First build

[tidefanjam]

Ok, sump built, tank drilled, plumbing done. Waiting on my ro di filter, instant ocean, rock and sand then we can get some water flowing.

 

[tidefanjam]

Excuse my ugly silicone work, it looks like crap but it works...

 

[Ridem32]

Looks like a very good start

 

[Tahoe61]

Looks like a very good start

Agreed.

 

[tidefanjam]

Ok, took a while to get to the next step, but filled it up yesterday, lots of tweaking of pump speed and overflow to get it quiet, now the shrimp is in and I need to look at some lights...

 

[tidefanjam]

I may have made the return pump chamber too small, can't hardly keep water in it, an ato has to be on my list..

 

[tidefanjam]

Went by sbreefs shop and picked up a 32" timer led, looks great, need a skimmer and ato and will be good to go, cycling now, nitrates are starting to show up.

 

[n2585722]

You may want to leave the lights off while it is cycling. I too have a small pump section in the sump and need the ATO. It will not go much over 24 hrs without top off. I use my controller for the ATO function. As already mentioned it looks like you are off to a good start.

 

[Travis Stewart]

I may have made the return pump chamber too small, can't hardly keep water in it, an ato has to be on my list..

May be one of the most important pieces of equipment IMO

 

[tidefanjam]

thanks,yea i just turned them on for the pic

 

[Idoc]

Looks good!

 

[tidefanjam]

ok, decided to add a couple more rocks, they sit pretty well where I've put them but would like to secure them a little better, any ideas on the best way to glue them underwater?

 

[n2585722]

I used Reef Cement by Nyos. What the videos on how to use before trying if you go that route.

 

[tidefanjam]

I thought about the super glue epoxy superglue method too

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Looking great! I like the shelf!

 

[SanClementeEric]

So, you did the sump baffles yourself then? No worries on that silicone; it's all about getting your hands on and just experience doing it, I say!

Do you plan on adding a skimmer?

The only thing that stands out to me as something to look out for is: do you have enough space in your sump for overflow water, in case of power failure? In other words, if your return pump stops and the tank begins to empty out, to the level of the bottom of the overflow slits and/or return outlets (from syphon effect), is there enough room at the top of your sump to handle that volume of water?

 

[tidefanjam]

i will be getting a skimmer before i add fish etc., problem is clearance in my sump but I've seen some that would work, my sump does hold the water with a few inches to spare, i did have to raise my return outlet a bit because it was closer than i liked, but I've killed the power several times to make sure, and my ATO should arrive today.

 

[tidefanjam]

Looking great! I like the shelf!

thanks

 

[n2585722]

i will be getting a skimmer before i add fish etc., problem is clearance in my sump but I've seen some that would work, my sump does hold the water with a few inches to spare, i did have to raise my return outlet a bit because it was closer than i liked, but I've killed the power several times to make sure, and my ATO should arrive today.

If you have weep holes in the return lines make sure and keep them cleaned out on a regular basis. You don't want them to back siphon when the power goes out.

 

[tidefanjam]

I've been looking at some of these clean up crew packages, 90 something hermit crabs seems like an awful lot of critters, is that much really needed?