Dirt4dinner's build up

[Dirt4dinner]

Ok kids,
As many of you know this is my second tank...however I am calling it my first. I call it my first because it is BRAND NEW (my old one was used), and my first one never got through the cycle before I killed everything in it (that's another story).
So here are some photos of it as I have started building. I will get more as I progress.

[Dirt4dinner]

Uno Mas. This is my wiring job for those T5s (which have LOTS of wires). I used some split tube from Radio Shack to hide the wires, and then used clips to hold the tubes in place around corners. I am very happy with how it came out. I also mounted 2 computer fans into the back of the canopy to keep the lights cool.

[Whoyah]

Everything is looking really good. I do have one suggestion. I would recommend moving the ballast some where else, away from the potential spills and overflows. You might consider moving it up between the fans or up inside the cabinets. Any where water is not likely to hit it. A little salt water splashed on that ballast could result in a fried ballast and worst case a fire followed by a flood. Just my two cents.

[davejnz]

Good job Tyler,looks nice and clean.Thats a good point mentioned above.Since moveing it will be a PITA,I'd just put some sort of splash guard/small section of wood above it attached to the stand.Then,all u would have to do is remount that wire bundle under the ballast for a drip loop.

[Dirt4dinner]

Thanks for the advice guys. I will try to figure out some sort of splash guard, because putting it in my stand would make it too hot, and there is no room in the canopy (as I have 2 more T5's on the way). I will play with it today and see what I come up with. Thanks. -DIRT

[perpetual98]

You didn't buy any of your lighting from me ya jerk! :)

[Dirt4dinner]

YOU SENT ME TO REEF GEEK!!! Remember, I didn't know what I needed, and you found me the "package" deal.

[perpetual98]

Oh yeah, they had the bulbs that I couldn't get a hold of. Sorry for calling you a jerk.

By the way, you're still a jerk. :)

[spookey]

tyler looking good

[lReef lKeeper]

how is the copper plumbing going tyler ?? :eek:

[graphixx]

Tyler,

Looking good my brutha!!! Nice and clean just the way you wanted it. I really dig the sump. that is way sharp. were you able to get your leak test done yet???? Keep us posted.

[Dirt4dinner]

No water in the system yet. I still have a couple dozen more trips to HD. I love it there...NOT! So, hopefully tonight I can get back into it a little more. The biggest thing right now is modifing my return set-up. Thanks to DaveJNZ who can't leave well-enough alone! So thats going to require some drilling, cusing, and praying. I will keep you posted.

Eric is a poo-poo head.

[Dirt4dinner]

Ok, I got back to it last night and did some (IMO) MAJOR changes to the layout of the system. Here is the nitty gritty:

When I bought the tank it came with dual 1/2" returns in the form of 2 PVC pipes running up the inside of the overflow chamber, through the opening in the top of the aquarium and then doing a "U" turn back into the top of the aquarium. Like in the 1st picture (except in this picture they aren't actually screwed into anything, they are just sitting there, but you get the idea).

The new idea is to drill holes on either side of the overflow and plumb the returns to exit through these holes rather than having to make the trip up out of the tank and through two elbows (I was told that would cost me some water flow, and it didn't look very good IMO).

So once the holes where drilled, I mounted 1" bulkheads on both sides of the overflow chamber and I will run hoses up through the overflow chamber where the dual 1/2" PVC pipes once were and out the new bulkheads. This will look extra clean once I get my hands on some of that black socket joint flex tubing stuff.

The other modification I did was to add 2x 45 degree elbows to the overflow pipe (mostly because I accidently mounted the new return bulkheads in the way, and had to get the overflow pipe to go behind the new bulkheads). I also added a 1-1/4" "T" with a cap to make the system quiet (according to DaveJNZ...master of sumps and overflows). There is a picture of the overflow stand pipe laying on the top of my tank, and then another one where I am holding it in place with my finger...I should be a hand model, anyways.

So here are the photos of the new holes, my new over flow pipe, and me the made scientist who almost fainted at the thought of drilling holes in my new tank. But it worked!

[lReef lKeeper]

nice to put a face with the name tyler. your system is looking good man. keep the pics coming.

[dsfdbutterfly]

Tyler,

You let your guard down again and wore a hat whilest working? Thought you'd learned your lesson :). Great build. The tank is looking awesome. You will have to teach me a thing or two to save me a few bucks at the store.

Angie

[lReef lKeeper]

Angie, DIY will save you more than a few bucks. Just ask us and we will be more than happy to help you out. My DIY sump cost me $20 compared to a pretty much same thing at Feeders selling for $269.99

Looking good Tyler, glad to see that you're not afraid of the drill anymore. Need any more help just ask.

[Dirt4dinner]

well the plumbing is done. All I have to do is get the ok from DaveJNZ (he will have be change something!) so I can glue it all together. It came out pretty good, kind of crowded down in the stand, I kind of wish there was only 1 return instead of two...but hopefully it works out well.

So here is what I did. I ran PVC from the return pump up to a T and then split it with 1/2" flex hose to get it to the bulkheads, the returning water will pass through the bulkheads and then back into hose as it travels up the overflow, then takes a sharp turn and SPLASH...into the tank it goes through another bulkhead.

The overflow is pretty simple, 1-1/4" PVC all the way down the overflow, through a bulkhead, 2 45 degree elbows, and it's in the sump.

I noticed I have ZERO room for any LR in my sump...so it might just be a pile of rubble in one corner if any at all. I also need to stuff my UV sterilizer in there someplace as soon as it gets here...hopefully tomorrow. I should be able to glue tonight and leak test tomorrow! SWEET!

[davejnz]

Tyler,there's no need for LR in a sump anyways IMO.OH,and i'm NOT the sump master,LOL.I'm just passing on info that i've learned from articles/past experiences.I'm glad your getting this done RIGHT the first time,the return mod will really help reduce head pressure on your pump and improve flow rate.I didn't know you were useing 1" bulkheads for the sides of your overflow.I'd get one of those reducers that slip into the bulkhead to reduce it down to 3/4".You'll probably be at close to 650gph after head loss/plumbing restrictions so 325gph thru your dual returns would have idea velocity at 3/4" IMO

[at]

It seems to me your sump almost needs to be twice the size of your tank, at least in my case.Where people put refugiums and a sump I have no clue.

[davejnz]

Large sumps are nice,its just that in most cases they're not practical to employ.Whenever you can increase the total water volume in a system its beneficial.I run a 30gal sump under my 40gal tank.I don't use refugiums so I can't comment much about them.

[Dirt4dinner]

Leak test in complete, nothing major to report (which is good)...with a little luck and some muscle. We will get the tank into the living room tomorrow. I think with it being easter we won't have any saltwater into it until next week sometime. I am ready...aren't you?

[Dirt4dinner]

One of my last major hurdles (both literally, and with my wife) was to drill a hole through the wall from the bathroom vanity to the wall where the tank will be. I just did it...was actually much easier than I thought. I didn't have a drill bit long enough to go all the way through (which would have made it really easy) so I had to go through one way, then measure and go from the other wall. To my surprise I hit it within an 1/8" and it's done. I used a BBQ skewer through the wall and hooked my RODI hose onto it and pulled it back through. DONE!

[spookey]

plastic or glass for a sump?

[Dirt4dinner]

acrylic sump...why do you ask?

[Dirt4dinner]

Well,
It is getting SUPER close to done. The only things left are pretty simple. We bought an IKEA box (latace looking) to put the chiller in, I need to cut out a spot for the plug in on the chiller, and a corner out of the top for the hoses. It is stained to match the tank and will look wonderful next to the tank!
The other thing I just discovered is that my float valve leaks BIG TIME when there is water coming from the RODI unit into the sump. It isn't just a leak its a FOUNTAIN! So I need to some how get my arms back there and try to get that tightened up or adjusted...wish I could have tested that before I had the tank full of water and rock. But, live and learn huh!?
Here are some pics, I was so excited that I didn't even clean up my supplies (buckets and tools). So here they are!
There are a couple photos of my SWEET rock with zoas, encrusting monti, and some plate corals that I am hoping survived the extended stay in the bins in my kitchen. I have already seen micro stars starting to move about, and a few baby snails already on the glass. I will test tomorrow to see how bad the ammonia spike is, hopefully not to rough on the sytem!
One more thing I did since the last update, was install a 25W UV sterilizer on the back of the stand (basically not possible to photo it where it is), and I also mounted a big power strip on the inside of the stand with a nice drip loop area for any run-off.
The rock work is only touching the sand in a few spots, and I stuck PVC down into the sand and set rocks on it, I didn't want to see any PVC so the fronts of the rocks are sitting in the sand, but the back are supported about 2" above the sand.
What do you think!?!?

[Sweetpea]

Oh Tyler, that's awesome! You have done such an amazing job! I am so happy for you!!! :-D

(Those are all great pics... a nice journal to keep track of how things progress. It'll be fun to see the changes between these pics and the ones you take 6 months, a year, etc. from now!)

[Whoyah]

Looking good.

[lReef lKeeper]

amazing job Tyler, well "mouth" is speechless, so thats all im gonna say.

[dsfdbutterfly]

Wow, u got Mouth to be speechless. None of the rest can do that.

The tank looks awesome Tyler. BTW, what's up with the kitty food in the pic above? Get a little hungry while u were drilling ur holes or worried that u were going to find mice?

Angie

[Dirt4dinner]

LOL. That looks like it's inside the stand, but that's actually under the sink in the bathroom where I was drilling through to the living room to run the RODI line. Under the sink is also where the kitty food is kept...I don't like that flavor anyways!

[dsfdbutterfly]

Yeah, so u say. I think u need a new title after seeing that! Here Kitty Kitty Kitty!

The build really does look awesome. I wish mine sat against a wall that I could just plumb it right in instead of hauling water back and forth. Course the guns I'm sporting now may make up for it :). Can't wait to see that thing full of life and u posting all ur success.

Angie

[graphixx]

TYLER
Right and Tight!!!! Looks good buddy!!!!

[Reef_Angel]

Oh how I remember when ours was still new, nice and shiny. Now get that baby wet. It kinda looks like it's hungry for some macro's and such! I love the feeling of having a new tank for a change. As much as I loved the 180G, (bought it used), sometimes it just feels good to get brand new one. When the 180g took a dive, we bought 2 matching 45g tanks Pentagon shaped tanks to sit in the corner's on each side of our beds. One is my Seahorse Tank, and the other one is the remainder of the 180g and very few coral we have left. Sarting over kinda sucks, but these will do until we can swing a big big one! I still haven't found the right look for that tank quite yet. Anyway, your new 'toy' is on it's way to the ocean! Enjoy!! .....Angel :angel2:

[Dirt4dinner]

Well, this might be the last post for awhile but I thought I would share the inside of my stand. I just got my American DJ light control box installed today. It is a 4 switch box that will be used to turn off my powerheads at feeding time. I have another box that I might set up for other stuff down the road, but only need one for now. I am debating wether to install the other 2 powerheads I have, but when/if I do they will also be plugged into this DJ box. I also hung a powerstrip on the inside of the stand, and have another identical strip if I end up needed more outlets. If you look past the skimmer you can see the UV sterilizer...large black PVC looking deal (you can only see about 2" of it in the background). Any questions...shoot! -DIRT

[Dirt4dinner]

Ok,
I got a little aggressive on stocking livestock, and some of you will repremand me for it, and that's fine! I probably deserve it. But I found a person who was selling off their tank and wanted someone to take the livestock. I got this stuff for an amazing deal, and am willing to do the necessary water changes to keep everyone happy.

Without further ado;

Here are my new fishies! Hi-Fin Firefish Goby, Barred Goby, Scooter Blenny, Lawnmower Blenny, Flame Scallop, Coral Banded Shrimp, Tiger Tail Sea Cucumber, Fighting Conch, and a handful of bumblebee snails, and Asteria Snails. Everyone was anxious to eat this morning, and see to be having fun setting up their territories in their new home. Enjoy the photos...probably a few posts worth...I have lots!

[Dirt4dinner]

...and more.

[Dirt4dinner]

...last ones.

[lReef lKeeper]

you gotta love tuperware man !! Im impressed buddy. When are you gonna start another setup ??

[Whoyah]

Lookin good. I would recommend adding some pods for the scooter blenny to eat. Very cool fish but they will starve in a tank weak on pods. Trust me I know.

[Dirt4dinner]

Thanks for the advice! I will pick up a bottle of Tigger Pods tomorrow. I also feed my tank weekly with Reef Stew, so they should be good to go. But there aren't going to be many native pods at this point. All 4 fish happily ate breakfast this morning, which consisted of Cyclopese, frozen mysis, frozen brine, and phytofeast to make it liquid. They where LOVIN' it! Which is a good sign. I just did a water test too, and nothing has changed at all, except my alk is finally up over 6, and my calcium dropped from 480 to 410 with the alk change. I will keep everyone posted on the new family members!

Bobby, no more new tanks! I have the 6 gallon nano too.

[Whoyah]

If the scooter blenny is eating prepared food like cyclopese or frozen mysis you should be ok. Is the scooter a male or female. The males have tall dorsal fin that strecth out once in a while and do a little "dance". Very cool to see.

[graphixx]

Tyler, its been a while since we have seen pics, how is everything doing???

[lReef lKeeper]

i agree with Greg ... we need to SEE how things are going for you man