after dosing some Dr. Tim's that it would still be uncycled?
Ill be ordering my sump soon and will get the plumbing in place on the DT. Hopefully the bulkheads will all seal properly on the overflow.
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Any suggestions on why after dosing some Dr. Tim's that it would still be uncycled?
Ill be ordering my sump soon and will get the plumbing in place on the DT. Hopefully the bulkheads will all seal properly on the overflow.
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