Building a 120g peninsula.

[Tro]

If its at all possible, I would always opt for putting the sump in the basement. That way are your heaters and skimmers and everything else are down there and the tank upstairs is blissfully quiet and cool. Plus you can spread out instead of being cramped in the stand.

What lines do I need for a 120g tank from tank to basement ? If I place sump in basement. Detailed Explanation totally welcome

 

[Tro]

Also, that way if I flood , water would be more likely in basement , right?

Sump in basement would minimize or add risk to flood on main level ?

 

[DanConnor]

The basement sump is pretty much the same as the cabinet sump, except you will need a more powerful return pump.

The basement sump will definitely reduce the risk of a flood on the first floor. Generally people have issues in the sump area. The display tank is only going to dump water if it leaks.

The display tank could overflow if it doesn't have proper drainage, but you will do a better job than that. Look up Bean Animal drain if you haven't; quiet and reliable.

 

[DanConnor]

I'm using a Vectra L1 to pump up from the basement. I forget my exact head pressure; more than 12 and less than 15. The L1 is sufficient, but not super strong. Should be fine for a 120. I also have an external Iwaki 55-RLT which is more than enough. Very reliable, but external so it requires more plumbing, and also a bit noisy. The L1 is internal, so you can just plop it in the sump.

 

[DanConnor]

Did you ever have a reef before? If not, find someone in your local reef club (who has a nice reef) to stop in on occasion and check what you are doing. Will save you a ton of grief.

 

[Ortho281]

Instead of building the stand over the wood, we're going to wait until vinyl plank/water resistant floor is in then build the stand/wall. Otherwise, water would settle on the wood in event of an overflow.

How much water may typically find its way to floor in a problem situation ? Please don't say 120 gallons.

Will also put two more water lines in on case sump is moved into basement. Is it possible to run sump 30 feet up and over ? Unnecessary ?

Plan to use a synergy reef shadow overflow on side of tank facing wall. Will this be big enough for a 120? It's 16".

Finally, does it make sense to run a slow drip line into the tank from RO/salt to constantly refresh ?

This hobby is ridiculously cool. I can see how this site is really thick. Cheers folks.

Following along! I'm a sucker for a peninsula build! The 16" Synergy over flow is big enough for your 125 gal. I have one on my 185 gal. Peninsula and it works great! Good Luck with the build!

 

[Tro]

Following along! I'm a sucker for a peninsula build! The 16" Synergy over flow is big enough for your 125 gal. I have one on my 185 gal. Peninsula and it works great! Good Luck with the build!

Thx for replies ! Taking all this into consideration. Will find a reefer nearby and Strong external pump prob ok bc sump in basement --- so noise not as much an issue. Ok. now I'm back to thinking about sump in basement. I like it.

Has anyone had an issue with a sump in same room as a furnace and water heater ? I.e. Co2!? It's a fairly large room. If I have an issue I could vent it better. Or co2 scrub.

Will be setting up my up RODI soon from fridge line using this. Only place with a valve already in case I need that shut off.

Appreciate the input !!

 

[Tro]

Well, I'm a sucker for a room dividing 120g peninsula so I will be following along. Let's get a #mods to move this over to the members tank forum.

You're not in over your head. Just take your time, do your research and you'll be fine. Ask your questions here and you'll get plenty of help. The hardest part will be being patient. Just remember, slow and steady wins the salt race.

Haha! Salt race !!

 

[DanConnor]

Are your water heater or furnace producing CO2? I never had an issue with that.

 

[Tro]

Are your water heater or furnace producing CO2? I never had an issue with that.

Thank you Dan. Sounds like a non issue setting up sump in furnace area.

Here's an update on the room. Not much done with build lately. Too busy painting upstairs etc.

I plan to hang a kessil LED over tank. Notice outlet on ceiling. And build a stand after floor is in.

I am planning for sump in basement. Any reason to buy a premade sump? I'm leaning toward building a 40-50g and using an external pump to push water back upstairs.

Make sump vs buy sump ? Opinions?

 

[melypr1985]

Make sump vs buy sump ? Opinions?

A pre-made sump will be pretty and probably well-designed. It will definitely do the job! I really want a premade one. BUT I couldn't justify the cost of one (even at a large discount) vs. just building one when I already had the tank for it at the house. The sump for my newest tank cost me nothing, and it will also do the job! It's not pretty, but it works and that's the most important thing

Those are my opinions on the subject anyway.

 

[DanConnor]

The main benefit of a premade sump (other than that its premade) is that they do a good job of keeping things compact. In the basement, you don't need that. I have a 75 sump in my basement. I've used big stock troughs before too.

Regarding the light, its worthwhile to see the fixture you chose in person over a reef. The Kessil throws a bright light with strong shadows and heavy glitter lines. A lot of people like that look, but it would give me a seizure. I like a soft diffused look, so have T5s.

 

[Tro]

Thank you for previous replies. Helps sort things out:

So, I have a 1 1/2 pvc drainpipe under tank I planned to use as a drain for water changes.

After thinking and reading. Does it make sense to use this as a gravity line to sump in basement also? And use the pex lines for returns 1 and 2 to display ?

What I would do is T into the 1 1/2 pvc closing a valve after T to the sewer/line out. I'd also put a horizontal ball stop valve so no Backflow just in case!

I'd have another valve through to sump that Would close for water changes.

Question is: bad idea to have a line out of display that can divert to sump and sewer drain ?

All input appreciated !!!

 

[Tro]

 

[DanConnor]

Opinions may differ on this- but I don't think a single 1.5 inch drain to the sump is a lot. Connected to my bean animal overflow I have 2 1.5 inch drains plus the safety is 1 inch.

But I don't see anything wrong with having a line to the sewer. I only drain and add water to/from the sump when doing water changes, but nothing wrong with more options.

 

[Tro]

Exactly. You got on my concern of overall flow Dan.

That's why I came up with the 1 1/2 drain to sump/shared line out idea .... to help the outflow to sump. Originally I thought the 1/2" pex could handle it.

Some sites say 1 1/2" pvc can drain a 120g by gravity, but if I need another line out I better get that in a hurry. Floor covering is next week !

Can 1 or 2 standard pex .5" pressurized be enough return ? I plan to use a powerful iwaki external to get water up from basement to display.

I'm hoping current planned set up will have enough flow.

One 1.5" pvc drain and one or two .5" returns under pressure

Thanks all!

 

[DanConnor]

You can certainly drain a 120 with gravity using 1.5 inch pipe. The problem is that most silent overflow systems require a minimum of two pipes running all the way to the sump. As I said, I have 3.

Two .5" lines probably will work for the return- just make sure the pex fittings have no metal anywhere that contacts water, and you can get fittings that connect to standard pvc sizes.

 

[Tro]

Ok folks. 120g Tank will be here Tuesday. Been busy with house etc. will admit I'm a bit anxious sending this.

From the advice here I'm going with the sump in basement.

I have one 1.5" to get water down there, please see final pic. I plan to Y using 45s for 2 of three overflows. Third overflow I plan to poke straight through floor after catch as that area used to be a porch and final overflow will be piped out of house.

So. What are pros and cons here. I can't change much. I could always revise and sump below tank but I'm really liking the display only idea in living room.

How does that plumbing concept look. ?

Thanks all !!!!

Exciting times !!!!!!!

 

[melypr1985]

Wow your house is coming along nicely! I love those floors

 

[Tro]

Omg. You're too funny. While I'm freaking out that I'll never get this thing plumbed right !

But yes. Vinyl is the new deal . Esp if you're going for a seascape in the living room !