Mountains of sawdust (360g plywood, LED, Arduino build)

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Because the timeline has been stretched and I'm starting to cover multiple subjects (rather than just construction of the tank itself) I thought it might be time to do an index:

1) Initial discussion of overall concept

2) Sump assembled

3) Tank shell first assembled

4) Epoxy work begun

5) Epoxy pour process explained

6) Pouring bulkhead holes

7) Pouring corners, mocking up tank location with a sheet, photo of old 125

8) Display tank complete, except for glass

9) Water change station and RO/DI in basement

10) Glass install begins

11) Tank moved

12) Aquascaping plan

13) Water testing in garage

14) Tank inside the house, stand and hood construction underway

15) Stand and hood framing complete

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Hey DWIZM, your OCD is showing. :lol:

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Oops! :lol: the index will at least be useful to me. People are always asking questions about things I did 6 months ago and I struggle to find a reference for them.

Recent progress hasn't been swift. I have the plumbing all modeled up now and about half glued together. Progress was halted when the little standard-issue can of cement I bought a few weeks ago to do this effort ran out. I don't think I've ever used more than a single can on a fish tank.

 

[Taqpol]

Recent progress hasn't been swift. I have the plumbing all modeled up now and about half glued together. Progress was halted when the little standard-issue can of cement I bought a few weeks ago to do this effort ran out. I don't think I've ever used more than a single can on a fish tank.

I had the same thing happen to me before I left! Thing is, I was so "in the PVC gluing zone" that I wasn't paying attention to how much I had left. This resulted in me making my "final" trip to Home Depot to get the few pieces I always forget only to com home and finish one joint before I realized I had to go back AGAIN just for the can of cement!

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Plumbing complete! It's hard to get good photos on a cellphone.

In the stand:

The overflow, sump return (over the side), and one of the closed loop returns:

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

I should add a note to the sump plumbing photo. The sump is the white box in the background. On the right is the sump return pump, a Reeflo Dart. More flow than I need, but I got a good deal on it and Reeflo pumps are fine valved down. With the expectation of taking advantage of the extra flow, there are three tees in the return line with 1" ball valves hanging from them - I'll be able to use these to feed a skimmer, ATS, media reactor, whatever I need.

On the left is the closed loop pump. Well, part of it. I don't have the pump assembled yet, so I just held the front face of the wet end in place and plumbed to/from it. The motor for the closed loop pump is behind it on the floor.

The overflow is through the side with two 1.5" drains. The box is 24" x 12" x 9". And of course it's white.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Fantastic!

I just used your index to find out the size of the sump. So, is that about 60 gallons or so?

 

[amcarrig]

Are you done yet? What's the next step?

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Fantastic!

I just used your index to find out the size of the sump. So, is that about 60 gallons or so?

I don't know if I ever bothered to do the actual math, but I just did, and you're pretty much right. I'm running a really low water level (for extra capacity when the system drains down) so it'll probably only have 20g in it while running.

Are you done yet? What's the next step?

Finish the two dedicated electrical circuits, drywall, fill, and fire it up.

Though, sadly, we just decided to proceed with another pretty major home renovation project (roof, siding, windows) which means time to work on the tank will be scarce for a few months.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Oh and one more step I need to do - replace the bits of string I used to hang the plumbing with real hangers. :lol:

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Oh and one more step I need to do - replace the bits of string I used to hang the plumbing with real hangers. :lol:

I saw that and was like :hmm3:

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

That's what happens when you're working in the evening and the only hardware stores within 45 minutes' drive all close at 6pm.

 

[kcress]

Um... Nice, um, Dart ah, mount..

 

[tahiriqbal]

Coming along really nice.... keep up the good work sir, everything seems spot on......knowing you lol

 

[kcress]

Coming along really nice.... keep up the good work sir, everything seems spot on......knowing you lol

Except for the Dart mount..:hmm4:

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

It's not mounted, it's just propped in place so I could glue the pipe together!

 

[tahiriqbal]

I know he would come with a novel idea to have his Dart mounted where we all OCD junkies could enjoy the view better

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

If anyone gets the award for nice pump mount it won't be me - I don't think I could top kcress's CNC'd plywood/acrylic job!

 

[tahiriqbal]

lol

 

[kcress]

Thanks Der! :beer: