Complete DIY Custom 144x15x15

[calvin415]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13794182#post13794182 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by just dave
You should put a union and ball valve by the inlet of your pump to aid in removal. I see that you have one by the sump but you would have to unscrew the pipe from the pump inlet in order to remove the pump due to the reservoir stand and have to deal with the water in the extra length of pipe.

Good call, I'll see what I can replumb...

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13794715#post13794715 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnb
Is there a way to vent the sump area air-wise so that there is not a buildup of moisture relative to the rest of your house? Just seems like a caution to help keep that area free from wanting to build molds, heat and/or moisture to the materials (wood, etc). Perhaps an inconspicuous white vent with a small fan moving air around.

I still have to install the ventilation... There will be 3 32cfm fans blowing out the end of the stand (into the utility room) and I will install vent covers on the stand closest to the wall. This should recycle the air in the stand at least every minute keeping it nice and dry in the stand and hopefully putting some humidity in the air.

 

[daw422]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13796327#post13796327 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by calvin415
This should recycle the air in the stand at least every minute keeping it nice and dry in the stand and hopefully putting some humidity in the air.

I'll have to remember this for future use, in case I ever need to justify a bigger sump/fishtank to a signficant other.

 

[lakee911]

You could increase the size of your column at the end of the tank. Box in that return pipe so you can't see it. What size is that return pipe? Do you think it will be large enough?

Another option would be to drill a hole in the bottom of the tank and run it up inside the tank...hide it with rocks, corals, etc.

Jason

 

[calvin415]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13797823#post13797823 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lakee911
You could increase the size of your column at the end of the tank. Box in that return pipe so you can't see it. What size is that return pipe? Do you think it will be large enough?

Another option would be to drill a hole in the bottom of the tank and run it up inside the tank...hide it with rocks, corals, etc.

Jason

I thought about that, but I really don't want to do any more drywalling. The pipe pictured is 1" which is the same size as the output on the pump. I'm considering going down to 3/4" to increase the velocity and have a less noticeable smaller pipe.

 

[ReefEnabler]

could you go to 3/4 and also have the pipe closer to the column, basically flush? then it would be hardly noticeable.

great update!! this thing is getting close

 

[calvin415]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13798065#post13798065 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReefEnabler
could you go to 3/4 and also have the pipe closer to the column, basically flush? then it would be hardly noticeable.

great update!! this thing is getting close

Yeah, actually I'm tossing up the idea of using clear PVC to help hide it more, only down side is with the light it will get ugly quick (coraline and algae) requiring routine replacement of the pipe.

Anyone think this would look cool?

 

[Mishap]

looks great!

 

[redbj]

Could you box in the pipe with some acrylic? You could paint it white to hide the pipe. And put molding around the base to make it match, and no dry-walling.

 

[ReefEnabler]

the idea of making it clear is cool, but you are right: you'd need to commit to replacing it from time to time otherwise algae would clog it (real problem) and it would look nasty (cosmetic "problem")

If you just use a male PVC adapter (set down below the stand so the top of the female fitting is flush), then it would make it relatively painless to do this. cheaper than a union.

Might also need a thread between the two 90's up top, otherwise it would be so close to the wall you couldn't rotate to unscrew it.

keep in mind that most of the "clear PVC" fittings and pipe sold actually have a noticeable blue/green tinge to them which would clash with the pure white wall. you might be able to find something totally clear, but like redbj suggests, a simple box covering might just make it easier and cleaner.


edit: man this thing is gonna split any second now

 

[melev]

Nice progress, Calvin. I'd prefer to see a stronger platform for your ATO reservoir though, with stops to keep it from rolling back and forth. It looks bowed in the pictures, and you've not filled it with water yet.

That pipe at the end - tough call. I'd rather not see it at all, but since it is a necessity, it can't be avoided. Once the tank is full of reeflings, no-one will notice it anyway.

 

[asmodeus]

Calvin witht he pic of the tank with te return line there. Why not build a small box around it to hide the pipe. I have seen it before like that and it looks great too.

 

[mountaindew]

myself i like the open look on aquariums these days and exposed clear piping adds to the REEF MACHINE look and concept. imho if planned out and done right, it makes all exposed piping look professional and so cool that its worth every dollar "pipe is not bad but fittings are expensive". side note, again if planned and fabricated right you dont even need to glue most of it. so its easy to disassemble and clean. throw in a couple exposed clear oceans motions type devices for a real pimped out look and conversation piece for the forums and friends!

 

[calvin415]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13798349#post13798349 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mishap
looks great!

Thanks!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13798553#post13798553 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by redbj
Could you box in the pipe with some acrylic? You could paint it white to hide the pipe. And put molding around the base to make it match, and no dry-walling.

Not really convinced that would look good at all...

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13799582#post13799582 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReefEnabler
the idea of making it clear is cool, but you are right: you'd need to commit to replacing it from time to time otherwise algae would clog it (real problem) and it would look nasty (cosmetic "problem")

If you just use a male PVC adapter (set down below the stand so the top of the female fitting is flush), then it would make it relatively painless to do this. cheaper than a union.

Might also need a thread between the two 90's up top, otherwise it would be so close to the wall you couldn't rotate to unscrew it.

keep in mind that most of the "clear PVC" fittings and pipe sold actually have a noticeable blue/green tinge to them which would clash with the pure white wall. you might be able to find something totally clear, but like redbj suggests, a simple box covering might just make it easier and cleaner.


edit: man this thing is gonna split any second now

You're right, covering it might be easier, but I don't think it would be better. I'm still working on the logistics of makeing it a removable piece but I'm thinking very similarly to you on where to do the connections. Thanks for the thoughts.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13799847#post13799847 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Nice progress, Calvin. I'd prefer to see a stronger platform for your ATO reservoir though, with stops to keep it from rolling back and forth. It looks bowed in the pictures, and you've not filled it with water yet.

That pipe at the end - tough call. I'd rather not see it at all, but since it is a necessity, it can't be avoided. Once the tank is full of reeflings, no-one will notice it anyway.

The ATO stand is actually plenty strong, the bend is a bow in the ply... It's been in the garage for the last 2 years. I will be beefing it up as my Power Management will be installed under the ATO, but mostly to help hold the modules.

I really hope no one will notice it, butif they do, I want it to look purpose full and not as an eyesore that I tried to cover up.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13799876#post13799876 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by asmodeus
Calvin witht he pic of the tank with te return line there. Why not build a small box around it to hide the pipe. I have seen it before like that and it looks great too.

I'm just not convinced covering it will look good at all.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13799891#post13799891 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mountaindew
myself i like the open look on aquariums these days and exposed clear piping adds to the REEF MACHINE look and concept. imho if planned out and done right, it makes all exposed piping look professional and so cool that its worth every dollar "pipe is not bad but fittings are expensive". side note, again if planned and fabricated right you dont even need to glue most of it. so its easy to disassemble and clean. throw in a couple exposed clear oceans motions type devices for a real pimped out look and conversation piece for the forums and friends!

Thanks Lane, please elaborate on how it can be done without gluing it??? I don't need any oceans motions devices since I'll only have this one return, but I do plan to later install a Ecotech Vortech below this.


Thanks everyone for the feedback and taking time out of your day to provide your thoughts and suggestions.

 

[kcress]

Two pipe options for you.

One, just paint it precisely like the neighboring wall. Same texture and everything. It will just disappear.

Option Two, remove it totally. Use the last pipe port you already have in your tank.

 

[cdentii1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13800248#post13800248 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kcress
Two pipe options for you.

One, just paint it precisely like the neighboring wall. Same texture and everything. It will just disappear.

Option Two, remove it totally. Use the last pipe port you already have in your tank.

I vote for option One as the first impression will be coming down the stairs and the pipe will be blocked by the pillar, by then the WOW or COOL factor will be set in and the pipe will not be an issue.
There is also a Third option and that is to run the pipe through the pillar its self, of course there will still be the pipe and fittings coming out of the pillar.
Either way I will be awaiting for your 2nd TOTM masterpiece to be completed.

 

[calvin415]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13800248#post13800248 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kcress
Two pipe options for you.

One, just paint it precisely like the neighboring wall. Same texture and everything. It will just disappear.

Option Two, remove it totally. Use the last pipe port you already have in your tank.

Option two is not in the cards... Don't want anything in the tank going all the way up to the surface. Option 1 I'm afraid will fall into that category "attempted cover-up". There is no way to make it disappear so I want to try to enhance the effect.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13800651#post13800651 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cdentii1
I vote for option One as the first impression will be coming down the stairs and the pipe will be blocked by the pillar, by then the WOW or COOL factor will be set in and the pipe will not be an issue.
There is also a Third option and that is to run the pipe through the pillar its self, of course there will still be the pipe and fittings coming out of the pillar.
Either way I will be awaiting for your 2nd TOTM masterpiece to be completed.

Yes, you'll only see the pipe from the end or from the other side, but I really like the idea of enhancing the look of it to incorporate it into the design rather than trying to hide it. The column is solid (it's functional) so there is no hiding it in the column.

Here's a gross draft of what I'm referring to. Sorry I can't bend pipes in sketchup, so here's a paint diagram.

Basically the 3 90* pieces the straight pipe, and the threaded connection at the bottom would be clear. With the union under it, would allow me to unthread it by turning the pipe from below and then lifting the clear pipe out. Make 2 or 3 of these and change them out as they get dirty giving me plenty of time to get the dirty one(s) cleaned with a vinegar bath. Thoughts?

 

[jmking33]

I just found this thread and.....WOW. Your an acrylic, engineering, drywalling, plumbing genius. Anyway you could come to florida and make me a basement and then a tank?? anyways..my 2 cents..I have a 1 year old that loved to check out my stand on my 150. I bought some child locks(home depot) that open using a magnetic key. They install on the inside and arnt bothersome like the clips u have to pull down everytime while opening. You just swipe the key where the lock is and it opens. works great...it is pricey as far as kid locks go ($20 for 2 I think) but well worth it. they make for a clean install and ...well...dont make you feel like a dork everytime you forget there are locks on the cabinets!

 

[calvin415]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13802918#post13802918 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jmking33
I just found this thread and.....WOW. Your an acrylic, engineering, drywalling, plumbing genius. Anyway you could come to florida and make me a basement and then a tank?? anyways..my 2 cents..I have a 1 year old that loved to check out my stand on my 150. I bought some child locks(home depot) that open using a magnetic key. They install on the inside and arnt bothersome like the clips u have to pull down everytime while opening. You just swipe the key where the lock is and it opens. works great...it is pricey as far as kid locks go ($20 for 2 I think) but well worth it. they make for a clean install and ...well...dont make you feel like a dork everytime you forget there are locks on the cabinets!

Thanks! LOL! I just bought an 8 pack of them on Friday night. I will be locking the doors (all 6 of them) asap, as I too will not allow the little ones into the stand.

 

[lakee911]

Why not box in the pipe with some white acrylic (does that exist?) to make it kind of look like an extension of the tank?

 

[calvin415]

As I've already said, it will make it look like a cover-up.