1500ltr system - Downunder. Pun intended

[Ulm_nano_diybudgetreef]

So current procurement of this tank is one of my LFS is going to be building the glass for the tanks and the associated plumbing there is a 6-8 week delay for them to provide it to me but they are waiting on me to confirm sizes for the sump.
The stand I'll be making myself but there is about 2 day delay for arrival of the 200ub22.3 I beams it's made out of.
Now unfortunately most of my local fish stores only deal with freshwater so for saltwater advice and supplies the nearest is 35 mins away so I'm unsure at the moment about sizes of components until I have time to go there beginning of next week.
So the step I need to get resolved is size of areas in sump.
Sump size is currently 2400mm long 550 wide 350 deep
My overflows are 2x 50mm pipes one on each end of the tank (couple of interesting ideas from the LFS about that but I'll get to it in a future post)
So first section is 3-4 filter socks followed by scrubbers (are scrubbers recommended/not recommended in a SW tank? ) Should this be Bio balls as well? The next part would be the skimmer - I vaguely remember someone a few years ago saying you should only have 1 skimmer because of you have 2, 1 works hard and dies early and the other does next to nothing, the problem for me is because the sump is below the main display I'm height restricted
Next section is the refugium I haven't seen anywhere a recommendation for sizing this I do remember seeing some with shrimp and other small snails and fish - I would like to have the critters in there and have a removable baffles to the time out section
Final section is the pump return
I know usually the calcium reactor usually feeds back into the skimmer section but do you still do that with a refugium?
The other part is the UV sterilizer is there a preference between submersible and inline? I'm currently looking at inline

What are your thoughts?

Try checking out monster build threads here on the forum. Should give you some ideas for the sump and setup.

 

[SPR1968]

So current procurement of this tank is one of my LFS is going to be building the glass for the tanks and the associated plumbing there is a 6-8 week delay for them to provide it to me but they are waiting on me to confirm sizes for the sump.
The stand I'll be making myself but there is about 2 day delay for arrival of the 200ub22.3 I beams it's made out of.
Now unfortunately most of my local fish stores only deal with freshwater so for saltwater advice and supplies the nearest is 35 mins away so I'm unsure at the moment about sizes of components until I have time to go there beginning of next week.
So the step I need to get resolved is size of areas in sump.
Sump size is currently 2400mm long 550 wide 350 deep
My overflows are 2x 50mm pipes one on each end of the tank (couple of interesting ideas from the LFS about that but I'll get to it in a future post)
So first section is 3-4 filter socks followed by scrubbers (are scrubbers recommended/not recommended in a SW tank? ) Should this be Bio balls as well? The next part would be the skimmer - I vaguely remember someone a few years ago saying you should only have 1 skimmer because of you have 2, 1 works hard and dies early and the other does next to nothing, the problem for me is because the sump is below the main display I'm height restricted
Next section is the refugium I haven't seen anywhere a recommendation for sizing this I do remember seeing some with shrimp and other small snails and fish - I would like to have the critters in there and have a removable baffles to the time out section
Final section is the pump return
I know usually the calcium reactor usually feeds back into the skimmer section but do you still do that with a refugium?
The other part is the UV sterilizer is there a preference between submersible and inline? I'm currently looking at inline

What are your thoughts?

Ive just built a similar size system if your looking for ideas on skimmers and equipment etc.

Page 70 onwards on my build thread shows what I did and it’s a similar size tank. link below.

Planning is the key and also automatic water changes if you can build that in.

I use an inline UV-C system a 80w DD version

 

[ilawis]

i would vote inline uv

i think this is going to be easiest it implement.

 

[ilawis]

Hey All
This is my current design for the sump do you guys think there should be any changes?
im a little unsure about the refugium design/shape/location so whats your opions on that?
the refugium and time out area will have a sandbed so going to have strapping around the base of those and also thinking of a way to make the refugium removable or being able to extend that partition all the way across the tank to make space to 2 time out areas.

Thoughts?
hopefully ill be able to put the order in within the next week!

whop whop!!

 

[SPR1968]

For ease of maintenance I would remove those socks and if you can get one, get an X Filter 1.7 (they are UK but ship worldwide) or alternatively maybe 2 Clarisea 5000’s roller mats. There so much easier than changing socks. I change the roll around every 6-8 weeks.

I also use a chunk of filter wool in the chamber before the return just for some extra filtration and just change it monthly or when it looks like it’s ready

Also decide what skimmer your going to use and make sure the skimmer section is big enough and also has the water level at the correct height for the skimmer. There big beasts for these tanks, I use a NYOS Quantum 300.

 

[ilawis]

My LFS has just got back to me with what they recommend using
the prices are a little weird because when I looked at the boxes in the store some of the prices are way diffrent



Pumps


Return pumps x2, waterchange pump = 3 x Sicce Syncra ADV 10.0 $348.00 each


Recirculation pump for refugium = Voyager Nano 2000 $58.00


Wave Pumps


Option 1: 1 x Maxspect XF280 Twin set Gyre $1150.00


Option 2: 4 x Sicce Voyager 10.0 + 2 x wave sets $280 (pump), $117.50 (wave)


Heater = 5 x 300w Bioscape Heater $37.50


Skimmer = Aqua Excel ZPS2 $895


Refugium Light = $299.00


Filter Socks = $14.00 each


Automatic Doser option 1 = Aquaexcel = approx $300, option 2 = aquavitro (not yet released) $200-$250 each (4 needed) plus dosing containers $55 each (5L Aqua Excel)


Automatic Top Off (ATO) microATO $180


RO Unit approx $250-300


Reactor FR60 Aqua Excel $140.00 plus pump $68 (syncra 1.0) plus media $145.85 (4L phosguard)


UV light 55w $not available from our supplier currently.


Lighting


Option 1: 5 x Micmol AquaPro Marine $445 each (inc bracket)


Option 2: 3 x Radion G5 XR30 $1292 each plus bracket $170 each


Option 3: 6 x Twin 54w T5 units $123.40 each, plus tubes (12 x $49.50 each)



Consumables:


4L Calcification, 4L Ions $194.35 each


4L eight.four $179.90


4L Fuel $214.45


Coral sand = $85 per 20kg bag (3 probably needed)


Reef rock = $24 / kilo


Live rock = $15/16 kilo


Salt $149.50 x 4 vibrant sea 23kg (880L each)

 

[ilawis]

Do we have any thoughts or recommendations on what's been selected or the sump. Also do you think the refugium will work the way it's laid out?
Because of the price of the parts I'm thinking I can't buy it all at once so can someone help me with a priority list?

 

[ilawis]

Update;

I'm putting in my order for my tank today I've resized it based on availability at a realistic price and allows the stand to be able to be made with a better finish given the standard sizes of materials
Tank is now 2400 X 800 X 750
Now the tank is smaller it's actually under the size of this forum of a monster tank at 380gal tho including sump at 1900 X 500 X 460 will bring me back up (tho don't know if that counts)

Lead time is 10 weeks so I better get moving on building my stand soon!

 

[ilawis]

Update time!

I've redesigned the stand is now made of wood!
Tank is 2.4m long and stand is 3.1 long this is to house 2 quartiene tanks next to the main display they will be visible at all times as well as the refugem

Sump is now 2m long
I'm planning on buying 2 X sycra SDC 9.0 pumps for the return and the manafold

The tank has its deposit paid on it and is set to be made with a external overflow on the left side with a bean animal overflow and the returns come into the main display at about 1/3rd from the left down through the top for 1 and the other from the top right corner down through the top as well

I haven't looked much at lights yet

Haven't looked much at skimmers but I'm leaning on making my own I have a idea on feeding it from the manafold with no electronic components (I'll get more into that when I begin building it)

I'm also planning on making my own rollermat

And making my own carbon reactor

I haven't looked too much into calcium reactors so undecided about that

I'm currently looking at the Aqua one UV sterilizer 24W mostly due to the fact that's the only brand I've seen in the stores here in Australia

 

[ilawis]

Update Update Update!
Wood was ordered on Mondayand delivered on Wednesday afternoon ($900 later) and I have begun building the stand!

It's been a slow build building the stand as because I'm in quarantine I can't just nip down to the hardware store for some screws! (I've been doing interstate travel so government restrictions and all)

I'm going away for work on Tuesday and expecting the tank and sump to arrive while I'm away (in about 2 weeks) so I've built the stand to the point where they can be delivered and put directly on the stand by the moving company ready for my arrival!

Whop whop!!

 

[ilawis]

Just got a update on the tank build
The display has been started and sump will begin within the next few days.
Both are due to be complete in 10 days

 

[Smarkow]

Looking good!!! Glad you will have a tank to “play” with during all of this quarantine time. Just think, you and your fishies can QT together

 

[ilawis]

Looking good!!! Glad you will have a tank to “play” with during all of this quarantine time. Just think, you and your fishies can QT together

Lol I like the idea but it's going to be a while until I can get any fish here (especially since I can't get out to buy any!) But I'm going to have some fun designing my own skimmer and modified roller mat

 

[ilawis]

Big update guys!

Plumbing has taken a huge step in the right direction - I'm going to order 2 X 36W inline UV sterilizer's and still have to plumb in manifold but I've set up the layout to accommodate this but right now I can turn on both return pumps. I did make the mistake of putting my return line in too deep so I don't think it's flushing the air out and being 2" drain lines it's going to be hard to perge them anyway.
I also think my sump might be too small for the amount of overflow (a real nusance since the guy made the sump the incorrect sizes)
Also the spacing of the 3 drains seems to be too close to get the bend radius correct to be able to set heights.

Tank is full of salt water from the ocean - I bought 2 IBC's and filled them and then filled my tank from them

I'm picking up someone else's set up tomorrow and butchering it to get some of the components to get mine functioning (live rock and lights)

This tank I'm picking up is a 1000ltr system so a little smaller than mine (1500ltr) but as a functioning system its also coming with
1 × lionfish
1× stars and stripes pufferfish
1× speckled catshark
1×honeycomb moray eel
1×common moray eel
And a bunch of live rock and sand
A return pump
heater
Protein skimmer

I'm excited to get some life in there but the end goal is still a mixed Reef so these guys are technically on holiday at my house unless they prove to be able to co exist (kinda doubtful with most tbh)

Anyway photo time!

 

[ilawis]

Just some update photos

 

[ShepherdReefer]

Looking forward to seeing more. Great build

 

[ilawis]

As it turns out I've just finished my prototype of the roller matt and it's working great it's cost me about $30 and working really well! The water is clearing up so fast

 

[ilawis]

Hey all I've realised it's been a while since I've updated this build thread so a fee changes have been made
So that tank I bought was a bit of a disappointment however I have made my money back on it.
It came with 3 led lights and all 3 had things wrong with them by after a bit of cleaning and painting and soldering and reconfiguration and replacing parts I have 1 running most of the leds and the other 2 running 3/4 of the leds, so it kinda gets a pass but one end of my tank has a higher blue and the other a higher white, both ends have both blue and white and the centre one gives me a bit of shimmer so that's nice.
The tank came with a aqua medic that worked ok on day one but quickly got worse and worse eventually only running for about 30 seconds before the pump turned off, I tried plumbing it into my manafold which worked but because the bubbles were not so Mirco it worked but not well. So I ended up pulling it off and picked up a X shop skimmer that had been running for 8 months on their display tank I believe it's a tunze 3000 and it works great. Only problem I have with it is it's a bit tight to fit into the space I have.
When I first got the skimmer I had tried putting it on a upside down plastic container but because the container was too big I had cut it down to fit, this made it unstable and a freaking nightmare. So I have up on that container and made a stand out of some Perspex and pvc pipe and silicone pot mats this works great and so really happy with it.
The return pump works great tho so I use this to fill my IBC with sea water at the beach while using a 200w inverter I connect to my car smoke lighter.
The live rock was a bit unfortunate as the guy I picked it up from had taken the rock out of the tank and put it in his driveway in the rain so by the time it was home it was no longer live so I ended up with a fully stocked preditor tank with no cycle. I started using stability and regular big water changes and this went on for a long time but started to come right. I ended up putting stability seed in and that really helped but the thing that really got me across the line was I bought 40kg of live rock for someone else and that fixed it up right away
I have sold the honeycomb Moray the stars and stripes puffer and the lion fish so I still have to move on my epolite shark and a white eye Moray eel just because I don't want a preditor tank I want a mixed Reef.
I have picked up a couple of large crabs and some stripies from my local beach and I actually picked up a Shaw's cowfish (not knowing what it was) but after searching to eventually find out who she is I quickly decided I was not ready for that level of fish mastery and she went back into the sea (after posing for some photos of course).
So my roller matt works fine when I use it but my wife ripped the roll while I was away on a business trip because it's a tad too big and I turned it around in the sump (I also realised I shouldn't have used galvanized mesh to run the roll over) so I'm going to be making V2.0 soon and debating using nylon like in a tennis racket or eggcrate to replace the galv mesh.
I also created a tool for rescaping rock and picking up items in the deep tank and that has worked great (I'll post a photo of that too soon I'm just in a aeroplane this min with no internet)
I have plumbed in a 36w pondone UV sterilizer and have a second one sitting there to plumb into but just haven't had the budget for the plumbing pieces yet but the one I have in there is working great. I started to get a algie bloom a while ago but when I put the UV in that bloom went away withing a couple of days and have me crystal waters but had lots of floaties in my water column, I've heavy reduced the floaties with increasing my return pumps flow but I think I could have achieved the same result with a wave maker the tank I bought came with 1 wave maker but the mounting cup is broken so won't attach to the side of the tank and one is not enough for a tank my size so I do get a buildup of detritus on my sand bed which I vacuum out using a syphon pipe running into my sump with a pool filter sock on the outlet to catch all the rubbish and that works great, I know a clean up crew would be fantastic four this but with the epolite shark and the Moray any clean up crew I put in will have their days very numbered (they had a feast of one of my stripies the other day)
There is another mistake I made and that's oversizing my return pipes I have 2" return pipes and because they are so big it make it a bit hard to set it correctly to run silent but with adjusting my return flow and very careful tapping on the ball valve I can do it. The only noise I do get is from a waterfall in the sump so I need to find a way to silence that I have some ideas but just need to give them a try.
Currently my refugium area is acting as a isolation chamber where I have real sand in there and that's working fantastic it's really useful to seperating out fish before they go in the main tank to keep them safe from being eaten and a bit of observation too.
Anyway about to land so I'll send this as I touch down and start getting some photos up to you!

 

[ilawis]

So didn't realise it has been a while since my last update
So I still haven't covered the frame as just getting the tank to work correctly had been the priority
I've finally been able to move on the preditor fish so I'm now sitting with these 3 little guys and 9 stripies and a few other like things (really just some snails in my sump and a glass shrimp also in the sump)
But all in all I've got a big amount of algie, I suspect this is due to it being a preditor tank for so long and so my phosphates are through the roof.
So I've finally got some chato under a small fluro light from a old fresh water tank. And I just bought some zooplankton and phitoplankton to further colonise the tank.
I actually made version 2 of the rollermatt and that's working well
I know one of the big problems I have is not enough flow in the display to move detritus. I'm not seeing it build up but I know it should look cleaner but that's partially from algie growing on the sand.

 

[ilawis]

Corals are in!
New fish are in!
New story's are in in how I got the above! (My wife says I talk too much so request a story get a story!
Some new photos attached!
New water change system is mostly complete 'no more buckets no more getting out pumps and large hoses!