75G DIY stand sump plumbing buildup PICS!!!!!

[chinaman4u]

One month update: full tank shot. Since the above shots were taken, I have been so busy, I have done absolutely nothing to this tank for a month! Except a clownfish disappeared on me.

 

[chinaman4u]

Today I added a DIY skimmer, countercurrent airstone type using a 6' long clear 2'PVC pipe and Lowe's parts.

 

[chinaman4u]

And here it is installed. The 2" dia pipe fits snuggly between the tnak and wall. Fed by my return pump then drains to an above tank fuge and drains to the main tank. And yes, that's a JEBO unit in there now, it works great.

I need a strong air pump for the airstones(for the skimmer) for the 6ft depth, any recommendations? I still have to make a collection cup. Its running now with no leaks.

 

[killereef]

Great carpentry, I wish I can be more creative. How is the flow with are the 90's and outlet? Does it look like theirs good water movement?

 

[chinaman4u]

The flow is good but not great. However this high pressure iwaki-55 output gets split 4 ways; sump, skimmer, and with two 3/4" returns to the tank. The two returns then loses more pressure through two manifolds with 4 outlets each. Orig 6 outlets, had to cut back bc of inadequate flow. An upgrade to a 70 or 100 would be better but trying to keep elec and noise low. The mainfold is nice bc the outputs' flow direction can be optimized without the use of multiple powerheads. I may add a sieo though.

 

[chinaman4u]

New addition! Only $5.00!

 

[bullfish]

great thread, alot of good learning material in here.. Tank looks awesome.

I have been lurking around on the board for a long time, trying to learn enough so one day I can start up my own reef.

I have a stupid question. I am not the greatest 'plumber' in the world, but how did you connect your RO/DI unit to your faucet. Is it tee'd from the pipe or connected to the actual sink faucet? A pic would be great too.. Just trying to see how all this stuff works..

thanks

 

[speakeraddict]

Get one of the tetra tech DW series. I use the 24-2 on a 4' long 3"model and it works unbelievable well. I even had to throttle it back a bit. I would say a single 3" air stone on that skimmer with the 24-2 would work well.

speakeraddict

 

[bassman57]

Nice Work. I love the woodwork. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:. I also love your overflow idea. Very simple. I can't believe i haven't though of somthing like that. :lol: :lol:

 

[chinaman4u]

A water tap on cold water line, then clear tubing to filters. The deionized water comes out the red line and gets split to an auto top off device and a sink spicket(note that deionized water is not for drinking). i was told that i should split at the blue line for drinking. Waste water goes through the yellow to the drain. Very simple. The black gate valve is a flush device to clean the system. There is considerable waste water, but I don't pay any water bills..

 

[chinaman4u]

I couldh've not put them in my new tank; but I couldn't give them up. I have heard bad things about CBS, but these mated pair of Blue CBS are supposed to be not as aggressive. They are actually very shy(hiding all the time). The one with the big blue belly full of eggs is the female. I have had a small clownfish and a mandarin disappear recently since i haven't fed my tank in a while, they are suspect. If fed, i think they are reef safe.

 

[RGibson]

The RO water will not show up on the water bill because the the water meter can not read low flow from the flow restrictor on the RO system.

 

[chinaman4u]

Oh! ... That is interesting to know!

 

[RGibson]

Water is free with a RO ,I have put the RO on its own water meter it will not read the water flow.

 

[bullfish]

thanks, this helps alot

 

[nickb]

Water is free with a RO ,I have put the RO on its own water meter it will not read the water flow.

I don't understand this. I generate about 4 gallons of waste water for every gallon of RO. So, to make 100G, I would need to draw 500G from the water mains. Are you saying that the water meter won't notice this volume?

 

[RGibson]

The water meter can not read the low flow from a RO.

 

[Chrisrush]

That's interesting RGibson. I guess I don't have to worry about my waste h2o anymore. Down the drain it goes.

Chris

 

[smdavis9]

Sorry to hijack, but I would love to hear more about this free water bit...RGibson, could you start a new thread with some more info please?



Shawn

 

[delv]

Free water in Colorado....not for nothing...but of all the places to ask about how to get around paying for water...Texas might be my next best choice for irony...."down the drain it goes....".

d.