Mr. Aqua 33.6g

N

NYC_Reefer

New member
Hey guys, i'm currently in the progress of setting up my new tank. I recently downgraded from the Deep Blue 57g Rimless over to this Mr. Aqua 33.6g. This is my third tank setup but I still consider myself a beginner at this hobby! This tank will be the first time I use a sump, zero experience! My first two tanks were all running HOB equipment. Enjoy the pics!

Equipment:
Tank - Mr. Aqua 33.6g (24.8 x 17.7 x 17.7) w/ DIY custom stand
Light - Kessil A350w
Sump - Eshopps RS-75
Skimmer - SC Aquariums SCA301
Circulation - EcoTech VorTech MP10
GHoles 700gph Overflor Box Kit
GHoles 1/2" Loc-Line Return Kit
Heater - ViaAqua Titanium 200w
Return Pump - Eheim Universal 1250 (317gph)

Livestock:
TBD

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iadubber said:
Looks great! I love the scape!
Click to expand...

Amatuer21 said:
Ya it does look real nice!!
Click to expand...

Thanks guys!!...I've had this build on hold for a bit, but things are back in full swing again. I ordered the 700gph overflow and the 1/2" return kit from gl*******s last night...I gave the dimensions for the sump to my LFS yesterday and i'm still waiting to hear the price to have it built...return pump will be ordered this week and all that will be left is the plumbing...that's probably going to be the hardest part for me since I don't know what i'm doing! :hmm4:
 
iadubber said:
Always dry fit first then glue it.
Click to expand...

thanks!, that's the plan...I was going to test fit everything first and make sure that everything is in place and is lined up before I apply the cement...the concept seemed very difficult at first, but after a little research I think I know what I will do. I will start with a 1 1/2" PVC pipe coming straight down from the overflow connection, I'll use a few 45 degree pieces to turn that line in towards the stand and into the sump. I will add a ball valve into this drain line. As for the return...i'm not quite sure how the pvc will attach to my pump output...but from there it would be a straight piece of 1/2" PVC back up to the return nozzle...once again using the 45 degree pieces to get the line to go from the sump return chamber up and towards the rear to the return nozzle. In the return line I will add another ball valve and a check valve. I was planning on using as many long straight pieces of pvc as possible, only cutting and adding 45 degree pieces as needed...is this a good idea?...or should I cut the long straight pieces and add unions? Thanks!
 
I wouldn't add a valve on the overflow. You only need one on the return. For the return you can do a barb fitting off the bulkhead and use flexible tubing down to the pump in the sump and on either end put your valve to control the return flow.
 
iadubber said:
I wouldn't add a valve on the overflow. You only need one on the return. For the return you can do a barb fitting off the bulkhead and use flexible tubing down to the pump in the sump and on either end put your valve to control the return flow.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I think i'll put one on both the overflow and return...granted the one on the overflow will most likely be in the open position 100% of the time...I just think it would be beneficial to have one there for maintenance purposes. If I decide to use the flex pvc (attaches with cement just like rigid pvc)...then how would I connect that to the pump?

Also guys, i've been researching the SCA-301 skimmer...it seems as if there are quite a bit of mixed reviews on that skimmer...its kinda making me change my mind about using it...considering the Reef Octopus NWB110 or Bubble Magnus 3.5...are these CONSIDERABLY better skimmers, where the bump in price is justified?...it seems as if they are all equally efficient however, the build/fit and finish quality of the Reef Octopus and BM 3.5 are better. I wouldn't want to skimp on my skimmer...but then again I don't want to spend more than I need to...what do you guys recommend?
 
Do you have build plans for that stand? I am looking to get the same tank and want to see if I can get a stand built. I really like yours.

Thanks
 
Hey guys, sorry there's been zero progress so far! I had a guy from the LFS make my sump and i'll be picking that up today. I wanted to order my return pump and skimmer tonight so I can get water in this tank ASAP! I'm definitely going with the Sicce Syncra Silent 2.0 for the return pump but i'm still debating on the skimmer. I was originally going to go with the SCA 301 but the reviews I see for that skimmer seem to be getting worse and worse. Based on the reviews i've seen I have narrowed it down to the Reef Octopus NWB110 or the Bubble Magnus 5...which one would you guys recommend?...anyone here running either skimmer on a setup similar to mine? (34g DT and 15g sump)

Thanks!

http://www.marinedepot.com/Bubble_M...kimmers-Bubble_Magus-4W05001-FIPSISNW-vi.html

OR

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-...skimmer.html?gclid=CPzXz-Grx7wCFWwV7AodmUsAZg
 
I would go with the Octopus of the ones you listed. I would highly recommend a swc 120 cone. There was a couple for sale in the fs forums.
 
Indiana Reefin said:
I would go with the Octopus of the ones you listed. I would highly recommend a swc 120 cone. There was a couple for sale in the fs forums.
Click to expand...

I'm still can't decide between the two! I was leaning towards the BM 5 but the reef octopus looks like it has better build quality...just looks like a beefier piece of equipment to me hah! Plus I think the BM 5 might be overkill since its rated for 140g while the NWB110 is rated for 75-100g...i'll only have ~40-50g in my setup.


hersheyb said:
really clean looking setup, keep us posted with pics!
Click to expand...

Thanks...look below! :D


Picked up the sump last night!

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