The fun begins! 180g build.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15592456#post15592456 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jfl14609
good luck I definately agree with john use spa flex
Click to expand...

Thanks,
is spa flex anything like pool hose? do they make anything stronger?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15592565#post15592565 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kent D.
I am going to use spaflex on mine tank build, heard it is the way to go. Congrats on the tank! Best of luck with it.
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Thanks
 
Shawna,
Spa Flex is what is used in pools and hot tubs. I buy mine from Colley Pools in Hamburg. It is more expensive than regular PVC (about $1.99/ft), but it is easy to work with. I have not seen it anywhere but at pool places.

No Elbows! You glue it just like PVC with Purple Stuff and Glue. I think it would be pretty resistant to cats, but I do not have experience with it. I could try to take a bite out of some of mine! It is pretty thick stuff. Much thicker than your typical flexible hose.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15592506#post15592506 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mr86mister
I don't use the spa flex to run the flow from my main to sump. But use a a vinyl tubing for return and spa flew to connect sumps. Spa Flex is a great way to go to get water from your basement to the main. As John said you will have good flow without any problems slowing it down and less likely to get anything stuck in the plumbing!
Click to expand...

Thanks,
I'm going to look into it ,I think I am thinking of something different :)
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15592997#post15592997 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by roc4558
nice shawna,the sump looks like the 1 me and mike where telling you to build . timmy has mine now if hes got it up and running he will tell ya it works great. . sorry i still havn't called been extremely busy .
ill just pm you
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Thanks Rocky,
If I had the sump I would post some pics but don't have it yet. I will post some as soon as I get it home :) Yeah it's almost the same. I think I may need one more baffle but the sump is all acrylic so it should be much easier to work with (for me)
And Yes I was at Tims house and he showed me the sump (very nice)
Oh that's ok I figured You may of wanted to call because no one was on when you needed help. No worries though you have my number if u ever need anything,Call anytime... really :)
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15593974#post15593974 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gary Majchrzak
x4 (or is it 5? :D )

if you already have flex hose I would strongly consider using it if possible. Regular flex will work fine for drain lines. Pressure (return) lines to the aquarium should be spaflex or reinforced flex.

Congrats, Shawna :thumbsup:
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lol Thanks Gary,
I though hard plumbing was best! See this is why I need help lol
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15594068#post15594068 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gmneil
if you wanted to hang light and not drill holes in the ceiling, you can do like i did for my frag tank.

go get lengts of 3/4 conduit and put a 90 degree bend, use one for each light or 2 or 3 if you go with one big light fixture.

this way you hang it form the conduit and you can mount the conduit right to the back of the stand.

i can send you a pic if you want to see mine
Click to expand...

Yep I may, thanks
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15594261#post15594261 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PCIALF
The cats will not bother spa flex it is flexible PVC and yes I mean elbows :)

This is spa flex http://www.plumbingsupply.com/spaflex.html
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Ok now I see. Thanks for showing me that I was thinking of the cheapy pool flex. Here's A question though, I want to put a shut off on my return so I can change out my pump if I need to,Using this spa flex is not an option on my return with the shut off right?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15594292#post15594292 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mikerads
Shawna,
Spa Flex is what is used in pools and hot tubs. I buy mine from Colley Pools in Hamburg. It is more expensive than regular PVC (about $1.99/ft), but it is easy to work with. I have not seen it anywhere but at pool places.

No Elbows! You glue it just like PVC with Purple Stuff and Glue. I think it would be pretty resistant to cats, but I do not have experience with it. I could try to take a bite out of some of mine! It is pretty thick stuff. Much thicker than your typical flexible hose.
Click to expand...

Thanks Mike,
You answered my next question as to where to buy :)
hahahaha Your killing me! I wont make you bite your hose......Omg mike I was laughing so hard! Anyways I will take your and everyones
word and just get the spa flex instead.
when I get it what size or does that depend on the size of the existing pvc for the drains?
 
Usually 1" is what most bulkheads are you can use any fitting you would use with pvc I have a shutoff at both ends of my pump for quick change
 
John,
Hi,
You have them at both ends?thought you only needed one?
I think its best if I just wait to buy anything until I have someone come down and tell me what I need and help me put it together
I'm really lost. We can handle the stand seeing as the frame is already in place but this plumbing is overwhelming :(
Question does most reef ready tanks have 4 holes total on the bottom?
I thought they had one on each corner,this one has 2 in each corner? Are they all drains ? or are 2 for returns? and if so do I need 2 return pumps if I choose to use spa flex?
I know these questions seem pretty dumb (sorry) I'm just tying to understand as I never had a drilled tank before.
 
Shawna... I'm glad to see you finally found a 180, you deserve it! Keep us posted w/ pics, and come visit when your ready for frags! :)

PS- I just hung my light... only two small dime sized holes, not much bigger than a screw. DO IT!
 
Last edited:
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15594761#post15594761 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by shawna1972
John,
Hi,
You have them at both ends?thought you only needed one?
I think its best if I just wait to buy anything until I have someone come down and tell me what I need and help me put it together
I'm really lost. We can handle the stand seeing as the frame is already in place but this plumbing is overwhelming :(
Question does most reef ready tanks have 4 holes total on the bottom?
I thought they had one on each corner,this one has 2 in each corner? Are they all drains ? or are 2 for returns? and if so do I need 2 return pumps if I choose to use spa flex?
I know these questions seem pretty dumb (sorry) I'm just tying to understand as I never had a drilled tank before.
Click to expand...

I have them at both ends for a couple reasons first the incoming from the sump because the pickup is under water and I don't want to drain sump to work on pump, second the outgoing because my sump is in the cellar and some water could still be in the lines but also if I need to slow the flow down a bit I can with that valve.

and yes 2 holes in each corner is correct, 1 hole in each corner is the drain and one in each corner is the return so basically you have 2 lines as drains to the sump and 1 line from the pump then split with a Y to the 2 returns

I hope this helps
 
Shawna,
Here is a picture of a tank I setup for my sisters school. It only have one side overflow, so you will have to T-off the returns and drains. I put unions and ball valves on whatever point you want to shut-off flow and remove equipment. It looks like your skimmer and return pump might be external. This setup has the pump external so I have two unions and ball valve, one before and after the piece of equipment. Actually, the pump came with a combo 2-union and ball valve which I kinda prefer. Hope this gives you some ideas.


IMG_5732.jpg
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15595565#post15595565 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mr86mister
I could not answer any of your last questions but you can also pick up spaflex at Lowe's if you have one locally.
Click to expand...

Thanks :)
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15595642#post15595642 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CaliDreaminjC
Shawna... I'm glad to see you finally found a 180, you deserve it! Keep us posted w/ pics, and come visit when your ready for frags! :)

PS- I just hung my light... only two small dime sized holes, not much bigger than a screw. DO IT!
Click to expand...

Thanks! I will :) Tell my husband that lol
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15595782#post15595782 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mikerads
Shawna,
Here is a picture of a tank I setup for my sisters school. It only have one side overflow, so you will have to T-off the returns and drains. I put unions and ball valves on whatever point you want to shut-off flow and remove equipment. It looks like your skimmer and return pump might be external. This setup has the pump external so I have two unions and ball valve, one before and after the piece of equipment. Actually, the pump came with a combo 2-union and ball valve which I kinda prefer. Hope this gives you some ideas.


IMG_5732.jpg
Click to expand...

Thanks mike! and yes that helps a lot (I need to actually see it to understand) that glue will hold the spa flex with nothing else? it does not seem like you can put a clamp on it for extra protection?
Thanks for the Pic
 
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