a little progress

[josh_tn]

Ok, so the sump build will be next and I have no real experience with either layouts or building something with acrylic so I'm sure I'll have several questions. I'd like to get a good plan for the sump before I get started so here is my first attempt. I'd like to get some feedback on this one from those of you who have a lot more experience at this than I do. I tried using sketchup but got frustrated and gave up:eek1: . So I gave it a shot with mspaint. The outside footprint dimensions are pretty much fixed by my stand dimensions but everything else is open to improvements.

Here is the top view of what I came up with.

 

[poolkeeper1]

Not enough info to make a judgement, and why the 7x20 section? If you mark where water will flow via enter and leave sump would be helpful, mainly how does Fuge get supplied and where Is your pump going. Also you have different heights In the Fuge and the rest of the sump Water height that Is! Check out Meleve's site he has sump designs that are pretty good IMO.

 

[josh_tn]

Sorry for the lack of info. The basic design is very similar to the "Model G modified" on melev's site. It is basically a center return modified to allow for an external return pump to be connected from the end instead of the back of the sump. Flow will be diverted from the drain into both the skimmer section and the fuge via ball valve to adjust flow through the fuge. I made the fuge deeper just to have more volume in there. It will overflow into the return section. The 3 lines between the skimmer and return section are typical over-under-over baffles for bubble control.
Hope some of that makes sense. I don't claim its right since I'm just trying to base it off different things I've read, that's why I'm asking for input. Thanks.

 

[josh_tn]

Oh and the return pump bulkhead will be on the right end of the sump at the back(top right in the pic).

 

[waynesworld]

Of course you could get more info on the trip to SA :bum:

 

[josh_tn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14949532#post14949532 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by waynesworld
Of course you could get more info on the trip to SA :bum:

Nothing like peer pressure huh? :rollface:
I would love to go and would be interested in possibly getting some fish but I'll be travelling to the other end of the state for Mother's Day. If only she lived in East TN...

 

[josh_tn]

Here's an updated pic to give a little more information. Any feedback will be appreciated.

 

[mixer911]

I say build it. I like that design and that is is the best way to maximize your space (ie.. Fuge and sump in one) You could always make a smaller fuge and do a little different design, but that one there is about as small as I would do on a tank your size. My fuge is 20 gallong on a 49 gallon tank,

 

[orthokardia]

Josh,
How is the tank comming? When you get it going you might get some live sand from finzan feathers. I picked up 5lbs yesterday to see what it looked like and had three horseshoe crabs and even a few extra tiny blue leggs crawl out. Not bad for 3.50/lb with no shipping.

-bart

 

[josh_tn]

Thanks, I've gotten a few things from there in the past but the last time I was in, they didn't have much for saltwater. It was right after they moved though so that could have been part of it.
I have the tank up and running already, just waiting to get the canopy built so I can start stocking it. I have the live rock and sand in the DT and have a fuge with cheato, sand, live rock, and a few corals i took from my nano in it now. Also have a small maroon clown in the fuge that i took from my 55g when I took it down.
I have 3 250W icecap ballasts with radium bulbs in lumenbright mini pendants that I'm trying to design the canopy for. Hopefully I'll get started building it pretty soon.

 

[NeveSSL]

Wow! Those 3 250w Radiums are going to look great on that tank!

Be sure to post pictures up once you get everything together.

Brandon

 

[josh_tn]

Thanks Brandon, I'm looking very forward to seeing how they look myself. I will definitely share pics when I get it done.

 

[eyebedam]

Everything looks great. Who dod you have make your tank?

 

[josh_tn]

Thanks, the tank was made by Ocea Aquarium Products in Alabama.

 

[Mikeyjer]

Wow, you did some major work!!! It looks awesome!!! It makes me want to do something like that, but I'm not sure if I'm that good of a cabinet maker as you are..... I may have to drop by to take a look when I go to Tullahoma next time. I go there once every few months.... I used to live there....

 

[orthokardia]

finz ordered the sand for me.

i would love to see that tank. you are quite the woodworker. PM your number if you want to give a tour.

-bart

 

[josh_tn]

Thanks all. I would be happy for anyone to come by and check it out. I may try and get a more recent picture to update the thread. I'll PM you Bart. Michael just let me know when you're going to be in town.

 

[Mikeyjer]

Yes I'll let you know when I'm heading that direction.... Thanks!

 

[josh_tn]

Ok so I finally took a few recent pics to update the thread on the way things are currently. (Not sure why the first couple look so yellow, think my white balance got out of whack somehow)

Here is the best I can do for full setup pic:

another:

sump:

return pump:

plumbing:

more plumbing:

skimmer:

float switches:

corner overflow and return lines:

1 of the lumenbright pendants and icecap ballasts to install(I have 3):

 

[MVlk]

That is going to be a nice tank. Looking great. Cool arch.