New Frag Tank Build

[dbartkow]

I'm going to build a 4'x3' tank like yours but I wanted to have half halide lighting and half T5. I already have the T5 fixture, just need to get a halide pendant thats going to cover close to a 3'x3' area. 12" is going to be for the T5. I think zoo's and some LPS look nicer under T5's.

Brent,
I originally was thinking of going with T5s on half too. But then decided to go with two pendants since it would allow me to look down into the tank. I thought the T5s would cover up too much space. But, if you don't mind that, it would be great to be able to move things around based on their lighting needs.

Dave

 

[dbartkow]

After the water is in, I know you'll be using that PAR meter of yours to figure out the perfect height. Until then, it's all speculation anyway. This is looking awesome Dave. I really think you're setting a new benchmark for the diy community!

We will see about that benchmark... now that I am getting close to adding water, I am getting nervous about leaks. Hopefully all will go smooth... we will find out soon enough.

Dave

 

[superkat]

got my fingers crossed for ya!

 

[Flanders]

this is really nice. you're making me more confident about working with acrylic.

 

[Steve Canyon]

You leak tested the tank prior to setting it on the stand in your office. You did everything right with regards to gaskets/seals on the bulk heads, right? The PVC is straigtforward, just use plenty of glue and don't move the joints too much after they've been joined. Everything will be fine. Can't wait to see it all hooked up!

 

[dbartkow]

I think I did everything the way you are supposed to. I have never worked with these materials before, so there is the uncertainty lingering in the back of my mind. But, hopefully all will be well.

 

[nguyentxd]

taggin along

 

[dbartkow]

...a little setback

...a little setback

I have some good news and bad news... first the good news. I have been making water all week. I took a while, but I filled the sump all the way and the display about 8 inches an no leaks! So I am really happy about that!

Now for the bad news...argh. This is one of those stupid aquarium/sump mistakes. But fortunately I found out about it before I started running the system. The mistake I made is never accounting for the difference in the water between return and the overflows. The difference I had was large enough that when the pump was turned off, the water from the display would have drained back into the sump and overflowed. Fortunately I figured that out before it actually happened.

I ended off draining water out and back into barrels. Then I cut the pvc pipe used for the return. I am adding a coupling and that should give me the extra distance I need. I decided it would be best to actually calculate it out this time. :idea:

If I have a 1" difference, between the overflow and the bottom of the return outlet, that will result in 7.5 gallons of water that will flow back down. I have an extra 4" of space in my sump, which will allow for 10 gallons of water. So I should be okay with that 1" difference.

I have glued and painted the pvc coupling. So now I am just waiting till the paint cures a little longer and then I will be putting the water back in the tank. ...onward!

Dave

 

[Flanders]

awesome! at least the setback was a very minor one.

 

[Steve Canyon]

Ready to add some frags?

 

[diverdick]

Great job, thanks for sharing!

 

[dbartkow]

Water!

Water!

Okay,
I had a couple of hiccups, but finally have water flowing through the system. Here are the latest pics. Enjoy!

still adding more sand to the DSB...

 

[biohazard]

Sweet set up,nice job!!.....Love the sump design as well.

 

[superkat]

sweet!

 

[dbartkow]

Thanks everyone. The only downside right now is the noise. It makes a lot of noise with all the water going down the overflows. I have the tank about 2 feet from my desk in my office and it sounds like I am sitting in a whirlpool tub or something.

Dave

 

[captain7359]

can you raise one of the overflow pipes and create a flooded suction on the other one? Put a big 3" to 1" or 2" to 1" reducer on the higher one and just a little water will end up going down that one, while the other one stays under water and is quiet, hopefully.

 

[dbartkow]

Walter,
Thanks for the idea... I was able to play around with the plumbing and height of the overflow to significantly bring down the noise level. Now it is much more soothing, instead of the whirlpool washing machine sound.

Dave

 

[ggdowski]

Clever solution.
I have two drains on my large tank at home. I'll have to try this trick.
I would have thought the second drain would have to be fairly deep to prevent turbulence with the surface.

 

[captain7359]

is the overflow into the sock above the water line? If not that may cause some flushing as air becomes trapped then purged out or goes back up.

 

[danrobberg]

with all that running water in your office have to take too many bathroom brakes and not get any work done lol. awsome job, what a clean pro looking set up.