85g shallow & deep FRAG tank to display tank

[Mr Cob]

that's a really good idea Ray, I hadn't thought of that.

[Mr Cob]

Made a few changes tonight after blowing through some LFS store credit.

Cleaned up the sump area. Removed the SCWD and replaced it with a "T" and added a control valve.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/7580737828_d1d8dd075d_c.jpg

Going to run a phos reactor to try and eliminate some of the micro algae problems I have had over the last year. Also added the micron bag which is really making the water crystal clear. Added a heater in the baffle...fits perfect.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7122/7580733252_52578979f5_c.jpg

Added a ATO and container, I still need to replace this ATO with my old Tunze ATO. Just didn't want to mess with it right now. The sump I used for the holding container worked out nice because it has the first section to store my water change pump.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7111/7580736378_094aa3b15b_c.jpg

Added a fuge light...never heard of this brand before. Wave Point. LED light, 1 watt bulbs so nothing to brag about but should work perfect as a fuge light, I wouldn't normally go this route for a fuge light because of cost but what the heck it was store credit.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/7580730028_477f360bb5_c.jpg

I'm really liking this light.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/7580734904_dbef2b6aea_c.jpghttp://farm9.staticflickr.com/8429/7580731610_c049531fe0_c.jpg

I had to dremel out the lip on the sump for the clamps to fit...
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/7580728578_03a41cd232_c.jpg

Added activated carbon.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8148/7580726564_9d0b5c0414_c.jpg

[Big_Pun]

love it rob!! nothing like puttin as much detail in sump as the display

[Mr Cob]

Appreciate it Chris, I spent all day staring at the sump lol, that's a new one for me. I still need to figure out the skimmer. As you can see I have a nice open area to the left that I could implement Ray's idea and add another tank to put the skimmer in.

If I did this could I just drill a hole in the first section of the sump just about 3 or 4 inches below the surface? And...do I need to then have a pump to pump water back to the sump? Maybe I just put a tank elevated enough so I don't block site of my fuge? My stand is tall so I know I have plenty of room, if I did that then I could just treat it as another tank...crud then I need another return pump. Help. I'm kind of clueless on the best route for adding my oversized skimmer.

[Mr Cob]

Here's the skimmer that I want to add. This 20 long that it's sitting in fits in that open spot in the stand. I was toying with the idea of dropping one of the drain lines to it and having the output of the skimmer drain into the sump....but that would cause all kinds of variables for flooding.


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8157/7580959300_be3fd64c4e_c.jpg

I'm also still considering getting a new skimmer with a small footprint to fit in the sump...I still have store credit to use.

[Big_Pun]

dang i was just thinkin where you could put a skimmer............. dump the fuge in sump and put a separate tank as a fuge, have a small pump feed fuge and elevate it so it over flows into sump

[hobogato]

if you decide to use that 20 gallon, just bring it by and i will drill it for you. then you can "t" off of one of your drain lines to supply water to it and have it drain into the sump.

[Mr Cob]

oh sweet thanks Ace!!!! I totally did not see your comment, darn phone.

If I drain one of my display lines to it and have the water return to the sump via the skimmer drain...will the water stay level with the main sump? I'm a little confused.

[hobogato]

haha after your post in that other thread, i had to come over hear and make sure my post showed up as well :D

[Mr Cob]

I think I'm confused on the part where I'm draining the skimmer to the sump...if my maind displa return pump turns off for whatever reason, the skimmer will just keep dumping water to the main sump until it sucks it's own container dry.

[Sherita]

Rob, I've tied two tanks together before to use them as a sump. My "extra" tank was a fuge, but the principles would work the same.

On the first, I simply elevated the tank about 6 inches above the other sump, drilled it to maintain the water level that I wanted. I had split drains on the tank, so I just had one side of the split drain running into the elevated sump tank (used a ball valve to control the flow), then the drain from the elevated tank drained into the non-elevated tank.

On the second, I had them sitting side by side, so I just drilled both at the same level (fairly low) and tied them together using bulkheads and a union. Same thing, I had split drains on the tank, so I just ran one side to each sump section/tank.

I'm making it sound more complicated than it is. I wish I still had pics to post of those two setups, but I don't.

[Sherita]

I think I'm confused on the part where I'm draining the skimmer to the sump...if my maind displa return pump turns off for whatever reason, the skimmer will just keep dumping water to the main sump until it sucks it's own container dry.

Rob, not if you tie them together at the same level.

Let me go draw something right quick. BRB

[Scutterborn]

Rob, I have nearly the same light. Mine is all 10k tho. It's growing my macro very well and worth the cost IMO. Once I'm done planning, then replanning, then stepping back and asking for experienced reefers advise then amending yet again, I will likely use another of these for the new sump. Unless I get a monster sump built... Time will tell. Great thread btw!!


- Ben -

[Mr Cob]

I was just going to ask for pics. Darn. I get the concept of drilling both sumps low and tie together as if they were one in the same...then they would keep the same water level. Just might be a pain to have to get the current sump drilled.

I'm confused on the mechanics of the other concepts and what happens to my water levels in the new sump.

[hobogato]

no. the 20 gallon would be drilled on the side so that is as low as the water level would fall. it would be like having two reef ready tanks at different levels. return pumps water to top tank, it drains water to lower tank, which in turn drains to the sump. if the power goes out, just like the water level in the display tank wouldnt drop below the overflow, the water in the 20 gallon would not drop below the hole in the side.

[Scutterborn]

Maybe I'll pb&j's and you can come over sometime... Lol!!


- Ben -

[Mr Cob]

Ace...does that mean the sump would also get drilled the same height as the 20g hole?

lol Ben!

[Sherita]

Like this

http://coralbeauty.us/doublesump.jpg

[RayAllen]

Rob I think Ace means you T off one of your drains to fill the Skimmer tank and have the 20g tank drain hole just above the sump line. Even if the power shuts off the skimmer will only keep skimming the water in its own tank. Does this make sense, I can see it in my head...

[Mr Cob]

you rock Sherita. In that plan I guess I can drain the skimmer anywhere? correct?

Any chance you could paint a pic of what Ace is talking about? <HUGE SMILE>

[hobogato]

no, the 20 gallon would have to be high enough so it could drain into the sump over the top edge.

please excuse the cruddy paint drawing

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c329/hobogato/projects/rob.jpg

[RayAllen]

I was picturing it a bit different than the pic above. With that setup you would have issues with bubbles from the skimmer entering your tank via return.

[RayAllen]

Ace, that exactly what I was thinking in my above post. Love the pic- haha

[Sherita]

I think I see the problem.

Rob, the skimmer would drain into the same tank it sits in, not into the other tank. It wouldn't be able to pump itself' dry.

I gotta go to work, if the discussion is still going I'll draw a pic tonite. But I bet Ace beats me to it.

[Sherita]

I was picturing it a bit different than the pic above. With that setup you would have issues with bubbles from the skimmer entering your tank via return.

That's because I didn't draw in a baffle. My art skills are not legendary, for a very good reason

[hobogato]

yes, like sherita said, the skimmer would have to drain back into the 20 gallon.

[Mr Cob]

I was picturing it a bit different than the pic above. With that setup you would have issues with bubbles from the skimmer entering your tank via return.

not if I have the 20g dumping to the sump before the baffles.

Man, thanks for the pics...so much easier. I'm not much of a DIY reefer...maybe in my own amateur way but not at this level.

[Sherita]

Bahahaha!

I LOVE that picture.

*giggle* *snort*


no, the 20 gallon would have to be high enough so it could drain into the sump over the top edge.

please excuse the cruddy paint drawing

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c329/hobogato/projects/rob.jpg

[Mr Cob]

ok, I think I like Ace's plan...because I would not have to drill the current sump. I have room for a 9" tall stand and the skimmer sitting in the 20g is 28" tall. That leaves me with a few inches to get the collection cup off the skimmer if needed.

So, Ace...with your plan all I need is a stand for the 20g long, drop one drain line from the main display tank to the 20g, skimmer drains to the 20g (in it's own container), and plumbing to drain the 20g tank to the sump, drill one hole in the 20g on the side up high and drain to a section in the sump that is before the sump's baffles.

Correct?

[ErikH]

Rob,
I hate the sump area, there doesn't seem to be any immediate risk of electrical fires. Please place all of your ballasts, and any power strips that you have on the floor of your stand, and then do as you had stated earlier. Put the outlet for the skimmer from one tank to the other and 2turn off your return pumps. Once your tank has overflowed and your electronics are all wet, set up a video camera, start recording, and grab as many power strips as you possibly can. Once you are out of the hospital, promptly upload the video to youtube and share the link below in this thread. :D

In all seriousness, it looks like you could eat off the inside of your stand. Also, I didn't make a PB&J, however I managed to escape work for long enough to get some Whataburger! Great job all the way around.

[Scutterborn]

Keep in mind the recommended water level for the skimmer and leave a bit o room in case you need to shim it for proper production.


- Ben -

[Scutterborn]

leave a bit o room

Oops! Lil bit o my Irish heritage came out there!


- Ben -

[Mr Cob]

Erik, I did eat off of it...that open area on the left is where I made my PB&J lol

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/7580737828_d1d8dd075d_c.jpg

Ben... I have a gate valve on the skimmer, I think that's what it's called but it allows me to greatly adjust the skimmer with varying water levels.

[Scutterborn]

Ben... I have a gate valve on the skimmer, I think that's what it's called but it allows me to greatly adjust the skimmer with varying water levels.

Groovy. I hadn't paid enough attention in the pic to notice that



- Ben -

[hobogato]

yep rob, i think that sounds like a plan.

[Big_Pun]

that's what I was saying two pages ago to do!!! glad ace knew what I was thinking, great minds think a like, I would have used the 20 as a fuge so there would be more room to grow stuff and put skimmer back in sump.

[hobogato]

i think i agree with you chris, that would also give more space above the skimmer inside the stand

[Mr Cob]

Only problem is that skimmer's footprint is way too large for any section in my sump. It was originally under the 220g in a large sump that supported both the 85g and 220g.

[hobogato]

ah, ok, that makes sense then.

[RayAllen]

buy a smaller skimmer and sale me yours, lol. Problem solved. Just kidding your skimmer would be overkill for my 40g, but ive always like those Octopus skimmers. Owned a few myself.

[Mr Cob]

Very thankful for everyone's input...all of you. I'm super stoked that I have a friend like Ace that will put his skill to use for an acan. True reefer right there. Thanks a ton Ace, really appreciate the acrylic stand and for taking the time to drill my tank. Thank you to Christy as well, and Zack because I know I took time away from him being outside :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7264/7587423812_977753ff47_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8426/7587458100_0849ec8479_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7587451534_bef38520cd_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/7587446010_2dfa212c6d_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7278/7587434442_189d4f22d8_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/7587412202_eccd853872_c.jpg

Not sure what else I can fit in there lol, thanks again for everyone's help.

[Sherita]

Rob,
I hate the sump area, there doesn't seem to be any immediate risk of electrical fires. Please place all of your ballasts, and any power strips that you have on the floor of your stand, and then do as you had stated earlier. Put the outlet for the skimmer from one tank to the other and 2turn off your return pumps. Once your tank has overflowed and your electronics are all wet, set up a video camera, start recording, and grab as many power strips as you possibly can. Once you are out of the hospital, promptly upload the video to youtube and share the link below in this thread. :D

In all seriousness, it looks like you could eat off the inside of your stand. Also, I didn't make a PB&J, however I managed to escape work for long enough to get some Whataburger! Great job all the way around.

Alright Erik,

Just WHEN did you sneak in my house and look under my tanks:shades:? I ain't skeered of a little lectricities. :ph34r:

[Flyride95]

LMAO!

[Scutterborn]

Sweet! Looks great.


- Ben -

[RayAllen]

Sweet Rob, GOOD TO GO!

[Big_Pun]

there you go, looks good

[Mr Cob]

thanks guys, I couldn't of got it rolling without you all. I really appreciate it, thanks for replying and for the ideas. I lost the nice clean open look in the stand but it's proving to be super efficient and that skimmer will be a great addition to this tank...plus the added water volume has helped with the temp and is keeping me 1 degree less. I didn't think that it would have made that much of a difference.

I only wish I could have made Chris's idea of that 20g holding the fuge...I love staring into a nicely packed fuge but didn't want to have to buy anything (smaller skimmer). I can barely see it now and have to look under the stand lol.

[RayAllen]

Bet you are counting your lucky stars for having a 40"tall stand. Came in handy...

[Mr Cob]

no joke, going with a tall stand just paid off