Chad's Simultaneous 225 SPS & 180 FOWLR Office Build

Check this out!

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=pump_mdm_sequence_reeflo_barracudac.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/pump_mdm_sequence_reeflo_barracudac.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

This is the flow chart for the Barracuda. I think it shows that if I valve the pump down to 2000 GPG, which is what I think I'm going to need to feed everything and still get 5x through the sump, it'll only consume 190 watts!. That's 30 watts more than the Dart. The difference though is that the Barracuda can push 2000 GPH under 15' of head preasure, the Dart can only do this up against 7'. The super Dart can do it against 8'. So I run the risk of not enough flow with a Dart to save 30 watts. With the Barracuda I'm guaranteed enough flow, with extra if I ever need it, for 30 watts more. This would pay for itself if I end up needing a seperate pump to feed the chiller. Thoughts?
 
I have to agree with that line of thinking.

Did I mention I also have abrand new Cuda sitting in a box as well if I need it :)
 
Haha Ok, I've just been informed by Chris at Reeflo that I'm completely wrong. The Barracuda will draw about 240. He's going to sell me a Goby impeller. This will make the Barracuda push less flow but at a higher head pressure and a lower watt draw. I'll probably end up at about 200 watts. This is going to work out perfectly. A Super Dart Gold would probably be more efficient as far as watt draw, but I already have the Barracuda and the Super Dart Gold is kinda pricey, not to mention they're back ordered right now. So I end up spending a bit more on electricity, but I'm left with an abundance of head pressure in case I want to add on or tweak something in the future. I'm STOKED with Reeflo's customer service. I was lost but now I am found lol.
 
I hope you didn't glue up your plumbing yet, put a union in between the 4-way and the pump and on each output so you can do maintenance on it. That way you can push out the drum and clean it and not have to worry about unscrewing the fittings and possible leaks,
 
Chas, thanks for your concern! The pictures above were just a dry fit to get an idea of how everything was going to go together.
 
Update time!

I drilled the sump and tank last week:

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=puffer010.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/puffer010.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=puffer011.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/puffer011.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=puffer012.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/puffer012.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=puffer013.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/puffer013.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=puffer014.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/puffer014.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=puffer015.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/puffer015.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
 
I literally spent all weekend plumbing the return and closed loop with an Oceans Motions 4-way. Being a perfectionist in this hobby sucks lol.

The capped off pipe coming off the closed loop intake will be used as a drain for water changes. I need to order another single union ball valve from savko.com. I want to be able to leak test in the next few days so I capped it off for now.
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=puffer022.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/puffer022.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=puffer024.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/puffer024.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=puffer025.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/puffer025.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=puffer026.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/puffer026.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=puffer027.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/puffer027.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

This is the manifold that will feed the reactors and chiller.

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=puffer029.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/puffer029.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

I'm pretty happy with how it all turned out. Using clear cement makes a world of difference in keeping everything really clean looking. I'll start on the drain plumbing tomorrow afternoon. The next pictures will be of the leak test!
 
Thanks guys! I'm so over plumbing.. I decided to take a break tonight. Business is EXTREMELY slow these days, I'll probably have some time to work on it tomorrow.
 
I just explained my flow plans to a fellow reefer, seemed post worthy, "I didn't mention before that my return pump needs to feed my chiller and reactors. So with 5x turnover I need 2000 gph. I bought an impeller for the barracuda that lowers the gph and watt draw but still gives me the head pressure. The dart isn't strong enough to meet my return pump needs. It's an extra 40 watts or so to do this. The benefit is no extra pumps in the sump adding heat and drawing watts. I'm still going with the closed loop, but I may only run it during the day depending on the electric bill. I'm going to buy another Vortech down the line. I want a massive amount of flow and no pumps in the water. The closed loop/Vortech combo will do this".
 
So after 140+ joints glued, countless brain cells destroyed (who knew pvc cement was toxic?), countless days spent planning and collecting various items, I'm finally ready for that defining moment. The leak test. Part relief, part nervousness, part excitement. Well see how it goes!

Here's what I did today:

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=FishTankBuild071.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/FishTankBuild071.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

The original plan called for a custom skimmer stand to be built out of acrylic. I was sick of spending money and I didn't want to wait. So I built my on stand out of two 2 x 12's screwed together. I used rubber mounts on the stand and the skimmer to keep everything stable and to cut down on vibration noise from the pump. I'll paint it black eventually

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=FishTankBuild072.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/FishTankBuild072.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=FishTankBuild073.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/FishTankBuild073.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
 
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Drum roll please...

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=FishTankBuild074.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/FishTankBuild074.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

It works!

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=FishTankBuild076.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/FishTankBuild076.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=FishTankBuild077.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/FishTankBuild077.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=FishTankBuild078.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/FishTankBuild078.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=FishTankBuild079.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/FishTankBuild079.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Both drain bulkheads leaked. I tightened them down a bit more and no more leak. No leaks on any of my plumbing! So stoked I don't need to re-do anything. It's funny, all this work and I'm only half way there.

BTW I was right in my calculations. The barracuda is WAY overpowered. And the Dart's a little under powered. The new impellers should take care of it. I'll be increasing the flow from the Dart by installing a Super Dart impeller, and decreasing the flow and watt draw of the Barracuda by installing a Goby impeller.

P.S. the mini basketball in the first pic is my dog's toy. He loves to get involved lol.
 
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Great progress Chad.

I really enjoyed catching up on your thread.

Congrats on a stunning stand. Jeff surely deserves a big kudos. That thing looks amazing!

Great job on the plumbing and the water test! From perfectionist to perfectionist - JOB WELL DONE!

Looking forward to the aquascaping and all the fun to come!

Best,
 
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