600 gallon Acrylic Reef - Page 10

Knyght · #**226** 12/21/2005, 03:44 PM

Nice drawing Paul, just one question though. Why are you feeding the chaeto and frag tank from the return? Why not just tee it off the tank drain line, wouldn`t that increase the return pump`s volume back to the display, instead of taking away from it to feed those tanks?

pwhitby · #**227** 12/21/2005, 03:51 PM

the drawing is misleading in that both the tank return and feeds do not go "up" the wall but through the wall at ground level. Thats why the tanks need to be fed from the return pump.

The idea is tank water hits the skimmer first, hopefully removing most of the crud. The skimmer outflow will drain over a basket to catch large waste particles, before hitting the main reservoir tank. From there the main pump feeds back to the show, or up to the chaeto.

pwhitby · #**228** 12/21/2005, 03:53 PM

Im also of the opinion that its better to remove a little water from the tank through the overflows than a lot, that way you concentrate the ratio of surface film to water hitting the skimmer. Improves the overall skimmer efficiency.

Im not concerned about flow in the main tank being created by the return pump, thats the job of the CL and tunzes.

Knyght · #**229** 12/21/2005, 04:08 PM

Makes sense, I just thought from the drawing that the lines rose vertically.

pwhitby · #**230** 12/21/2005, 04:24 PM

yeah, I knew where your question came from Greg.

P.

captbunzo · #**231** 12/21/2005, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pwhitby
Im also of the opinion that its better to remove a little water from the tank through the overflows than a lot, that way you concentrate the ratio of surface film to water hitting the skimmer. Improves the overall skimmer efficiency.

Im not concerned about flow in the main tank being created by the return pump, thats the job of the CL and tunzes.

Well said, Paul!

pwhitby · #**232** 01/05/2006, 11:56 PM

An update on my lack of progress.....

My Bulkheads have arrived, 16 1.5inch bulkheads and 2 strainers for the main CL intakes.

The larger Sch 80 Bulkheads have come from Savko and are ready for the overflows.

Heres a pic of what they look like. If you have not seen the Sch80s they are much larger in construction and consequently require a larger hole for them to fit through. FWIW...glass cages tanks are drilled for sch80 bulkheads. Regular bulkheads will not work....just thought I would pass that along.

and without the strainer fitted so you can compare sizes...

I can begin the drilling and placement of the bulkheads ready for installation of the rest of the plumbing.
I still need to order the OM 4 way and a reef flo pump, but Im guessing it will be a few weeks before they are needed.

The next step is to mark out my dining room and get the edge of the tiles cut ready to take up. I had laid tile in this room a while back not thinking that i would be doing such a large tank.....Im glad I hadnt grouted them in. I hate grouting and I would be mad if I had wasted my time doing that.

Here is a shot of my dining room, as it stands right now:

As you can see, it is quite long. The chest thing on the left side is the housing for my current sump. That will be going. You can see the window on the right which is where the false wall will be going in front of and the door for access at the left.

As I said, next job is to mark the tiles where the stand and false wall will be and get them up.....

thats my task for the weekend.

Paul

Knyght · #**233** 01/06/2006, 03:07 PM

Have fun tearing up stuff

pwhitby · #**234** 01/06/2006, 03:15 PM

Im just gald I decided to put this tank in before I grouted them in.

I have tons of spares, so if I ever need to replace them on the floor that wont be an issue

Knyght · #**235** 01/06/2006, 03:17 PM

Wish I didn`t have so much to do here, I would come help ya.

*Master of Disaster after all

*

pwhitby · #**236** 01/08/2006, 07:55 PM

Well...i did the task I set myself this weekend:

Some pics for those who may be interested.

I laid out the wall and the base of the tank in painters tape on the floor. I dont have tile laid where my sump currently sits (on the LHS) do only one side of the wall and the tank are laid out.

The tank sticks out from the false wall by 6 inches.

So....tile saw in hand I cut the line at the front so I dont need to re-lay those tiles. Then, 14lb hammer in hand and a cold chisel and pry bar....i began stripping tile.

Next job, layouit the base struts of the stand and remove every tile that touches the stand.

then clean up....(I hate that part)

If anyone is wondering why I left some tiles down, it makes it easier to realign the tile on the day I come to re-lay the tile when I may sell my home. Hopefully not for a while.

Next step....Get the current sump for my 225 moved and then get the stand in and positioned.

Paul.

Gwalker · #**237** 01/08/2006, 11:30 PM

Quote:

If anyone is wondering why I left some tiles down, it makes it easier to realign the tile on the day I come to re-lay the tile when I may sell my home. Hopefully not for a while.

Ah! Who are you kidding! You'll just have to leave the 600 when you sell the house, and when you find your new house, You'll have me build a 1200 gallon for you!!

Hows a 8'x6'x3' sound to you??? Its a good yield on material......

Gary

Travis L. Stevens · #**238** 01/09/2006, 10:10 AM

Beautiful, Paul. Thank you for sharing. I assume your wife was kind enough to play into taking pictures of you geared up to make us think you were working on it?

We know you contracted someone else out to do your dirty work

Seriously, it looks great and it seems to be going along smoothly. Did you hit any "pot holes" while working or planning anything?

aaparkr · #**239** 01/09/2006, 09:15 PM

I had heard you were good with tile. Putting it down and taking it up equally well I see. I have to agree with Gary. Let me know when you want to move. I'd love a house with a 600 gallon reef built in.

Tony

pwhitby · #**240** 01/09/2006, 10:58 PM

Thanks Tony....

If anyone needs tile laying....I have done a fair amount.

I will be laying tile once I have that sump moved. Im not looking forward to that job, It shouldnt be a major task, but its heavy even when drained, so it may need a couple of hands extra.

Paul.

Knyght · #**241** 01/10/2006, 01:26 AM

What size is your sump?

pwhitby · #**242** 01/10/2006, 09:10 AM

The one I currently have is 75g with about 150lb sand in it.

Knyght · #**243** 01/10/2006, 11:51 AM

Well silly, take the sand out of it..*MAJOR pain*, then you can carry that sump in by yourself, and you won`t have to take the chance of busting out the bottom

Of course that`s no fun...

aaparkr · #**244** 01/10/2006, 09:20 PM

I'm off Wednesday (1/11). Lots of errands and tasks, but I can come by and help day or evening. Do you have my cell #?

Tony

pwhitby · #**245** 01/10/2006, 10:21 PM

I probably will not be doing anything till the weekend, but thanks anyway Tony.

P.

aaparkr · #**246** 01/11/2006, 09:14 AM

I just re-read the info on the sump... since my 'tank' is a 75. I didn't know you could move those things when they are full of sand, rocks, etc. Even empty, I had help moving mine to make it easier.

Some day perhaps I'll have weekends off again (sigh).

Tony

JasonF · #**247** 01/11/2006, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Some day perhaps I'll have weekends off again (sigh).

Tony

You and me both brother.

Knyght · #**248** 01/11/2006, 10:51 PM

I have an appt. in Edmond Sunday Paul. If your not done when I get out I can swing by and help you anyway that I can.

pwhitby · #**249** 01/12/2006, 12:08 AM

Thanks for the offers guys. Ill let you know if I need help.

I will certainly need help once I begin moving the tank in.....
I think beers may be in order that day.

P.

Gwalker · #**250** 01/12/2006, 01:15 AM

Well, you know I owe you one, just let me know. I also have some handy equipment if needed...

Gary