DIY Aquarium Start to Finish

jgarrison · #1 09/06/2006, 01:01 PM

Here is my first DIY let me know your thoughts.
1. I am also looking to purchase a new skimmer I am looking at an ASM but I am open for suggestions

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jgarrison · #2 09/06/2006, 01:02 PM

[IMG]http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l188/saltman25/rockworkplatform.jpg[/IMG

Pescados · #3 09/06/2006, 01:07 PM

Nice bike! I have the same one

jgarrison · #4 09/06/2006, 02:33 PM

I plan on pvc cementing sand to plastic (similar to starboard) and making a pvc structure for my rock work to remain elevated. I am also going to use the PVC structure to deliver water motion to the front/bottom of the tank in order to conceal pumps.

jgarrison · #5 09/06/2006, 05:00 PM

smcdonn · #6 09/06/2006, 08:42 PM

Looks good. As far as skimmers go, the ASM's seem to be good skimmers. I myself bought a euroreef when h2otropicals was selling the Euroreef blem models. Either way though I think the ASM will treat you right. Cheers

jgarrison · #7 09/10/2006, 06:28 PM

jgarrison · #8 09/10/2006, 09:56 PM

I was wondering does any one know anything about this skimmer?
DOC Skimmer 9010
(9010.000)
Tunze?

kgross · #9 09/11/2006, 12:59 AM

I have a question why do you have the silicone smeared all over your bulkhead fittings. Silicone is not needed an the amount you have on yours will start peeling off after a short time.

arowanadream · #10 09/11/2006, 02:35 AM

Nice

jgarrison · #11 09/11/2006, 01:07 PM

"I have a question why do you have the silicone smeared all over your bulkhead fittings. Silicone is not needed an the amount you have on yours will start peeling off after a short time."

The reason I did this was just for peace of mine I do have a gasket and it is on the side were the water will be.

jgarrison · #12 09/19/2006, 05:59 PM

trick440 · #13 09/19/2006, 10:12 PM

Are you kidding me with that electrical? Why so many GfCIs? Unless you have 20 circuits it was a waste. You should of just GFCI protected each circuit. About $180 less than what ya did.,

All around looks decent, pretty ambishish.

kgross · #14 09/19/2006, 10:46 PM

How could you have 20 different items pluged in on that tank. I can understand having everything on its own GFCI, so you don't loose more than one item if the gfci trips, but I can't see how you have 20 different items plugged in.

Kim

jgarrison · #15 09/20/2006, 05:37 AM

The reason why I have so many GFI's is I had 2 before and because of salt creep my tank crashed. Also I am a big fan of back ups.
I will have the following
(2) System pumps
(4-6) heaters

69vette · #16 09/20/2006, 08:38 AM

You've got 20 plugs there. 2 pumps and 4-6 heaters are 8. What are the other 12 for?

And by the way, why on earth would you use 4-6 heaters?

And another question. What are all those indicator lights for?

trick440 · #17 09/20/2006, 06:14 PM

IMO , you don't protect your pumps, heaters or anyother tank crashing life supports off a GFCI.

That would be like putting your homes sump pump, or refridgerator on a GFCi.. its just not a smart move.

Lights and other pumps that arent critical.. its a good idea to gfci them.

jgarrison · #18 09/20/2006, 07:05 PM

1. The reason for indicator light is to tell if any of the GFI's are tripped.
2. The reason for more then 1 heater is in case 1 goes bad I can hope fully catch it before my tank cooks or freezes. Another is that original the tank was a fish only and was covered. I had to buy another due to the increase load. Also I do not heat the room the Tank is and the temp can fall to low 60's So I had to add yet another.

jgarrison · #19 10/01/2006, 10:07 AM

bebitte70 · #20 10/01/2006, 11:48 AM

While you're in the process, I would get it drilled instead of the U tubes much easier and 100% safe. I'm telling you this because I regret not drilling mine when I could.

rp marine · #21 10/01/2006, 09:16 PM

tagging along

reefinmike · #22 10/01/2006, 09:24 PM

dont mean to be negative, but having 6 heaters is going to be more of a problem as doing it another way. i work at a lfs and have had many tanks, rarely does a good heater break but if it does, usually it heats up rather than completely stops working. maybe two heaters and a controller?!?!

and styrofoam isnt going to fly in the tank. unless that is just a template for the starboard. if not, 1" of sand will buffer rocks from breaking the bottom.. especially since its tempered...

also you could just have all the outlets kept a few feet away from the water such that salt creep isnt a problem. how often is it that a normal outlet fails..

research before you do things. dont base everything on your experience, base it on thousands of other peoples experiences...

jgarrison · #23 10/02/2006, 08:03 AM

FYI
The white stuff is plastic (shelving) not strofoam
Thanks for the reply though

jgarrison · #24 10/03/2006, 12:07 PM

69vette · #25 10/03/2006, 12:23 PM

Why are you using that siphon overflow instead of having the tank drilled?