55 Reef on a Budget

[jawaiianmon]

awesome job!

 

[Cprowler]

Great idea, it's good to see someone doing this cost effectively. I'm sure some new people come to RC and see the insane amount of money that a lot of people are spending and are scared off. I'm sure when this thread matures it will help many new reefers.:thumbsup:


Have you considered drilling a second drain hole just incase one gets blocked the other can handle the flow? Now would be the time especially if your going to have Xenia and/or other stuff in there.

 

[AnAnemone]

Tank water level looks high. How much room would you have if the water level rose when you add a strainer or a weir? Or is that due to tank not being level?
Looks good, though. Nice thread.
TimO

 

[adnup]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7270233#post7270233 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AnAnemone
Tank water level looks high. How much room would you have if the water level rose when you add a strainer or a weir? Or is that due to tank not being level?
Looks good, though. Nice thread.
TimO

The water level is less than a half of an inch above the trim and that leaves me about a half of an inch before it would overflow. But they way I figure if it backs up its gonna back up and overflow no matter how much space I leave

 

[adnup]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7269880#post7269880 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Cprowler
Great idea, it's good to see someone doing this cost effectively. I'm sure some new people come to RC and see the insane amount of money that a lot of people are spending and are scared off. I'm sure when this thread matures it will help many new reefers.:thumbsup:


Have you considered drilling a second drain hole just incase one gets blocked the other can handle the flow? Now would be the time especially if your going to have Xenia and/or other stuff in there.

Good point maybe I'll do that

 

[adnup]

Sump

Sump

Heres the sump I'm going to use. Its not pretty but it works. Thanks to Steven M for the Weld-On to fix the leak in this "Freebie"

 

[adnup]

Water Test

Water Test

Didnt do much today. Just put what RO water I had made in to do a water test. No leaks :smokin: I had to use a power head to pump the water into the overflow but everything working!

 

[meco65]

Wow thats looking great. And it helps encourage us all. Thank you. Keep the pic coming.

 

[meco65]

bump

 

[rodburner]

Adnup your work is very creative and inspiring,people like you make this hobby such a buzz.Pls continue with pics and updates.Good luck and look forward to seeing more of your progress!!

 

[adnup]

Well, Today I had my first problem. Maybe you guys can help with this one.
The center brace was cracked on this tank. So I used silicone to glue a piece of acrylic to the underside of the brace. Well today I topped off the tank only to notice that the top center of the tank was bowing out, I guess, about 1/8" at the center brace. I took about 20gals out becasue I was affraid of the tank bursting.

I have my thoughts how about you guys?on how to fix it, how about you guys? Anyone ever had this problem before?

 

[Dixietwister15]

try a piece of glass under the brace and silicone it to the front and back on the tank

 

[meco65]

My 55gal had the brace cut out when I bought it used. So I got a piece of 3/8 in glass about 5in wide and two pieces 3/8 x 1 x 5 for supports. First I siliconed the main piece than put the two supports under it, flat on there side to have more surface area. The new brace is probly stronger than the original.

 

[adnup]

Re: Sump

Re: Sump

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7274299#post7274299 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by adnup
Heres the sump I'm going to use. Its not pretty but it works. Thanks to Steven M for the Weld-On to fix the leak in this "Freebie"

I forgot to add for the newbies, that I'm using an acrylic sump because I have it but a 20 gal aga tank would be just as good. In fact thats what I use on my 90gal

 

[adnup]

FYI -
The drain on the tank is 1 1/2" with a 3/4" return. When testing I had the 950gph pump wide open and it worked fine. Alittle bit of "gurgle" so I cut the pump back alittle

 

[adnup]

Well heres the center brace fix. Its not pretty but it could be with alittle paint. I just used Liquid Nails construction adhesive.

I'll clean up the adhesive after it cures.

 

[reefrubble]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7279607#post7279607 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by adnup
Well, Today I had my first problem. Maybe you guys can help with this one.
The center brace was cracked on this tank. So I used silicone to glue a piece of acrylic to the underside of the brace. Well today I topped off the tank only to notice that the top center of the tank was bowing out, I guess, about 1/8" at the center brace. I took about 20gals out becasue I was affraid of the tank bursting.

I have my thoughts how about you guys?on how to fix it, how about you guys? Anyone ever had this problem before?

Paul ,you know you can buy a new top rim with center brace from the aquarium manufacture. I don't think they cost much at all. Ted

 

[meco65]

Is Liquid Nails toxic ?

 

[Maker]

It is if you eat a lot of it.... You aren't eating Liquid Nails, are you?

Seriously though, The way he has it applied in the picture once it cures it will never touch water.

maker

 

[adnup]

Maker - No no I'm not eating it.... and your right it will never touch the water so I thin it wil be ok..