Starting My Next Build

[06busa]

Should keep me busy for a little while.

 

[06busa]

I got through most of the cutting/fitting for the drains and returns. I still need to finish the final fitting for the Dart pump that I will use for the return and to feed everything attached to the manifold. After I finish the drains and returns I will start on the plumbing for the Hammerhead and Ocean Motion 8 way.

 

[RokleM]

You've already glued so it might be slightly too late, however I'll throw this out there. Those stock Lowes/HomeDepot ball valves are very susceptible to seizing and handle breaking. Your best bet is to make sure you move them often and to try to put a little silicone grease on the ball itself. You'll only be able to get about 50% of the ball since it's already glued, but it's better than nothing.

 

[06busa]

You've already glued so it might be slightly too late, however I'll throw this out there. Those stock Lowes/HomeDepot ball valves are very susceptible to seizing and handle breaking. Your best bet is to make sure you move them often and to try to put a little silicone grease on the ball itself. You'll only be able to get about 50% of the ball since it's already glued, but it's better than nothing.

I actually just have everything pushed together for test fitting and haven't glued yet. Thanks for the reminder I will make sure to get some silicone grease on them.

 

[RokleM]

:thumbsup: even better!

It doesn't have to be much. Close the ball valve, put a dab on either side of the ball, and work it back and forth a few times.

 

[06busa]

Well I just filled the tank with freshwater and going to let it run for a couple of days to check for leaks. I am sure there will be a couple around the bulk heads in the 100g rubbermaid tub, only time will tell. I am almost there!!!

 

[06busa]

Another step closer...all of the leaks have been taken care of and the tank has been running for a little over a week with saltwater. I put 150 lbs of new sand, 7 large pieces of live rock from my current tank, and about 75 gallons of water from my current tank. And it looks like the cycle is good, just have a few parameters I need to get up.

Temp - 77.8
Salinity - 1.023
Ph - 8.38
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 0
Phosphate - 0
Calcium - 360
Alk - 8
Magnesium - 1100

 

[06busa]

All of the parameters checked out good this weekend and was able to make some more progress :celeb2::beer:

FTS

Front left

Front Right

Back left

Back right

Anemone island

 

[biecacka]

looks good man

 

[06busa]

Everything has been doing great in the tank so I took some time this weekend to do some more work on it. I mounted the ballasts and surge protectors on the canopy, hooked up fans for the ballasts, moved the canopy directly over the tank because it was a couple inches off, cleaned up all the wiring, got a container to hold the skimmer to maintain a constant water level, and adjusted 2 of the drains to go directly for the skimmer.

Then decided I would start hooking up the Reeflo Hammerhead and OM 8-way. I got the piping for the intake, bypass valve, and 6 of the outputs all cut and mocked up. Then realized I went through all of my pvc pipe and elbows, which I thought I had more than enough to finish the project. Atleast I took the day off tomorrow so I can get the rest of the supplies in the morning and hopefully have it all glued to test it out some time tomorrow.

Then hopefully have enough time to go over to my friend's house and help him get his 180g up and running. Going to be a busy day!