Getting close...
Finishing the overflow
OK, from left to right:emergency overflow, return, electrical dry tube, overflow
Front Shot
Painting the tubes with black plastic paint
Here are the holes drilled into the stand
Here you can see the two overflows into the tank where I drilled it and the return and dry tube going into back of canopy
And here is the tank in place and starting to fill it, hope to have it running this week
Here is a preview of the new build:
More to come....
Alright this build got me thinking http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1757436 , why should drilled tanks have all the fun, my overflow box is still loud.
So I adapted the idea to my overflow box. Here it is:
Plumb in an emergency overflow.
I drilled a 3/4" hole and used a bulkhead to make an emergency drain
Plumb in a valve to restrict the return, make sure outlet is under water
The emergency overflow drain is next to it
I wished I would have used a different valve, this one takes a bit to get it adjuster right.
Restrict the flow so the water level is where you want it in the overflow.
This makes it dead silent like they say. I just hear my skimmer running now.
Thanks Herbie for discovering this ;)
NEW plumbing method for an ULTRA QUIET REEF TANK!!!! LONG !!!! - Reef Central Online Community
To help stop evaporation I like to run a Plexiglas lid on my sump. But having skimmers, filters return lines heaters makes it impossible to just buy a rectangle piece and put it in place so here is how I make a custom lid.
First I use cardboard(I like from case of beverage) to draw out the pattern and cut it with scissors. I can use a tape measure and keep cutting a little at a time till I get it write. If you mess up a little just tape some cardboard to fix the mistake. If you make a big mistake just start over. Keep at it till you get a good fit
Now trace the design over to your piece of Plexiglas.
I like to use a Dremel with a small drill bit to cut the Plexiglas. I have yet to break a pies with this method. It melts it more then cuts but I can cut out complex shapes and curves very easy. Once you have the shape cut out use a file or sand paper to clean up the edges.
Now test fit it. Make any final adjustments needed. Just make sure to clean it off before putting it on sump.
I finally got the go-ahead from the wife to start a tank again. Requirements was it had to be small and less expensive then the last(the 150 drained me).
So I found an existing setup on craigslist. The tank is currently stocked with:
blue hippo tang
yellow tang
brittle star
sea urchin
2 peppermint shrimp
anemone worm
hermit craps
medium sized leather
mushrooms
polyps
some nice purple(coraline) covered live rock
This is my first time with any corals so any advise is greatly appreciated.
The flow of this tank is only 250 gph. I think that is a little low for a 35g so I will be upgrading that. I already upgraded the skimmer to the ex-caliber I used in my 150. 10 Gallon sump. Also running filter on sump, helps clear the water quickly.
I am thinking of upgrading from the cf to a single 175 watt metal halide.
I have many more upgrades in mind.
Any ideas on stocking?
The biggest problem with this setup was the old owner let algae get out of hand. I cleaned the tank and equipment before setting it back up but the rock is covered in it. What snails or anything else is really good at eating algae?
I know, way to small of tank for the tangs, they came with the tank. So I need to find them a new home, have anything to trade?
The water truck is here:
Chris at NemoFish.us has the best prices around. Saltwater delivered to the house and pumped in for a $1 a gallon. Beats carrying all those containers.
The wife told me I was acting like a little kid with a new toy, guess it is.
\
That dirty water is a beautiful sight.
Now the cycle begins.
Finally finished the canopy.
I adapted my coralife lights to fit. Still need to add my moonlights.
