57G Illuminata Build
- Thread starter ampemployee1
- Start date
ampemployee1
Member
@dazed1 - Not a problem, around $1300 for the tank, stand, sump, Eheim Pump lighting fixture, and lighted power strip. The MP10es was $185 NIB delivered.
My wife "suggested" I retire my 29 gallon reef and just upgrade and support the main 57g rimless project. So, I have found the final resting spot for the new system - right where the old system was.
My wife "suggested" I retire my 29 gallon reef and just upgrade and support the main 57g rimless project. So, I have found the final resting spot for the new system - right where the old system was.
ampemployee1
Member
Water tested the sump, no leaks
Will water test the main tank later today.
Will water test the main tank later today.
ampemployee1
Member
The main tank water test - passed!
Designing the plumbing.
Designing the plumbing.
ampemployee1
Member
Spray painted the back black
Masking/Prep
Finished product
Prep'd the inside of the stand for a clear cote (hold up a bit better to drops of water) with Medium #1 steel wool, cleaned with denatured alcohol. Masked off the glass doors
Masking/Prep
Finished product
Prep'd the inside of the stand for a clear cote (hold up a bit better to drops of water) with Medium #1 steel wool, cleaned with denatured alcohol. Masked off the glass doors
ampemployee1
Member
Bought a bunch of components for plumbing, but struggling with the return. I am using mostly PVC components, but the attached bulkhead looks like the only way I can connect to it is via flexible tubing. How have fellow reefers connected to this return? I'm planning the return pump, quick connect, ball valve, PVC to a segment of flexible tubing to the return bulkhead.
ampemployee1
Member
My offer on eBay for the SC150 skimmer was accepted, and will be shipped this week. I'll migrate from my existing system to the 57G next weekend. I'm planning to put the skimmer in the middle section of the Proflex Model 2 sump. I have an existing sump that I plumbed through the wall which I'm planning to convert into a fuge. The system will benefit from the additional 12-15 gallons of water volume as well, and it solves my dilemma of wanting a fuge, but having limited space in the Proflex.
Last edited:
yellowRubi
New member
i picked up some flexible tubbing at homedepot and i connected the bulkhead with a 1/2 pvc pipe, the hoes fits over the bulkhead as it does over the 1/2 pipe and i used some hose clamps, i can take a pic for u if u need it, as for the drain i bought slip bulkhead and just glued a 1" pvc there
ampemployee1
Member
Thanks Peter, a pic would be great. Ed
hey great progress and cool shots!
No good on the RSM 250 couldn't find a good shipping rate.
I wanted to get this tank too but I talked to Central Aquatics (who makes coralife, aqueon, AGA, Oceanic etc) and they said they are going to discontinue the Illuminata series of tanks.
They also said they couldn't say if they are coming out with a newer version so who knows.
I am now probably going to go with a 75g AGA w/ MEGAFLOW Overflow. I did find a good sump the Eshopps R-100 series, first chamer intake and skimmer, second refugium and third is the return pump. I think I will use either the eheim or sicce as a return pump.
as for plumbing the bulkheads can't you use a threaded union adapter then straight PVC pipe? My plumbing is going to be all PVC as well. Be sure and use some teflon tape though on any threaded unions.
also don't forget a swing check valve on your return to prevent a back siphon
No good on the RSM 250 couldn't find a good shipping rate.
I wanted to get this tank too but I talked to Central Aquatics (who makes coralife, aqueon, AGA, Oceanic etc) and they said they are going to discontinue the Illuminata series of tanks.
They also said they couldn't say if they are coming out with a newer version so who knows.
I am now probably going to go with a 75g AGA w/ MEGAFLOW Overflow. I did find a good sump the Eshopps R-100 series, first chamer intake and skimmer, second refugium and third is the return pump. I think I will use either the eheim or sicce as a return pump.
as for plumbing the bulkheads can't you use a threaded union adapter then straight PVC pipe? My plumbing is going to be all PVC as well. Be sure and use some teflon tape though on any threaded unions.
also don't forget a swing check valve on your return to prevent a back siphon
ampemployee1
Member
hey great progress and cool shots!
No good on the RSM 250 couldn't find a good shipping rate.
I wanted to get this tank too but I talked to Central Aquatics (who makes coralife, aqueon, AGA, Oceanic etc) and they said they are going to discontinue the Illuminata series of tanks.
They also said they couldn't say if they are coming out with a newer version so who knows.
I am now probably going to go with a 75g AGA w/ MEGAFLOW Overflow. I did find a good sump the Eshopps R-100 series, first chamer intake and skimmer, second refugium and third is the return pump. I think I will use either the eheim or sicce as a return pump.
as for plumbing the bulkheads can't you use a threaded union adapter then straight PVC pipe? My plumbing is going to be all PVC as well. Be sure and use some teflon tape though on any threaded unions.
also don't forget a swing check valve on your return to prevent a back siphon
First time I've heard Central are discontinuing the Illuminata. I know our LFS still carries the tank and can still order them. Good luck with your ongoing design efforts.
yellowRubi
New member
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/piotrdrozdz/6215433457/" title="photo (1) by Piotr Drozdz, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6161/6215433457_bd4a6b5406_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="photo (1)"></a>
ampemployee1
Member
Thank you Peter
yellowRubi
New member
:beer:
ampemployee1
Member
Skimmer and Plumbing update
Skimmer and Plumbing update
SC150 arrived. Well packaged, quick delivery, great price
Return Plumbing Config; pump to quick connect, T'd to return to main taink, and external fuge, ball valve, check valve. I hope the check valve doesn't affect the flow rate too much:
Plumbing prep materials
Skimmer and Plumbing update
SC150 arrived. Well packaged, quick delivery, great price
Return Plumbing Config; pump to quick connect, T'd to return to main taink, and external fuge, ball valve, check valve. I hope the check valve doesn't affect the flow rate too much:
Plumbing prep materials
ampemployee1
Member
Side tank shots
Sump Shot
Sump Shot
hey this is looking great!
the skimmer did fit, very nice
how did you cut the egg crate that is a good idea to protect the bottom glass.
also how is the MP10 controller attached to the stand?
I did get a quote from my LFS on the remaining tanks of this series but for an extra $400 I can get the 67g Solana XL. sigh on decisions.
might go with the XL 67 because I wanted a small tang
the skimmer did fit, very nice
how did you cut the egg crate that is a good idea to protect the bottom glass.
also how is the MP10 controller attached to the stand?
I did get a quote from my LFS on the remaining tanks of this series but for an extra $400 I can get the 67g Solana XL. sigh on decisions.
might go with the XL 67 because I wanted a small tang
ampemployee1
Member
ampemployee1
Member
Upgrade day, need help
Upgrade day, need help
I have some rock that I've been keeping from old systems that will supplement the live rock from my 29g reef for the 57g rimless system. I gave the rock a good bath in a 25 gallon rubbermaid tub and about 2 full cups of bleach.
I let it soak for about 3 hours, took out my brush and gave each rock a good scrubbing, rinsed them and laid them out to dry in the sun.
QUESTION: How long until the chlorine bleach will "dissipate" so they'll be safe to put into the new system?
That's pretty much the limiting factor on when I will do the upgrade. I've waited this long to do the upgrade, but I'm really chomping at the bit to add water!
Thanks.
Upgrade day, need help
I have some rock that I've been keeping from old systems that will supplement the live rock from my 29g reef for the 57g rimless system. I gave the rock a good bath in a 25 gallon rubbermaid tub and about 2 full cups of bleach.
I let it soak for about 3 hours, took out my brush and gave each rock a good scrubbing, rinsed them and laid them out to dry in the sun.
QUESTION: How long until the chlorine bleach will "dissipate" so they'll be safe to put into the new system?
That's pretty much the limiting factor on when I will do the upgrade. I've waited this long to do the upgrade, but I'm really chomping at the bit to add water!
Thanks.
ampemployee1
Member
Dechlorinate and I'll be ready to upgrade
Dechlorinate and I'll be ready to upgrade
Bleached the rock, rinsed, then gave it a light vinegar bath after reading the following thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1587539&page=35
Rock still has a slight chlorine smell. Will get some dechlorinator and soak the rock until the chlorine is neutralized.
Dechlorinate and I'll be ready to upgrade
Bleached the rock, rinsed, then gave it a light vinegar bath after reading the following thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1587539&page=35
Rock still has a slight chlorine smell. Will get some dechlorinator and soak the rock until the chlorine is neutralized.
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