Grey Guy’s Tank Build

[Grey Guy]

I have basically started over and kept the same four fish and mushroom corals. I will introduce you to them when I figure out how to add photos to this post.

 

[Grey Guy]

O.K. I figured this out. This is a photo from a couple weeks ago, after dumping in a small clean up crew. More photos to come.

 

[Grey Guy]

O.K. I think I’ve got it.

 

[Grey Guy]

This is something I’ve never seen done before. It produces a lot more flow then having the pump under the tank. I am using the overflow for a small sump. I cut a hole in the glass on the side of the overflow, installed an 1 1/2 inch bulkhead and screwed the pump onto the bulk head. I like the results so far.

 

[Grey Guy]

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

There's a lot of wires going to and from that tank, make sure you have drip loops in all of them.

 

[Grey Guy]

Above are some more pictures. Not sure yet how to add text with Photos. The overflow is shown without the cover and is being used as a sump. It holds 2 heaters, the Pump return, a fill pipe and a drain. It drains about 10 gallons when it is drained out.

I drilled holes in the top glass lip for the probes and ATO switch.

The piping is on top of the tank and disperses the water from 4 different locations. The water seems to be moving pretty well throughout the tank.

That’s an EV-120 AquaC Skimmer and a Mag 5 pump. The skimmer discharges into the tank which has an optional filter basket. I intend to get a more efficient skimmer eventually.

The lighting is from a 14K Metal Halide and uses a Marine USA Orbit for sunrise and sunset.

An Apex controller is down on the head board.

I like this setup because it’s simple and I dont’ have to mess around underneath much.

 

[Grey Guy]

There's a lot of wires going to and from that tank, make sure you have drip loops in all of them.

All the wiring exits above the tank. Unless the water flows up hill, I think I’ll be O.K.

 

[Grey Guy]

There are a lot of wires to be sure. Maybe I’ll hang some kind of curtain in front to cover everything up nice.

 

[Grey Guy]

Well it’s been a long time since my last entry. My Apex head unit quit working and I did not want to spend the money to replace it. I bought a 2 stage temp controller new for $30 that has worked well for a couple months. I just ordered a spill sensor with alarm for $12. This is not low tech, just cheap tech. Will get new pictures soon.