I am getting a 2 cube ATS lighted by LEDs. It is actually not that big and will sit on the fuge chamber of my sump (6x6x9 inches). I saw some of the original ATS and they were quite large. This ATS has LED lights from both directions cutting down on screen size. Again, it is something I am just going to try. I did research the odor issue and in the sticky threads about ATS, most people running them successfully with the correct design do not have an odor issue. I have been emailing some of the resident RC ATS experts; they are quite helpful and knowledgable. Of course, being a DIY idiot, I am going to not DIY this project.
A Miracles in Roanoke - My New Tank Build
- Thread starter eengmd
- Start date
I am getting a 2 cube ATS lighted by LEDs. It is actually not that big and will sit on the fuge chamber of my sump (6x6x9 inches). I saw some of the original ATS and they were quite large. This ATS has LED lights from both directions cutting down on screen size. Again, it is something I am just going to try. I did research the odor issue and in the sticky threads about ATS, most people running them successfully with the correct design do not have an odor issue. I have been emailing some of the resident RC ATS experts; they are quite helpful and knowledgable. Of course, being a DIY idiot, I am going to not DIY this project.
koddyVT
New member
Thanks! I'm starting to design my new tank.
Several questions, I would appreciate the boards experience.
1. What tool do I need to get to cut PVC?
2. Has anyone here painted their PVC?
3. How is your bulkhead to pipe connected, cement, barb or threaded? I would like to use a threaded fitting like a NPT to slip adpater, cement my flex PVC to the adapter then thread then fitting into the bulkhead. My concern is does that type of union tend to leak even with the use of Teflon tape.
Thanks
1. What tool do I need to get to cut PVC?
2. Has anyone here painted their PVC?
3. How is your bulkhead to pipe connected, cement, barb or threaded? I would like to use a threaded fitting like a NPT to slip adpater, cement my flex PVC to the adapter then thread then fitting into the bulkhead. My concern is does that type of union tend to leak even with the use of Teflon tape.
Thanks
lighthouze08
New member
Jorge, what type of union do you between your bulkheads and first pipe?
Next problem to work out. I have 4 ecotech radions. I plan on leaving a 6 inch gutter at minimum with no aquascaping making cleaning easier and better flow around the live rock. So I think I need to cover 60 inches rock scape and possible and extra 6 inches for corals sitting by rock or clams on the sandbed. The radions have a spread if 24x24 inches. If I use their long rail set, the lights will span 45 inches end to end. The lights will start at 13.5 inches down the length of the tank leaving 13.5 inches on each end. My other option is to build my own hanging kit increasing the spacing a bit more. My other consideration is my rock scape will be two islands so I do not necessarily need the highest par in the middle. The radions will be aligned with the 11 inch length along the width of the tank and the 7 inch width of the light along the 72 inch length of the tank due to the 30 inch width of the tank. So what do the LED reefers think? I may have to test my DIY skills for this.
Last edited:
lighthouze08
New member
it would be cool to make your own mount, such as using aluminum box track like these http://www.lockandhinge.com/scripts/main.cgi?action=big&product=9602&refer=amz
then use the wheel to attach your radions to the track, spray it black. That way you can slide it around if needed. just a thought
lighthouze08
New member
is it mid August yet?
Today is New Tank Eve
I have been working on my plumbing. The tank should be delivered tomorrow by ABF. In the mean time, here are some pictures of my custom Trigger System sump.
The dimensions are 45x18x18. There is fuge/algae scrubber chamber, the skimmer/media chamber, and the return. There is a built in for monitors. No DSB in this sump. Anybody want some mangroves from my old sump? This sump was designed to take overflow capacity from an outside fuge and frag tank if I desire to start one of those in the future.
I have been working on my plumbing. The tank should be delivered tomorrow by ABF. In the mean time, here are some pictures of my custom Trigger System sump.
The dimensions are 45x18x18. There is fuge/algae scrubber chamber, the skimmer/media chamber, and the return. There is a built in for monitors. No DSB in this sump. Anybody want some mangroves from my old sump? This sump was designed to take overflow capacity from an outside fuge and frag tank if I desire to start one of those in the future.
Here are the beginning pictures of the plumbing. Planning the plumbing has been the biggest challenge thus far. I have read about plenty great set-ups here on RC. What I want to contribute is an actual list of the pieces. Being a DIY idiot and having no knowledge in plumbing, I have come a long way with still much to learn. Subsequent trips to the hardware store stands at 2 just for a part I did not realize.
Here are pics of the manifold. The pieces are 1 inch tees, 1 inch schedule 40 PVC, slip to 1 inch NPT, nylon 1 inch nipple, then +GF ball valve making up the 6 part manifold. The spacing allows two inputs into the skimmer sump area and four into the fuge or drain area. I will put 1-0.5 inch nylon hose barbs on the other end of the ball valves depending on the reactor or equipment that is being fed.
Just glued, Oatley's purple primer step 1 with blue cement step 2.
Painted with Krylon fusion for plastics, all ends were taped.
I really like the look of black and it matches my black flex PVC. I think this will help me identify salt creep better so I can keep the sump cleaner.
Here are pics of the manifold. The pieces are 1 inch tees, 1 inch schedule 40 PVC, slip to 1 inch NPT, nylon 1 inch nipple, then +GF ball valve making up the 6 part manifold. The spacing allows two inputs into the skimmer sump area and four into the fuge or drain area. I will put 1-0.5 inch nylon hose barbs on the other end of the ball valves depending on the reactor or equipment that is being fed.
Just glued, Oatley's purple primer step 1 with blue cement step 2.
Painted with Krylon fusion for plastics, all ends were taped.
I really like the look of black and it matches my black flex PVC. I think this will help me identify salt creep better so I can keep the sump cleaner.
lighthouze08
New member
awesome!! love that custom sump, can't wait for the rest of the build
Tank day was busy. Luckily the high school kids I mentor every Wednesday came in full force. We (2 adults and 10 high school kids) moved an easily 500+ pound tank without any problems. ABF weighed the package at 800 pounds including crate and the steel stand. Here it is freshly uncrated. No problems during shipping. You can see the steel frame stand as well. You know you are a reefer when your tank displaces your car!
Similar threads
