A Reefaholic's 1000+ Gallon Mixed Reef System Build

Since I decided to go with closed loops I drilled a drain and return with bulkheads high on the back wall. Paul Whitby has done this with his aquariums and I'm much more comfortable with this design so a cracked bulkhead or leak does not mean a completely drained aquarium!

The three closed loops will be set up on Apex and they will be set to come on/off on timers to create different gyre effects to keep the water in constant rotation and changed water flows.

Cutout measured.
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Cut.
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Bulkheads, strainer, and returns installed. (Painted with black krylon fusion paint) 8 3/4" Loc-Lines also installed for the closed loop that will be plumbed on the Hammerhead.
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1.5 Gate and ball valves installed. (Gate goes to return for precise control of flow and ball is just to cut off flow for pump maintenance)
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Lots of unions to save those expensive valves. Because BRS never seems to have enough stock in plumbing I'll have to place another order tomorrow to get the remainder of the closed loops configured this week. Then to ordering the rock so I can scape and build the closed loop inside the tank based on the scaping I like.
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BTY, I love the look of the food! I looked it up and only one place in FL sells it. un fortunately they are few hours away.
 
You have done an amazing job. The bar top. I never thoghut about using that. I used enamel polyurethane and gave me a shinny coat much better than just gloss. Plus hard as a rock too.

I think I should have gone your way.. I still can.. Just have to wait for 6 month cleaning... hahaha (how long did it take to cure?)
 
Dang nice job on the overflow fix Dustin, very impressive indeed! :) Just a word of advice, watch your PO4 levels with all those Poly-Filters. I added 3 to my sump and they literally sucked all the PO4 out of my tank within a couple days. Don't want you to RTN anything in there. Probably not a huge concern, I'd just keep an eye out for anything weird. ;)
 
BTY, I love the look of the food! I looked it up and only one place in FL sells it. un fortunately they are few hours away.
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Maybe your local club could do a group buy and split the cost of shipping. Fish seem to love it and the water is clear rather than mucky when I'm typically feeding.

You have done an amazing job. The bar top. I never thoghut about using that. I used enamel polyurethane and gave me a shinny coat much better than just gloss. Plus hard as a rock too.

I think I should have gone your way.. I still can.. Just have to wait for 6 month cleaning... hahaha (how long did it take to cure?)
Click to expand...

I'm not sure I've ever seen it used but a local reefer mentioned it and I loved the idea, I know one thing, it's not going to flake! I plan on building a workbench in the future and I'll likely coat it with a kit too.

Dang nice job on the overflow fix Dustin, very impressive indeed! Just a word of advice, watch your PO4 levels with all those Poly-Filters. I added 3 to my sump and they literally sucked all the PO4 out of my tank within a couple days. Don't want you to RTN anything in there. Probably not a huge concern, I'd just keep an eye out for anything weird.
Click to expand...

Pulling three of them this morning but I've not noticed any ill effects. A bit surprised that it pulls the phosphates out that well but I always run it when anything "fumy" is going on in the house just as a preventative measure.

You have done a great job with the WD40. Wishing you the best and cant wait for your water test.
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I'm confident the water will not make it past a 1/2" layer of the Weld-On 40 but ready to do the water test tonight!:dance:
 
bpcardona said:
Nice!!!! Glad to see it. Now get to work, there a lot more to be done:rollface:
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Yes sir. I've got a little plumbing to do tonight but will be putting another order for plumbing tonight to keep the ball rolling. Last couple weeks have been very focused on working on finding sponsors/vendors for our annual swap so my full time has been focused on making sure our swap continues to be successful!
 
Nice work! I've been following your thread for some time and not commented...but the kohoneys and DIY you showed on the overflow chased me out from behind the curtain. Kudos to you for even attempting this and job well done Sir. Also need to say you've got one heck of a second half for allowing this build and the economical commitment it entails. Its all necessary and the hobby needs more individuals like you to make advancement. Please keep up the good work! (and continue to post documentation of your progress!)
 
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