65g Build...input/opinions welcome

[jkf1983]

Don't forget the union at your pump, so you can remove/clean it. I also agree that its not necessary to split your return and send it to you fuge... Fuge will get all the flow it needs from the drain.

On my tank i have a siphon overflow, which i really like, but it requires two drain lines one primary and one back up... no noise, no bubbles, no salt spray under the tank... BRS TV has a good video on it, but basically you need a gate valve on the drain line to match the return rate of the return pump (create siphon), then you have a 2nd drain line as a back up (MUST HAVE A 2nd DRAIN) this is positioned about a inch above the primary drain line in your overflow.

 

[hoju74]

I saw the video for that. Unfourtunatley, my tank only has one drain, and one return. I really don't want to run the return over the lip of the tank.

 

[jkf1983]

I saw the video for that. Unfourtunatley, my tank only has one drain, and one return. I really don't want to run the return over the lip of the tank.

Yea I had to drill my tank, most only come with 1 drain and 1 return.

 

[RtReef]

I also have a mag7 and it's more than enough to keep up with a 65g. I also have one AI SOL over the tank with all 70* optics. Corals are growing fine.

 

[hoju74]

RtReef...interesting. I would think a single SOL wouldn't give enough coverage for a 36" long tank.

 

[RtReef]

It does plenty with 70* optics. You can search for my thread. I have several LPS corals and over 20 zoo's. I recently got into SPS and so far after 1 month SPS are doing great.

 

[RtReef]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2135085&highlight=sol+70+optic

Found it.

 

[jkf1983]

Pheonix kit from reefledlights will have almost twice the leds for the same price... and you could get 1 24" heatsink.

 

[RtReef]

Pheonix kit from reefledlights will have almost twice the leds for the same price... and you could get 1 24" heatsink.

It's about quality, not quantity. How much is your time worth though?:beer:

 

[jkf1983]

I agree. I would rather have a quality diy fixture with premium leds and components rather than a mass produced premade fixture with half the leds.. I also enjoyed the project and there was no soldering.

 

[hoju74]

Got the sump started. Discovered I really suck at working with silicone...it looks like my 2-1/2 yr old son did it. Should be able to do a water test on it Saturday.

 

[hoju74]

Plumbing dry fitted & MP40 ordered. Should be able to do a leak test this week/weekend.

On lighting...I think I've come to the conclusion that 2 AI Sol Blue modules might be the way to go. I'm not a good DIY'er, and these lights seem to be the benchmark. Everytime I've cut corners in this hobby it's come back to bite me.

 

[AVDweeb]

I love the Mega-Overflow idea. I just might use that on mine!

 

[hoju74]

I should know how good it works this weekend.

One thing I did was switch out the bulkheads. It came with bulkheads that had a barbed end, and I switched them for slip fit bulkheads to cut down on how many fittings I would need.