my new build thread

[svynx]

Well, it's time. I've started the thinking process on my new setup. I won't actually start the build for at least another 2 months, but I'm getting the brainwork out of the way and putting things on paper so when it comes time to do the actual build, I won't be second guessing myself, or looking back at it in 3 years wishing I had done something different.
My system now is:
"¢ 55 gallon with 75 gallon tank sump
"¢ 48" Nova Extreme Pro HOT5 lighting
"¢ Octopus 110 skimmer
"¢ Koralia # 2 and two #3's
"¢ Mag 9.5 for a return into a spraybar
"¢ DIY stand
I am changing to a 75 gallon tank that will need drilled. I would like to eliminate the need for powerheads, which means a closed loop. I will be using a Calfo overflow box along with BeanAnimal's failsafe 3 pipe drain system. The return will be a single pipe coming from the pump to a multi outlet ring that goes around the parameter of the tank. All outlets (6) will be able to be adjusted in both direction and pressure. This will help with eliminating powerheads in the tank, and might even eliminate the need of the closed loop (depending on how much flow comes from the return pipe). The return "œloop" will be constructed with ¾" PVC pipe, T fittings, and 90 degree angles. The drains will be 1" coming out of the tank, and switching to either 1 ¼" or 1 ½" for the trip to the sump.
Skimmer: I will be saving money and building a downdraft skimmer. I've been doing quite a bit of research on these and like the concept of having a pumpless skimmer.
Lights: I will be using the same light fixture that I have, with the addition of different bulbs. I will be using 3 Blue Plus's, 2 Aquablues, and 1 Aquasun.
Closed loop: If I end up going this direction, it will be a simple 1 outlet and 2 inlet design. The outlet will be located right below the overflow and the 2 inlets will be located in the bottom corners.
Things I need suggestions on:
"¢ Return pump: Pretty much only used for a return. I might (slim chance, but planning for anything) use it to pump to the fuge. 4' to 6' head height.
"¢ Closed loop pump
I love constructive criticism. Please comment and let me know if there is something that I overlooked.


I did post this in the DIY forum to get a larger body looking at it, but thought that since most of you have more experience than I do, it wouldn't hurt to put it here as well.
Cheers

 

[2turtles]

Re: my new build thread

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15685614#post15685614 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by svynx
so when it comes time to do the actual build, I won't be second guessing myself, or looking back at it in 3 years wishing I had done something different.

I've got five bucks saying you are a hobbyist and everybody second guesses themselves and in 3 years you will want something different.

 

[Jandree22]

Re: my new build thread

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15685614#post15685614 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by svynx
Well, it's time. I've started the thinking process on my new setup. I won't actually start the build for at least another 2 months, but I'm getting the brainwork out of the way and putting things on paper so when it comes time to do the actual build, I won't be second guessing myself, or looking back at it in 3 years wishing I had done something different.
My system now is:
"¢ 55 gallon with 75 gallon tank sump
"¢ 48" Nova Extreme Pro HOT5 lighting
"¢ Octopus 110 skimmer
"¢ Koralia # 2 and two #3's
"¢ Mag 9.5 for a return into a spraybar
"¢ DIY stand
I am changing to a 75 gallon tank that will need drilled. I would like to eliminate the need for powerheads, which means a closed loop. Any reasoning out of curiosity? Vortechs have relatively small presence in the tank, radiate heat outside the tank, higher flow and MUCH less power consuption than a closed loop. Closed loops are alright, but IMO an overrated fad, especially in these days of insane prop pumps I will be using a Calfo overflow box along with BeanAnimal's failsafe 3 pipe drain system. I like the Calfo/Bean setup too and will be doing the same thing whenever my next build occursThe return will be a single pipe coming from the pump to a multi outlet ring that goes around the parameter of the tank. All outlets (6) will be able to be adjusted in both direction and pressure. This will help with eliminating powerheads in the tank, and might even eliminate the need of the closed loop (depending on how much flow comes from the return pipe). Sounds good with the multi-outlet. Maybe even integrate a SCWD or two on the outlets, depending on your return rate, to randomize the flowThe return "œloop" will be constructed with ¾" PVC pipe, T fittings, and 90 degree angles. The drains will be 1" coming out of the tank, and switching to either 1 ¼" or 1 ½" for the trip to the sump.
Skimmer: I will be saving money and building a downdraft skimmer. I've been doing quite a bit of research on these and like the concept of having a pumpless skimmer.
Lights: I will be using the same light fixture that I have, with the addition of different bulbs. I will be using 3 Blue Plus's, 2 Aquablues, and 1 Aquasun.
Closed loop: If I end up going this direction, it will be a simple 1 outlet and 2 inlet design. The outlet will be located right below the overflow and the 2 inlets will be located in the bottom corners.
Things I need suggestions on:
"¢ Return pump: Pretty much only used for a return. I might (slim chance, but planning for anything) use it to pump to the fuge. 4' to 6' head height.
"¢ Closed loop pump
I love constructive criticism. Please comment and let me know if there is something that I overlooked.Please do the closed loop if you prefer it, and I welcome someone telling me the merits of closed loop that I'm missing, but it just seems like a non-versatile, so-so powerful, energy hog way to move water, just my 2 cents on it

I did post this in the DIY forum to get a larger body looking at it, but thought that since most of you have more experience than I do, it wouldn't hurt to put it here as well.

Finally, I'd definately DEFINATELY suggest considering a 120g while you're at it. a 75g is leaps and bounds better than a 55g for aquascaping, a 120g just doubles the effect of tank width. that being said I still love my 75g
Cheers
Cheers :beer:

 

[khusson1]

IMO ur mag 9.5 with 3/4" pipe isnt going to do it for a spray bar with any kind of flow. Ur not gonna get anything out of that! I have a 150 x-high with a mag drive 18B return using 3/4 in hard pvc which T's off into 2 lines that come over the back of the tank. It then exits the 3/4" pipe through a 3/4" loc-line "Y" which I had to melt the fan tips in the middle to get any kind of flow. My head height is 5ft. I say go with the magdrive 24. Just my 2 cents

 

[khusson1]

and every 90 degree bend you have cuts down on pressure

 

[svynx]

The main reason I was going with the 75 is because I have a spare one sitting around. Although if I were able to find a cheap 120 that is the 48" style, I might spring for it. I too thought about Vortechs, and it's still a possibility. I was just turned off by the cost of them.
I should describe my "spray bar" that I have now. All it is is a 3/4" pvc with 3/16" holes drilled along one side. I have enough flow with the koralia's, but couldn't direct it towards the back wall. My spray bar took care of this.

 

[svynx]

I just looked up the prices again for the Vortechs. To get two of the smallest ones it's $400. Add in the cost of the wave controller and it goes up another $150 to $200. It's not a bad investment, but I can't see spending $600 when I can do the same thing for about $100. Now if someone local is willing to sell two for a really low price, then awesome.

 

[03LightningSVT]

Re: Re: my new build thread

Re: Re: my new build thread

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15685737#post15685737 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 2turtles
I've got five bucks saying you are a hobbyist and everybody second guesses themselves and in 3 years you will want something different.

+1

 

[Nereaga]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15687873#post15687873 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by svynx
I just looked up the prices again for the Vortechs. To get two of the smallest ones it's $400. Add in the cost of the wave controller and it goes up another $150 to $200. It's not a bad investment, but I can't see spending $600 when I can do the same thing for about $100. Now if someone local is willing to sell two for a really low price, then awesome.

I highly doubt that you can re-create the flow from a Mp40w for $100!?!?! You can have full control of the pumps speed, with different modes in a Vortech. Not to mention 3,200gph of flow.

You can by 2 Koralia 4's(2,800gph), but they are not controllable and are un-attractive in a tank, IMO.

It was hard for me to justify the $400 cost of the big Vortech, but after having one now, I am considering another one!

Brad

 

[2turtles]

Have you considered the Tunze nano streams?

 

[svynx]

I didn't even think of those. Would the Tunze Multicontrollers 7095 or 7096 work with the nano's. If I go that direction, I would use either 2 or 4 of them. I did a little reading on them and they look like a happy medium between the closed loop and the vortechs.

Upon further reading, the 2 smallest ones (6025 and 6045) are not controllable. The next one up is $227 each. With 2 plus the cost of a controller...it's up there with the vortechs. But since I'm saving money by making my skimmer, I might be able to shell out the $600 for either. Who knows, I might even just go with two of the smallest ones, and put them on a el-cheapo timer.
Things to think about.

 

[2turtles]

I have 4 6055's behind a 7095 in my 120. The water is moving But you are right it is not an inexpensive proposition.