Custom In-Wall 150 Project
- Thread starter conda
- Start date
melev
Well-known member
Man, that is one sweet looking tank. I like that metal frame too. Any idea what those two square pieces of glass do? I have a feeling their are for reinforcement, but they seem so small compared to the size of the tank. Does this builder always use those?
Have you confirmed with Paul at OM that a Barracuda can flow through his 4-way? How many GPH is that?
Plumbing is basically a jigsaw puzzle. The PVC or SpaFlex tubing isn't that bad, but all those little fittings just eat up your spending money in no time. Try to streamline everything with a limited amount of bends. Anything is possible until you glue it together. Unions should be on each pump, preferably before and after the pump. That way you can unscrew them to service the pump easily.
Tomorrow when my site is online again, take a look at these links again: http://www.melevsreef.com/280g/280g_sump.html and http://www.melevsreef.com/plumb_it.jpg
Have you confirmed with Paul at OM that a Barracuda can flow through his 4-way? How many GPH is that?
Plumbing is basically a jigsaw puzzle. The PVC or SpaFlex tubing isn't that bad, but all those little fittings just eat up your spending money in no time. Try to streamline everything with a limited amount of bends. Anything is possible until you glue it together. Unions should be on each pump, preferably before and after the pump. That way you can unscrew them to service the pump easily.
Tomorrow when my site is online again, take a look at these links again: http://www.melevsreef.com/280g/280g_sump.html and http://www.melevsreef.com/plumb_it.jpg
conda
New member
I did ask him the day he came since I saw those in every picture he showed me of his tanks. He said they are for center support since that is where most of the water pressure is. IIRC, he also stated that they were not needed, just that he likes to make sure everything is perfectly supported.melev said:
Uh, no.melev said:
It is a 4500gph pump. But by the time I'm done plumbing everything it will most likely be around 3500.
I'm going to check this now. I hope it will work, because that pump was not cheap.
Yup, been hitting your site heavy lately. It is still up, unless I'm getting all cached pages.melev said:
BTW, do you have any details on the plumbing setup shown in your Sump Model F pics? I like the way he did that and it looks like I am using the same pump he is.
melev
Well-known member
No, and Doug sold off his tank and quit the hobby. However, his site is still up and you could email him. www.hisreef.com is the site, I think.
The image I gave you explains how to plumb the Model F, which you qouted.
The image I gave you explains how to plumb the Model F, which you qouted.
conda
New member
Well, just got screwed by Marine Depot.
My first order ever from them was two Mag18 pumps and an AquaC skimmer. One of the Mag18s was damaged and because I did not call them within three days of receiving the damaged item, I have to pay $25 to ship the pump back to them.
First and last order from them. And I still have a couple grand left to buy. Oh well, their loss.
Chalk up another lession learned the hard way. Thoroughly inspect and test any items from Marine Depot.
My first order ever from them was two Mag18 pumps and an AquaC skimmer. One of the Mag18s was damaged and because I did not call them within three days of receiving the damaged item, I have to pay $25 to ship the pump back to them.
First and last order from them. And I still have a couple grand left to buy. Oh well, their loss.
Chalk up another lession learned the hard way. Thoroughly inspect and test any items from Marine Depot.
physicslord
New member
Hey, don't knock them.
I think that 3 day policy is out of whack, but they have been really good to me. They usually pack things in a lot of peanuts while most other places have started using wadded up paper.
I think that 3 day policy is out of whack, but they have been really good to me. They usually pack things in a lot of peanuts while most other places have started using wadded up paper.
physicslord
New member
Of course it's probably hard to screw up an order for a powerhead for a 12 gallon aquarium.
conda
New member
Well, when I receive a damaged $120 pump in the mail, I expect to receive a replacement at no cost to me. Not that $25 is going to break me, it's just the point that now I am spending that extra money for this item.
I'm just going to stick to buying what I need locally. There is That Fish Place in Lancaster not too far from me that carries most of what I need. I just hate driving there.
I'm just going to stick to buying what I need locally. There is That Fish Place in Lancaster not too far from me that carries most of what I need. I just hate driving there.
avshockey311
New member
Looks like a great start, cant wait to see the end result.
conda
New member
jarhed said:
The only ones I know of are That Fish Place in Lancaster, halfway between where I am and Harrisburg--they have almost everything. Pickering Valley Feed and Farm Store in Lionville--near Downingtown, which only has marine fish and a few inverts. The Frazer Zoo, which usually has just corals, but nice ones.
Those are the only ones I know of around me. So, I have to resort to mail order for the items I cannot find locally.
conda
New member
Yeah, Petco!jarhed said:
Ok, went to the site and linked back here to his thread. Man was that a long thread to read through. Lot's of great info there. And, of course, Melev was one of the main contributors. :thumbsup:melev said:
It's a shame they gave it up so quickly. Did anyone get a reason as to why they did? Sounds like they were just too busy for a reef tank.
Boy do I know the feeling: work, wife, kids, house, church, etc. how do I find the time!?!? That's why I just take it slow and get done what I need to get done when I can. Actually, I find the whole thing rather relaxing, that is why I like it so much.
melev
Well-known member
Yeah, I got an email explaining why. I think their lack of success finally got to them, even though they really did their best. Doug came to visit my tank once, and was really excited. But things were just tough virtually from the beginning. The very first fish they bought suffered from Brooknella (sp?) and they had to learn about quarantine right off the bat.
Algae issues were a major downer, and life got busy for them. I was shocked to find out it was sold off, since they really had everything set up correctly, and it just needed a little push to get it where it needed to be. I mean, dumping 200 snails in there might have been all that was needed, to be honest.
I did subscribe to that thread, because I felt I could do the most good for all the RC membership by answering questions that many were reading in the shadows. I do that with many diary threads like this one, because it works for everyone's benefit. I don't have all the answers, but input from me plus others usually results in a good outcome.
Algae issues were a major downer, and life got busy for them. I was shocked to find out it was sold off, since they really had everything set up correctly, and it just needed a little push to get it where it needed to be. I mean, dumping 200 snails in there might have been all that was needed, to be honest.
I did subscribe to that thread, because I felt I could do the most good for all the RC membership by answering questions that many were reading in the shadows. I do that with many diary threads like this one, because it works for everyone's benefit. I don't have all the answers, but input from me plus others usually results in a good outcome.
conda
New member
I have a couple of plumbing questions:
1. My bulkheads have threads on the outside. Can the pipes be either fitted or threaded? Or do they have to be glued into the bulkhead.
2. What is the difference between a schedule 40 and a schedule 80 ball valve? I accidetally bought the 80s. Do they make a difference?
3. I also bought some unions, but they look like they could really restrict flow. Is it OK to use unions on a closed loop? Or will that restrict the flow too much.
If anyone has any input, it would be greatly appreciated. I'm plumbing challenged.
Thanks
1. My bulkheads have threads on the outside. Can the pipes be either fitted or threaded? Or do they have to be glued into the bulkhead.
2. What is the difference between a schedule 40 and a schedule 80 ball valve? I accidetally bought the 80s. Do they make a difference?
3. I also bought some unions, but they look like they could really restrict flow. Is it OK to use unions on a closed loop? Or will that restrict the flow too much.
If anyone has any input, it would be greatly appreciated. I'm plumbing challenged.
Thanks
melev
Well-known member
The threads on the outside are only for the tightening nut. They are not for plumbing, and won't match other fittings.
Schedule 40 is one thickness, and Schedule 80 is heftier. Probably twice as thick, and more dependable.
If your unions have too small a hole, they can be restrictive. How small are we talking here? You can use them on anything, provided they are the right size.
Schedule 40 is one thickness, and Schedule 80 is heftier. Probably twice as thick, and more dependable.
If your unions have too small a hole, they can be restrictive. How small are we talking here? You can use them on anything, provided they are the right size.
bheron
Active member
Conda, looking great! Now I remember reading this thread when you first posted the flood pics and we shared our paranoia! Please let me know if you have any ques as I am only a few small steps ahead of you. Its really great to have the people on here with you every step.
Also, I cant believe State Fram covered the flood completely? Did they know that it was an RO machine for your tank? Right now my RODI is on 24/7 as I fill my tank and I have never been so paranoid. If the same thing happened to me i would have foot of water in one hour in my basement. And I keep thinking the HOI wouldnt cover it. This reminds me, I saw this piece of plumbing ino Home Depot for a Fridge water line connection. To me, it looked like it would shut off the water flow automatically if the connection ever broke. Wishful thinking? Anyone hear of this?
Also, I cant believe State Fram covered the flood completely? Did they know that it was an RO machine for your tank? Right now my RODI is on 24/7 as I fill my tank and I have never been so paranoid. If the same thing happened to me i would have foot of water in one hour in my basement. And I keep thinking the HOI wouldnt cover it. This reminds me, I saw this piece of plumbing ino Home Depot for a Fridge water line connection. To me, it looked like it would shut off the water flow automatically if the connection ever broke. Wishful thinking? Anyone hear of this?
Similar threads
