Filling new tank?

Trickdout69 · Mar 15, 2013

I just purchased a 210 with a 55g sump. My question is what is the best way to fill it with water? My lfs sell salt water but its 1.25 a gallon plus they only have 5g jugs to move it in. I'm not sure what the best method would be to get water? My other question is it is a dual overflow. I bought the aqueon overflow kit. Does the overflow and return pipes just stick in the bulkheads or do you have to glue them. Any info would be great. Thank you

RalphsReef · Mar 15, 2013

Do not glue the bulkheads! Tighten them with the included wrench, but not too tight. I would test the system after plumbing it. Fill it with tap water or with the garden hose. Just be prepared to have to drain it afterwards. However, if you do happen to find a leak, you will not be wasting saltwater. Honestly, I cheat. I fill my overflows to see if the bulkhead seals work. Just run your finger around the bottom of the tank near the seal. No water, no problems. If I find a leak anywhere else, I can deal with it without having to drain the tank. This is especially true if you use flex tubing instead of PVC. As far as filling it goes, you could buy a RO/DI unit and let it run into the tank. In the long run, it'll be less expensive than buying water. You can add the salt in later and let the pumps mix the salt.

House · Mar 15, 2013

How are you planning on doing water changes?

With a tank that size, you really need to invest in a good RO/DI unit. There's really no better investment for you right now. Sure you could take a trip to your LFS every week to buy 20g of water for your changes, but that gets old and expensive really quick. and then you have to double check the quality of their water to see if its even good enough to put in your system. Look at the forums for the best ones and pick which you like the most. They are a bit of money upfront, but I guarantee it will pay for itself.
Plus some have drinking water connections, so you can always have great fresh water whenever you want

So RO/DI unit, only way to go.

The second question I am a bit confused on. It came with overflows but you bought an overflow? Either way if your are sticking pvc into a bulkhead, if its inside the tank just a good amount of pressure putting it in should be enough. On the outside, you should glue or Teflon tape for threaded to prevent leaks.

Hope this helps.

Rotdrache · Mar 15, 2013

You have a few options in transporting that much water. The simplest would be to go out and get a few Brute trash cans. The problem with this method is there will be some loss from splash. Another option is to make basically a rain barrel. Get a plastic drum usually 35 to 55 gallons. I drilled a hole toward the bottom in the wall and installed a spigot.

mike007 · Mar 15, 2013

After you test for leaks then fill the tank with ro or saltwater. I know where a live they have companies that will deliver ro water and then you can add your own salt of your choice. That is a cheaper alternative. Personally i went to a ro fill station and got my ro water and it was very cheap.

AZDesertRat · Mar 15, 2013

I have a very detailed Bulkhead Installation Tips sticky post on this and other forums that should answer all your bulkhead questions.

You would spend more on one initial fill with RO water than what it will cost you for a full size reef quality RO/DI system from the best in the business, $125 from www.spectrapure.com . It will be the best thing you ever do for your tank guaranteed.

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/eq...iscussion/34973-installing-bulkhead-tips.html

AZDesertRat · Mar 15, 2013

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/eq...iscussion/34973-installing-bulkhead-tips.html

Trickdout69 · Mar 16, 2013

The part I was talking about gluing is where the return pipe and overflow tube stick into the bulkhead or do I just press them in there?

AZDesertRat · Mar 16, 2013

Once the PVC is glued you are stuck with what you have and it requires cutting apart if you want to change anything or have a leak etc.
Thats why I use and recommend thread x thread bulkheads so you can take them apart and reuse them over and over.

It is better to glue them rather than slip fit on the exterior of the tank but for the standpipe you can do a slip fit if its inside an overflow box.