I got all the plumbing done, it was a bear...
Some lessons learned:
I chose to build my tank stand at 31 inches, this kept it level with neighboring furniture and at eye level when seated in the living room. I had dry fitted the sump and skimmer and knew it would be tight, but it would all fit.
Once I began plumbing, at a certain point the sump needed to go in- so the space got really tight and making the connections got really hard. I do have a lot of experience plumbing and it was challenging for me. It took a good part of 7 hours to get it done.
I did use unions where possible to allow me to break connections.
I did build a manifold so if I choose to expand later I can.
I did the custom concrete counter top for the base and with the INT the holes are drilled in the back of the tank. I did not want a cut out where the very rear of the tank would be unsupported, so I made a template of the overflow and made knock outs for the plumbing. One thing I did not do is to measure the size of the lock rings that attach to the bottom of the bulk heads.. so I spent some quality time on my back in the sump area chiselling out concrete to get the lock rings to fit.
I got the plumbing done with several trips to the hardware store .
Got my aquacape done, I wanted a lot of hide spots with a lot of swimming room and ample area for everyone to set up their own little territory. I used some base rocks with some shelf along the back. I added a large descending rubble pile with some Tongan Branch for some vertical in the middle. There are two bays along each side and then a mushroom rock with rubble pile out front.
I got my water in and the MP40 hooked up and began heating the water.
I have been mixing water for three days, and have about 15 gallons to go.
I am having an issue with my pump, does not seem to be pumping much water- I am going to have to take it apart and see if I can trouble shoot it.
Put turbo start in last night and part of shrimp for some food for the bacteria. I did a 5 gallon water change on my other tank and put that water into my new tank.
More to come.
Equipment:
IM INT 112 Lagoon
Eco Tech Radion XR30
Reef Octopus Varios 6 DC pump
Ecto-Tech MP40
Zet Refugium light
Trigger Systems Saphire 39 sump
Reef Octopus 152 S Skimmer
Tunze osmolater ATO
Neptune automatic feeder
Eheim 250 watt heater
Some lessons learned:
I chose to build my tank stand at 31 inches, this kept it level with neighboring furniture and at eye level when seated in the living room. I had dry fitted the sump and skimmer and knew it would be tight, but it would all fit.
Once I began plumbing, at a certain point the sump needed to go in- so the space got really tight and making the connections got really hard. I do have a lot of experience plumbing and it was challenging for me. It took a good part of 7 hours to get it done.
I did use unions where possible to allow me to break connections.
I did build a manifold so if I choose to expand later I can.
I did the custom concrete counter top for the base and with the INT the holes are drilled in the back of the tank. I did not want a cut out where the very rear of the tank would be unsupported, so I made a template of the overflow and made knock outs for the plumbing. One thing I did not do is to measure the size of the lock rings that attach to the bottom of the bulk heads.. so I spent some quality time on my back in the sump area chiselling out concrete to get the lock rings to fit.
I got the plumbing done with several trips to the hardware store .
Got my aquacape done, I wanted a lot of hide spots with a lot of swimming room and ample area for everyone to set up their own little territory. I used some base rocks with some shelf along the back. I added a large descending rubble pile with some Tongan Branch for some vertical in the middle. There are two bays along each side and then a mushroom rock with rubble pile out front.
I got my water in and the MP40 hooked up and began heating the water.
I have been mixing water for three days, and have about 15 gallons to go.
I am having an issue with my pump, does not seem to be pumping much water- I am going to have to take it apart and see if I can trouble shoot it.
Put turbo start in last night and part of shrimp for some food for the bacteria. I did a 5 gallon water change on my other tank and put that water into my new tank.
More to come.
Equipment:
IM INT 112 Lagoon
Eco Tech Radion XR30
Reef Octopus Varios 6 DC pump
Ecto-Tech MP40
Zet Refugium light
Trigger Systems Saphire 39 sump
Reef Octopus 152 S Skimmer
Tunze osmolater ATO
Neptune automatic feeder
Eheim 250 watt heater
