DanW's 187 SPS Dominated Reef Journal

Charlies_Reef said:
Thanks for the prompt response.

My first mock drawing is identical to your design and configuration. Hence the message. I have been following your progress and have many questions.

How many bulkheads do you have in your overflow? Would you have chosen more (emergency drain), and are they drilled for schedule 80? Your return looks as if it comes through the side of the overflow, are you pleased with this? You decided on a trimless design was this for aesthetics/personal preference or was there another reason? Do you feel that the glass joints are even on your trimless? Do you cover the overflow box with eggcrate or something?

I have seen a few Visio custom tanks and some joints were off slightly. Not all but some. That is why I'm leaning towards Lee Mar. Were you closer to Lee Mar or did you chose them over Visio for a reason? I can't quite run up to Visio/Lee Mar on a whim to see the craftsmanship.

I did have a closed loop at one time, but I did not like it. The DART was a bit noisy for my taste. I even wrapped parts of the pump in Dynamat (sound deadening material). I should have bought tunze and never looked back. I spent extra money I had at the time and bought Wavey Sea. It worked for a year. Piece of junk.
I guess that is what makes an experienced reefer. lessons learned
I currently run an Maristar 48" 250hgi, eventually I wish to upgrade to pendent lighting, possibly the ever so common 400w radium. But, for now my display needs the utmost attention.
I do plan on a canopy. Cooling will probably be an issue, but I have a baby on the way. Those little eyes would be sensitive (Them looking up at the lights). I also like Fairy/Flasher wrasses. My black lab brought me one that lived. The others. well.... ahh you get the idea.
Placement of the tank is undetermined, so I have also thought of centering the overflow on a short wall I case of viewing peninsula style. It will probably take up more space than desired, so I'm not real sure.
I'm trying to do much more planning this time around. I bought a 29" 100 gallon tank that is ok, but I'm just not pleased. not to mention I can barely reach the bottom. Ugh.

Thanks again for responding.
Click to expand...

Hey Aaron, got your message via PM...responed via PM.
 
Offset eurobracing makes sense now. Interesting to see a drain running GFO, carbon and reactor. Any problems with that? With only one drain it would make me nervous. I have usually seen a manifold on the pump side of the circulation.
 
Charlies_Reef said:
Offset eurobracing makes sense now. Interesting to see a drain running GFO, carbon and reactor. Any problems with that? With only one drain it would make me nervous. I have usually seen a manifold on the pump side of the circulation.
Click to expand...
Been running it for over a year and have not had any problems. What would make you concerned? My drain first passes over the skimmer opening, then over the 3 reactor openings and finally to the fuge opening. All openings are controlled via ball valves. Although it works fine if I had to do it over again, I would have used a gate valve for the skimmer and fuge opening for easier tuning. I might redo it someday to change the valves a maybe add another opening to accomodate a UV.
 
My concern is there is not an emergency drain. I know the majority of systems out there do not have back up. But, with a lot of unknown space inside all of those ball valves there is the potential for a reduction in flow through the drains. I just have never thought it would work well because the manifold is so close to the drain. Distance is a water column will increase the flow. Water tower theory

Very good use of electricity.

Does the flow remain constant? I had thought of doing it for my skimmer, but I have been weary because of only one drain. Just never tried it.
 
I'm in

DSCF0118.jpg


I'm out
 
Charlies_Reef said:
My concern is there is not an emergency drain. I know the majority of systems out there do not have back up. But, with a lot of unknown space inside all of those ball valves there is the potential for a reduction in flow through the drains. I just have never thought it would work well because the manifold is so close to the drain. Distance is a water column will increase the flow. Water tower theory

Very good use of electricity.

Does the flow remain constant? I had thought of doing it for my skimmer, but I have been weary because of only one drain. Just never tried it.
Click to expand...
I don't think (famous last words) that I'll have a problem. The first opening is large, the next three are small and the last is large. IIRC the large openings are 2" and both can handle the full flow if needed, the second opening is not restricted. Being that large even a large turbo couldn't clog it (again knock on wood). The reactor outlets release a small amout of water so if clogged (which has happened) it just restricts the flow to the specific reactor.
 
I drew up some plans and gave them to YR in Roseville. I drew a corner overflow (60x30x24/60x36x24) as well as an overflow centered on the short side with the same dimensions.

Your stand looks very well made. Is there anything you can add about the craftsmanship of the stand?

I have the capabilities to construct aquarium furniture. I just don't think it would come out that nice.
 
Charlies_Reef said:
I drew up some plans and gave them to YR in Roseville. I drew a corner overflow (60x30x24/60x36x24) as well as an overflow centered on the short side with the same dimensions.

Your stand looks very well made. Is there anything you can add about the craftsmanship of the stand?

I have the capabilities to construct aquarium furniture. I just don't think it would come out that nice.
Click to expand...
Hey Aaron, my stand is a Lee Mar Atlantis Series. Don't know if you're going with a Lee Mar tank but make sure you check their warranty. When I purchased my tank the warranty was only good if the stand was made by "a company that professionally makes stands" (IIRC). The only thing that I wish I would have done is to have a door on the side.
 
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