Calvin415's ADA 60-P Build
- Thread starter calvin415
- Start date
Overflow looks great. No experience with a design like that but my only concern (you mention it as well but seem comfortable it's not an issue) is that the flow rate on your return pump sets the waterline at a point that give you good surface skimming. If your return pump flow rate can be tweaked slightly (if that proves necessary to get good surface skimming) it shouldn't be a problem. Depending on the size of the gap in those slot, you may get some travelers from the display to your sump. Who made the overflow for u?
calvin415
New member
Yes I have a valve on the return flow, but the water line will also be determined by the placement of the overflow box itself. Since it's not yet installed, I will have the chance to find tune it's placement. I don't anticipate anything getting through the teeth, they are just under 1/8" wide... I made the overflow for me.
JasonBJones
New member
Really clean looking tank.
I dont really understand the purpose of the horizontal slits. Looking at the pictures, it seems it is taking in water from the first and second slit. If that is the case, you are not surface skimming as much as you could/should be. I think the overflow looks really great but for my tank I would rather have a great surface skim then a trick looking overflow. I think you could just cut off the top slits and make a weir design that would look great still and give you better surface skimming. You could always make a cover if you were concerned with fish and snails going over. Also, are the magnets giving you a complete seal against the glass? If so, great idea.
Overall a great looking setup.
Just noticed, is there no foam under the tank?
I dont really understand the purpose of the horizontal slits. Looking at the pictures, it seems it is taking in water from the first and second slit. If that is the case, you are not surface skimming as much as you could/should be. I think the overflow looks really great but for my tank I would rather have a great surface skim then a trick looking overflow. I think you could just cut off the top slits and make a weir design that would look great still and give you better surface skimming. You could always make a cover if you were concerned with fish and snails going over. Also, are the magnets giving you a complete seal against the glass? If so, great idea.
Overall a great looking setup.
Just noticed, is there no foam under the tank?
calvin415
New member
Thanks!
Well the purpose was to act like a snail/fish guard while still getting the benefits of a clean spill overflow. While it works, the issue is that due to the surface tension of the water, the surface would wick to the bottom of the next "guard"... I ended up widening and widening the gap between them trying to determine the thickness of my water flow, only to determine it was more than 1/2" and had to remove the guards all together. I ended up shortening the box, and placed a lid on it instead. Threw some black eggcrate in to test it as a replacement guard, but not liking it either. Think I'm going to try gutter guard welded to the inside next.
The magnets do not completely seal it, but it takes about an hour for the water in the tank to squeeze through to lower the water level. Or in other words, it seals well enough to work as good as any other overflow box... I built my sump to be able handle 7" of water from the display tank, in the even my check valve were to fail in a power outage. I plan to test my check valve weekly for this possibility, and replace it as needed (already plumbed for easy removal).
Thanks, wish it would have worked a little better. Nice part is I can remove it easily and try again.
I added rock and sand late last night, I should be able to post new pics soon.
calvin415
New member
So here are some updated pics... Salt, rock and sand are in the tank, and awaiting a cycle! Sorry the water is still a little cloudy, sand and rock were added about 24hrs before these pics.
I also decided to try to explain the full system to anyone who is unsure how everything works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKotbWAZWFY
Sorry the water is still a little cloudy, sand and rock were added about 24hrs before these pics.
I also decided to try to explain the full system to anyone who is unsure how everything works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKotbWAZWFY
canesfan44
New member
Great tank. I love that you have been so good about keeping us updated on everything.
Zoa Robber22
New member
very nice lighting..
calvin415
New member
Thanks I'll try to keep it as updated as I can.
Thanks, I love it!
calvin415
New member
Thanks!
Not sure how you can "flush" a valve by killing power, that will only test it... I'll be testing the valve once a week to clean the turf scrubber (to be added still) hopefully it will hold up well, if not it's easy to replace.
The water has cleared...
SWINGRRRR
Premium Member
I think hes trying to say that it will cycle it, allow it to move. That way Ca and gunk doesn't build up and stop it from working.
The tank looks great. Crystal clear.
calvin415
New member
If that is the case, yes it will be allowed to close up once a week. Hopefully that will be enough to keep it running. Debating on getting another and swap it out regularly, giving them a vinegar bath while out of service...
Thanks for the kind words, but time for it to get dirty... Tested tonight and the cycle has started.
calvin415
New member
Maverick2009
New member
Tank looks great. Just one problem, wheres all the booze for the vodka dosing, if you know what I mean. It is a bar afterall.
canesfan44
New member
Truly is a beautiful tank. The entire setup and design is very well thought out.
