A Low Country Reef Tank....one more final upgrade - Page 22

Aquatron · 07/20/2014, 04:10 PM

LooooooooooKing great

Once you have your ocean motions where you want them I would add a couple of strong ties supporting/holding Flowwold straight and firm. Run ties in opposite direction as Flex can put a constant torque on plumbing unsupported.

Lavoisier · 07/20/2014, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPotter

I made a lot of progress this week. Getting thru the cinder block was a lot harder than I thought it would since it was filled with cement. After trying to do it with a hammer drill, mason bits and a chisel...I decided to call a tool rental place and this is what they suggested.....

A 25 lb Bosch chipping hammer

Nothing like the right tool! Great work.

SPotter · 07/21/2014, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquatron

LooooooooooKing great

Once you have your ocean motions where you want them I would add a couple of strong ties supporting/holding Flowwold straight and firm. Run ties in opposite direction as Flex can put a constant torque on plumbing unsupported.

Thanks Mace! I have a huge roll of the plastic strapping to secure pipes. We used a bunch of it yesterday to suspend the pvc in my crawl space so I will use that to help secure the diverters. I am going to order a replacement fitting for the dolphin pump just incase it springs a leak.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lavoisier

Nothing like the right tool! Great work.

Im telling you I could hear the drill laughing at the brick as it was breaking a part

NewMariner · 07/21/2014, 07:34 PM

Come on Steve, its about time a water test is done isn't it? I want to see those wolfs in action...Ive been holding back on plumbing my tank till I see if those wolf's work out...Im anxious already

SPotter · 07/22/2014, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewMariner

Come on Steve, its about time a water test is done isn't it? I want to see those wolfs in action...Ive been holding back on plumbing my tank till I see if those wolf's work out...Im anxious already

Im getting there Tony!!! Little by little!

NewMariner · 07/22/2014, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPotter

Im getting there Tony!!! Little by little!

What do you think your dolphins are going to do flow wise in your tank? I thought about the 4750, but I got scared and went with the 6250's. I wanted some movement. You think they are going to be up to par? Are you putting both on the flow wolfs? What are you doing for a return pump?

SPotter · 07/23/2014, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewMariner

What do you think your dolphins are going to do flow wise in your tank? I thought about the 4750, but I got scared and went with the 6250's. I wanted some movement. You think they are going to be up to par? Are you putting both on the flow wolfs? What are you doing for a return pump?

I am putting the 4750's on the FW's. Each FW can handle a max of about 3600gph so I am hoping to achieve that or close to it. I had to reduce the 1.5" outlet from the 4750 to 1" for the FW so I will lose some gph there. I spoke with the people at Dolphin and they felt this would be achievable. One of the settings that I am really interested in on the FW is "random" and feel that should create more than enough chaotic movement in the tank. My return pump is a reeflo hammerhead/barracuda. That will be out in the garage which is about 26ft away. I will use that feed the dt and a manifold.

I need to get back on the plumbing wagon again and get this done already! I have been working on getting my Neptune Apex unpacked, cleaned up and running the last two nights. Thats all done so back to plumbing!

kewadiak · 07/23/2014, 07:41 AM

What kind of nozzle are you useing for the closed loop? Do all your returns for the closed loop come from the bottom of the tank. I can't even run my closed loop at full capacity because it blows the sand around and is a really strong flow. Just curious what you had in mind are you running sand? I use the sea floor special reef grade sand.

SPotter · 07/23/2014, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kewadiak

What kind of nozzle are you useing for the closed loop? Do all your returns for the closed loop come from the bottom of the tank. I can't even run my closed loop at full capacity because it blows the sand around and is a really strong flow. Just curious what you had in mind are you running sand? I use the sea floor special reef grade sand.

I have 4 returns in the front of the tank on the bottom panel and then 4 on the back panel set about 6" up from the bottom. Im just using the flex nozels from OM on my returns and will be doing a bare bottom tank.

SPotter · 07/28/2014, 07:32 AM

The long wait to fill up! I started filling the tank around 5pm yesterday and at 8 am this morning this is where we are at.....

Very happy to say that there are no drips coming from any of the 10 bulkheads or closed loop plumbing so far! I will power up the pumps and flowwolf later on today when I get home from work. I still have a lot of plumbing to do in the fish room and then on to the electronics!

dave.m · 07/28/2014, 07:43 AM

Dave.M

Osama · 07/28/2014, 11:21 AM

Looking Good No leaks great start......

Newbie Aquarist · 07/28/2014, 12:11 PM

Congrats Steve. Your progress is moving along smoothly. Nothing like hearing no leaks from the bulkheads.

SPotter · 07/28/2014, 01:43 PM

Well I got ahead of myself

! Tank was about 2/3's full and one of the 2" bulkheads for the cl inlet started to drip and at a good rate. I tried to tighten it but couldn't do it. So tank is now drained.

Osama · 07/28/2014, 06:39 PM

Bummer !! for sure
Looking at the bright side better now than after the tank is fully loaded . Best Of Luck going forward.... Looking great ..Great work

Mike S · 07/28/2014, 07:03 PM

Beat but better to find out now. Any thoughts on just testing it with tap water?

SPotter · 07/28/2014, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike S

Beat but better to find out now. Any thoughts on just testing it with tap water?

Pretty sure I figured out what I did. Before I started filling it I had to connect the strainer that the tank builder made for the inlets and I was having a hard time getting it to connect. I finally got it in place and pretty sure I shifted the bulkhead a little and then didn't retighten the nut. I will definitely use tap water for the next leak test....I was being very optimistic that there wouldn't be any leaks. Fortunately the rodi i bought is supposed to be extremely efficient with a 1:1 ratio. Im going to change the strainer to something that will be easier for me to install/maintenance as needed. Those won't be here until thursday so next leak test won't come until friday.

Osama · 07/30/2014, 07:51 AM

Hi Steve What is your RODI system with a 1:1 ratio... Thanks for the info

SPotter · 07/30/2014, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Osama

Hi Steve What is your RODI system with a 1:1 ratio... Thanks for the info

its the aquafx octopus system.

SPotter · 08/02/2014, 06:59 AM

New strainers for the CL arrived on thursday and I will do leak test #2 today.

http://premiumaquatics.com/products/...-strainer.html

I decided to build a couple of drip pans that would go under each CL pump. I used some extra 1x4's and bough a 7x10 pond liner on amazon for $30

Made some progress with the plumbing in the fish room...

And then yesterday I picked about 350 lbs of live rock from a guy in NC that was getting out of the hobby.....

Today I hope to finish the plumbing in the fish room and do my leak test on the DT.

SPotter · 08/04/2014, 08:10 AM

So leak test #2 failed. I developed a drip from the same bulkhead at about the same fill level on the tank. I drained the tank, removed the bulkhead, inspected for any debris or anything sticking out from the bulkhead. Nothing was noted but then I started looking at the bulkhead and it looks like it is leaning or tilted. So my guess is that the flange of the bulkhead isnt sitting 100% flat on the acrylic. I went ahead ordered a new bulkhead and hopefully this will be the problem.

Floyd R Turbo · 08/04/2014, 08:15 AM

Steve, try looking into commercial grade bulkheads. In particular, Banjo. These are left-hand-threaded, double-gasketed, and the threading is much larger compared to BRS or other "standard" aquarium bulkheads. the only problem might be that the necessary hole diameters are slightly different for the same size pipe.

SPotter · 08/04/2014, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floyd R Turbo

Steve, try looking into commercial grade bulkheads. In particular, Banjo. These are left-hand-threaded, double-gasketed, and the threading is much larger compared to BRS or other "standard" aquarium bulkheads. the only problem might be that the necessary hole diameters are slightly different for the same size pipe.

Hey Bud, thats a Hayward sch 80 bulkhead from James. This one is left-hand-thread too...man that throws me off when I am in a panic. The first time I filled and it was dripping I went to tighten it and unfortunately I forgot that it was left hand...the drip turned into a stream at that point

I have another Hayward coming tomorrow and if that one doesnt work then I will look for Banjo and see if that will work.

diegoluv · 08/05/2014, 01:43 PM

+1 on the banjos

SPotter · 08/05/2014, 01:48 PM

I have been going back and forth on what type of lighting to supplement the MH's with and I finally decided to go with T5's. I was looking at a used LET 8x54 retro kit that is for sale on here but then I saw them on BRS for $311 brand new so I pulled the trigger on these......now need to think about what bulbs.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/4-ft-l...rofit-kit.html

07/20/2014, 04:10 PM	#526
Aquatron Refugium pat.#D414,242 Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 844	LooooooooooKing great Once you have your ocean motions where you want them I would add a couple of strong ties supporting/holding Flowwold straight and firm. Run ties in opposite direction as Flex can put a constant torque on plumbing unsupported. __________________ Doctor "Aquatron" Mister "Spinner" 300 gallon TRUVU AquaSystem "Mod" w/ 150 gallon control center....... Build Thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2276765&highlight=300+dt+

07/21/2014, 07:34 PM	#529
NewMariner Reef Tank Aficionado Join Date: May 2001 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,232	Come on Steve, its about time a water test is done isn't it? I want to see those wolfs in action...Ive been holding back on plumbing my tank till I see if those wolf's work out...Im anxious already __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 96x36x32 Envision Acrylics Tank

07/28/2014, 07:32 AM	#535
SPotter Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC Posts: 5,691	And So It Begins..... The long wait to fill up! I started filling the tank around 5pm yesterday and at 8 am this morning this is where we are at..... Very happy to say that there are no drips coming from any of the 10 bulkheads or closed loop plumbing so far! I will power up the pumps and flowwolf later on today when I get home from work. I still have a lot of plumbing to do in the fish room and then on to the electronics! __________________ Steve Am I really doing all of this for a fish tank?????? Current Tank Info: 360g Envision Acrylic Tank, Closed Loops, Vectra L1's, MP40QD's, 400w Radiums, Regal 300ext, Dastaco Ext3 CaRx, Controlled by GHL Profilux Last edited by SPotter; 07/28/2014 at 07:43 AM.

07/28/2014, 07:43 AM	#536
dave.m Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Canadia Posts: 4,276	Dave.M __________________ My Gawd! It's full of corals! Current Tank Info: None. Nil. Zip. Nada.

07/28/2014, 11:21 AM	#537
Osama Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Palatine NW suburb of Chicago Posts: 1,026	Looking Good No leaks great start...... __________________ Current Tank Info: Mixed Reef : 500g (130X30X31)with 60g frag tank and 60g refugium (36X24X16) and 60g sump (48X18X16)// Previously:320g,180G,65g & 2X90g Current Tank Info: Mixed Reef DT 500 Gallons

07/23/2014, 07:41 AM	#533
kewadiak Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: kresgeville, pa Posts: 278	What kind of nozzle are you useing for the closed loop? Do all your returns for the closed loop come from the bottom of the tank. I can't even run my closed loop at full capacity because it blows the sand around and is a really strong flow. Just curious what you had in mind are you running sand? I use the sea floor special reef grade sand.

07/28/2014, 12:11 PM	#538
Newbie Aquarist Reefing is my middle name Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 5,796	Congrats Steve. Your progress is moving along smoothly. Nothing like hearing no leaks from the bulkheads.

07/28/2014, 01:43 PM	#539
SPotter Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC Posts: 5,691	A Low Country Reef Tank....one more final upgrade Well I got ahead of myself ! Tank was about 2/3's full and one of the 2" bulkheads for the cl inlet started to drip and at a good rate. I tried to tighten it but couldn't do it. So tank is now drained. __________________ Steve Am I really doing all of this for a fish tank?????? Current Tank Info: 360g Envision Acrylic Tank, Closed Loops, Vectra L1's, MP40QD's, 400w Radiums, Regal 300ext, Dastaco Ext3 CaRx, Controlled by GHL Profilux Last edited by SPotter; 07/28/2014 at 02:12 PM.

07/28/2014, 06:39 PM	#540
Osama Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Palatine NW suburb of Chicago Posts: 1,026	Bummer !! for sure Looking at the bright side better now than after the tank is fully loaded . Best Of Luck going forward.... Looking great ..Great work __________________ Current Tank Info: Mixed Reef : 500g (130X30X31)with 60g frag tank and 60g refugium (36X24X16) and 60g sump (48X18X16)// Previously:320g,180G,65g & 2X90g Current Tank Info: Mixed Reef DT 500 Gallons

07/28/2014, 07:03 PM	#541
Mike S Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 387	Beat but better to find out now. Any thoughts on just testing it with tap water?

07/30/2014, 07:51 AM	#543
Osama Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Palatine NW suburb of Chicago Posts: 1,026	Hi Steve What is your RODI system with a 1:1 ratio... Thanks for the info __________________ Current Tank Info: Mixed Reef : 500g (130X30X31)with 60g frag tank and 60g refugium (36X24X16) and 60g sump (48X18X16)// Previously:320g,180G,65g & 2X90g Current Tank Info: Mixed Reef DT 500 Gallons

08/02/2014, 06:59 AM	#545
SPotter Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC Posts: 5,691	a few updates..... New strainers for the CL arrived on thursday and I will do leak test #2 today. http://premiumaquatics.com/products/...-strainer.html I decided to build a couple of drip pans that would go under each CL pump. I used some extra 1x4's and bough a 7x10 pond liner on amazon for $30 Made some progress with the plumbing in the fish room... And then yesterday I picked about 350 lbs of live rock from a guy in NC that was getting out of the hobby..... Today I hope to finish the plumbing in the fish room and do my leak test on the DT. __________________ Steve Am I really doing all of this for a fish tank?????? Current Tank Info: 360g Envision Acrylic Tank, Closed Loops, Vectra L1's, MP40QD's, 400w Radiums, Regal 300ext, Dastaco Ext3 CaRx, Controlled by GHL Profilux

08/04/2014, 08:10 AM	#546
SPotter Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC Posts: 5,691	Drip..drip...drip....drip.... So leak test #2 failed. I developed a drip from the same bulkhead at about the same fill level on the tank. I drained the tank, removed the bulkhead, inspected for any debris or anything sticking out from the bulkhead. Nothing was noted but then I started looking at the bulkhead and it looks like it is leaning or tilted. So my guess is that the flange of the bulkhead isnt sitting 100% flat on the acrylic. I went ahead ordered a new bulkhead and hopefully this will be the problem. __________________ Steve Am I really doing all of this for a fish tank?????? Current Tank Info: 360g Envision Acrylic Tank, Closed Loops, Vectra L1's, MP40QD's, 400w Radiums, Regal 300ext, Dastaco Ext3 CaRx, Controlled by GHL Profilux

08/04/2014, 08:15 AM	#547
Floyd R Turbo Either busy or sleeping Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: West Des Moines, IA Posts: 4,265 Blog Entries: 15	Steve, try looking into commercial grade bulkheads. In particular, Banjo. These are left-hand-threaded, double-gasketed, and the threading is much larger compared to BRS or other "standard" aquarium bulkheads. the only problem might be that the necessary hole diameters are slightly different for the same size pipe. __________________ Algae Scrubber Basics!!! GOOGLE "algaescrubber zoho" General Interest Forums --> Advanced Topics --> Algae Scrubber Basics (sticky) --> POSTS #3251-64 (Basics), #5206 (Cleaning), #6884 (LEDs), #729

08/05/2014, 01:43 PM	#549
diegoluv Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 80	+1 on the banjos

08/05/2014, 01:48 PM	#550
SPotter Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC Posts: 5,691	I have been going back and forth on what type of lighting to supplement the MH's with and I finally decided to go with T5's. I was looking at a used LET 8x54 retro kit that is for sale on here but then I saw them on BRS for $311 brand new so I pulled the trigger on these......now need to think about what bulbs. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/4-ft-l...rofit-kit.html __________________ Steve Am I really doing all of this for a fish tank?????? Current Tank Info: 360g Envision Acrylic Tank, Closed Loops, Vectra L1's, MP40QD's, 400w Radiums, Regal 300ext, Dastaco Ext3 CaRx, Controlled by GHL Profilux