Okay, update on my planning progress!
I've decided to go with the Turboflotor Shorty and run it externally, so the second sump/skimmer box will not be necessary. I am going to tee off my return pump (using the Dart) to feed it. I read a lot about feeding a skimmer fresh water from the overflow, bt 1) I'm worried about tuning the skimmer if I feed it directly since flow will vary somewhat, and 2) if I use an extra pump to feed it that's more wattage and more heat transferred to the water. So we'll give that a shot.
I've also decided on a lighting set up, and am working on getting some drawings uploaded for your comments. It will be an 8-bulb T5 tek retrofit with IceCap reflectors. Not sure on bulb combo yet. There will be 4X54's in the front parallel to the front viewing panel, then 2X39's behind them, then 2X24's. I've played with a million different layouts and I think this will provide the most even coverage, and should run about $600 for the whole thing with bulbs. I'm not going to overdrive the bulbs with IceCap ballasts, but can always upgrade easily if necessary down the line.
I also have a list of fittings and ballvalves that I'll order later this summer. I'll need some advice on plumbing, but my plan is to do 1.5" spa flex to and from the Darts to cut down on vibration, then hard plumb the 4-way returns to make it as neat as possible under the stand.
I'll also Tee off the either the return or intake line on the closed loop and have a ball valve that will allow me to drain the entire tank through the floor and out to the driveway. This will also be inline with the emergency sump overflow. Any advice on where to tee off this line from?
Thanks!
I've decided to go with the Turboflotor Shorty and run it externally, so the second sump/skimmer box will not be necessary. I am going to tee off my return pump (using the Dart) to feed it. I read a lot about feeding a skimmer fresh water from the overflow, bt 1) I'm worried about tuning the skimmer if I feed it directly since flow will vary somewhat, and 2) if I use an extra pump to feed it that's more wattage and more heat transferred to the water. So we'll give that a shot.
I've also decided on a lighting set up, and am working on getting some drawings uploaded for your comments. It will be an 8-bulb T5 tek retrofit with IceCap reflectors. Not sure on bulb combo yet. There will be 4X54's in the front parallel to the front viewing panel, then 2X39's behind them, then 2X24's. I've played with a million different layouts and I think this will provide the most even coverage, and should run about $600 for the whole thing with bulbs. I'm not going to overdrive the bulbs with IceCap ballasts, but can always upgrade easily if necessary down the line.
I also have a list of fittings and ballvalves that I'll order later this summer. I'll need some advice on plumbing, but my plan is to do 1.5" spa flex to and from the Darts to cut down on vibration, then hard plumb the 4-way returns to make it as neat as possible under the stand.
I'll also Tee off the either the return or intake line on the closed loop and have a ball valve that will allow me to drain the entire tank through the floor and out to the driveway. This will also be inline with the emergency sump overflow. Any advice on where to tee off this line from?
Thanks!
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