22 gallon Mr Aqua (closed loop)

[TMC1313]

I was referring to under the shelf over the sump space. It seems like it would be a pain when plumbing everything in or doing sump cleaning.. not that these things happen every day or it's a huge deal it just seems like a tight spot. Please don't take it that I don't like the design, I love it in general that one spot just seems like it would be a pain.

Gotcha, that's what I thought you meant, but wasn't sure. No offense taken at all. You're right, the space is big enough, but will be a little tight. With all the equipment being so much smaller than what I'm used to I think it will much easier to deal with even in a tighter space. I had actually thought about removing the shelf and having it completely open, but it's built in and I didn't want to have to cut it out and risk damaging anything.

 

[Jimbhoy13]

looking good. Lovely stand.

 

[TMC1313]

So this is pretty much how the layout in the cabinet will look obviously sans plumbing and a couple other pieces of equipment (ATO container and dosing pump). Trying to keep it looking as clean and minimal as possible. All wires will be tucked away and hidden as much as possible, but once I start the plumbing I'm not sure it will look so nice. Lots of pipe, valves, and unions. I will try and get that started this weekend and update soon.

 

[TMC1313]

Update....
Finally got around to plumbing the closed loop. I think it turned out well. I will be doing a leak test this weekend and taking a video to show how good or bad the flow is going to be. Fingers crossed it will be good.

 

[TMC1313]

I'm happy to report that the leak and flow test went well. I had one small leak on the drain bulkhead, and thought it was cracked. Luckily, I had just forgotten to tighten the nut. 1/4 turn more and all was good. I took a quick video to show the flow with the RFG nozzles. I think it's going to be really good with lots of random flow without having to use any in tank pumps, which was the goal to begin with.

 

[TMC1313]

With such a busy schedule build has gone painfully slow, but making progress regardless. 1st level almost complete. I just have to finish the connection from the outlet of UV to tank. Hopefully will be done tomorrow and then second leak test.

 

[TMC1313]

Finally all plumbed and been running everything continuously for the last week. All is working as it should with no leaks. The rock in the tank was just one of 5 or so interpretations of what the scaping will look like. I'm pretty certain this one will not make the final cut. Once I get the final look I want, the tank will be drained and moved out of the basement to it's final resting spot upstairs.

 

[Chrisfish]

I love this tank and the stand is beautiful as others have said. Looking forward to seeing it filled!!

 

[brett_schn]

Finally all plumbed and been running everything continuously for the last week. All is working as it should with no leaks. The rock in the tank was just one of 5 or so interpretations of what the scaping will look like. I'm pretty certain this one will not make the final cut. Once I get the final look I want, the tank will be drained and moved out of the basement to it's final resting spot upstairs.

Loving the build it’s beautiful. Love the 22g! So do you run your sump tank pump into the closed loop or in a separate return?

 

[TMC1313]

Loving the build it’s beautiful. Love the 22g! So do you run your sump tank pump into the closed loop or in a separate return?

Thank you,
Each system has it's own pump. Because the closed loop is basically going to be my only source of flow, the pump needed to be much larger than my sump pump which wouldn't have been strong enough on it's own.

 

[TMC1313]

I love this tank and the stand is beautiful as others have said. Looking forward to seeing it filled!!

Thanks, Chrisfish!! Looking forward to getting this going as well.

 

[stylolvr]

Very cool setup. Following to see progress!

 

[brett_schn]

Thank you,
Each system has it's own pump. Because the closed loop is basically going to be my only source of flow, the pump needed to be much larger than my sump pump which wouldn't have been strong enough on it's own.

Ok must have just missed it because I didn’t see the other return from the sump! How do you like the closed loop setup you went with? Do you think it will give sufficient flow for sps dominated?

 

[TMC1313]

Ok must have just missed it because I didn’t see the other return from the sump! How do you like the closed loop setup you went with? Do you think it will give sufficient flow for sps dominated?

It's more than enough flow. I think too much if I keep all valves wide open. I will most likely have to do some tweaking once I have the final layout down and all the corals moved to their final spots.

 

[TMC1313]

Very cool setup. Following to see progress!

Thanks, it's nice to see something turn out the way I pictured it in my head. Doesn't always turn out that way.

 

[TMC1313]

I finished how the final aquascape (rockwork) will look. Once the
substrate is down, the outflow pipes that you can currently see should be almost completely covered and not visible. The drain strainer will be on a stand pipe cut to length and will also be hidden behind the structure.

 

[brett_schn]

I finished how the final aquascape (rockwork) will look. Once the
substrate is down, the outflow pipes that you can currently see should be almost completely covered and not visible. The drain strainer will be on a stand pipe cut to length and will also be hidden behind the structure.

Photos aren’t showing unless I hit quote post. But it’s looking great! Love the scape!

 

[MERKEY]

I finished how the final aquascape (rockwork) will look. Once the
substrate is down, the outflow pipes that you can currently see should be almost completely covered and not visible. The drain strainer will be on a stand pipe cut to length and will also be hidden behind the structure.
<a href="https://postimages.org/" target="_blank"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/kGQBpzRY/20201013_200808.jpg" alt="20201013_200808"/></a>

<a href="https://postimages.org/" target="_blank"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/2yR1TryB/20201013_200727.jpg" alt="20201013_200727"/></a>

Oh thats sweet!

Really cool build and following to see you fill it up!

 

[TMC1313]

Photos aren’t showing unless I hit quote post. But it’s looking great! Love the scape!

Yeah, thanks, I'm not sure what's going on with the pics. It's not working the way I normally post. I will try again later.

 

[TMC1313]

Oh thats sweet!

Really cool build and following to see you fill it up!

Thanks Merkey,
Next step is to transfer all my SPS from my existing tank onto this structure and let everything "marinate" in the current tank for a few weeks, then transfer everything over to the new setup.