(First Reef Tank Ever) **** 600gal Display **** 1300gal System

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9615054#post9615054 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rppvt
You can drop into a "T" to ease off on the bubbles-- adding a filter sock helps as well- heck even a "spray bar" with massive holes will disperse the water in a more gentile flow across the water (above or submerged) you can try that as it seems you're willing to take the time to do this right. Hope this helps as much as the Yoga mats!

yes there are two holes dedicated for returns for fuge on top backside of tank then I have one elbows on one and "T" on the other, also thanks for yoga mats, I went and purchased 3 of them for all my pumps, and made 4 layers out of them for every two pumps which came out really nice btw, getting ready to do intake plumbing this weekend for main sump, was thinking since one pump run rhowphos reactor & skimmer for the intake will this be better to drill hole where water overflow in main sump by filter media in the beginning, and return in a section of main sump where I will be building custom baffles enclosure where all treated water will be return to main, fuge and frag, instead of pulling all the good treated water in the middle of the main sump. is this gonna make a difference by pulling all the water in main sump without baffles, is this considered part of the water system where it doesn't matter where water is pull from..also will be installing all gates valves on every returns to sump to controll water and foam filter media is this good to use.

 

[ceramik]

Dude, when you gonna put some sharks in that pool?

 

[rppvt]

Couple of questions: I'm not sure where the return to the tank will be from your sump/ fuge. It looks like you're entering in the middle and moving outwards-- which is a usual thing. Are you making one side the fuge and one side the sump? Some people split the system this way reducing flow to the fuge and concentrating more flow to the sump and the equipment there. I take water coming out of my skimmer and trickle it through the sump and the massive ball of cheato I've got growing there, but I do recommend baffles just to quiet down the water and get rid of micro-bubbles before you return to the display. Also, the foam might be on some people's minds as a place for bacteria/nitrates to grow. But with a tank/system this size it seems like a non-issue. Anybody else have ideas on this?

 

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9625281#post9625281 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rppvt
Couple of questions: I'm not sure where the return to the tank will be from your sump/ fuge. It looks like you're entering in the middle and moving outwards-- which is a usual thing. Are you making one side the fuge and one side the sump? Some people split the system this way reducing flow to the fuge and concentrating more flow to the sump and the equipment there. I take water coming out of my skimmer and trickle it through the sump and the massive ball of cheato I've got growing there, but I do recommend baffles just to quiet down the water and get rid of micro-bubbles before you return to the display. Also, the foam might be on some people's minds as a place for bacteria/nitrates to grow. But with a tank/system this size it seems like a non-issue. Anybody else have ideas on this?

two overflows from main tank,

--1st overflow-- "T" to water change sump, same "T" to middle of main sump where a custom tray for carbon is placed then foam media but probably change foam out to http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/4311 this materials down the line, all of my water will be tested and tested again before I attempt to buy any live sand or rocks, water then overflow from water change sump to middle of sump again for another treatment. BTW my water change sump also has custom built rack out of pvc,egg crate, and plexiglass to hold carbon and washable filter material, is there such a thing in reefkeeping that to much carbon can harm livestock.

--2nd overflow-- "T" to middle main sump, same "T" to 1st refugium w/spray bar and gate valve to control flow and help reduce micro-bubbles, then overflow to custom built enclosed baffle in main sump (24"L x 12"W x 20"H) where holes are drilled enclosed baffle in them where water enters to reduce micro-bubbles and all treated water will be used to return to main tank, frag, and 2nd refugium..
does this sound about right, also any treated water will return to main sump in enclosed baffle and gate valves are used control flow

 

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9625120#post9625120 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ceramik
Dude, when you gonna put some sharks in that pool?

I don't really enjoy sharks, but plan on getting pair of antarctic seals, upgrades includes 3hp tradewind to accommodate their needs, and 100 Nemo's every two days for lunch

 

[ceramik]

Get the sharks, I can come over with my Torsa and do some fishin.

 

[rppvt]

--1st overflow-- "T" to water change sump, same "T" to middle of main sump where a custom tray for carbon is placed then foam media but probably change foam out to http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm...detail/iid/4311 this materials down the line, all of my water will be tested and tested again before I attempt to buy any live sand or rocks, water then overflow from water change sump to middle of sump again for another treatment. BTW my water change sump also has custom built rack out of pvc,egg crate, and plexiglass to hold carbon and washable filter material, is there such a thing in reefkeeping that to much carbon can harm livestock.

--2nd overflow-- "T" to middle main sump, same "T" to 1st refugium w/spray bar and gate valve to control flow and help reduce micro-bubbles, then overflow to custom built enclosed baffle in main sump (24"L x 12"W x 20"H) where holes are drilled enclosed baffle in them where water enters to reduce micro-bubbles and all treated water will be used to return to main tank, frag, and 2nd refugium..
does this sound about right, also any treated water will return to main sump in enclosed baffle and gate valves are used control flow

sounds ike the micro bubbles thing is all worked out. Ive read where some folks here are anti-carbon- saying that it strips out "good stuff" minerals etc as well as organics. You might want to look that up. I like the idea that you'll be going to the refuge (with its copepods etc) just before you return to the display tank-- that way any loose 'pods can become lunch for the fish and not skim for the skimmer.

 

[Goodwin9]

Hey CB...I wouldn't be in a hurry to throw out the foam. I use it in 6 tanks and have been very happy with the results. You might be surprised at the good things it can do. Keep up the nice work!

 

[jnarowe]

Couple points:

1. I use that washable floss from Aquatic-Eco and it is really the best on the market IMO. I use the washable coarse, and it really holds up extremely well.

2. I also use carbonn but there is a growing conventional wisdom that carbon's capacity to absorb contaminants is only a few days at best. After which it simply becomes a bio-filter. I would guess that this is probably not to far off the mark, and suggest that you make very sure that you can easily swap out you carbon. I built perforated PVC baskets for my media and in my carbon unit I have 4" of washable floss and about 2g of carbon.

Here's a couple pics of the one I made for GFO:

The carbon one is identical except for being much larger and ther is a second screen between the carbon and the floss. The flow hits the floss first.

 

[vincepits]

your set up is really nice

 

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9627198#post9627198 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Goodwin9
Hey CB...I wouldn't be in a hurry to throw out the foam. I use it in 6 tanks and have been very happy with the results. You might be surprised at the good things it can do. Keep up the nice work!

thanks goodwin9, so you saying this stuff really that impressive, I will give them a try and see how things are and if they really good I will put them in my water change sump for additional filters

 

[Goodwin9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9633001#post9633001 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cbui2
thanks goodwin9, so you saying this stuff really that impressive, I will give them a try and see how things are and if they really good I will put them in my water change sump for additional filters

I'll take a picture of my large sump that has been running a year & a half with the foam tomorrow for you. In the year and a half, I have taken it out once to rinse and ring out.

 

[cbui2]

ok finally some new updates, some of the work past couple of days. all the plumbing for overflows, returns, skimmer and reactors are done. now that the sump is in place I will begin working on the intake for all the pumps, then water testing for all tanks will be performed this weekend to ensure fine tuning and hopefully no flaws, knock on wood and I do have plenty of them.
here are some pic's

don't forget deltec family, kalk is MIA i will find a place for him

come a long way since the tank made it here and making sure not to skip any steps..also thank you all for kind words and comments, also needed to give thanks to all that has been helpful in my build

 

[melev]

Those metal hangers you're using will rust in a humid environment. Painting over them with something may help them last longer.

That's quite a setup.

 

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9627276#post9627276 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
Couple points:

1. I use that washable floss from Aquatic-Eco and it is really the best on the market IMO. I use the washable coarse, and it really holds up extremely well.

2. I also use carbonn but there is a growing conventional wisdom that carbon's capacity to absorb contaminants is only a few days at best. After which it simply becomes a bio-filter. I would guess that this is probably not to far off the mark, and suggest that you make very sure that you can easily swap out you carbon. I built perforated PVC baskets for my media and in my carbon unit I have 4" of washable floss and about 2g of carbon.

Here's a couple pics of the one I made for GFO:

The carbon one is identical except for being much larger and ther is a second screen between the carbon and the floss. The flow hits the floss first.

this is acrylic tray i will be using, your is nice and i know you love all the diy equipments, and yes i do have full access from the front since the main sump is mounted directly behind future cabinets.. also i am waiting on some supplys to come in for my light racks since its top secret and wanted to do something very different from others. keep a look out

 

[rppvt]

Secret lighting... oooooo. Can't wait. Secret.

 

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9633205#post9633205 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Those metal hangers you're using will rust in a humid environment. Painting over them with something may help them last longer.

That's quite a setup.

thanks, but all those recessed lights will get some treatment on them, also have covers for them, but have not yet installed yet since I will tweak out little things toward the ends..i will also installed either formica on the ceilings or maybe something else but haven't decided on what to do yet, any suggestions?

 

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9633304#post9633304 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rppvt
Secret lighting... oooooo. Can't wait. Secret.

thanks, coming up soon maybe get started on them next week, just waiting on...what can brown do you?:eek1:

 

[melev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9633315#post9633315 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cbui2
thanks, but all those recessed lights will get some treatment on them, also have covers for them, but have not yet installed yet since I will tweak out little things toward the ends..i will also installed either formica on the ceilings or maybe something else but haven't decided on what to do yet, any suggestions?

I'm referring to the metal clamps you used to hold the plumbing against the wall and the stands.

 

[erics3000]

Wow everything looks great!!!!!!!!!Y am almost speechless.......