90 gallon upgrade ?'s

[dsfdbutterfly]

Ok, I have aquired a beautiful 90 gallon tank that is drilled with an overflow. First things first it is acrylic and I would like to buff a few small scratches out before starting. What is the best way to accomplish this?

It came with a sump but is missing the pipe and pump for return. What would be the best pump to use?

What is some good skimmers for this size tank? Obviously not hang on I would like it to sit in the sump.

Lighting, I know that there are so many options. I think most are familiar with what I have in my 30 gallon. This would be what I would like to keep in there. What is the best way to accomplish this and do I need to take anything into consideration with it being acrylic?

I'll start out with these questions as it is a lot to cover. I'll try to get some pics later today for you all to see the tank! I'm really excited though.

Angie

[lReef lKeeper]

how tall is the tank ?? (for lighting). i can get pretty good prices on euro reef comparable skimmers (through a friend of mine (LFS owner), that builds them). in fact there is one for sale on my LFClubs website... here is the thread ...

http://www.lmas.org/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=895

BTW ... there is a great pump on there, but it is a little pricy !!

[Reef_Angel]

You can get acrylic scratch remover in the hardware department of most stores like Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target or other hardware stores. Sometimes they don't come out real good, but it does help. Just make sure you don't leave any residue behind. Polish it real good. There are also buffers and things you can buy too, so just use your best judgement when looking through the choices. If you find a real good one, make sure you let me know too. :o ....Angel :angel1:

[Sweetpea]

I'm really excited for you Angie! Looking forward to pictures! ;)

[dakar]

Best thing to remove scratches from acylic is called Novus plastic polish, should be able to find it retail at any local glass shop.... if they scratches aren't too deep start with Novus #2 then #1.

As for the return pump how big is the sump? What size is the over flow pipe(s)? From there we can figure a reasonable guess in the size pump.

[dsfdbutterfly]

Leave it to me to get so excited to not give you the details to actually help me out. The tank is 24" Tall, 48" Long, and 18" Wide. Now to the part I don't know. The pipes. I've taken pictures so that maybe you can help me. The return pipes are smaller than the one going to the sump. I would like to add a refuge to the system. Thinking of adding it before the return back to the tank? What do you guys think. Would this create any unforseen problems.

Thanks for the help!!

Angie

P.S. none of the scracthes are deep. Most should not take much work. It looks like the person didn't know not to use a mag float on the tank if it's acrylic. It will take some time but they didn't do any major damage.

[dakar]

Nice pics, looks like it's going to be a great setup. Though tough to determine the pipe size... see if you can get a measuring stick in there and measure the inside diameter of the pipes... maybe 3/4" down and 2 x1/2" up but that seems wrong... 1" and 3/4" just seems more 'right'.

On the other note, a refuge would be a definate benefit... since it looks like you have room in the cabinet to add it... setting it up right while it's dry is the best time.... it helps keep the floor dry.

[seahorsedreams]

Best thing to remove scratches from acylic is called Novus plastic polish, should be able to find it retail at any local glass shop.... if they scratches aren't too deep start with Novus #2 then #1.


We are buffing our tanks with that right now as I type (okay, my boyfriend is buffing and I am typing). My tank has a few good scratches and we are using 1500 grit on the deep ones with a firm finger and then going to Nouvus 3 with a ransom orbital electric polisher followed by the 2 and then a to 1. It's the hardest thing I've ever done. (okay, watched my boyfriend do :-)

The nouvus products can be used on the inside of the tank unlike other polishers.

[dsfdbutterfly]

Thanks for the polishing tips. I will check our home depot and walmart but more than likely have to make another run to the valley. I will have to encourage said hubby that it will be easier for him to do it since his arms are longer!

Dakar, I will measure the pipes insides when I get home from work today. I could not tell you what size they were even for a guess. Plumbing is not my forte. About the fuge, that's what I was thinking. Get it all set up now instead of trying to add later.

Angie

[dsfdbutterfly]

Ok measured the pipes and this is what I came up with. The pipe into the sump looks to be 1 1/2". The two return pipes are 3/4". It would be about 6 inches down and then a foot and a half over to the sump. For return I want to add a fuge first so I would plumb that into the system where it comes out of the sump then have a part in the fuge that the water flows into empty the fuge would sit in the middle and would have the return pump on the other side. I would have no idea what kind of pump I would need to run it but I would assume it would need to have some power.

On the lights, I have been looking at the coralife systems but I'm still not sold. I'm thinking of going with T5's but I would definately need help getting that system set up.

Bobby, I need more clarification on this skimmer thing. You can get me one from your supplier or that was the one? Sorry the only skimmer I have ever used has been my Aqua C and I don't know much except that I dump the collection cup and there are no adjustments that I needed to make. Just don't want to get one that is useless and have to buy another one. Thanks,

Angie

[lReef lKeeper]

the ones this guy builds are comparable to the high dollar and top end Euroreef skimmers.
here is the part of the post about the skimmer, but the guy i know can build any size you want ...

6" diameter, 32" tall, Gen-X2400 pump designed as recirculating, fed with Maxijet 1200 (could also be fed directly from overflow) Also has a gate valve which is a 45.00 option with Euroreef skimmers. $125.00.

i will call him tomarrow and get the website that he sells them from and post it here for you. i would say that if you pick up the Euroreef version, it would run you about $450.00 !! but i can get these anytime you want one, but they won't be that cheap ... . i think he paid $325.00 to have it built.

[dakar]

The pipes inside diameter will handle a LOT of flow if you wanted it, though you really don't want that much flow through your sump/refuge.... I'd say something in the neighborhood of a 900-1200gph return pump will do you quite nicely, and give you a good turnover rate.

[dsfdbutterfly]

Do I need to take anything into consideration for headloss? If so then I probably should go with the higher around 1200. If not then 900 sound fair to me. Which pump is a good reliable pump to accomplish this with? I know I'm asking a lot of questions but I don't want to screw it up and spend more down the road. Thanks for your help.

Bobby, Thanks for looking into that for me. What ever you can dig up would be good. $325 is money but better than $450 and if it's a good skimmer that I don't have to worry about then I would rather spend it once. Let me know. I'm also checking a few used options.

Angie

[Dirt4dinner]

Angie,
I am nearly certain that is the EXACT same tank that I have! Congrats on the find!

[dsfdbutterfly]

Thanks Tyler! Hey, what are you running for lights then? Give me some details on your set up and help me out a bit. Don't leave me hanging like that!

Angie

[Dirt4dinner]

I am running 4 T5s on an Ice Cap ballast. And I am going to add 2 more T-5s on a second ballast this week. I think I have a large sump than you. But I am running an ASM G3 skimmer (I split the overflow so it dumps directly into the skimmer chamber and the other split goes into the sump). As a return pump I used a Quiet One 4000, which splits and goes to each over flow. I changed the stock overflow. I didn't use those PVC pipes return stands like what is stock. Those are stupid...it takes WAY to much head pressure to make the returning water go up and over the top of the tank like that. I drilled a hole on either side of the over flow tower, and made the returns exit there...just below the overflow teeth. Seems to work out ok. Call me with specific questions...we haven't talked in awhile anyways!

[dsfdbutterfly]

You will be getting that call!! As I don't understand plumbing and would likely just mess it up. Besides, don't think everyone wants to hear the "chat"

Angie

[lReef lKeeper]

he was to busy to talk today (building a 300gallon SUMP) !! he will call me back ASAP, is what his wife said. BTW ... they are GREAT skimmers. IMO euroreef makes some of the best around and his are comared to them DAILY !!

[seahorsedreams]

You will be getting that call!! As I don't understand plumbing and would likely just mess it up. Besides, don't think everyone wants to hear the "chat"

OMG! I love "chat".

Does your tank come with a standpipe? If not, I recommend you build one. It can get pretty noisey.

I've used turboflotor multi and found them to be good. On my reef I have THIS (http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=ER1617) Euroreef. Try hiding that piece of equipment next to your tank so no one can see it. Ya put a larger circular piece of plywood on top of it so that it looks like a cool bubbly end table.

I love plumbing tanks. I recently drilled a couple of holes on my 50 gallon seahorse tank.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y248/seahorsedreams/Pent%20pictures/up.jpg

It was a non "reef ready" tank so I also had to install a back wall for an overflow. I think that was the hardest project of my life.

This is a picture of the standpipe I mentioned. The pipe on the left is the one I am refering to.

Anyone know offhand what the GPH rating is on those bulkheads of Angies?

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y248/seahorsedreams/Pent%20pictures/tank_plumb.jpg

[saxman]

We are buffing our tanks with that right now as I type (okay, my boyfriend is buffing and I am typing). My tank has a few good scratches and we are using 1500 grit on the deep ones with a firm finger and then going to Nouvus 3 with a ransom orbital electric polisher followed by the 2 and then a to 1. It's the hardest thing I've ever done. (okay, watched my boyfriend do :-)

The nouvus products can be used on the inside of the tank unlike other polishers.

actually, the progression is 1500-2400-4000-Novus 3-Novus 2...

when using the polishing cloths, polish back and forth in one direction. then, when you go to the next finer grit, polish perpendicular to the polishing scratches you just made. this will tell you when to change grit as you'll be able to see when the previous sctatches are gone.

back to lurking...;)

[seahorsedreams]

Hey you... more brawn less brain..... we got a tank to move this weekend!

[dsfdbutterfly]

You guys are helping me out so much you have no idea. Thank you so much for all the tips and for answering everything. I unfortunately don't know much when it comes to the other things of marine. I know how to stabalize a system and keep fish alive but everything else um escapes me.

I don't know what a standpipe is. I can take a pic above the tank and maybe that will help. There are pipes on the inside. Your pic is giving me some ideas. What is the purpose and all and maybe I can figure it all out. GO SLOW :) I do catch on eventually.

Angie

[seahorsedreams]

Angie, the tank pic I threw up there was just to show the fact that I love plumbing. There are some things on that design that reduce flow and I wouldn't recommend on a normal tank. What is your knowledge of plumbing? Have you done any projects before? There are risks involved when you work on your own tanks. Y'all don't know me that well yet so I want to make sure I don't come off as sounding like a plumbing elitist saying you shouldn't drill your tank because you don't have the experience. Nobody does until they do it the first time. But sometimes you get into situations that can be difficult to handle without someone around to give you visual support. You didn't come in this thread with the question "How do I drill my tank"..... are you sure you want to leave with that answer?

If the overflow doesn't have a standpipe maybe we should start with that project. Even if it DOES have a standpipe I would replace it I think (depends on the "model"). But that would be a good place to start to see if you like plumbing. Because if that project turns out to be unpleasant for you, you shouldn't go any further at this point IMO and take a drill to your tank. I'm going to make a separate thread about how to build a standpipe.

What do you plan on keeping in this tank?

[dsfdbutterfly]

I think I should start with I know probably nothing about plumbing except that there are different size pipes and that if you are smart before you start water through those pipes you will make sure that you have glued them together so there are no leaks. And I don't even know if you can glue pipes for fish tanks together because of contamination problems (as I was typing that I just thought of it).

The tank already has an overflow and is drilled so I think I'm lucking out there (making this project easier). Now to figure out the rest of it.

I plan on housing a bigger reef in it. I have my fish only. The type of reef for me is more of a mixed reef. I have a feeling that once I get this one started and up and running I will be turning my 30 gal into a more stonie type reef. I have to find a place to house my anemone which has totally outgrown my 30 and I can't just get rid of it and the clowns that host it. So here I am. However, I'm willing to take my time and get it set right before I get it wet and have to replace things that I don't like or deal with the things I got cuz I don't have the extra cash to replace the things I spent money on in the first place. I'm learning patience if anything.

Angie

[dakar]

I think I should start with I know probably nothing about plumbing except that there are different size pipes and that if you are smart before you start water through those pipes you will make sure that you have glued them together so there are no leaks. And I don't even know if you can glue pipes for fish tanks together because of contamination problems (as I was typing that I just thought of it).

Yes you can most certainly glue PVC pipes for your tank... Just be sure to use a primer before you cement them.... once the cement has cured it is quite inert. Of course the golden rule applies here as well... measure twice and cut once. Now to throw another wrench into your puzzle, using spa-flex, or vinyl hose can be a lot more forgiving and easier to work with, it can also result in lower head pressure (less restriction).

[lReef lKeeper]

i haven't forgotten about the skimmer Angie, i have been very busy ... will call him back in the morning and post a price for you after work. sorry for the delay, but 60-70 hours a week is killing me !!

[dsfdbutterfly]

Everyone is being so helpful thank you. After chatting with Tyler I think I understand plumbing a little better. I might even be able to understand standpipe after a few more talks.

Dakar, we talked about flex piping because of headloss. I think for some of the project anyway we just may go this route. Some of it I think will be a trial and error type of thing when I get the fuge into the system. We'll just have to see. It appears that the person that owned the tank before me did do some modifying to the tank to improve performance (one nice thing about buying used). I am hoping this works in my favor. Again, a lot of ideas are being thrown around at this point.

Bobby, don't stress it. I think at this point I have Shad's (thanks Shad) skimmer wrapped up and hopefully will have my money soon and have that baby on it's way to me.

As far as lights go I have decided to buy a retrokit for a T5 set up. I think this will give me the best set up and allow me to keep the canopy without any major modifications. Now to determine which lights. I want 4 lights in the hood but don't know if I should go with 3 white and only one blue or if that will make it too white. What are your guys thoughts on it?

Keep the ideas comming on the plumbing. I know I will still have a million questions as I get it under way. Thanks again for everyones help. You guys rock!!!!

Angie

[Dirt4dinner]

Angie,
I just went from 2 daylights, and 2 actinics to only 1 actinic, and 3 daylights and I think it looks much better! It was just to blue before. I liked the blue at first, but as I stared at it for a few months it became apparent that it was unnaturally blue. Just some more input for you to think about.

[lReef lKeeper]

so you got Shads skimmer huh ?? i got his lights ... small reef world huh ?? looks like Shad is making some money around here !!

[Whoyah]

Just helping you guys equip your tanks. All the funds from the equipment are being funnelled into the new set-up either for hardware or livestock.

[Reef_Angel]

It's TGIF Day!:o I had to make a comment on your tank progress. I admire seeing another woman get right in there and make it happen when it comes to something she wants! Please, never feel bad about continuing discussion on something like plumbing a tank. You just can't imagine how helpful to someone else this may be in the future! I can't wait to see this tank up and running! Remember, picture's Girl, lot of pictures! ...Angel :angel1:


You will be getting that call!! As I don't understand plumbing and would likely just mess it up. Besides, don't think everyone wants to hear the "chat"

Angie

[dsfdbutterfly]

Pictures will be following when I make some progress!! Thanks Angel! This is something I've wanted since I saw how much I enjoyed watching my little 30 gal. reef tank. Things will all come in good time and I hope the patience will follow with the best tank I have had to date. Oh, and yes TGIF!!!!!!

Angie

[Dirt4dinner]

Angie,
You get your lights and other stuff together? I am stoked to come help build this thing! Let me know where your at.

[Sweetpea]

Any updates, Angie?