A Reefaholic's 1000+ Gallon Mixed Reef System Build

[Newbie Aquarist]

After getting some normal chores done tonight ran to Lowes to get PVC for structures for the rock. Laid out grid and really need to think this one through tomorrow so I can start cutting!

I have that same grid on my garage floor. Been there so long that I have to replace the worn out tape.

 

[ReefKeeper64]

Kind of paranoid about using the flex but everyone seems to use it...:uhoh3:

No need to worry, Spa flex will hold up. I have a 10 year old hot springs 550 gallon spa that is plumbed with 2" spa flex and driven by two huge pumps. These pumps on the spa are massively powerful and the spa flex has held up beautifully and without a single leak for over a decade now. Good stuff.

Nice work on your plumbing!

 

[Lubecky]

Awesome work Dustin. How are you splitting off 8 3/4" loc lines exactly ? What does that look like?

 

[Dustin1300]

No need to worry, Spa flex will hold up. I have a 10 year old hot springs 550 gallon spa that is plumbed with 2" spa flex and driven by two huge pumps. These pumps on the spa are massively powerful and the spa flex has held up beautifully and without a single leak for over a decade now. Good stuff.

Nice work on your plumbing!

Glad to hear and thanks!

 

[Dustin1300]

Awesome work Dustin. How are you splitting off 8 3/4" loc lines exactly ? What does that look like?

On three 1.5" returns. Two of them feed three and the other feeds two all on the overflow box.

Here's pic from when I repaired fitting leak of one of the sides:

Front side:

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

I see a clearer picture of how you are doing this now. Makes sense to me. Love the molding around the tank.

 

[Made2Rock]

I gotta agree with Wayne, Love the molding around the tank.

Joe

 

[Dustin1300]

Thanks guys. Friend from our club just called me last night and he was picking up the materials to build the top cabinet and should have it done in the next couple weeks. He's got the right woodworking tools to do it right as he's got a plainer and everything else you'd need. The original design has been changed a little but I should be able to show off in the next few weeks! Still need to figure out the arms to hold it up but one step at a time, right?

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Yep one step at a time is right. What about those german hinges that they use on kitchen cabinets?

 

[Dustin1300]

Yep one step at a time is right. What about those german hinges that they use on kitchen cabinets?

I've got a few options for hinges, just not sure on arms that will hold it up. The german hinges are spring loaded but not going to hold 40-50 lbs of wood (Complete estimate).

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

I see. Have you checked out Grainger. They usually have something heavy duty like that in their store.

 

[Dustin1300]

I see. Have you checked out Grainger. They usually have something heavy duty like that in their store.

Have not and they are opened 8-5 M-F....Really convenient. :thumbdown

 

[Lubecky]

Thanks What plumping piece is used to split them, the piece near the base?

 

[Dustin1300]

Just used Wyes with bushings in them to reduce to 3/4" threading.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_23377-1814-PVC+00600++0800_4294935907__?productId=3132797&Ntt=1.5%22+wye&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3D1.5%2522%2Bwye&facetInfo=

Because I'm OCD I also went ahead and painted with black paint!

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Just used Wyes with bushings in them to reduce to 3/4" threading.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_23377-1814-PVC+00600++0800_4294935907__?productId=3132797&Ntt=1.5%22+wye&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3D1.5%2522%2Bwye&facetInfo=

Because I'm OCD I also went ahead and painted with black paint!

Understatement.

 

[Lubecky]

Got it. It just looked like there were 3 outlets in the pic. The one in bottom left corner is throwing me off. Thanks.

 

[Dustin1300]

After playing around with a couple models, think I'd like to do the following for my drainage from the DT/Skimmer. This would allow me to add the unit into my sump and just slide it in and is also a fun little acrylic project too! THOUGHTS?!:thumbsup::thumbdown

Have went too long without building anything acrylic!

 

[biecacka]

Every want to build anything acrylic for me feel free to. I just live in Ohio so shipping will be simple......maybe a few dosing reservoirs.
:lol: :lol:
Joking, looks great man
Corey

 

[david00061]

I like it

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Looks like an upgraded version of my thing that holds the socks.