duromega
New member
thank you so much!
I'm ordering 2 right now
I'm setting up the same tank but the 180G one
First big tank/tank build 210
- Thread starter Toddrtrex
- Start date
thank you so much!
I'm ordering 2 right now
I'm setting up the same tank but the 180G one
xabo
Premium Member
Do they come as sets or would you have to order Two (2)?
Toddrtrex
Premium Member
Good deal. Do you have a build thread?
Good move. Would have hoped that one of the 3 dwarf angels in that tank would eat them. But, in the long run, giving up one tank is worth it.
Would have to order 2, they only comes in singles. They hold up very well, have 2 (( one over my 65 and one over my 75 )), and they look just like the day I got them.
Another order came today, which I had forgotten about, wire duct channels to help hide and organize all the power cords. Need to pick up some 1*6 wood boards to mount the wires and controllers to --- though want to get the plumbing done first. Just checked the tracking on the pieces of PVC that I needed for the 1" holes should be here on Wednesday. Hope to get all the plumbing dry fitted this weekend.
Toddrtrex
Premium Member
Thanks a lot.
The final (( I hope )) plumbing pieces should come today. Not sure how much I will be able to get done tonight, but I will at least get started. Hopefully will get a lot of work done on Sunday -- have a college football game to go to on Saturday, so that day is shot.
Toddrtrex
Premium Member
Not a ton.
One of the bulkheads leaked during a leak test --- it had a high point that I filed down, but that only slowed the leak. New bulkheads came a couple of weeks ago.
I had jacked up my back (( have had 6 surgeries on it, including a fusion )), so I haven't touched the tank in a couple of weeks. However, last night I installed the new bulkhead and it is holding great. Have most of the overflow plumbing done (( just need to do the emergency drains for the "Herbie" )), but need a couple more unions (( screwed up a few times last night. Was using the 1" mark of the tape measure, since the metal lip has some play in it, but forgot to add that 1" back into the measurement. A 7.25 inch piece ended up being 6.25, and I stupidly glued the unions on )) before I can finish that.
I still need to finish the return plumbing, which should be easier since I am going over the back of the tank. This weekend is booked, so I hope to do this on Monday. After I finish the return I will order the unions, in case there is something else I need.
Also, decided that the ATO container and the Vortech battery back up need to be outside of the stand -- the sump is "too" big. Going to see if the stand maker can make something that matches to hold them. If the $$ is too much I will attempt to make something myself.
A bit disappointed in the lack of progress, but the numbness down my leg to my foot and pain in my back was too much to be messing around with plumbing, would have ended up going too fast and screwing this up.
Thanks for asking.
Toddrtrex
Premium Member
Time for a very overdue update on this project, which is taking a lot longer than I wanted --- but at least I am doing things the way I wanted.
Couple of reasons for the delay; went up to MN for 5 days, took my sister and her husband to a Minnesota Wild came for their birthdays. Sprung for club level seats, was very nice.
In addition we went to Minnehaha falls;
The sister and myself,
It was a bit chilly out,
Way back when you used to be able to go behind the falls (( or my dad just didn't tell us about the signs )), but that seems to have changed now.
As for the other reasons for the delay, wicked sinus infection/bronchitis that took forever to get rid of, and lastly, I really really HATE threaded bulkheads. While I like the idea of them, I still have slow leaks from them. I had used the proper "paste" on the threads, as opposed to tape, but still wouldn't hold. Attempted a shortcut --- plumbers putty, but this still leaked. Ended up having to cut the bulkheads out with a hacksaw blade. Of course cutting them out jacked up my back for a few days. While I was letting that calm down ordered more PVC parts. This time went with slip bulkheads. Will be a pain when/if I even had to move, but moving a 210 will be a pain, so this won't add that much.
I installed the drain pipes onto the bulkheads and let that sit overnight. The next evening I installed the bulkheads and leak tested that part -- PERFECT. Then I re-did the rest of the plumbing (( had used plenty of unions, do really didn't have to redo that much )). Let that sit a day, and did a finally leak test --- bone dry. :bounce1:
Now some pics,
Making my life so much easier -- to get to the back of the tank,
Part of the return plumbing,
Took me a while to figure out how to get water into the return pluming with the sump being dry;
More return;
Con't.
Couple of reasons for the delay; went up to MN for 5 days, took my sister and her husband to a Minnesota Wild came for their birthdays. Sprung for club level seats, was very nice.
In addition we went to Minnehaha falls;
The sister and myself,
It was a bit chilly out,
Way back when you used to be able to go behind the falls (( or my dad just didn't tell us about the signs )), but that seems to have changed now.
As for the other reasons for the delay, wicked sinus infection/bronchitis that took forever to get rid of, and lastly, I really really HATE threaded bulkheads. While I like the idea of them, I still have slow leaks from them. I had used the proper "paste" on the threads, as opposed to tape, but still wouldn't hold. Attempted a shortcut --- plumbers putty, but this still leaked. Ended up having to cut the bulkheads out with a hacksaw blade. Of course cutting them out jacked up my back for a few days. While I was letting that calm down ordered more PVC parts. This time went with slip bulkheads. Will be a pain when/if I even had to move, but moving a 210 will be a pain, so this won't add that much.
I installed the drain pipes onto the bulkheads and let that sit overnight. The next evening I installed the bulkheads and leak tested that part -- PERFECT. Then I re-did the rest of the plumbing (( had used plenty of unions, do really didn't have to redo that much )). Let that sit a day, and did a finally leak test --- bone dry. :bounce1:
Now some pics,
Making my life so much easier -- to get to the back of the tank,
Part of the return plumbing,
Took me a while to figure out how to get water into the return pluming with the sump being dry;
More return;
Con't.
Toddrtrex
Premium Member
Right side of the inflow plumbing, through the glass,
Underside,
Emergency drain, right side; (( this part of the APEX will be mounted higher up against the stand, just placed it there to check the fit ))
Gate valves for overflow and return (( Also show is an APEX probe holder that I will use to hold the reactor lines, and one for dosing lines. Sump has a built in probe holder ))
Left side from the top,
Underside,
Con't
Underside,
Emergency drain, right side; (( this part of the APEX will be mounted higher up against the stand, just placed it there to check the fit ))
Gate valves for overflow and return (( Also show is an APEX probe holder that I will use to hold the reactor lines, and one for dosing lines. Sump has a built in probe holder ))
Left side from the top,
Underside,
Con't
Toddrtrex
Premium Member
Lastly, wanted to have some stand lights, to make it easier to see what I am doing when working on the sump/inside the stand.
Picked up some LED under cabinet lights from Home Depot. The were easy to install, but had to be in an awkward position to screw in the brackets. A bit of neck pain, but worth it.
From the top,
Haven't mounted the power supply yet (( will be connected to the APEX, so will be neater ))
The other part of the APEX, along with the skimmer controller, which will be mounted to the left side. Still need to make a box/shelf for the dosing pump and Vortech battery back up.
Still need to paint the back glass, which should (( hopefully )) happen today.
Picked up some LED under cabinet lights from Home Depot. The were easy to install, but had to be in an awkward position to screw in the brackets. A bit of neck pain, but worth it.
From the top,
Haven't mounted the power supply yet (( will be connected to the APEX, so will be neater ))
The other part of the APEX, along with the skimmer controller, which will be mounted to the left side. Still need to make a box/shelf for the dosing pump and Vortech battery back up.
Still need to paint the back glass, which should (( hopefully )) happen today.
Toddrtrex
Premium Member
Was able to get 4 (( or was it 5 )) coats of paint on the back of the tank. Not sure why I haven't done this before --- so easy, and looks so much better than those cheap vinyl backgrounds.
Have all of the APEX pieces mounted on the sides of the stand --- one EB8 and the Lunar Simulator Module mounted on the right side. On the other side is the main unit, another EB8, Vortech module, Leak Detector and PS2.
In addition built a little shelf/stand to hold the dosing pump, and the shelf should hold test kits.
Still need to mount the BRS reactors (( need to pick up some screws with big enough heads )), and the light fixture. Already have the hardware for hanging it from the canopy.
The big push should come Saturday and Sunday (( should be around 45* both days )), to clean 200 pounds of sand -- outside. Good times.
Have all of the APEX pieces mounted on the sides of the stand --- one EB8 and the Lunar Simulator Module mounted on the right side. On the other side is the main unit, another EB8, Vortech module, Leak Detector and PS2.
In addition built a little shelf/stand to hold the dosing pump, and the shelf should hold test kits.
Still need to mount the BRS reactors (( need to pick up some screws with big enough heads )), and the light fixture. Already have the hardware for hanging it from the canopy.
The big push should come Saturday and Sunday (( should be around 45* both days )), to clean 200 pounds of sand -- outside. Good times.
Toddrtrex
Premium Member
Thanks. Been working on the reactors and APEX, those lights have really come in handy already. Think it is going to make ongoing maintenance a lot easier down the road.
While finishing up the APEX last night, and running all the power cords, I realized I missed a few items, and had to order another EB8 (( might have been able to get by with an EB4, but wanted some open outlets for the future.
To help me track...
(( not the real order they will be set up, just how they are coming to my head ))
Note --- EB8-1 Right side of stand
EB8-2 Left side of stand
EB8-3 Middle back of stand
Note #2 --- Have 2 20 amp circuits for this tank -- nothing else on them.
EB8-1
1 --- Main pump
2 --- bank 1 of T5s
3 --- bank 2 of T5s
4 --- fan for T5
5 --- Right MP40
6 --- fuge light
7 --- ATO power
8 ---
EB8-2
1 --- LED stand lights
2 --- Left MP40
3 --- Vortech battery back up
4 --- Dosing pump
5 --- Heater #1
6 --- Heater #2
7 --- Skimmer
8 ---
EB8-3
1 --- Reactor #1 pump
2 --- Reactor #2 pump
3 --- Clip on fan
4 --- Future MP40/10*? Left back
5 --- Future MP40/10*? Right back
6 ---
7 ---
8 ---
That should leave me with 4 outlets (( The 8th one on EB8-2 would be too far away )) for the QT --- which I plan on having on a little stand next to the tank (( right side )) will be placed sideways and hold a 20 H. (( biggest that will fit and look halfway decent )). Under that stand will be the ATO container.
* When I take down my 75, I will see if the MP10s will actually work with 1/2 glass. Some say yes, some say no, others say yes, but the wet side will spin and be loud.... Other wise I will just go with the 40s and have them at the lowest setting, since they would be on the back wall.
I also hooked up the powerline LAN outlet "thingy". To have wired internet for the APEX. Know that some people have had issues, but have one for the main floors TIVO and it works great. Plan on having the "guy" put hardwired internet on that floor, but not sure when that will happen, and how it will look running a LAN line along the baseboard. I hooked up my laptop to it last night and was getting 90 Mbps down and 30 Mbps up, so that should work great.
Toddrtrex
Premium Member
Thanks a lot, that is what I am trying to do --- keep it nice and clean (( and easier to change things out if needed )).
Found out the moonlights (( for the APEX )) cable isn't as long as I thought. I am going to have to move that module from the front side, to the back of the stand. Shouldn't be that big of a deal, but will be a bit of a pain. Hope to finish up the wiring either Monday or Tuesday (( new EB8 should be here on Monday )), and mount the lights and moonlights.
Was able to rinse all of the sand (( 200 lbs worth )), kind of sucked.
Plan on getting some updated pictures shortly after Thanksgiving.
davebehlen
New member
Can never have too many spare outlets, good choice! I just used up my 16th and am ready for a 3rd EB8 for another expansion as my project grows.
Last edited:
summoner12
New member
You were there to watch the Hawks right? hehe
I am from Glenview, IL, originally. Grew up in Evanston and then Glenview.
We have third row ice seats for the Ducks/Hawks game this Friday.
GO HAWKS! :thumbsup:
Nice look build! Look forward to seeing it complete. :beer:
Toddrtrex
Premium Member
Thanks. Yeah, I could make it work (( using extension cords for a few small power items )), but that would handcuff me for the future. Plus, want to get things nicely mounted now -- while the tank is away from the wall.
What type of project?
Was actually the Wild/Stars game, which was cool because of the North Stars tie in. Growing up in MN, has me routing for the Wild, but did want the Hawks to win during last years playoffs.
Was up in Evanston in early Sept., to watch my NIU Huskies beat the 'Cats, was a good time.
3rd row will be very nice -- a bit jealous. Going to take my god-daughter to a Hawks game sometime in January.
Thanks, I am looking forward to it too, been a long process. But, at least all the sand has been rinsed, my back is feeling that today.
Toddrtrex
Premium Member
Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. Even with the holiday, was able to get some (( a lot )) work done on the tank.
Finished up the wiring, and setting up (( most )) of the APEX.
Getting the lights hung within the canopy.
Removing the "moving man" sliders --- that was a bit of a pain. 2 of them came right out, the other 2... I had to "lift" the stand/tank up enough to pull them out. Not a fun thing after having 6 back surgeries, but it worked.
Putting the sand in the tank (( 200 lbs )), and cleaning up the spilled sand.
Getting 15 gallons of water in there (( already mixed with salt )).
Placing 100lbs of Marco rocks.
Now, onto the pictures.
First, I had some extra pond liner (( used it in the stand, to catch any water spills )), put it up to help protect the floor and baseboard from spills.
Some shot of the sump area -- from through the glass of the tank.
Little out of focus -- left side
Middle -- can see the labels on the wires, should make it easier to keep track of things.
Right side,
From underneath
Left side --- still need to set up the doser. In addition, an open APEX spot
Dosing containers,
Con't.
Finished up the wiring, and setting up (( most )) of the APEX.
Getting the lights hung within the canopy.
Removing the "moving man" sliders --- that was a bit of a pain. 2 of them came right out, the other 2... I had to "lift" the stand/tank up enough to pull them out. Not a fun thing after having 6 back surgeries, but it worked.
Putting the sand in the tank (( 200 lbs )), and cleaning up the spilled sand.
Getting 15 gallons of water in there (( already mixed with salt )).
Placing 100lbs of Marco rocks.
Now, onto the pictures.
First, I had some extra pond liner (( used it in the stand, to catch any water spills )), put it up to help protect the floor and baseboard from spills.
Some shot of the sump area -- from through the glass of the tank.
Little out of focus -- left side
Middle -- can see the labels on the wires, should make it easier to keep track of things.
Right side,
From underneath
Left side --- still need to set up the doser. In addition, an open APEX spot
Dosing containers,
Con't.
Similar threads
