Complete DIY Custom 144x15x15

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Well I picked up 25' of vinyl tubing we'll see how far it lasts... I'll have to just connect it to the next nip over to prevent kinks. Boths sumps are basically done, just some polishing to finish, I also built a new Ca Reactor for the 225 at my folks... I don't think it's as pretty as the last version, but I think this one will be easier to use. If it works well, I'll build another for this tank.

CIMG1351.jpg


CIMG1355.jpg


CIMG1354.jpg


Aluminum screws to prevent any corrosion but allow for maximum torquing.

CIMG1353.jpg
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13567566#post13567566 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by calvin415
Well I picked up 25' of vinyl tubing we'll see how far it lasts... I'll have to just connect it to the next nip over to prevent kinks. Boths sumps are basically done, just some polishing to finish, I also built a new Ca Reactor for the 225 at my folks... I don't think it's as pretty as the last version, but I think this one will be easier to use. If it works well, I'll build another for this tank.

CIMG1351.jpg


in this pic at first glance,I thought man that thing is huge,than I realized that wasn't the floor it was setting on,it was a counter top
javascript:smilie(':lolspin:')

everything looks great so far javascript:smilie(':thumbsup:')
 
LOL!!! I didn't even notice it, but you're right, the island counter almost matches the floors location. :D That would be a huge reactor!!!!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13568122#post13568122 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by redtop03
in this pic at first glance,I thought man that thing is huge,than I realized that wasn't the floor it was setting on,it was a counter top
javascript:smilie(':lolspin:')

everything looks great so far javascript:smilie(':thumbsup:') [/B]

I've noticed many of your posts have this "javascript:smilie(" command. What is causing that? Just click on the smiley on the left and it will magically appear in your posts. No reason to copy and paste, if that is what you are doing.
 
Very nice build so far. I don't think I would trust vinyl tubing for that application myself. Marine depot sells 1 inch Kink-Free Corrugated Reinforced Black Tubing at $2.19/ft. It is part number FT1345, uses hose barb fittings and is very flexible.
 
Very nice man.. I have always wanted a really long tank... You have done a great job on this build...

My Idea was to have a 16' or longer tank that started as beach 14" deep and have it gradually slope to 24-28" deep on the other side.. Then have some wave action from the deep end to the surf.. Like the real deal.. But Planning has never turned into anything yet.. :)

I am subscribed... Keep the pics and progress reports coming...
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13569435#post13569435 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by laverda
Very nice build so far. I don't think I would trust vinyl tubing for that application myself. Marine depot sells 1 inch Kink-Free Corrugated Reinforced Black Tubing at $2.19/ft. It is part number FT1345, uses hose barb fittings and is very flexible.

Thanks for the thought, but I'm gonna have to try the vinyl since I've already bought it. The reviews of that tubing are pretty bad though, unless you melt or glue the tubing it sounds like it's impossible to get it a leak proof seal, even with clamps...

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13573204#post13573204 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by daleKW
Very nice man.. I have always wanted a really long tank... You have done a great job on this build...

My Idea was to have a 16' or longer tank that started as beach 14" deep and have it gradually slope to 24-28" deep on the other side.. Then have some wave action from the deep end to the surf.. Like the real deal.. But Planning has never turned into anything yet.. :)

I am subscribed... Keep the pics and progress reports coming...

Thanks! I love long tanks, I originally was going to go 16' along the adjacent wall but wanted to see both sides so I had to cut it back to 12. At least this way, I actually get 25' of viewing. :D

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13573892#post13573892 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Schplitter
What do you use to glue the acrylic to the PVC?

BK

WeldOn 16, or 40/42.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13568842#post13568842 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
I've noticed many of your posts have this "javascript:smilie(" command. What is causing that? Just click on the smiley on the left and it will magically appear in your posts. No reason to copy and paste, if that is what you are doing.


That is what I was doing,Thanks :lolspin: :wavehand: :thumbsup:
 
Originally posted by laverda
Very nice build so far. I don't think I would trust vinyl tubing for that application myself. Marine depot sells 1 inch Kink-Free Corrugated Reinforced Black Tubing at $2.19/ft. It is part number FT1345, uses hose barb fittings and is very flexible.
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Thanks for the thought, but I'm gonna have to try the vinyl since I've already bought it. The reviews of that tubing are pretty bad though, unless you melt or glue the tubing it sounds like it's impossible to get it a leak proof seal, even with clamps...

i have used this type of tubing in the past with no problems. the stuff i used was home depot pond /fountain black rein. no kinks no leaks. but i like the clear stuff more
 
mountaindew - in case you didn't know and wanted to use the option (I can't tell if this is an editing problem or not), you can click on Quote on the far right of the post you are responding to.

Once the editor opens up, you'll see the original message. Feel free to trim out what doesn't pertain, and type up your response beneath.

The post above mine is kind of confusing, and I hoped this might help some.
 
I second the masterkleer from mcmaster carr. really great stuff ive used it on watercooled pc's before as well. you can just about get a 90degree angle on it without kinks. if you have the vinyl you can also try boiling it and then installing it. helps avoid kinking.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13574554#post13574554 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
mountaindew - in case you didn't know and wanted to use the option (I can't tell if this is an editing problem or not), you can click on Quote on the far right of the post you are responding to.

Once the editor opens up, you'll see the original message. Feel free to trim out what doesn't pertain, and type up your response beneath.

The post above mine is kind of confusing, and I hoped this might help some.

sorry!
i was just quick editing.
didnt want to confuse the readers.
i promise to take more time with my posts
:)
 
Just out of curiousity...and maybe you already answered this question...but why not use spa flex? Seems to work for lots of other folks...

Still looking great by the way... :)
 
I've used tubing similiar to the Masterkleer and it's a good way to go for a water tight connection with hose barbs. The only time I wouldn't use it is if it was on a pressurized line, otherwise, it'll work great.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13562028#post13562028 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by calvin415
Do you have a good source Marc? Is it any different than the crap they sell at Lowes/Home Depot?

Oh, and glad to hear about your results with 3! :D You have to work quick, but it's more effective IME.

Calvin, progress is looking great!


How much quicker do you have to work with #3? I've made several tanks always with #4 and I will let the solvent soak with the pins separating the pieces for almost a whole minute before pulling the pins. I found that a whole minute dissolved the acrylic more and resulted in fewer bubbles.

But at some point I want to make myself a new sump (I didnt make my current one) since it was built wrong with all the baffles being under-flow baffles, so I get organic film accumulation on the surface in each section of the sump :(
 
Just to repost in-cast everyone missed it... I'm going to try using the vinyl tubing since I've already bought it. It's all installed and each connection has a hose clamp to help hold it together. I didn't go with spa flex, because I was anticipating being able to connect these far too tight for spa flex to bend. Looking back I should have just plumbed it the way I did only with Spa Flex, but I already had the bushing glued in and wasn't about to re-build all of it. I guess only time will tell if this turns out to be a bad move or not. :rolleyes:

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13589761#post13589761 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReefEnabler
Calvin, progress is looking great!


How much quicker do you have to work with #3? I've made several tanks always with #4 and I will let the solvent soak with the pins separating the pieces for almost a whole minute before pulling the pins. I found that a whole minute dissolved the acrylic more and resulted in fewer bubbles.

But at some point I want to make myself a new sump (I didnt make my current one) since it was built wrong with all the baffles being under-flow baffles, so I get organic film accumulation on the surface in each section of the sump :(

Thanks! 3 sets up much quicker and I actually allow a 1:15 soak time with it (min:sec) before pulling the pins. It dissolves the acrylic much faster really allows it to work more effectively IMO. If you give it much longer though, you might end up with acrylic that is setting with the pin still in place, as it will just melt around the pin.
 
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