Reid's 120g Oceanic Tech Build

[Padrino]

Nice rock reid. are you planning to do a rock wall? pillars? islands? what are you envisioning

 

[reidcrandall]

I have something in mind that is kind of a combination between the bonsai inspired tank that was the thread of the month a few months back, but with a little bit of a valley between that and another mound type thing, with an island for my RBTAs so that they don't wander and sting anyone else... I have a picture in my head... I just hope I can make it happen!

 

[reidcrandall]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14560295#post14560295 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by crvz
Well mostly because I didnt find much use to the fuge. When I tried it as a pure fuge (and designed like your picture above) for nutrient export with macro algae, it wouldnt ever grow. The display was barebottom, I had a good skimmer, and so it was a bit pointless. So I gave up on it for that purpose, and then I had this extra space that I wasnt really using for anything. What I really wanted was an area for detritus settling, so by moving the fuge before the return section that's exactly what you get. I know have a frag rack down there and a 150W MH fixture, but it's mostly used for detritus settling and easy siphoning of junk.

But, if you think you'll be effective with macro algae, my way may not be the best solution. For me, it's a better application.

I'm looking more for a pod producing fuge than a macro growing fuge. I will have some in there, but that really isn't my main goal.

 

[zmattie]

Looks good!

 

[reidcrandall]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14574773#post14574773 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zmattie
Looks good!

Thanks Zack. I appreciate you checking out the build!

 

[reidcrandall]

I picked up two full sheets of acrylic today, and some weld on #3 for the sump construction. Here's a new sketch of what I'm looking to build. I've added the needle valve at Padrino's suggestion. That will be down the road, as I don't have the calcium reactor yet. I've also added a set of bulkheads near the bottom of each sump chamber so that I can drain directly to my ejector pumpif I should need to. It will also allow me to connect the return and the skimmer section so that I can do larger water changes at once.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be welcomed!

Also, we got the new camra today. The battery is charging, and I can't wait to play with it.

 

[jersha00]

Where did you pick up the acrylic sheets and weld-on? I have called a couple of places local, but they don't sell to the public.

 

[crvz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14574473#post14574473 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reidcrandall
I'm looking more for a pod producing fuge than a macro growing fuge. I will have some in there, but that really isn't my main goal.

If that's the case, I'd probably put the fuge in the middle. It will help with continued bubble reduction (if needed) and allow more detritus settling, all the while simplifying the overall sump design. Just my preference, though, and I'll keep reading your thread if you don't follow my suggestion.

 

[Padrino]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14589162#post14589162 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reidcrandall
I picked up two full sheets of acrylic today, and some weld on #3 for the sump construction. Here's a new sketch of what I'm looking to build. I've added the needle valve at Padrino's suggestion. That will be down the road, as I don't have the calcium reactor yet. I've also added a set of bulkheads near the bottom of each sump chamber so that I can drain directly to my ejector pumpif I should need to. It will also allow me to connect the return and the skimmer section so that I can do larger water changes at once.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be welcomed!

Also, we got the new camra today. The battery is charging, and I can't wait to play with it.

MUCH BETTER i like it i don't see any issues with your design

 

[reidcrandall]

Plumbin!

Plumbin!

Got some plumbing done this weekend. The RO/DI unit is now up and running with new filters. I had to split it several times, with a tube running to an upstairs faucet for drinking water, a faucet on the utility sink in the fish room, and then I ran a line over to the sump area that splits off to lead to the ATO, the salt mix tank and then I have a third for a hose so that I can get water on demand in that area. Here are some pics:

Kenmore RO/DI:

It's not what most people use, but this little 3 stage unit has been giving me 0 readings on the TDS meter, so it will work for me. I put the tank up in he joists to help with water pressure.

Utility sink:

Sump Area:

And of course, CURING LIVE ROCK:

 

[Padrino]

GREAT PROGRESS REID.

 

[reidcrandall]

I just picked up a bunch of ball valves to plumb the tank at Lowes. They were really pretty expensive, and are all REALLY hardto turn. Does anyone know of any other types or makes of ball valves that areeasier to use?

 

[AJP]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14640434#post14640434 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reidcrandall
I just picked up a bunch of ball valves to plumb the tank at Lowes. They were really pretty expensive, and are all REALLY hardto turn. Does anyone know of any other types or makes of ball valves that areeasier to use?

you probably want gate valves not ball vlaves.

 

[reidcrandall]

What is the difference?

 

[AJP]

Gate Valve

Ball Valve

Gate Valves allow you to be very accurate as you screw them in or out to adjust unlike the ball valve that is almost impossible to be exact with.

 

[reidcrandall]

Well crap. Looks like gate valves are about twice as much. Time to re-adjust the budget.

 

[reidcrandall]

Is there a good reason to go with the lab grade pH and ORP probes over the standard grade probes for the ACIII?

 

[AJP]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14640892#post14640892 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reidcrandall
Well crap. Looks like gate valves are about twice as much. Time to re-adjust the budget.

LOL you have a $400 skimmer and your worried about $13 gate valves. They are worth the price trust me.

 

[crvz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14640892#post14640892 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reidcrandall
Well crap. Looks like gate valves are about twice as much. Time to re-adjust the budget.

You won't regret it.

 

[reidcrandall]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14641163#post14641163 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AJP
LOL you have a $400 skimmer and your worried about $13 gate valves. They are worth the price trust me.

Haha... good point. They do add up though. I will need about 12-16 total. And I amgoing over budget. I HATE going over budget. It always seems to happen though.