Frank's 120 gallon upgrade build.

[rovster]

Trying to save you money. If you researched it you'd know I was right. Yes the grey gates are expensive but that is THE single most important valve in your system!

 

[itz frank]

Trying to save you money. If you researched it you'd know I was right. Yes the grey gates are expensive but that is THE single most important valve in your system!

I know you're right. It's just a recurring pattern in our relationship. Lol.

I'm ordering a valve on bulkreef along with my replacement bulbs for the t5s.

Additional question:

Previous owner of the tank bought the current t5 bulbs 7 months ago. They were run for a maximum of 4 hours per day over that time frame and eventually cut down to 2 hours.

Worth replacing them now? Or do I have time on them? I'm thinking about just ordering the bulbs to have them on hand.

 

[itz frank]

So here's the sump that came with the tank. I'm flipping it around so the drain is on the right and return is on the left side. Just realized I need two more bulk heads and I'm ordering that as well. I probably will not be using any of the equipment that came with the tank aside from the sump.

Next project on the chopping block is rewiring the retrofit t5s along with two fans that were installed in the canopy. Doesn't appear to be anything wrong with the wiring itself other than it's ugly as hell and leaves a lot of connection points exposed.

Also need to address the open overflow. The DIY section recommended to just get gutter guard and shape it to protect the overflow from jumpers and crap.

 

[rovster]

I wouldn't replace the bulbs until the tank is cycled and you are ready to transfer SPS.
Assuming the previous owner was telling the truth you should have s few more months of bulb life. You may want to order some to have on hand and start playing with combos.

 

[itz frank]

These short work session in the morning are really making this drag. Decided to go flex on both drains. My valve will be below the bulk head in the sump. Siphon is the drain from bulkhead on the right.

 

[AquamanE]

For overflow you can wrap the gutter guard around an egg rate frame. This how I did mine.

Egg crate frame is easy to build with wire ties.

 

[itz frank]

For overflow you can wrap the gutter guard around an egg rate frame. This how I did mine.

Egg crate frame is easy to build with wire ties.

Any shot of getting a photo of yours?

 

[itz frank]

Plumbing is done. All that's left is leak test and then glue once I put it in the house.

 

[itz frank]

Well, the tank holds water and doesn't have any leaks.

But my plumbing has quite a few. I'm assuming it's because none of the joints are glued.

The siphon works really well. It's dead quiet and the pump runs quite silent. I have a small hum from the pump but that's because it was touching a wall and not secured down.

I'm having issues with my bulkheads. They appear to be leaking from the top side.

 

[rovster]

Did you use gaskets? You also have to tighten those fully for them to really seal.

 

[itz frank]

Did you use gaskets? You also have to tighten those fully for them to really seal.

Yea. Gaskets on top. I hand tightened them. They're so close together i think it will be impossible to get a wrench in there.

I also think my plumbing might be putting pressure on the bulk head. Might need to trim some back. But regardless, it appears that most of my joints are leaking. I've stopped the pump for now.

 

[AquamanE]

Whatever you do, don't use silicone on the bullheads. Play with the gaskets and try 1/4 turn past hand tight with wrench.

 

[itz frank]

Whatever you do, don't use silicone on the bullheads. Play with the gaskets and try 1/4 turn past hand tight with wrench.

I'll try to get a wrench in there. But man it's a tight fit.

 

[Deep Reef]

I wouldn't wrench pic, it may never come apart or could split. I would use Teflon tape and hand tighten. Put water in and check. Only if hand tight doesn't work would I'd tweak with wrench. After hand tight no more than a 1/4 turn with wrench. Just my 2 cents

 

[itz frank]

Got them tightened down. Also glued some of the pipe together.

It seems that I have the leaks sorted out. I'm letting it run today while I'm at work and we'll see what turns up.

The siphon is working well. I managed to find the sweet spot pretty early. With the drain all the way open, it easily handles the pumps water volume. So the emergency drain will be fine.

Just one step closer.

 

[itz frank]

Side bar:

I'm considering swapping out my LED setup for full T5s. I haven't decided yet but I'd only need two retro fit kits to go 8 bulb.

I already have 4 t5s on this. They're not dimmable but I could purchase a retro fit dimmable kit before setting up.

hmmm

 

[rovster]

Why do you want to dim? It's bad for the bulbs (shortens lifespan).

 

[itz frank]

Why do you want to dim? It's bad for the bulbs (shortens lifespan).

Didn't know it would effect it. Not so much interested in dimmable as I am about possibly moving to all t5s. I've just sucked so much at dialing in my current LED that I may want to dummy proof it. I think it's a conversation for down the road though.

Danny, I was looking through some of your threads regarding the siporax. Where'd you get your reactor? Looks like it reads vertex on the side?

I need to set up a separate manifold for my reactors. I won't be running it off my return.

 

[rovster]

Didn't know it would effect it. Not so much interested in dimmable as I am about possibly moving to all t5s. I've just sucked so much at dialing in my current LED that I may want to dummy proof it. I think it's a conversation for down the road though.

Danny, I was looking through some of your threads regarding the siporax. Where'd you get your reactor? Looks like it reads vertex on the side?

I need to set up a separate manifold for my reactors. I won't be running it off my return.

T5 is set and forget. No need to dim unless you have a really shallow tank.

As far as the siporax, that Vertex reactor I had from the beginning and was just not using it. I did not get it for the purpose of running Siporax. The majority of the siporax I have is run passively in the bags they come in. Its been a few months now and I can't say I've seen a huge difference but my nitrates are running lower now but not 0. Last I checked it was 2 or under. Hope that helps.

 

[itz frank]

Fish that will be moved from current set up include:
2 black percs
Lawnmower blenny
Helrichi fire fish.
Red headed solon wrasse
Lubbocks wrasse
2 Cardinals

I'm toying with a few options in the same species.

3x-4x -Carberryi/Red Belted/Randall's
Lemonpeel Angel
Spotfin Butterfly/Saddleback
Scott's Wrasse
Leopard Wrasse
Pink Margin Fairy(maybe x2)
Powder Blue Tang
Scopas Tang
Yellow Eyed Kole Tang

I've read about issues with butterflies and Angels and snacking. I tried to select fish that were visually appealing that had a better shot at reef friendly. I have this same list circulating in the new to hobby section for advice on stocking.

But ofcourse, my friends here get to chime in privately