Brian's 220g In-Wall Build
- Thread starter Brian Crook
- Start date
Brian Crook
New member
UPDATE
@ MathiasM.: I guess I should have mentioned in my first post.. haha. The plan is to make this a mixed reef tank, although I suspect now that I'll have the equipment and space to really get into it, I think I'm going to get a lot more hard corals than before. No plans yet for fish / inverts - there's still so much equipment between me and getting fish that I honestly haven't put an enormous amount of thought into it yet.
@ TravelerBob: as requested, a shot of the maintenance side of the tank in its current state.
Here's a look at the plumbing under the stand. I'm pleased that the plumbing was able to fit so neatly up under the stand, hiding most of it from view but still making it easy to access. Each hole in the tank has a double union ball valve very near the hole itself for isolating the plumbing if required.
The sump/refugium. I drilled 10 1/4" holes in the refugium baffles, seen here, and use a ball valve off the return plumbing to control the flow through this chamber.
Finished trim around the aquarium on the maintenance side. The 3/4" plywood is screwed onto a 2x10 and 2x4 forming one thick piece of wood. I finished it in Minwax Polyurethane to help water seal it and ran a bead of cocking below it where it meets the back trim. This will serve as the location where I will mount lighting from.
Next up will be some decisions on water changes / ATO tanks and plumbing, as well as RO/DI decisions... Cheers
@ MathiasM.: I guess I should have mentioned in my first post.. haha. The plan is to make this a mixed reef tank, although I suspect now that I'll have the equipment and space to really get into it, I think I'm going to get a lot more hard corals than before. No plans yet for fish / inverts - there's still so much equipment between me and getting fish that I honestly haven't put an enormous amount of thought into it yet.
@ TravelerBob: as requested, a shot of the maintenance side of the tank in its current state.
Here's a look at the plumbing under the stand. I'm pleased that the plumbing was able to fit so neatly up under the stand, hiding most of it from view but still making it easy to access. Each hole in the tank has a double union ball valve very near the hole itself for isolating the plumbing if required.
The sump/refugium. I drilled 10 1/4" holes in the refugium baffles, seen here, and use a ball valve off the return plumbing to control the flow through this chamber.
Finished trim around the aquarium on the maintenance side. The 3/4" plywood is screwed onto a 2x10 and 2x4 forming one thick piece of wood. I finished it in Minwax Polyurethane to help water seal it and ran a bead of cocking below it where it meets the back trim. This will serve as the location where I will mount lighting from.
Next up will be some decisions on water changes / ATO tanks and plumbing, as well as RO/DI decisions... Cheers
dave.m
Active member
Maybe I'm misunderstanding but it sounds like you are planning to create a rigid mounting for your lighting on that panel. I'd suggest rethinking this and instead plan for something that will allow you to move the lighting up out of the way as much as you can so you can access as much of the tank as possible for maintenance.
Dave.M
Dave.M
Brian Crook
New member
Hi Dave, thanks for the feedback. You are correct (well, that was my original line of thinking in setting it up this way anyways). I have since reconsidered the idea because as you said, I definitely want to be able to easily move the lights out of the way for maintenance purposes.
The truth is I haven't settled on my lighting yet so I don't know exactly how it'll end up looking, but making it easily accessible and removable is definitely a priority.
If I do not end up utilizing the plywood space for mounting a fixture or sliding rail system, I am still happy with the design since it is recessed in the wall and, since it is not drywall, it much more resistant to humidity and splashes (not to mention I like the look if it too.. haha).
Cheers
Brian Crook
New member
UPDATE
After much deliberation on the Durso standpipe and return plumbing, I decided to redo things. I was already hesitant to try the Durso again since my prior experience with it (from the 72g bowfront) was not good. I found it to be noisy and incapable of achieving my desired flowrates. However, given that this is my first 'large' aquarium, there are now 2 overflows, and the manufacturer provided and recommended Durso standpipes, I had decided to try them again.
Again, I found them noisy. FAR too noisy especially since I went out of my way to soundproof the walls and such. I decided to re-do the plumbing and just do a simple dual Herbie setup utilizing the 4 1" bulkheads. 2 full siphon drains and 2 emergency drains. Note that I just re-used the larger 1.5" PVC pipe from the Durso's for the full siphon drains, the holes are still the same size. I ran a Tee in the return line and ran it up either side of the outside of the tank against the white wall (using white pipe too, so it hides nicely). Best part... it works! No more splashing sounds - just a nice gentle trickle.
I was also having a lot of trouble with my SpeedWave DC pump, to the point that I thought it might be defective. It just seemed VERY noisy. However, after some experimentation with it, I found that the positioning of it in the sump made a VERY significant difference with the sound levels - due to vibration I suppose. I placed it in an optimum position and dampened the bottom with some vinyl hose and now only a low hum is emitted.
I ordered two commercial grade 50 gallon vertical plastic tanks from the good people at plastictanks.ca, and they just arrived today. I'm very impressed with these tanks. I will be using them for auto top-off supply as well as an easy water change system.
RO/DI unit is next on the agenda.
Cheers
Just waiting for my strainers to arrive for the drains...
After much deliberation on the Durso standpipe and return plumbing, I decided to redo things. I was already hesitant to try the Durso again since my prior experience with it (from the 72g bowfront) was not good. I found it to be noisy and incapable of achieving my desired flowrates. However, given that this is my first 'large' aquarium, there are now 2 overflows, and the manufacturer provided and recommended Durso standpipes, I had decided to try them again.
Again, I found them noisy. FAR too noisy especially since I went out of my way to soundproof the walls and such. I decided to re-do the plumbing and just do a simple dual Herbie setup utilizing the 4 1" bulkheads. 2 full siphon drains and 2 emergency drains. Note that I just re-used the larger 1.5" PVC pipe from the Durso's for the full siphon drains, the holes are still the same size. I ran a Tee in the return line and ran it up either side of the outside of the tank against the white wall (using white pipe too, so it hides nicely). Best part... it works! No more splashing sounds - just a nice gentle trickle.
I was also having a lot of trouble with my SpeedWave DC pump, to the point that I thought it might be defective. It just seemed VERY noisy. However, after some experimentation with it, I found that the positioning of it in the sump made a VERY significant difference with the sound levels - due to vibration I suppose. I placed it in an optimum position and dampened the bottom with some vinyl hose and now only a low hum is emitted.
I ordered two commercial grade 50 gallon vertical plastic tanks from the good people at plastictanks.ca, and they just arrived today. I'm very impressed with these tanks. I will be using them for auto top-off supply as well as an easy water change system.
RO/DI unit is next on the agenda.
Cheers
Just waiting for my strainers to arrive for the drains...
Brian Crook
New member
I'm not familiar with that method although I suppose it would work too. I would worry about having two drains connect down to one final drain though in case a plug occurred though. The siphon drains each achieve full siphon individually using the ball valves on the line. I haven't had any trouble balancing them.
The 'emergency' drains also have ball valves on them, although that is just a result of the previous plumbing I did and the fact that those valves are expensive so I decided to keep them on (normally it wouldn't be necessary / recommended to valve the emergency drains). I just keep them fully open and at least it gives me the union capability.
The 'emergency' drains also have ball valves on them, although that is just a result of the previous plumbing I did and the fact that those valves are expensive so I decided to keep them on (normally it wouldn't be necessary / recommended to valve the emergency drains). I just keep them fully open and at least it gives me the union capability.
Brian Crook
New member
It's been a while since an update, and I don't have any new photos yet... but I do have some new information to share.
I took advantage of some boxing day deals and purchased the following:
- Tunze Osmolator
- Mag Drive 5 (to be used for draining the sump for water changes)
- Aquamaxx ConeS CO-3 Protein Skimmer (so excited!)
- powerhead and heater for salt-water mixing station
- 400W heater for sump
- 4x 160g tubs of salt
- lots of plumbing!
Nothing has shipped yet, but I will be posting an update once everything arrives and I start installing it.
I took advantage of some boxing day deals and purchased the following:
- Tunze Osmolator
- Mag Drive 5 (to be used for draining the sump for water changes)
- Aquamaxx ConeS CO-3 Protein Skimmer (so excited!)
- powerhead and heater for salt-water mixing station
- 400W heater for sump
- 4x 160g tubs of salt
- lots of plumbing!
Nothing has shipped yet, but I will be posting an update once everything arrives and I start installing it.
daytripp01
New member
You will love that Aquamaxx ConeS. I have the ConeS 1 and I love it
Brian Crook
New member
Awesome, I'm looking forward to it! The latest update from Marine Depot is that they won't be available until February though...
Anyways, here's an update on progress so far...
The water change and auto top-off tanks have been installed and plumbed in place. Each one is drilled with a float valve and a ball valve coming from a splitter from the RO/DI unit so I can fill one or both simultaneously. I drilled a separate hole in the top of each tank for running cables so that I can still close the lids.
The tank nearest the camera is for water changes, and has a heater and an MJ1200 powerhead contained within. The other tank is for ATO and contains the Tunze Osmolator pump.
Here's a shot of the plumbing. There are separate valves permitting me to drain each tank individually, drain water from the sump, and drain fresh saltwater from the mixing tank to the sump. The drain pipe follows the perimeter of the wall over to a floor drain.
The electrical cables are still pretty messy but I haven't settled on where I'm going to wire up the 'control center' yet.
And lastly, we finished painting the rec-room and hallway so it's starting to look a lot more finished now. Next up is replacing the carpet and then installing the trim.
frankabagnale
New member
Looking good. Looks like today marks a month since last update. Anything new happen? Have you decided on lights?
Brian Crook
New member
Hi frankabagnale,
Yes it's been a while since an update...
My AquaMaxx CO-3 skimmer has been on backorder since boxing day.
At this time I've been deciding on which lights to get. I've been back and forth on all the usual suspects in the LED realm, but I think I'll be making a final decision in a couple weeks.
My girlfriend and I are also getting a quote to re-carpet the whole basement, which is something we agreed we wanted to do before we get too far ahead on the aquarium - so there might be an update on all that in the near future too.
Thanks for following along, and I'll update as soon as some more progress is made.
Yes it's been a while since an update...
My AquaMaxx CO-3 skimmer has been on backorder since boxing day.
At this time I've been deciding on which lights to get. I've been back and forth on all the usual suspects in the LED realm, but I think I'll be making a final decision in a couple weeks.
My girlfriend and I are also getting a quote to re-carpet the whole basement, which is something we agreed we wanted to do before we get too far ahead on the aquarium - so there might be an update on all that in the near future too.
Thanks for following along, and I'll update as soon as some more progress is made.
Zacktosterone
Active member
Hi frankabagnale,
Yes it's been a while since an update...
My AquaMaxx CO-3 skimmer has been on backorder since boxing day.
At this time I've been deciding on which lights to get. I've been back and forth on all the usual suspects in the LED realm, but I think I'll be making a final decision in a couple weeks.
My girlfriend and I are also getting a quote to re-carpet the whole basement, which is something we agreed we wanted to do before we get too far ahead on the aquarium - so there might be an update on all that in the near future too.
Thanks for following along, and I'll update as soon as some more progress is made.
why not kessil? i've had great shimmer and coral responce in both color and growth. why not kessils and t5ho?
Brian Crook
New member
Such a hard decision... I swear I've been back and forth on almost every brand of LED's out there now. Kessil is actually top of my list right now! In fact I've had the whole online shopping cart full and ready to go for the past week now - I just haven't been able to press 'confirm' yet.
I'm concerned about 3 Kessil's not being enough light for this size of tank, but the moment I go to 4 or more I'm into some awkward positioning due to the cross-braces on the tank. I've been thinking about supplementing with T5, but I'm kind of preferenced to keeping it all LED... I'm just not sure!
Decisions, decisions.
I'm concerned about 3 Kessil's not being enough light for this size of tank, but the moment I go to 4 or more I'm into some awkward positioning due to the cross-braces on the tank. I've been thinking about supplementing with T5, but I'm kind of preferenced to keeping it all LED... I'm just not sure!
Decisions, decisions.
Brian Crook
New member
Indeed! I've gone ahead and placed a big order for my tank:
- 3x Kessil A360WE's and Apex link cable (will determine if a 4th or supplemental light is required down the road)
- Apex gold package
- Apex Lunar Simulator Modules and 4 Lunar LEDs
- Magnetic probe holder
- Milwaukee digital refractometer
- 2x Finnex titanium 500W heaters
- Mag-float and Kent marine scraper
I'll wait it out a little longer to see if the Aquamaxx protein skimmers become available, so no protein skimmer as of yet!
Pretty excited for this gear to arrive so I can start setting it all up - stay tuned.
- 3x Kessil A360WE's and Apex link cable (will determine if a 4th or supplemental light is required down the road)
- Apex gold package
- Apex Lunar Simulator Modules and 4 Lunar LEDs
- Magnetic probe holder
- Milwaukee digital refractometer
- 2x Finnex titanium 500W heaters
- Mag-float and Kent marine scraper
I'll wait it out a little longer to see if the Aquamaxx protein skimmers become available, so no protein skimmer as of yet!
Pretty excited for this gear to arrive so I can start setting it all up - stay tuned.
Reefsi
New member
Hey Brian! Been seeing you posting on my build and thought I'd check yours out. They seem pretty similar, what are you doing for ventilation? I'm lost for mine
My 3 kessils A360N come in today along with some other things ill post and let ya know how they are, I also went with 2x500w finnex heaters
Good luck!
My 3 kessils A360N come in today along with some other things ill post and let ya know how they are, I also went with 2x500w finnex heaters
Good luck!
G_Sanab922
New member
Looking good! Tagging along to this build! Good luck with everything else btw. Remodeling can sometimes be hectic, but always worth it at the end. You get exactly what you want.
Brian Crook
New member
Thanks guys!
I just got notice today (after months of backordering) that my Aquamaxx CO-3 skimmer has shipped!!! :dance:
Now I've got most of the core package on the way, other than a few more accessories and wavemakers.
Also, we are getting our basement re-carpeted at the end of March / early April (as soon as the carpet arrives - it was backordered too).
I'll probably hold off on pictures until after the carpet comes in and we finish the trim, because it will make the whole basement look different at that point.
More updates to come soon! Cheers
I just got notice today (after months of backordering) that my Aquamaxx CO-3 skimmer has shipped!!! :dance:
Now I've got most of the core package on the way, other than a few more accessories and wavemakers.
Also, we are getting our basement re-carpeted at the end of March / early April (as soon as the carpet arrives - it was backordered too).
I'll probably hold off on pictures until after the carpet comes in and we finish the trim, because it will make the whole basement look different at that point.
More updates to come soon! Cheers
Brian Crook
New member
Ventillation is an issue I've been choosing to ignore for the time being haha.. :headwally:
Because the aquarium room is also the laundry room, there is an inlet to the Air Exchanger in that room too (so I think that will help a little bit). Honestly I'm hoping that with relatively minimal splashing and choppiness the evapouration won't be unreasonable. Heat will also be reduced because I've committed to an all-LED build.
Right now the ceiling in that room is exposed (floor beams and so forth), so I am a little concerned about long-term moisture working its way up into the floor boards. I might finish the ceiling some way in that area although I want to keep most of the room exposed for utility purposes.
