My 180 4sided viewable in-wall build
- Thread starter Hookup
- Start date
Hookup
New member
As you can see we are filling the tank to do a series of flow tests. The goal was to ensure that once we encased the pipes in cement that the flow was already "ideal" or as close as possible. So we filled er up and turned on the closed loop pumps.... Now all that was needed was a way to see the flow...
Yes, frozen corn. Almost nutrally boyant, but slight tendancy to sink... So in goes a bag and on go the pumps... and we are in a corn-storm!
(VIDEO OF THIS CORN-AWESOME AS SOON AS I CAN GET THEM OFF MY BUDDIES VIDEO CAMERA)
Yes, frozen corn. Almost nutrally boyant, but slight tendancy to sink... So in goes a bag and on go the pumps... and we are in a corn-storm!
(VIDEO OF THIS CORN-AWESOME AS SOON AS I CAN GET THEM OFF MY BUDDIES VIDEO CAMERA)
Hookup
New member
now that the plumbing is all tuned out the entire pipe works are transfered to a board with matched holes to the bottom of the tank so that it could be worked on safely...
Cement is added over a period of about 4 weeks. This is the only photo of the process. Mainly because it was a mess and I was just getting the job done... this was getting old and I wanted to power thru...
Cement is added over a period of about 4 weeks. This is the only photo of the process. Mainly because it was a mess and I was just getting the job done... this was getting old and I wanted to power thru...
funnyguyMI
New member
The results look great! Congrats..! 
What did you cover the PVC fittings with? "Great Stuff"
What did you cover the PVC fittings with? "Great Stuff"
Hookup
New member
The results look great! Congrats..!
What did you cover the PVC fittings with? "Great Stuff"
Thanks the project isn't over but the epic battle seems to be.
The pipes are coated with cement. EMACO s88ci to be specific.
Thanks for staying tuned to such a LONG build.
Hookup
New member
Thanks very much for the compliment! This project was a huge team effort and it's not over yet. The sump in the basement is not connected as of yet, that is tomorrow nights project... But this is a major milestone.
So glad to have the support of forum-friends around the world. It means a lot to me and my family to know so many of you have taken an interest in our project.
Hookup
New member
Thanks Bax, so far it is working out very well. I'm driving the two CL's with gold series hammerheads from reeflo. They work but are very noisey regardless of mfg specifications and three different installations. So now they reside under the floor in the basement on a raised shelf.
The sand blowing is about the only issue at this time, which was solved pretty easily through using epoxy putty (two-little-fishes) to redirect the out puts and dialing back the flow's....
I used a cement mixer to clean the substrate.... It's clean... as in I had a MAG 12 pumping water into the tank with the nozzle in the substrate... minimal dust cloud (could still see thru the tank)... once the substrate matures a bit it shoiuld harden up and the flow can be increased again... though it's about 40x turnover now... and good movement is seen in all corners.
Hookup
New member
Thank you...
My plan is SPS... I have many that are in friends tanks waiting for this to settle down...should have them back next week...
I want to focus on millipora and montipora (caps and digitata). They have some great colors and grow fast, easy to keep, etc...
I find that many corals and fish are overlooked because they are cheap or common or both... I have a few rare pieces but find color and shape to be my drivers and milli's and monti's are great!
Hookup
New member
Thank you very much. This design was the height of my abilities to have form lead function... But not to sacrifice on function... I'm very pleased with the results.
Hookup
New member
That's great! They are hidden! They did come off during the cement process and are on threaded 1.5" fittings so they can be removed and serviced. The rock work was done to hide them from sight and though there are some spots we could have done better, they are hidden quite well. Let me go pull a camera out and see what I can do for photos...
Tim
