75gal Mixed reef build

Rchan89 · 02/16/2021, 05:07 PM

Hey everyone. I am upgrading from a 30 gal biocube to a 75 gal. Wanted to share my build progress as i go. My goal is to have a mixed reed with mostly lps. I am working on a modest budget so there will be a lot of diy

Rchan89 · 02/16/2021, 05:42 PM

During the Covid shut down we were starved for resources. Our biocube had a bit of a crash. instead of bringing it all back we decided to upgrade. Here are some pics of the biocube today.

Rchan89 · 02/16/2021, 05:43 PM

Rchan89 · 02/16/2021, 05:54 PM

Rchan89 · 02/16/2021, 05:59 PM

Test the tank. It is a used 75 gal with reef ready overflow. Just checking it for leaks with my official leak detector ,

Rchan89 · 02/16/2021, 06:12 PM

We decided to build a custom stand. Still needs some paint and doors. After the mock up with plumbing it will get a good coat of paint. I made the center post removable to get better access for now since there is no load on the stand. Once everything is plumbed it will be fixed into place.

Rchan89 · 02/16/2021, 06:33 PM

The sump is going to be a 20 gal long. I will be using this recycled water jug for my auto top off.

Rchan89 · 02/17/2021, 06:58 PM

Just got bulkheads in today we went with the 1 in for additional flow

Rchan89 · 02/19/2021, 03:12 PM

Here is the mock up for the drain lines. I would have preferred to use a gate valve over the ball valve for the drain but for the cost of the gate valve i went with the more economical option. I installed a union so if i ever need to change it out it should be pretty easy.

Rchan89 · 02/20/2021, 05:22 PM

Finishing the mock up on the plumbing. Return line are in. Just a couple more modifications and it will be time for a water test.

Rchan89 · 02/28/2021, 06:48 PM

I finally got the sump put together. Not the best looking job but i was going for function.

i used glass for baffles. I cut them to size with a glass cutter and sanded the edges smooth to the touch with sand paper. the egg crate is to hold end the algae for the refugium. The first chamber will be for the drains and skimmer as well as some probes and a carbon reactor. The second chamber for a small refugium as well as some mechanical filtering. The third chamber for return pumps and heaters. Let me know what you think.

02/16/2021, 05:07 PM	#1
Rchan89 Registered Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 3	75gal Mixed reef build Hey everyone. I am upgrading from a 30 gal biocube to a 75 gal. Wanted to share my build progress as i go. My goal is to have a mixed reed with mostly lps. I am working on a modest budget so there will be a lot of diy

02/16/2021, 05:42 PM	#2
Rchan89 Registered Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 3	During the Covid shut down we were starved for resources. Our biocube had a bit of a crash. instead of bringing it all back we decided to upgrade. Here are some pics of the biocube today.

02/16/2021, 05:43 PM	#3
Rchan89 Registered Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 3

02/16/2021, 05:54 PM	#4
Rchan89 Registered Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 3

02/16/2021, 05:59 PM	#5
Rchan89 Registered Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 3	Test the tank. It is a used 75 gal with reef ready overflow. Just checking it for leaks with my official leak detector ,

02/16/2021, 06:12 PM	#6
Rchan89 Registered Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 3	We decided to build a custom stand. Still needs some paint and doors. After the mock up with plumbing it will get a good coat of paint. I made the center post removable to get better access for now since there is no load on the stand. Once everything is plumbed it will be fixed into place.

02/16/2021, 06:33 PM	#7
Rchan89 Registered Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 3	The sump is going to be a 20 gal long. I will be using this recycled water jug for my auto top off.

02/17/2021, 06:58 PM	#8
Rchan89 Registered Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 3	Just got bulkheads in today we went with the 1 in for additional flow

02/19/2021, 03:12 PM	#9
Rchan89 Registered Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 3	Here is the mock up for the drain lines. I would have preferred to use a gate valve over the ball valve for the drain but for the cost of the gate valve i went with the more economical option. I installed a union so if i ever need to change it out it should be pretty easy.

02/20/2021, 05:22 PM	#10
Rchan89 Registered Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 3	Finishing the mock up on the plumbing. Return line are in. Just a couple more modifications and it will be time for a water test.

02/28/2021, 06:48 PM	#11
Rchan89 Registered Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 3	I finally got the sump put together. Not the best looking job but i was going for function. i used glass for baffles. I cut them to size with a glass cutter and sanded the edges smooth to the touch with sand paper. the egg crate is to hold end the algae for the refugium. The first chamber will be for the drains and skimmer as well as some probes and a carbon reactor. The second chamber for a small refugium as well as some mechanical filtering. The third chamber for return pumps and heaters. Let me know what you think.