Sump Build
- Thread starter yannifish
- Start date
posiden
Active Member
A quick search on my part, placing a piece of acrylic in front of the OF box is a good idea IMO. How big of a return pump do you have? That will determine my suggestion on how far under water the piece should be. 1" doesn't "seem" to be too bad but...... I would also get rid of the pre filter sponge. As you have seen, it will clog up and cause issues with flow to the sump/refug tank.
If you read the reviews on that OF box you will see that others have said it doesn't skim the surface well at all. I'm not sure why they incorporated the inlet like they did???
If you read the reviews on that OF box you will see that others have said it doesn't skim the surface well at all. I'm not sure why they incorporated the inlet like they did???
yannifish
Active Member
Yes, I have read reviews about this overflow, that's were I got the idea about the acrylic. The pump is a 700 gph.
I have yet to figure out how to connect the PVC to overflow. Today I'll take off the flexible tubing and see if it's threaded or something.
I now have all my plumbing parts, and am just waiting on the skimmer. It still hasn't shipped.
I have yet to figure out how to connect the PVC to overflow. Today I'll take off the flexible tubing and see if it's threaded or something.
I now have all my plumbing parts, and am just waiting on the skimmer. It still hasn't shipped.
2quills
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by yannifish http:///forum/thread/378674/sump-build/40#post_3308518
Yes, I have read reviews about this overflow, that's were I got the idea about the acrylic. The pump is a 700 gph.
I have yet to figure out how to connect the PVC to overflow. Today I'll take off the flexible tubing and see if it's threaded or something.
I now have all my plumbing parts, and am just waiting on the skimmer. It still hasn't shipped.
You want to run PVC as your drain line from your overflow is that correct?
Originally Posted by yannifish http:///forum/thread/378674/sump-build/40#post_3308518
Yes, I have read reviews about this overflow, that's were I got the idea about the acrylic. The pump is a 700 gph.
I have yet to figure out how to connect the PVC to overflow. Today I'll take off the flexible tubing and see if it's threaded or something.
I now have all my plumbing parts, and am just waiting on the skimmer. It still hasn't shipped.
You want to run PVC as your drain line from your overflow is that correct?
yannifish
Active Member
Quote:Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///forum/thread/378674/sump-build/40#post_3308542
You want to run PVC as your drain line from your overflow is that correct?
Correct.
You want to run PVC as your drain line from your overflow is that correct?
Correct.
2quills
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by yannifish http:///forum/thread/378674/sump-build/40#post_3309515
Correct.
It's hard to tell from the pics that I've seen on the internet for those overflows. What size is the drain hole on the bottom of it? I'd try to find a pvc coupling that would fit it. Another option I guess is you could get some drain hose that would fit over the bottom of it and use a hose clamp to hold it on there. Something with a 1" I.D.
Originally Posted by yannifish http:///forum/thread/378674/sump-build/40#post_3309515
Correct.
It's hard to tell from the pics that I've seen on the internet for those overflows. What size is the drain hole on the bottom of it? I'd try to find a pvc coupling that would fit it. Another option I guess is you could get some drain hose that would fit over the bottom of it and use a hose clamp to hold it on there. Something with a 1" I.D.
yannifish
Active Member
Alright, I haven't posted in a while, as I haven't hadanything to post about.
However, my protein skimmer finally arrived yesterday. It fits in the sump quite nicely. Today I purchased PVC pipe, and started cutting that. Everything is coming along quite well, but I have a couple questions.
1) Do I need to use a primer before cementing the PVC?
2) How should I clean the inside of the PVC?
Btw, I figured out how to attach the PVC to the overflow I have some vinyl tubing that fits over the overflow outlet. I was able to slide the PVC into that. It's a tight fit, but it will work. So, I'll clamp the vinyl to the outlet (how I have it now), slide the PVC into the vinyl, and clamp that.
One question on protein skimmers. Once I get it up and running, and it breaks in, how do I adjust it? I mean, I know what I have to turn on the skimmer to make adjustments, but what am I looking for when adjusting?
However, my protein skimmer finally arrived yesterday. It fits in the sump quite nicely. Today I purchased PVC pipe, and started cutting that. Everything is coming along quite well, but I have a couple questions.
1) Do I need to use a primer before cementing the PVC?
2) How should I clean the inside of the PVC?
Btw, I figured out how to attach the PVC to the overflow I have some vinyl tubing that fits over the overflow outlet. I was able to slide the PVC into that. It's a tight fit, but it will work. So, I'll clamp the vinyl to the outlet (how I have it now), slide the PVC into the vinyl, and clamp that.
One question on protein skimmers. Once I get it up and running, and it breaks in, how do I adjust it? I mean, I know what I have to turn on the skimmer to make adjustments, but what am I looking for when adjusting?
2quills
Well-Known Member
What's up man, when are ya gonna get us some pictures of this project?
1.) Yes primer first, let is set for a minute and then glue...when you glue the pieces together hold them together tightly for a good 15-20 seconds.
2.) What are your concerns about cleaning the inside? Are you worried about them being dirty? If so just rinse them out really good. They do actually use a cleaner that can be used on the pipe for the areas that you're going to glue but most people I know (even plumbers) don't even bother using it as most people don't really think it's necissary as long as you use primer before you glue.
Glad to hear that you got the attachment thing figured out.
1.) Yes primer first, let is set for a minute and then glue...when you glue the pieces together hold them together tightly for a good 15-20 seconds.
2.) What are your concerns about cleaning the inside? Are you worried about them being dirty? If so just rinse them out really good. They do actually use a cleaner that can be used on the pipe for the areas that you're going to glue but most people I know (even plumbers) don't even bother using it as most people don't really think it's necissary as long as you use primer before you glue.
Glad to hear that you got the attachment thing figured out.
yannifish
Active Member
I know, I know, I'll try to get some pics.
I did some research on the subject, and got everything cemented. Instalation is planned for tomorrow.
Baffles worked out well. I cut them too narrow for the pressure fitting to work (luckily I tested it), so I found some aquarium safe silicon at the hardware store and siliconed them in. They look good. Everything it looking good. I hope it all works!
What should I expect from the skimmer when I plug it in? What should I do water level wise? Will the pump immediately put out tons of bubbles, or will it take a few days?
I've never have a skimmer, so I'm new to the concept. All help is welcome.
I did some research on the subject, and got everything cemented. Instalation is planned for tomorrow.
Baffles worked out well. I cut them too narrow for the pressure fitting to work (luckily I tested it), so I found some aquarium safe silicon at the hardware store and siliconed them in. They look good. Everything it looking good. I hope it all works!
What should I expect from the skimmer when I plug it in? What should I do water level wise? Will the pump immediately put out tons of bubbles, or will it take a few days?
I've never have a skimmer, so I'm new to the concept. All help is welcome.
2quills
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by yannifish http:///forum/thread/378674/sump-build/40#post_3315105
I know, I know, I'll try to get some pics.
I did some research on the subject, and got everything cemented. Instalation is planned for tomorrow.
Baffles worked out well. I cut them too narrow for the pressure fitting to work (luckily I tested it), so I found some aquarium safe silicon at the hardware store and siliconed them in. They look good. Everything it looking good. I hope it all works!
What should I expect from the skimmer when I plug it in? What should I do water level wise? Will the pump immediately put out tons of bubbles, or will it take a few days?
I've never have a skimmer, so I'm new to the concept. All help is welcome.
Remind me what skimmer you got again? Was it the reef octopus 110?
Skimmer pump will put out bubbles immediately, yes. You'll have to adjust the output on it to fine tune the water level more as it breaks in as well as after cleaning and such. Some skimmers start pulling out gunk almost immediately while others have a little more of a break in period. It just depends.
Originally Posted by yannifish http:///forum/thread/378674/sump-build/40#post_3315105
I know, I know, I'll try to get some pics.
I did some research on the subject, and got everything cemented. Instalation is planned for tomorrow.
Baffles worked out well. I cut them too narrow for the pressure fitting to work (luckily I tested it), so I found some aquarium safe silicon at the hardware store and siliconed them in. They look good. Everything it looking good. I hope it all works!
What should I expect from the skimmer when I plug it in? What should I do water level wise? Will the pump immediately put out tons of bubbles, or will it take a few days?
I've never have a skimmer, so I'm new to the concept. All help is welcome.
Remind me what skimmer you got again? Was it the reef octopus 110?
Skimmer pump will put out bubbles immediately, yes. You'll have to adjust the output on it to fine tune the water level more as it breaks in as well as after cleaning and such. Some skimmers start pulling out gunk almost immediately while others have a little more of a break in period. It just depends.
2quills
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by spanko http:///forum/thread/378674/sump-build/40#post_3315142
Wrong thread
lol...I was wondering.
Originally Posted by spanko http:///forum/thread/378674/sump-build/40#post_3315142
Wrong thread
lol...I was wondering.
yannifish
Active Member
It's up and running!
Installation went very well. For once in my life I was completely prepared, and everything worked. Nothing was leaking, baffles were staying in place, life is good. Only issue was that the bioballs were getting stuck in the intake of the skimmer pump, but that was solved with some eggcrate.
Yes, that's the skimmer. It's really producing a lot of bubbles, which is good. Where do I want the water level? Right now I have it sonthat the bubbles are popping just below the rim. Is this about right?
I did an oily buildup on the inside of the collection cup lid, which I figured was a good thing.
I'll see what it looks like come morning.
Installation went very well. For once in my life I was completely prepared, and everything worked. Nothing was leaking, baffles were staying in place, life is good. Only issue was that the bioballs were getting stuck in the intake of the skimmer pump, but that was solved with some eggcrate.
Yes, that's the skimmer. It's really producing a lot of bubbles, which is good. Where do I want the water level? Right now I have it sonthat the bubbles are popping just below the rim. Is this about right?
I did an oily buildup on the inside of the collection cup lid, which I figured was a good thing.
I'll see what it looks like come morning.
yannifish
Active Member
Okay, I'll see what I can do. 
Today the skimmer pulled out about a cup and a half of what I would descride as greenish oil.
I think that's a good sign.
Things are still looking good. The clownfish are happy, they got two waterchanges in one weekend!
I love how happy the fish get after a water change.
Today the skimmer pulled out about a cup and a half of what I would descride as greenish oil.
I think that's a good sign.
Things are still looking good. The clownfish are happy, they got two waterchanges in one weekend!
I love how happy the fish get after a water change.
meowzer
Moderator
Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///forum/thread/378674/sump-build/40#post_3315637
Yeah sound like still breaking in....it will get darker and nastier....just ask Meowzer!!!!!
LOL..OMG he speaketh the truth, when I clean the cup from my Hurricone.....P U....I have NEVER smelled anything sooooooo bad.....yet I know it is good....haha
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///forum/thread/378674/sump-build/40#post_3315637
Yeah sound like still breaking in....it will get darker and nastier....just ask Meowzer!!!!!
LOL..OMG he speaketh the truth, when I clean the cup from my Hurricone.....P U....I have NEVER smelled anything sooooooo bad.....yet I know it is good....haha
yannifish
Active Member
This stuff didn't smell too bad. I wouldn't know how to describe the odor. It wasn't strong, but it did smell like something. But I couldn't tell you what. Very organic.
It's pulled out about two cups of that.
Everything is going great. Microbubbles in the tank have gone way down since Saturday. Which is much nicer.
I'm really liking this sump so far. It does just what I want it too.
Now I have to start thinking about a refugium...
It's pulled out about two cups of that.
Everything is going great. Microbubbles in the tank have gone way down since Saturday. Which is much nicer.
I'm really liking this sump so far. It does just what I want it too.
Now I have to start thinking about a refugium...