415 Gallon Plywood Tank Build
- Thread starter acrylic51
- Start date
al&burke
Active Member
Yes Corey the single outlets, I would like to make a DIY power bar with these space them enough so if you need an idividual timer it won't block off an adjacent plug. I have two of those power bars with built in timers - I like those as well. Someday when I upgrade again and put my sump and fuge in the basement I would like to use the sigle outlets. I also have for a few of my set ups a single plug with a switch, I shut the return pump off during feeding. I am just looking ahead and maybe for an LED build I want to start in a month or two. I am just going to have to come down for a visit one of these days, LOL
acrylic51
Active Member
Well the plumbing work was complete tonight after work.......
I flooded the pump again to double check my connections, and then put fire to the pump and we have a go!!!!!! We are actually flowing water through the entire system......I've noticed a couple of changes I want to do quickly and will have to be done tomorrow or the next couple days.....They all involve work with the sump and I hate second guessing myself and I usually do, and Corey knows about the ideas I had been tossing around..... 1. I'm considering lowering or altering how the water exits the fuge area......2. I had been tossing around the idea of cutting the baffles down in the sump for 2 reasons. When I originally built the sump there was a different skimmer planned for the area. With the change of skimmers and size and operating depth, it sort of forced me to change skimmer models again and go against what I had said I didn't want this go round. I wanted to keep the skimmer in sump to avoid another pump, but had conceded to run an external skimmer, but with cutting the baffles down, it would allow me to go back to somewhat of the original plan of using and in sump skimmer......
System is actually relatively quiet for the first test fire.....I hear my MP60's over the return pump so that should tell you actually how quiet the return pump actually is.......The overflow system is working like a dream....Actually a little learning curve tuning, it, but I've gotten the hang pretty quick, but the initial adjustment will change once I open the pump wide open and see what everything can handle.....I still need to finish up the plumbing to my dual BRS reactors, which is about 1' of 1/2" PVC pipe work.....
System is actually relatively quiet for the first test fire.....I hear my MP60's over the return pump so that should tell you actually how quiet the return pump actually is.......The overflow system is working like a dream....Actually a little learning curve tuning, it, but I've gotten the hang pretty quick, but the initial adjustment will change once I open the pump wide open and see what everything can handle.....I still need to finish up the plumbing to my dual BRS reactors, which is about 1' of 1/2" PVC pipe work.....
acrylic51
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Al&Burke http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1340#post_3452972
Yes Corey the single outlets, I would like to make a DIY power bar with these space them enough so if you need an idividual timer it won't block off an adjacent plug. I have two of those power bars with built in timers - I like those as well. Someday when I upgrade again and put my sump and fuge in the basement I would like to use the sigle outlets. I also have for a few of my set ups a single plug with a switch, I shut the return pump off during feeding. I am just looking ahead and maybe for an LED build I want to start in a month or two. I am just going to have to come down for a visit one of these days, LOL
Al I could pick you up some sockets and send them to you if you need em......
Originally Posted by Al&Burke http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1340#post_3452972
Yes Corey the single outlets, I would like to make a DIY power bar with these space them enough so if you need an idividual timer it won't block off an adjacent plug. I have two of those power bars with built in timers - I like those as well. Someday when I upgrade again and put my sump and fuge in the basement I would like to use the sigle outlets. I also have for a few of my set ups a single plug with a switch, I shut the return pump off during feeding. I am just looking ahead and maybe for an LED build I want to start in a month or two. I am just going to have to come down for a visit one of these days, LOL
Al I could pick you up some sockets and send them to you if you need em......
outofbounds
New Member
Im working on a shop/mancave it will be a 2 story 1500sq ft building custom built by me. The upstairs is going to be fully custom and NOTHING will be built anywere but downstairs.Never the less i am and have drawn up designs for a similar tank but only 300 gal L shaped tank. Anyways i see how anal you are in doing everything DIY as am i. The reason im saying all of this is because i figured you may have overlooked something that you could do to make it your own a bit more. Hince do some custom DIY aquarium inserts and deco Their is a pretty cool idea for a 3D background made out of styro,concrete,epoxy resin..maby a great addition to your tank as well as mine tho i prefer fresh water to salt in all stances so mine will be for my tiretrack eel and other lovelys i dont know how it would fair in salt water but im sure it could be an aspect to think of to realy make the inside match all the work youve done on the outside. Heres a few places to see some cool ideas for DIY inserts http://badmanstropicalfish.com/articles/article90.html http://www.cichlid-forum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=217776
outofbounds
New Member
amazing work on the tank cudos
acrylic51
Active Member
Welcome and Thanks for the cudos........Actually the styrofoam, eppoxy, spray foam and such has already been done on saltwater tanks, and some have worked well, and others haven't.....I have debated something on that line, but it just doesn't appeal to me, and I'm truly going for a clean setup. The reason it doesn't appeal to my liking is taste and things change, and attaching such things inside the tank at some point might be unworkable if future plans change.
outofbounds
New Member
see the way i am going to attach the 3d background so it is removable is with suction cups....attach them to the back and bottom of the item and then to tank.that way you can remove it with no problem and also with no residue from silicone or whatever other bonding agent you use. But i understand- to each his own.
acrylic51
Active Member
I'm not sure if suction cups are strong enough or would hold up long term in a tank and especially high flow. Take other equipment that utilizes suction cups....They usually degrade over time and loose their ability to hold firmly. Also I don't want areas for stuff to get trapped or settle out and rot.
acrylic51
Active Member
We have water!!!!!
Valve didn't make it today as planned, but should be here Monday when I get home from work, but a quick easy swap out. I grew a little impatient, and wanted to run the system full tilt, so right after work I commenced to cutting down my sump baffles.....Got the baffles cut down, and refilled the sump and finally put the removable overflow covers in place and finished topping off tank and sump, and BAM!!!!! Had to do a little tweaking on the overflow valves, and have the pump throttled down a bit, but if I run the pump wide open and I have......
it brings the water level tight to the bottom of the euro bracing, so through a quick text with my buddy (Corey) I cut it back a hair to give myself some breathing room....1/8" tops breathing room.....The overflow is noisy, but that can easily be solved by raising the height of the stand pipes in the overflow. Currently the water is dropping 5"-6" and makes a racket hitting the water below....If I can get the water fall/drop to 3" I think I can live with the noise. Actually if I quiet the overflow I think the MP60's will be the noisiest piece of equipment.......
I'm finally getting to see the flow somewhat in the tank. From cutting the baffles down of course I didn't get all the acrylic shavings out of the sump before refilling, so of course I know have acrylic shavings floating through the tank, but give me a pretty good idea on flow. I have an area, that seems a little low for my liking, but not overly upset due to the fact the CL hasn't been plumbed in yet, and 1 of the bulkheads for the CL is dead center on the area I question. The questionable area does have movement, and I can see the acrylic shavings moving, but I want to see it tumble. Still haven't made that final decision on SSB or BB as of yet. I guess I'm getting close to having to pull the trigger.......
What do you guys think....SSB or BB......I'll try to get some updated pics and a better video this weekend posted.......
Valve didn't make it today as planned, but should be here Monday when I get home from work, but a quick easy swap out. I grew a little impatient, and wanted to run the system full tilt, so right after work I commenced to cutting down my sump baffles.....Got the baffles cut down, and refilled the sump and finally put the removable overflow covers in place and finished topping off tank and sump, and BAM!!!!! Had to do a little tweaking on the overflow valves, and have the pump throttled down a bit, but if I run the pump wide open and I have......
I'm finally getting to see the flow somewhat in the tank. From cutting the baffles down of course I didn't get all the acrylic shavings out of the sump before refilling, so of course I know have acrylic shavings floating through the tank, but give me a pretty good idea on flow. I have an area, that seems a little low for my liking, but not overly upset due to the fact the CL hasn't been plumbed in yet, and 1 of the bulkheads for the CL is dead center on the area I question. The questionable area does have movement, and I can see the acrylic shavings moving, but I want to see it tumble. Still haven't made that final decision on SSB or BB as of yet. I guess I'm getting close to having to pull the trigger.......
What do you guys think....SSB or BB......I'll try to get some updated pics and a better video this weekend posted.......
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
WooHoo!!!
I'm glad that it finally has water, after 1368 posts. You are so detail oriented! Makes me wonder why you didn't clean the acrylic shavings out of the sump. lol
I know you might still be waiting for me on that scrubber design. Let me know if you are still interested or if you are just going to do a refugium with chaeto instead.
That's scary that you are getting that much return pump power! With that much flow, I definitely think you should go barebottom. Think a shallow sand bed would be kicked around too much and you would have bare spots. A barebottom tank would definitely look much more sleek and clean. I think that's what you are aiming for too, right?
On a side note... I've had sandbeds in all of my other tanks over the course of the last 6-7 years and this is the first barebottom tank that I've had. I tell yah, I'll never go back to a sandbed ever again I think. I've been able to run my tank way more sterile without a sandbed and haven't had any problems keeping my water clean... it's a MAJOR benefit when dealing with an SPS dominated tank, IMHO.
I'm glad that it finally has water, after 1368 posts. You are so detail oriented! Makes me wonder why you didn't clean the acrylic shavings out of the sump. lol
I know you might still be waiting for me on that scrubber design. Let me know if you are still interested or if you are just going to do a refugium with chaeto instead.
That's scary that you are getting that much return pump power! With that much flow, I definitely think you should go barebottom. Think a shallow sand bed would be kicked around too much and you would have bare spots. A barebottom tank would definitely look much more sleek and clean. I think that's what you are aiming for too, right?
On a side note... I've had sandbeds in all of my other tanks over the course of the last 6-7 years and this is the first barebottom tank that I've had. I tell yah, I'll never go back to a sandbed ever again I think. I've been able to run my tank way more sterile without a sandbed and haven't had any problems keeping my water clean... it's a MAJOR benefit when dealing with an SPS dominated tank, IMHO.
acrylic51
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1Snapple http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1360#post_3453713
Sweet shawn, so wheres the salt?
Hey stranger!!!!! No salt yet.....All good things in due time.....I've done leak tests on the tank before hand, but right now I finally have the main pump (technically) the CL pump powering the system since the original (brand new) pump leaked at the main seal before I ever got the cord unraveled. This is when all the bugs, and kinks need to be worked out of the system. What a waste of salt it would be to fill and then only have to drain back down to plumb in the OM on the back panel or if other issues were noticed.
So far can't complain.....1 leak I can totally blame on myself, and the other leak at 1 of the gate valves, I'm not sure if it's the valve itself leaking or the bushing it's glued into.......
.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1360#post_3453718
It's just personal preference but I'd try to go with a medium to coarse aragonite if I thought I could get away with it.
Thanks Corey.....Still haven't decided, but I was leaning more towards a heavier grain size if I opt for a SSB......I don't think I'd get away with a sugar sand bed, but something a tad heavier.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1360#post_3453729
WooHoo!!!
I'm glad that it finally has water, after 1368 posts. You are so detail oriented! Makes me wonder why you didn't clean the acrylic shavings out of the sump. lol
I know you might still be waiting for me on that scrubber design. Let me know if you are still interested or if you are just going to do a refugium with chaeto instead.
That's scary that you are getting that much return pump power! With that much flow, I definitely think you should go bare bottom. Think a shallow sand bed would be kicked around too much and you would have bare spots. A bare bottom tank would definitely look much more sleek and clean. I think that's what you are aiming for too, right?
On a side note... I've had sand beds in all of my other tanks over the course of the last 6-7 years and this is the first bare bottom tank that I've had. I tell yah, I'll never go back to a sand bed ever again I think. I've been able to run my tank way more sterile without a sand bed and haven't had any problems keeping my water clean... it's a MAJOR benefit when dealing with an SPS dominated tank, IMHO.
Detail oriented.........I tried like you know what to get every last bit of acrylic shavings, but as Corey will tell you that stuff goes everywhere. I found some hanging on the underside of the stand that sporadically drops down into the sump, but actually I think it's rather useful, since it allows me to see the flow pattern somewhat in the DT, and gives me an idea where things settle, and gives me a little advantage on adjusting the MP60's. The MP60's aren't as adjustable as you might think. They have a rather somewhat "unique" (lame a$$) mounting system IMHO.....So basically once you put the little stickies in place on your tank your rather limited unless you want tons of the little sticky pads all over the place, and then you have to secure the cord as well with another sticky and zip tie.
I do have the line run into the fuge section, but yes still waiting on a scrubber idea/design I can use in the skimmer compartment, since the skimmer will be external. There is no other way, unless I pull the sump out and put the skimmer in the sump and slide everything back into place. I don't think that is going to happen.....Rather happy with how everything is together....Might swap the pump hold down bolts to stainless or might opt out for studs with nuts.....
Flow!!!! Yes rather intense flow......I have all the returns opened wide, and still have to throttle the pump back.....Today I had to modify the stand pipes in the overflow to make them taller to raise the water level in the overflow to minimize the water fall sound.....Raised them about 3" and still have some sound, but manageable. It's louder in the fish room, and relatively quiet in the family room, but again everything is still open. The Reeflo Gold Dart flows 4300gph vs the Snapper I was intending at 2600gph......I think the Snapper would be a dead hit, but wouldn't leave me much wiggle room.....Right now I have the pump open a bit more than 3/4 ways, which leaves me a little wiggle room for other possibilities down the road.....I still have to bring the dual reactors on line, but there's not much flow required by them.
As far a SSB vs BB still undecided......I'm more than confident that the MP60's won't be an issue with the sand, but through conversation with Paul the OM will be the deciding factor as far as sand....Basically how crazy do I want to get with the flow......Again using nozzles gives me a little more flexibility as far as aiming or more correctly directing the flow through the tank. Still have a lot of playing to do with the Vortech's. BB does give a super clean look, but in the back of my mind it just seems something would be missing....
Originally Posted by 1Snapple http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1360#post_3453713
Sweet shawn, so wheres the salt?
Hey stranger!!!!! No salt yet.....All good things in due time.....I've done leak tests on the tank before hand, but right now I finally have the main pump (technically) the CL pump powering the system since the original (brand new) pump leaked at the main seal before I ever got the cord unraveled. This is when all the bugs, and kinks need to be worked out of the system. What a waste of salt it would be to fill and then only have to drain back down to plumb in the OM on the back panel or if other issues were noticed.
So far can't complain.....1 leak I can totally blame on myself, and the other leak at 1 of the gate valves, I'm not sure if it's the valve itself leaking or the bushing it's glued into.......
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1360#post_3453718
It's just personal preference but I'd try to go with a medium to coarse aragonite if I thought I could get away with it.
Thanks Corey.....Still haven't decided, but I was leaning more towards a heavier grain size if I opt for a SSB......I don't think I'd get away with a sugar sand bed, but something a tad heavier.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1360#post_3453729
WooHoo!!!
I'm glad that it finally has water, after 1368 posts. You are so detail oriented! Makes me wonder why you didn't clean the acrylic shavings out of the sump. lol
I know you might still be waiting for me on that scrubber design. Let me know if you are still interested or if you are just going to do a refugium with chaeto instead.
That's scary that you are getting that much return pump power! With that much flow, I definitely think you should go bare bottom. Think a shallow sand bed would be kicked around too much and you would have bare spots. A bare bottom tank would definitely look much more sleek and clean. I think that's what you are aiming for too, right?
On a side note... I've had sand beds in all of my other tanks over the course of the last 6-7 years and this is the first bare bottom tank that I've had. I tell yah, I'll never go back to a sand bed ever again I think. I've been able to run my tank way more sterile without a sand bed and haven't had any problems keeping my water clean... it's a MAJOR benefit when dealing with an SPS dominated tank, IMHO.
Detail oriented.........I tried like you know what to get every last bit of acrylic shavings, but as Corey will tell you that stuff goes everywhere. I found some hanging on the underside of the stand that sporadically drops down into the sump, but actually I think it's rather useful, since it allows me to see the flow pattern somewhat in the DT, and gives me an idea where things settle, and gives me a little advantage on adjusting the MP60's. The MP60's aren't as adjustable as you might think. They have a rather somewhat "unique" (lame a$$) mounting system IMHO.....So basically once you put the little stickies in place on your tank your rather limited unless you want tons of the little sticky pads all over the place, and then you have to secure the cord as well with another sticky and zip tie.
I do have the line run into the fuge section, but yes still waiting on a scrubber idea/design I can use in the skimmer compartment, since the skimmer will be external. There is no other way, unless I pull the sump out and put the skimmer in the sump and slide everything back into place. I don't think that is going to happen.....Rather happy with how everything is together....Might swap the pump hold down bolts to stainless or might opt out for studs with nuts.....
Flow!!!! Yes rather intense flow......I have all the returns opened wide, and still have to throttle the pump back.....Today I had to modify the stand pipes in the overflow to make them taller to raise the water level in the overflow to minimize the water fall sound.....Raised them about 3" and still have some sound, but manageable. It's louder in the fish room, and relatively quiet in the family room, but again everything is still open. The Reeflo Gold Dart flows 4300gph vs the Snapper I was intending at 2600gph......I think the Snapper would be a dead hit, but wouldn't leave me much wiggle room.....Right now I have the pump open a bit more than 3/4 ways, which leaves me a little wiggle room for other possibilities down the road.....I still have to bring the dual reactors on line, but there's not much flow required by them.
As far a SSB vs BB still undecided......I'm more than confident that the MP60's won't be an issue with the sand, but through conversation with Paul the OM will be the deciding factor as far as sand....Basically how crazy do I want to get with the flow......Again using nozzles gives me a little more flexibility as far as aiming or more correctly directing the flow through the tank. Still have a lot of playing to do with the Vortech's. BB does give a super clean look, but in the back of my mind it just seems something would be missing....
1snapple
Active Member
I would use a sand almost the consistency of like sea salt, think and kinda coarse, but small enough that wrasses and whatnot can bury into it and not get hurt. Shouldn't have too much of an issue with flow though, ln out 95g we have 2 koralia 4s and a mag 9.5 return and the sand stays put and the corals love it, and as do the tangs and the triger,
acrylic51
Active Member
Josh I think a courser sand would work, but not to concerned with wrasses....Not really high up on my wish list as far as fish......Personally I'm a tang fan. As far as blowing around.....on my 240 sugar grain sand with OM revs mounted at the top of the tank drilled into the euro bracing the revs had 30 degree nozzles and it blew sand.....So with that knowledge and the fact of another OM in the planning, along with the return pump in addition to the (3) MP60's sand blowing is a high probability.......
I think I have the Meowzer curse........
I had the the initial main pump leak from the main seal before ever plugging the pump in, so I swapped the pump and plumbed my CL pump in it's place till the new seals arrive. I wake up this morning and at the top of the stairs I can hear the pump.....A bad ticking sound. Thought it might have been from the fan, and tinkered with the fan, but no luck. I'm thinking it's in the volute area. I can shut the pump down for a split second and fire it back up, but after about an hour or so the noise comes back. I have the pump running all but wide up so cavitation or restriction isn't the issue!!!!!
I think I have the Meowzer curse........
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
I hate you are having so many problems man. Just know that you will eventually get it all sorted out.
meowzer
Moderator
Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1360#post_3454050
I think I have the Meowzer curse........
YIKES..........I hate to say this, BUT maybe if someone else gets it......it will leave me
I am so sick of stuff going wrong
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1360#post_3454050
I think I have the Meowzer curse........
YIKES..........I hate to say this, BUT maybe if someone else gets it......it will leave me
I am so sick of stuff going wrong