First Time Saltwater LR LF setup

[ThisGuy12]

UPDATE TIME:

This weekend was rather productive, cut and installed the 4 acrylic baffles (fit was perfect), started plumbing my PVC lines for the sump (not glued, just friction fit), installed my new Reverse Osmosis system, and tested out the water flow of my Hagen Aquaclear 110 pump (it's silent when the return line is submerged, very impressed considering how powerful it is) as well as my Eshopps PSK-75H Protein Skimmer to break in the units.

Here are some pics...

Decided to go with a RO system, picked up a Novo RO 475 Pro Series setup, 3 chamber filter (sedimentation, carbon-pre, carbon-post).

I'll probably need to add another tank for additional storage, and a DI canister in the near future but it's a good start.

1" PVC piping to build my setup, picked up 20'-0" of pipe length, elbows, check valve, t's, etc.

Eshopps PSK-75H setup on my washtub to test it out, worked amazing when I added some "protein" to the freshwater (used protein shake, looked like a big milkshake in the skimmer)... Microbubbled up perfectly, this will work just fine. It's completely silent, perfect for what I need.

RO system installed, have a DI chamber on order and will be adding another storage tank and valve to fill our 5ga drinking water bottles with RO water, system works great and is very compact, I can change each canister without having to drain it.

Now the good stuff, baffles are cut and test fitted in place. Getting ready to silicone. I used GE Silicone I - Windows/Doors and plan on leaving it to cure for 2 weeks before finally cycling the sump. Read mixed reviews about this, but local hobbyists strongly recommended it despite the warning on the container, just to let it cure for much longer to be safe.

All siliconed and drying. It's not 100% pretty but it will work just fine. I'll clean up some of the silicone before I water test it. Next step is to install the plumbing and get this guy cycle in a few weeks.

I hope to have the DT back this week so I can finalize my overflow build and my return build to the tank.

I want my sump running by the end of February this way it can cycle for 2-3 weeks before my DT is fully setup, my millworker is currently constructing the cabinet, it will be ready mid March.

Had my buddy over Saturday, he has a 30ga reef & fish cube with sump that's been running for 3+ years, he was very impressed with my setup and also can't wait to see it in action.

Also looking to purchase a refractometer and a test kit in short order.

That's all for now.

 

[scubadan206]

I just realized that I have a redundant overflow situation built into my sump. I have limited the volume in my return pump section so if the siphon stops it won't overflow the main tank. BUT...Guess where we put our ATO sensors.... The ATO will not run continuously but when it stops automaticly, with the built-in fail-safe, that will be about 1 or 2 gallons too much. Please, please, for my peace-of-mind, rethink the siphon overflow...
Daniel :wildone:

 

[ThisGuy12]

I just realized that I have a redundant overflow situation built into my sump. I have limited the volume in my return pump section so if the siphon stops it won't overflow the main tank. BUT...Guess where we put our ATO sensors.... The ATO will not run continuously but when it stops automaticly, with the built-in fail-safe, that will be about 1 or 2 gallons too much. Please, please, for my peace-of-mind, rethink the siphon overflow...
Daniel :wildone:

Worth looking into. Keep in mind at worst case scenario the sump will fill up over the baffles to the top of the black rim.

I estimated around 1.2 gallons of space in the return chamber, when factoring in the other "air" spaces in the sump it will likely be in the 5-6gallon range which is almost 4 x what is needed should the siphon not break.

I'm lifting the return pipe to just beneath the water line in the DT, this way if ANYTHING goes wrong at the very most 1/4"-1/2" of water will be siphoned into the sump.

I won't be running an ATO immediately, need to rethink that system a bit. Maybe have a dual float setup in both the return and supply chambers of the sump set at the constant water line. I'm sure it wouldn't be difficult to rig up a sensitive hi-low switch connected to your ATO pump... something like this http://www.plumbingsupply.com/sumpcontroller.html set the minimum and maximum levels in both chambers.

What do you think of the progress thus far Daniel Always appreciate your comments.

 

[scubadan206]

I wasn't referring to an overflow in the sump. I have already overflowed my 120 display tank once testing the levels in each. If the siphon is stopped and the return pump is still going it will overflow your display rather quickly. I have a very small volume in the return section due to some gallon size jugs I put in, but like I said, the ATO will sense a low water situation and just keep dumping water in until its little brain senses a problem and stops. By then it will have put in enough water to make my small return section solution irrelevant, and will overflow the tank anyway. I think you can put the return pipe down a little more if you just use the method of drilling a little hole below the waterline to break the back-siphon.
I like the way you've over-engineered some of the components. Also putting the tank in a custom built cabinet is neat. It won't detract from the rest of the room, just add to the beauty. I think you will be thinking about an upgrade within a month of getting into this world. I tell people [If you have ever looked into the salt tanks at a fish store and said "I wish I could have THAT in my tank" this hobby is for you]. I have been thinking about a MUCH larger tank with an even LARGER sump plumbed into the basement, but I have been restricted from buying anything right now.:sad1: I actually got grief the other day for trying to buy.....salt.:lol:
It's great you are trying to build this stuff yourself. Working out the solutions through trial and error is the best way to learn the basics. I'd like to spare you some of the error part though... I have been reading several threads on this site[Nineball currently, it's huge, and stuffed full of good hardcore knowledge]trying to get my fix on large tanks. Trying to accumulate knowledge in as many areas as I can. Also as many different setups and styles as I can. Mr. Saltwatertank is also a "no nonsense" deep well of knowledge. I'll be honest, I don't like SPS reefs. They just seem too sterile, and don't move right. Also seem balanced too close to a crash for my comfort:blown:. Many tanks seem to be in the category of "bought, not built". For my money, I am the designer/planner/artist, builder/fabricator, and only maintenance guy. So I applaud you. I liked your original fish list. If only the tank were much larger....you could have added more tangs, anthias, triggers, blennies, and other cool stuff that only survive in big tanks...
Your tank will be beautiful and simple. It is a stepping stone into what is hopefully a never-ending [worth it]addiction.
P.S. A good site to have for the future.http://ntotank.com
Keep it up.
Daniel :wildone:

 

[scubadan206]

The high-low pump switch could almost act like a surge/wave device. I think however that the constant "on off" thing would seriously stress the pump though.

 

[ThisGuy12]

^ Good point, keep in mind you're just putting the hi-low switch on the ATO pump inside a separate pre-mixed bucket, that doesn't need to be all that big really could be a small hobby pump (which are cheap).

I'd rather have to spend $20-30 every couple months on a new ATO pump than have to make an insurance claim for a failed overflow to be honest

Just met with my millworker, they have finished their shop drawings, we tweaked the idea slightly, but it will be in production soon Can't wait!

 

[ThisGuy12]

Guess I may be getting overly too excited but I just purchased....
Nutrafin A7860 Master Test Kit
http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0002568FO/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and

Ocean Salinity Refractometer 4 Aquarium Sea Reef Water
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/370221707658?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Wife is going to hate seeing the credit card bill this month Ahh well we can handle it.

 

[ThisGuy12]

Back to the drawing board, guess I do need to run an actual aquarium check valve into the overflow at the top, I was hoping I could get away without but it didn't work to maintain the siphon.

I guess I'll add in a small pump to pull air out as well.

Question: Should I leave the dual overflows or cut it back to a single?

 

[scubadan206]

Back to the drawing board, guess I do need to run an actual aquarium check valve into the overflow at the top, I was hoping I could get away without but it didn't work to maintain the siphon.

I guess I'll add in a small pump to pull air out as well.

Question: Should I leave the dual overflows or cut it back to a single?

If you're sure you want a siphon style, look at the ones from CPR sold on Bulk Reef Supply. You could get one that is just about the whole length of your tank. They also sell them with the aqualifter pump, acrylic lid, and sponge pre-filter Many other sites do not include these things and don't tell you this.:furious: If you can attach the tube to the air intake from a power head you won't have to use a lifter pump.
P.S. Where/how will you be quarantining fish? I know some people don't like it, but IMO it is 100% necessary. 30 days minimum gives you the time for any parasites to show themselves, and it gives you the chance to stuff the fish full of food without polluting the main tank. If you get ICK or velvet in the tank you either start over.....or start over. You can also teach the fish to eat what you want it to without wasting too much food. The process can also be fascinating, and give you something to do while the main tank is cycling=[fish sooner!:lol2:] Nice test kit. All of these will be useful when the tank is new, but all but three will be unnecessary in the ling run. Just Calcium, magnesium, and Alk, should be enough I think. Others might disagree, so do what feels right. A refractometer is on my list, but....budget freeze....:thumbdown
Keep it up
Daniel :wildone:

 

[scubadan206]

I wanted to design the system as future proof as possible up to 75gallons. Also worth noting I will be setting up a 10gallon quarantine tank for newcomers and sick fishies, this way once the ecosystem is up and running I minimize any disturbances as much as possible.

Just saw this again:wave:

 

[ThisGuy12]

Haha, thanks Dan! I'd like to see photos of your setup(s).

I'm second guessing the siphon setup, not sure why though cause I've heard it works.... I'll just have to play around with the engineering a bit before getting discouraged.

I have also considered a 10gallon QT with a basic filter & heater setup in my laundry room. I figured I would wait till my cabinet shows up and at least get my main tank & sump cycling before I went with the QT.

As for refractometers my buddy has the same one I bought, it was perfect, we got them off eBay for $25-$30 CAD! That's reasonable in my books.

Also going to be using Coralife Marine Salt Mix, I've read really good reviews about it, apparently reefs and fishies like it as I've heard it makes them look more vibrant.

 

[scubadan206]

Check my Youtube channel. dangappa. About 25-30 videos from various things...I'll post a better tour of my tank later when the TV's not on in here. Tanks kind of green and hairy right now. I've been letting it go to feed a future crop of algae eaters, like that bristletooth I've been searching for.
I've bought either reef crystals or instant ocean depending on what I can get a deal on.
Daniel :wildone:

 

[ThisGuy12]

Nice setup Dan! Your clown looks really happy haha.

I've considered modifying my overflow design, drilling is not an option at this time but I may build the two overflow pipes into a overflow box adhered to the interior side of the tank, still figuring out the best way to do this. It will also help with hiding pipes which is a huge plus as I was going to krylon paint them.

Still have some time to decide

 

[ThisGuy12]

FINALLY SOME SUCCESS!!!

Sump baffles hold water and performs exactly as intended (without anything in the fuge that is...) below are some photos of it with water and in action. I also have a video but its still being uploaded.

Photos of the pump off.

And with the pump running, the water level in the return chamber is a bit low for my liking, then again this is utilizing the full 900GPH force of the Hagen Aquaclear 110, so it's doing pretty well considering. Once I get it hooked up properly to the DT it should be dialed in more precisely to keep the levels consistent. Microbubbles are pretty much non existent in the return chamber with the pump running full force so that's good news.

Video to be posted later.

Now to try and figure out my overflow setup and dial it in for the pump. Also going to paint my DT back and sides this weekend.

 

[ThisGuy12]

Video of the sump in action during test phase

http://youtu.be/Dzzc7qjvxn8

 

[mrpergo]

do you plan on putting a skimmer in that center fuge area ?

 

[ThisGuy12]

Yes bio skimmer, putting in some chaeto, live rock, and snails with a 6000k lamp, hoping to get some good algae growth in there for filtration.

Protein skimmer is going in the in the supply section. Though I may pipe a calc reactor in later on.

 

[ThisGuy12]

Tank is painted on 3 sides! Might have to do one final coat on it. Looks good, put the lights on it to test it out.

Pics coming. Also my Hagen test kit arrived. Going to get sand sometime this week and hopefully get the sump cycling.

 

[ThisGuy12]

UPDATE TIME:



Now is when I start to really get excited and impatient... Display Tank was painted this weekend on 3 sides leaving the glass bow front as viewing window, reason for this is my cabinet will cover 3 of the 4 sides, it'll look cool.

Took 4 coats of latex matte black premium paint to ensure a good even coverage, very happy with the way it came out and makes for easy removal should I want to sell the tank or change the colour.

Pics of tank painted with my light on.

I didn't paint the bottom of the tank which allows for the light you see bleeding under the trim. My makeshift paint bench wasn't 100% flat so the light shows, no big deal.

As you can see I also painted the glass splash guard. In the light spectrum this tank will look great I think!

Also, visited my LFS and picked out my sand for the DT and refugium. Thoughts on this stuff? Same price as dead sand, and actually cheaper here than what I can order online. I've read reviews on this stuff people love it.

Getting close to finally being ready to set it up and get some water moving in the system, can't wait! Wife is even excited, she accompanied me to the LFS and picked out some clowns and other fish including some dottybacks and some damsels we'll see though considering I'm going to be adding in some live rock and some anemones I don't want them chewing up an expensive plant.

 

[ThisGuy12]

Almost forgot,

Figured out the dual DIY overflow (Special thanks to KCFITZ78, his method really works well!)

This is still all friction fit and hanging on my sump currently while the DT dries. Once my specimen box arrives I'll adjust the pipe lengths and final test everything with the DT for final water levels, then glue it all into place.

Ohh in the background of the pics you can see I've started to cut the egg crating (light diffuser) for the top of my refugium to prevent snails and what not from escaping.