Chrisq0904's upgrade build thread

[Chrisq0904]

Hello everyone,
I've currently been working on my new project which is an 80gallon (from what I was told from the people who gave it to me). I've been trying to take as many pictures as possible throughout the build. I am not finished yet but thought I would share what I have accomplished so far.

This is a recent full tank shot of my current 36gal hex tank. This is from when I moved just a little less than a months ago.

Getting the legs and frame ready

Good enough to hold me and my uncle. 2X6 for the top frame and 2x4 on the bottom.

Testing the fitment of sump and tank just a little bit tight but it should work just fine.

Starting to cover it up.

Now on to one of my problems. What to do with my drain???? As mentioned in another thread of mine I plan on using the herbie system. I mentioned this to my lfs and was informed that because I have 2x 3/4 bullkheads I'll have to run both of them as a main drain in order to have a 3/4 return. Does this sound right? If so then how should I go about running an emergency drain??

Here are some pics of what I am talking about.

Also, I don't NEED an internal overflow box with the Herbie system do I? That's just more for cosmetics right?

Thanks to everyone for reading and following along on my first build like this. All comments, concerns and opinions are more than welcomed!

-Chris

 

[DRThompson]

Are you setting up a corner overflow box? Do you have the dimensions of the tank?

You could drill a 3rd hole for the emergency drain.

 

[Chrisq0904]

Are you setting up a corner overflow box? Do you have the dimensions of the tank?

You could drill a 3rd hole for the emergency drain.

I was planning to make my own overflow box since the tank didnt come with one. Just trying to decide if I want to use acrylic or glass. For drilling the 3rd hole, how big should I make it? Would it be better to put a bigger bulk head and have two emergencies? Since my tank is already bottom drilled do I need to worry about the glass being tempered?

 

[Chrisq0904]

After some thought I am going to drill a new hole for a 1inch bulkhead to use as my main drain and I'll just use the two 3/4inch bulk heads as emergency drains.

 

[DRThompson]

After some thought I am going to drill a new hole for a 1inch bulkhead to use as my main drain and I'll just use the two 3/4inch bulk heads as emergency drains.

acrylic would be my first choice for overflow

Are you using herbie design or durso? You could do 3/4" herbie for main drain on a ball or gate valve then durso on 1" and the last 3/4 would be emergency.(that's how mine is set up). It all actually depends on how big your return pump is.

 

[Chrisq0904]

I don't have the return pump yet. If I run it how you mentioned how big of a pump do you figure I need?

 

[DRThompson]

I don't have the return pump yet. If I run it how you mentioned how big of a pump do you figure I need?

this is another discussion all together .....

IMO 5x turnover is a good start when searching for a pump.

80gal x 5 = 400gal/h Look for a pump that will give you 400-500g/h after head loss.

I have a 200gal system and use a waterblaster 7000 (1800g/h) but after 6 ft head lost it's probably about 1100g/h

 

[DRThompson]

sump return pump suggestions for your tank:

assuming internal from your pics
#1 eheim 1262
#2 jebao DC6000 pump

alternate: mag 7 or 9.5

depends on your budget i guess

what kind of pumps are you going to use inside the display for water movement?

 

[Adam13]

I was planning to make my own overflow box since the tank didnt come with one. Just trying to decide if I want to use acrylic or glass. For drilling the 3rd hole, how big should I make it? Would it be better to put a bigger bulk head and have two emergencies? Since my tank is already bottom drilled do I need to worry about the glass being tempered?

It most likely is tempered. What are the tanks dimensions? That can lead to who made it, and a definite answer on which panels are tempered.

 

[Chrisq0904]

It most likely is tempered. What are the tanks dimensions? That can lead to who made it, and a definite answer on which panels are tempered.

I don't have the exact dimensions with me but it's a fluval tank. I called them and they told me that it was OK to drill the bottom.

 

[Chrisq0904]

I just put in an order for a mag 9.5 (needs to pump ~5ft up) which will hopefully be here by Monday. then I can start working on my plumbing. Since I've never drilled glass my stepdad talked me into just running both my 3/4 holes as main drains and leave it at that. He also decided to surprise me with a pair of mis-barred clowns for my current tank.

I think they are amazing! (note stuff floating in the water is food)

 

[Chrisq0904]

Fitment of overflow box. Just need to silicon it in place.

 

[AquamanE]

Darn, i can never see tapatalk pics from my ipad.

Regardless of decision, IMHO, you should replace those bulkheads. They are cheap, and new ones will give you plenty of peace of mind.

Nice job on the stand. Im following build

 

[Chrisq0904]

Darn, i can never see tapatalk pics from my ipad.

Regardless of decision, IMHO, you should replace those bulkheads. They are cheap, and new ones will give you plenty of peace of mind.

Nice job on the stand. Im following build

I did buy new ones. I just haven't put them on yet. and instead of having slip x slip like the old ones, I decided to get thread x thread. From my observation that's What most people seem to use.

 

[Chrisq0904]

soooooooooo whats the proper way to install a bulkhead??? washer on the outside and tighten the nut from the inside??? Also, the washer I have has a flat side and one with ridges, which side makes contact with the glass?

 

[AquamanE]

No. Washer on inside. Nut on bottom. Can't remember correct side for washer. And only tighten nut 1/4 turn after hand tight.

 

[ANFPO]

Why do you need a 3/4" return when 1/2" would be just fine. Especially since the pump you ordered (Mag pump, correct?) has 1/2" threads?

 

[ANFPO]

No. Washer on inside. Nut on bottom. Can't remember correct side for washer. And only tighten nut 1/4 turn after hand tight.

The washer can be outside or inside depending on which direction you place the bulkhead. What you need to know is that THE RUBBER WASHER GOES ON THE SIDE OF THE FLANGE (SHOULDER) of the bulkhead. NOT on the side of the nut.

 

[AquamanE]

The washer can be outside or inside depending on which direction you place the bulkhead. What you need to know is that THE RUBBER WASHER GOES ON THE SIDE OF THE FLANGE (SHOULDER) of the bulkhead. NOT on the side of the nut.

ANFPO- please elaborate. i dont understand your suggestion. I have always known the washer be on the other side of the nut.

 

[Chrisq0904]

Why do you need a 3/4" return when 1/2" would be just fine. Especially since the pump you ordered (Mag pump, correct?) has 1/2" threads?

I don't have the pump yet. I just assumed that it was 3/4"... but if it comes with 1/2" I guess That's what I'll be using. :thumbup: