Just a quick silly update.... I have removed the frame, and broken panel on the 30 long that will serve as the top sump. That took SO MUCH LONGER then I thought it would, the frames especially, Frank at Aquatic America really intends those things to stay on!
Did you ever figure out if you're going with a glass holes overflow? LMK if that's the direction you're headed. I'm happy to share a few thoughts with you on the subject.
Yes, I am going that route. I am thinking the 700 GPH model, as I was only planning on 450-500 gph through the sump anyway.Originally Posted by creefer
FWIW I was thinking the same but ended up getting the 1500 gph so I could have redundancy in drainage in the event one gets clogged. I put valves on each drain so I could have a primary and secondary. It took some time tinkering to get it all right, but once it was right, all was well. I too run about 500 GPH through the sump.
I thought of the 1500gph model, but don't feel the need for 2 1.5" holes, plus that one is quite a bit larger. I will add a float switch in the tank, if the water gets to high, the float will trigger a relay, that will turn off the power to the return pump, no mess.
Good call. I was worried about the size of the 1500 gph. It's not bad really, particularly when the back is painted black.
CR Member
Mike, any update? I know we're all itching to see some progress on this bad boy!
"The sea, once it casts its spell, will trap you in its nets of wonder forever"
- Jacques Cousteau
More progress:
See anything strange?
X2
This will be the return from the sump, I opted for drilling rather than an up and over so that I can make a clean mesh top, for the Fairy Wrasses that will be an important addition!
Glass Holes overflow, 700gph model. I planned on about 500gph from the sump, so this one is perfect for me.
Next I am off the store for black paint, and to price out some 1/4" acrylic and EPDO foam....
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First coat of gloss black down, now to wait for a bit and get that second coat down!
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No life yet.... but sand and some rock. I spent 5 minutes putting together this jigsaw puzzle, and this is what I got:
Not bad, but this is only my first attempt!
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More progress to report. 30L end panel has been replaced, and is water tight! RO filters are replaced and is water tight as well, I ordered a 75gpd membrane this time around. Finally second sump baffles are IN and curing as we speak.
Next up a trip to Lowes or HD for 1/4" plastic line, I am going to move my RO unit closer to the sumps, and start working on the plumbing to the basement from the tank.
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Here are some new pictures!
New Basement Sump, in the right place, with the right tanks, with all their sides and baffles in place!
New holes in the floor, the one on the left is the drain, the one on the right the return. 1.5" Drain, 1" Return line.
RO Unit now attached to the sump stand, the salt mixing bucket is in view.
Close up of the new 45 gallon (ish) sump and baffles.
That is all I have for now, other then I AM MAKING WATER! The RO unit is up and running, I plan on getting salt tomorrow after work! One step closer to getting the tank wet!
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Another quick update, things are starting to come together...
Salt is here, 200 gallons worth of Reef Crystals.
Return Pump is ordered, I went with THIS pump, I haven't done much research on it, but it is from Reeflo, so it has to meet a certain standard right?
60 gallons (ish) of RO water made and in the storage containers.
Top sump drilled, and drain to bottom sump in place.
Next up, I will need to drill the bottom sump for the new return pump, and make the final plumbing connections. Once that is done, set up the Reef Keeper Lite for Temp control, and feed mode, then let it FLOW!
CR Member
Looking good Mike. Now time to buy some water and corals!
My 36*18*22 and stand have been completed by GLA and my Glass Holes kit is scheduled to arrive on Friday. I alsomhave the 700 gph overflow but it was looking at pacing it centre rear with 2 returns, one on each side, towards the ends of the back pane. I will use a scwd and alternate the flow through each return and supplement with my MP10.
Does this sound sensible? Any tips on the drilling ( apart from keep it slow and wet?).
Thanks!
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