New 150 Build

[GoneReefing]

Hello fellow Maasters,

Its been a long time since I have been on this site, but I'm finally starting to set this bad boy up. I picked this up off craigslist a few years ago and I'm finally getting the itch to get this up and running.

I'd figure I'll post my progress on it as I get it going. I'm going to start working to get it plumbed and rock/sand added soon. I have some questions that maybe some of you guys can help me out with. It's been a long time since I plumbed a tank. I have a 20 gallon reef already but this will be my largest tank I have done.


Here is the tank on the stand
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I have no idea how to plumb this return, the previous owner had this on it, however I see that these devices are no longer made and I don't want to put old parts in, I'd figure I'm going to order new bulkheads and new returns. How would you guys recommend to plumb this? It has 2 1.75 inch holes on the bottom of the tank, one for drain, one for return. I'd like to order schedule 80 bulkheads, and want to do unions for all the pipes below as I don't want to have to cut if I need to re-plumb for a bigger sump. Have plenty of room for a larger one. Currently have a Fiji-30 (https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/fiji-30-advanced-reef-sump-2nd-gen-fiji-cube.html).

Looking for help to order the proper size bulkheads, but more importantly the return, seeing that it was one output to the return, but then they had a scwd with 2 little return outputs into the main display (see pics)
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[GoneReefing]

My current equipment list that I researched so far and plan to order:
-Cor-20 Return pump (2000 GPH)
-Apex Controller with WAV Pump (2 pack)
-Radion XR15 G5 Pro/Blue (Not sure which one, but will need 2 fixtures)


Still need to research a skimmer, heater, and other misc equipment, but I'd figure I can get this thing plumbed and filled. Plan on using dry rock to start.

[alton]

Welcome back! The one 1 1/2" makes an easy drain to your sump. The return bulk head you could use reducing bushings to get it down to 1"? If you are not sure buy schedule 40 locally and it works then buy the expensive schedule 80

[GoneReefing]

Thanks alton!

Great idea on the sch 40. I'd figure i need to get it down to that size plus I have to split it to the two lock-line outputs. I'm super excited to get this thing filled will some water. For the bulk heads themselves, on bulk reef supply it says to get 1/2" sch 80 for a 1.5" hole size. Is that correct? https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/instructions/article/selecting-the-correct-bulkhead. Also I see there is slip/thread and thread/thread. I figure that is just a preference to have both sides threaded? I guess depending if you have the room to screw in your drain/return pipes or just slip them in. Its kinda tight back there so I'm opting for the slip style.

[alton]

If 1 1/2" bulkhead only handles 1/2"? That will not work for a return. Check with Aqueon Reef Ready Kits. It might work with a 1 1/2" hole and the drain is 1" or 1 1/4". I used 2 on my Planet tank and it is very quiet.

[GoneReefing]

Both holes on the bottom of the tank are actually 1.75" (just re-measured), so I didn't know what size to order. The tank had bulkheads and a durso pipe with it, that I could technically use, but I'd figure to just buy new so I don't have to worry about any future replacement. So based off that link, it says I could get 3/4" bulkhead sch80 for each hole (drain/return), but can go up to a 1" if I stick with ABS. I mean ABS is just durable right, I have it on my 20 reef and had no problems? I just basically don't want to have to mess with it after its filled. I was just reading sch80 having thicker walls and stronger plastic.

Size Max Hole Size Min Hole Size



3/4" Sch 80. Bulkhead
59mm/2.32"
41mm/1.61"






1" ABS Bulkhead
68mm/2.67"
42mm/1.65"

[GoneReefing]

I have decided to go with the 1" ABS bulk heads, but just noticed that the sump return hole is 3/4". The COR-20 that I'm ordering supports 3/4" and up to 1 1/4". So now begs the question, should I drill the sump to place another 1" bulk and just run the pump on the outside (i.e go from 1 1/4 to 1" return using a reducer)? Or just use 3/4" from the return out the sump, then transition to 1" to the bulkhead? I understand going with a larger return is more optimal. I also was looking at doing a herbie or bean animal drain instead of the durso, however that would require me to drill another hole or two. I forgot to mention this tank is acrylic and the with the blue wall you see there is another 5" behind serving as an overflow so there is enough room to drill more holes.

I'm in no rush to get this done as I'd like to get it done with the most optimal setup for what I have. Would would you guys do? I kinda like the idea of the emergency overflow/herbie/bean animal, but with the current overflow built in, not sure how something can get clog in the main, but that's why they call it an emergency :)

I could maybe just make the hole on the top of the sump larger from the 3/4" it is now to 1" and keep the pump inside the sump or drilling to keep the pump external from the sump so I can just run 1" PVC up to the bulkhead, then use the reducers when it gets above to the lock line,what do you all think?

Here is a pic of the back.
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[alton]

When I had to redrill a hole because of the wrong size in acrylic I used a board to steady the pilot bit so the hole saw would not jump around. Just take it slow.

[GoneReefing]

I got all my plumbing parts today but realized I ordered 3/4 loc line, when I needed 1/2 :(.

As for the drilling, I have decided against it. I have picked up a heavy duty check valve on the return and will order check valves for the loc line too since I got the wrong size. I will increase the sump return size to 1" as that is a simple to increase/drill. I'd hate to break anything on the main after ordering all this stuff. So I'm just going to stick with the durso overflow.

[aquasport24]

Why you place check valve on the Locline too?

[GoneReefing]

Sorry been crazy busy with work and didn't see your message. Do you think I should not have check valves on the loc lines? I know they could fail, however I also plumbed one on my return line, figured it would be better to double just in case of any failure. My fear is the top has two loc line holes one half way down on the tank, would the siphon stop after the upper return gets air? I just finished plumbing and its easy enough to remove the check valves from the top, but removing the one below will cause me to cut my plumbing. I know the adage is to make sure you sump can handle if the return pump fails or electricity goes off, but I was working with a sump that I already had. I have enough room to get a larger one, which I might when I get some more funds, but currently saving for a light and skimmer, as I have my rock and sand/salt so just needed to get this plumbing done and tested.

Here is my plumbing job. I did a manifold as I was thinking for future growth, the only thing I'm going to change is probably cut the t line on the right above the return and use a 90 to push back/down the manifold so I have a little more room for my skimmer top when I get it. I have about 4" to go back and then it would allow me to strap the manifold line to the wall.

What do ya think? I just need to hook up my apex and get some power and water in it, but going to wait a day or so for everything to cure.

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[GoneReefing]

My attempt at aquascaping. Should have wore gloves, lol. My finger tips. Sand and water tomorrow :)
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[GoneReefing]

The most boring part of a new tank, watching it cycle, lol. Dosing MicroBater7 since I started with a bunch of dry rock. This is my stock list, in order that I plan to stock slowly of course. Any recommendations on different fish or combination?



Bangai cardinals - 3x
Black Axil Chromis - 6x
Purple dottyback - 1x
Pink spot goby - 1x
Fox face - 1x
Six line wrasse -1x
Some pair of triggers, maybe Blue Throat Triggerfish? - 2x
White tail bristle tooth tang or powder blue tang - 1x
Yellow tang - 1x
Clown fish- 2x
Manderin Goby - 1x

[alton]

Looks like your coming along nicely. I have been away longer than I ever been from the site sorry I missed your updates. Too many horror stories on check valves over the years.

[GoneReefing]

Cycle is coming along nicely. Just waiting on nitrate to come down. Been looking at what lights I should throw on this tank. As for the check valve, I understand the risk. I'm planning to get a larger sump for sure and maybe a UPS for power back up, until then I have a WYE check valve on the bottom of the return along with the loc line ones. It has the ability to clean out the valve easily and will add it on my cleaning schedule.
As for lights any body have any recommendations? The tank is 48 L x 24 W x 30 T. Leaning towards ecotech g5, just can decide on blue or pro. Plus it looks like there are waiting lists everywhere for them. Any other light recommendations. I have an LED on my 20 that I built like 6 years ago going strong but it has a canopy where this one is an open top so I prefer to have a build that looks clean.

[GoneReefing]

Got a pair of the ecotech g5s. These things are pretty sweet. Nice color and mobius is not bad, kinda wish they would do apex support but its pretty much set and forget for the lights anyway. I have moved some zoathids and a orange digi over from my 20gallon. I don't know the par levels but the light and the overrall spectrum is really nice. The moon lights are a nice addition as well.

Picked up some chromis, bangai cardinals and a yellow watchman. They all seem to be ok with their home, everyone is eating pretty good. However did have a chromis casualty. Not sure if it was picked on as it did look like it had some damage on his tail when I scooped him out.

Also picked up a S-200 skimmer and so far its breaking in. My family wants some bigger fish but I'm just going to relax and monitor over this next month before adding anything else.

Covid sucks. Stay safe everyone!

[alton]

I picked up a G5 XR 15 for my 65 office tank to go with two BML 20k's and it is nice. I set it to the Phoenix 14K setting at 50%. Coral and clams are doing well under it and the BML's. Thanks for posting updates.

[SantaMonicaHelp]

How's this 150 doing?