Matt's 225g Custom Build

Just thought of this, but another option would to do a PVC overflow (Elbow with standpipe + screen for security) and forget the valve. Problem mostly solved:lol:
 
Just thought of this, but another option would to do a PVC overflow (Elbow with standpipe + screen for security) and forget the valve. Problem mostly solved:lol:


Great points. I appreciate the feedback. It is the emergency drain that feeds the right side so the majority of the flow goes to the left two. Not quite sure what you mean with the standpipe though. Are you talking about adding an actually overflow below to feed the main sump from the secondary?
 
Great points. I appreciate the feedback. It is the emergency drain that feeds the right side so the majority of the flow goes to the left two. Not quite sure what you mean with the standpipe though. Are you talking about adding an actually overflow below to feed the main sump from the secondary?


Sorry just woke up and didn't drink my coffee yet. Just use the same bulkhead and turn it up with an elbow and make a standpipe. I actually like that idea. I feel like it was something I considered doing but for some reason didn't. Probably just forgot and got sidetracked or something. Makes sense though.
 
Mounted the reefbrites to the ATI fixture. This light is frickin heavy though. For piece of mind I may crawl up in this hot attic and reinforce the drywall. Lot of weight pulling on it. My studs weren't even close to lining up to be able to mount directly in to them.
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This next idea is kind of hard to show in pictures alone. Like most people I hate siphoning water out for water changes so I put a split on one of my return lines. Also towards the base of the return pump I added a valve on the return lines. All I need to do is close that valve and shut the pump off, then the back siphon once I open the valve on the T will pull the water from the tank down the drain line I added. This will empty the tank down to the depth of my return lines (whatever I set them at). Behind the tank is a bathroom closet. In that closet I had access to the back of the bathtub. I opened it up and put a T on the drain then connected the line that Ts of the return. Instant drain line for the tank for small weekly water changes. I had thought about just having another whole drilled for a drain on the tank but decided I didn't want a low bulkhead on the back of the tank that could potentially leak or go bad.
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That line to the waste shouldmhave an air gap. Any clog will back up waste into your drain line
 
That line to the waste shouldmhave an air gap. Any clog will back up waste into your drain line


Please explain more about that. How would I add an air gap? The drain itself in the tub would have an air hole up top for the safety overflow. I definitely don't want it backing up. Thanks
 
If the relief for your tub is lower than anywhere else the water might back up to you would be fine.
 
what are you thinking for the aquascape?


It's going to be an SPS tank so I am going to go with a minimalistic scape few islands, some valleys. Want to give it depth and a nice 3 dimensional look. Been reading up a lot on scaling and art so we will see how it turns out. Probably one of the toughest parts.
 
Very nice. One thing you might want to consider is taking a chop saw to the bases to make sure your bases are stable. If you are going sps dominant don't build structures too tall. Also consider adding some tonga branch to the mix. Most people didn't like it in my tank at first but now that it's all covered in coralline it looks great and makes for interesting forms and keeps things open so the flow just goes through. Check out jacksons tank in the sps forum....looking good, excited to see what you come up with. The above was just suggestions and my opinion of course;)
 
Very nice. One thing you might want to consider is taking a chop saw to the bases to make sure your bases are stable. If you are going sps dominant don't build structures too tall. Also consider adding some tonga branch to the mix. Most people didn't like it in my tank at first but now that it's all covered in coralline it looks great and makes for interesting forms and keeps things open so the flow just goes through. Check out jacksons tank in the sps forum....looking good, excited to see what you come up with. The above was just suggestions and my opinion of course;)


Appreciate the feedback. Actually I love the tonga branch rock too and I have a bunch in my established 90 that will be moving over. I like the chop saw idea for a flat base for some of the other pieces but the one above is pretty solid. Got luck with how it sits.
 
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