Every saga has a beginning

[quan325i]

I'm upgrading my 75g FOWLR to 100g reef ready tank so I thought I may as well keep track of my progress in a thread and get advised from you guys along the way.

Output of closed loop, 1" bulkheads

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/huyquan/MyAquarium/photo#5090123576318017186"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/huyquan/RqPAbI1GvqI/AAAAAAAABlE/ccxRI48xPtg/s144/IMG_0110.JPG" /></a>

2 coats of Killz on the stand bottom and back stand

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/huyquan/MyAquarium/photo#5090123567728082578"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/huyquan/RqPAao1GvpI/AAAAAAAABk8/YpQOd07YfLc/s144/IMG_0109.JPG" /></a>

Top returns from closed loop

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/huyquan/MyAquarium/photo#5090123559138147970"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/huyquan/RqPAaI1GvoI/AAAAAAAABk0/WdR3wsVSnbI/s144/IMG_0108.JPG" /></a>

Tank on wheels, 1600lbs/caster

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/huyquan/MyAquarium/photo#5090123524778409554"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/huyquan/RqPAYI1GvlI/AAAAAAAABkc/rF6dxe4pyb8/s144/IMG_0103.JPG" /></a>

4 bulkheads in the overflow column, j/k only one

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/huyquan/MyAquarium/photo#5090123546253246066"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/huyquan/RqPAZY1GvnI/AAAAAAAABks/QQ7Pl1KDf7k/s144/IMG_0107.JPG" /></a>

Inside the stand.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/huyquan/MyAquarium/photo#5090123511893507650"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/huyquan/RqPAXY1GvkI/AAAAAAAABkU/iKZ22YIddJw/s144/IMG_0102.JPG" /></a>

To do list include:

1. Drill and plumb 2" intake for closed-loop, I'll be using Sequence Dart.
2. Plumb intake and return to sump, 1" piping. The sump will be remotely inside my garage for easier maintenance and flood prevention. If it gets too hot, i'll be adding a chiller next summer.
3. Protein skimmer to be plumb remotely in my sump as it's too tall to fit under the stand.

Constructive critiques are always welcomed!

Thanks

Quan

[Justin74]

I havent seen many large constructed tanks, but the ones I have seen, I have never seen done like that. That's cool Quan! Really dig the overhead returns:cool: Quite unique, and look forward to seeing how it affects coral growth. Looking like it's gonna be a sweet reef in a box! :thumbsup:

-Justin

[Nu2SW]

wow thats nice, but im confused.


It looks like the overhead returns are on the same pipe as the returns that go into tank?

Am i thinking that is the way it is going to be.

Could you explain that design a little more??

Thanks

Get that bad boy filled up!

[quan325i]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10391567#post10391567 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Nu2SW
wow thats nice, but im confused.


It looks like the overhead returns are on the same pipe as the returns that go into tank?

Am i thinking that is the way it is going to be.

Could you explain that design a little more??

Thanks

Get that bad boy filled up!

Yep! Basically, it's like a manifold with 3 1" outputs and 3 3/4" overhead outputs. I hope my sequence Dart is strong enough. I also plan on putting flow control valves on the 3 overhead returns if necessary.

QN

QN

[quan325i]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10391508#post10391508 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Justin74
I havent seen many large constructed tanks, but the ones I have seen, I have never seen done like that. That's cool Quan! Really dig the overhead returns:cool: Quite unique, and look forward to seeing how it affects coral growth. Looking like it's gonna be a sweet reef in a box! :thumbsup:

-Justin

Thanks Justin,

Did you notice the 1" styrofoam sheet I got from your tip? I picked it up at HD yesterday. It's perfect fit for my stand. All I needed to do was to cut a hole for my overflow pipe. Thanks for the tip.

QN

[JeffReef]

I like the closed loop design - very unique.

[Elite]

Don't you worry about the shadow that created by those pipes?

[quan325i]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10392303#post10392303 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Elite
Don't you worry about the shadow that created by those pipes?

I thought about it and decided to use 1/2" pipes instead. Also, I don't plan on keeping hard stuff that require lot of light. If my math works right, I probably reduce my lighting output by max 1.5"/48", which is around 4% maximum.

QN

[sumyungviet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10392355#post10392355 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by quan325i
Also, I don't plan on keeping hard stuff that require lot of light.

QN

yea thats what they all say in the beginning.. but the bug will hit you.:p ... awesome start!!

[funman1]

Yep I'm also a living testament to that.
Give it 1 year or two at the most and you will be hunting SPS.

I swore LPS and softies would do just fine for me, well now I have a 30G tank STOCKED with SPS and I'm still tring to cram more in!

[quan325i]

Progress update

Intake for closed loop and return is done. I'm using the return line from the sump as a bidirectional line. If you look at my plumbing, by manipulate two ball valve I can redirect my return flow of the closed loop to this bidirectional line. This way, I can really empty 10% my tank in a matter of second :) during my water change.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/huyquan/MyAquarium/photo#5092755737862633138"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/huyquan/Rq0aXGsidrI/AAAAAAAABlw/t2fsQUBEqv0/s800/IMG_0191.JPG" /></a>

I tested my close loop today and everything works great except a few things. I discover two leaks at the slip joint since I was trying to make my joint really clean by not using excessive pvc cement. Very bad mistake on my part

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/huyquan/MyAquarium/photo#5092755875301586626"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/huyquan/Rq0afGsidsI/AAAAAAAABl4/dF_whPwsUZE/s800/IMG_0192.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/huyquan/MyAquarium/photo#5092755905366357714"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/huyquan/Rq0ag2sidtI/AAAAAAAABmA/XoOGUoDo0Eg/s800/IMG_0193.JPG" /></a>

I plan on using epoxy to fix these because I spent the whole morning at Lowes and HD and couldn't fine any better solution. I need your expert advice here.

Electrical switch panel is installed. If you're curious about the 2" pipe, it's for cable organizing.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/huyquan/MyAquarium/photo#5092756158769428242"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/huyquan/Rq0avmsidxI/AAAAAAAABmg/Q6_rHMO3tk4/s800/IMG_0197.JPG" /></a>

Another issue i'm facing is finding a place that sell 1.5" flexible vinyl hose for my overflow line. My sump return line is 1" but that's the biggest hose the Lowes and HD sell.

QN

[pv1191]

Still got some Q's about the "closed loop". It does not appear to be an independant system. Not that its bad. It's just a different design. maybe a variation on the east coast closed loop designs?

Looks good though. I always down for new ways to do things

[bored4long]

nice setup.

a few?s:

1. where did you get the DJ power strip and how much was it?
2. How much Killz paint did you use for the stand (that paint ain't cheap!)
3. Can you explain the union used on your intake? I've never seen one like that (looks like two unions in one).
4. Can you give more info on the skimmer?

Thanks,
Mark

[KMP]

you can get the dj powerstrips on ebay or music related sites f/$29.

[KMP]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=200084088727&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=010

[quan325i]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10441054#post10441054 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bored4long
nice setup.

a few?s:

1. where did you get the DJ power strip and how much was it?
2. How much Killz paint did you use for the stand (that paint ain't cheap!)
3. Can you explain the union used on your intake? I've never seen one like that (looks like two unions in one).
4. Can you give more info on the skimmer?

Thanks,
Mark

I bought the DJ powerstrip on ebay for about $25, two pint of Killz at HD for $8. At the intake of my closed loop, I used a true union ball valve. It's basically a ball valve with unions on both inputs. My skimmer is ETSS 800.

QN

[Eclectic Taste]

Guitar Center is where I bought mine, $30+ tax, but no shipping & instant gratification.

Good looking setup, can't wait for more.

[Doahh]

Do you need 1.5" VINYL? Why not use Flex PVC? I have some extra Spa Flex laying around from my 90g tanks plumbing.... how many feet do you need?

[quan325i]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10446628#post10446628 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Doahh
Do you need 1.5" VINYL? Why not use Flex PVC? I have some extra Spa Flex laying around from my 90g tanks plumbing.... how many feet do you need?

I would love to take some from you. I need at least 4ft.

QN

[Doahh]

I have a ittle over 7.5 feet of it... got anything I could use on my 90g tank?

[quan325i]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10447110#post10447110 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Doahh
I have a ittle over 7.5 feet of it... got anything I could use on my 90g tank?

I checked my fitting again and I actually need a 1-1/4" ID hose. I got 4ft at HD tonight for $12. Thanks for the offer again.

QN

[quan325i]

After battling annoyances water leaks. I finally got my system filled and running. It's been running since Saturday night without any problem. I moved the liverocks and damsels from my old tank and they seem to acclimate just fine. I feed the damsels today.

Front of the tank
a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/huyquan/MyAquarium/photo#5102064782293810578"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/huyquan/Rs4s4zmnPZI/AAAAAAAAB2k/FhTylGejlTM/s144/IMG_0198.jpg" /></a>

from the right angle
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/huyquan/MyAquarium/photo#5102064795178712482"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/huyquan/Rs4s5jmnPaI/AAAAAAAAB2s/lpdGTTKHhE8/s144/IMG_0199.jpg" /></a>

Plumbing for the sump, going through the wall into the closet inside the laundry room
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/huyquan/MyAquarium/photo#5102064820948516290"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/huyquan/Rs4s7DmnPcI/AAAAAAAAB3A/cAAtrv1Qcj0/s144/IMG_0201.jpg" /></a>

On the other side of the wall and going through the garage
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/huyquan/MyAquarium/photo#5102064859603222002"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/huyquan/Rs4s9TmnPfI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/oj6ahhFX0po/s144/IMG_0204.jpg" /></a>

On the garage side. Notice the gate valve for water change. All I need to do is attach the garden hose and let it drain.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/huyquan/MyAquarium/photo#5102064876783091202"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/huyquan/Rs4s-TmnPgI/AAAAAAAAB3g/71IFft1lIW0/s144/IMG_0205.jpg" /></a>

I bought the light from homedepot today. It's surprisingly bright.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/huyquan/MyAquarium/photo#5102064889667993106"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/huyquan/Rs4s_DmnPhI/AAAAAAAAB3o/n4zJZThgUpM/s144/IMG_0206.jpg" /></a>

The return pump is a mag24 but I dial the gave valve at the other end to get more current flow. And now, the ETSS 800 skimmer powered by a Iwaki 55 with Japanese motor. I bought the skimmer, pump and the sump for $260 and 1 tank of gas.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/huyquan/MyAquarium/photo#5102064915437796914"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/huyquan/Rs4tAjmnPjI/AAAAAAAAB34/ZW08YQFVw7E/s144/IMG_0208.jpg" /></a>

RO/DI unit. It's leaking between each chamber but I have no clue how to fix it.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/huyquan/MyAquarium/photo#5102064932617666114"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/huyquan/Rs4tBjmnPkI/AAAAAAAAB4A/IpDGmhDHLZ8/s144/IMG_0209.jpg" /></a>

The next step is to move the sand from my old tank over and there's a lot of them, dirty like mud. I plan on doing a shallow sand bed.

Now that you see my progress, please give me some feedbacks :)

QN

[quan325i]

I was skeptical about the idea of having a remote sump in the garage during sacramento summer. Well, for the last 2 days, the tank has been dead stable at 83F +/- 0.5.

QN

[Fragmented]

Looks great!