Large Aquarium Build Advice Needed

[Caseyz]

Just an updated equipment list as it continues to evolve:

And here is a rendering of the sump with the gate valves and check valves. I am planning on the Vectra return pumps now and I know they have the ability to change / hold flow rates so I probably don't need the gate valves on the return, but it just make me feel better so I added them in.

 

[Gablami]

A gate valve would still be recommended if you value silence .

 

[RJKain-777]

Give @Joe Glass Cages a call, get way more for your money, and you’ll be supporting a small business

 

[K7BMG]

Give @Joe Glass Cages a call, get way more for your money, and you’ll be supporting a state side small business.

Very true.
Joe and I are in comunication a on a 500g
I am just waiting to sell a few things.
Craigs list has a lot of ding bats.

 

[RJKain-777]

Very true.
Joe and I are in comunication a on a 500g
I am just waiting to sell a few things.
Craigs list has a lot of ding bats.

He built my 340, should be shipping next Friday. I agree on trying to sell things, I just end up keeping everything instead.

 

[K7BMG]

He built my 340, should be shipping next Friday. I agree on trying to sell things, I just end up keeping everything instead.

Saweeet

 

[K7BMG]

Well not selling any tank equipment thats for sure.
Anyway dont want to hijack

 

[K7BMG]

I would research the MarinePure blocks.
I had reduced heavy metals after removing them according to my ICP tests. There are several threads on this subject here on R2R.

 

[K7BMG]

I would also choose a recirculating skimmer.
IMO these are better. I watched the BRS skimmer series and other research to come to this conclusion.

I think you missed one of the most important pieces of equipment. Well its not on your list anyway.
Thats a RO/DI unit. You want one that has a TDS meter and seperate DI canisters.

 

[JumboShrimp]

"I live on a farm and have a tractor with a fork lift and unload trucks for equipment all the time." Now I'm extremely jealous... that's why I couldn't have a 96' tank built. ;Facepalm And I absolutely agree about a recirculating skimmer.

 

[JoshH]

Just an updated equipment list as it continues to evolve:

And here is a rendering of the sump with the gate valves and check valves. I am planning on the Vectra return pumps now and I know they have the ability to change / hold flow rates so I probably don't need the gate valves on the return, but it just make me feel better so I added them in.

Skip the check valves and just make sure it's plumbed properly so the sump doesn't overflow when the return pump is off. Also, totally up to you but I'd skip the gate valves on everything except your main drain line. They can be rather expensive and you could spend that money on better things.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Will you have manifolds? Such as to run a recirculating skimmer, UV sterilizer, algae scrubber, or anything else down the line you might want to run off your return pump? Now would be the best time to put one or two in. You could gate valve those.

 

[Caseyz]

Skip the check valves and just make sure it's plumbed properly so the sump doesn't overflow when the return pump is off. Also, totally up to you but I'd skip the gate valves on everything except your main drain line. They can be rather expensive and you could spend that money on better things.

Very good points. I guess my thinking is they are probably $100 or so in a 20K build and they might be useful while I get things tuned. In my old SPS tank I ended up with water on the floor a few times while getting things just right. With the larger volume now I think I will probably do the same and would like to limit that as much as possible.

 

[Caseyz]

I would also choose a recirculating skimmer.
IMO these are better. I watched the BRS skimmer series and other research to come to this conclusion.

I think you missed one of the most important pieces of equipment. Well its not on your list anyway.
Thats a RO/DI unit. You want one that has a TDS meter and seperate DI canisters.

Good point, RODI unit is assumed in this build, just not called out in the BOM. Could you help me understand the benefits of a recirculating skimmer over one in the sump?

 

[JumboShrimp]

Right? Even say you had a 4-foot run of pipe under the tank before you return water hits the DT (with a union on each end of the run), and three equally spaced gate valves to serve up to three purposes in the future. You'd be set for about $125.00.

 

[K7BMG]

If your going Triton method you need a lot of flow for filtration.
10X, this is difficult to achieve and adding a manifold will reduce flow.
So I do not recomend any manifold on the main return.
I use a second pump for the additional items.

 

[Caseyz]

Right? Even say you had a 4-foot run of pipe under the tank before you return water hits the DT (with a union on each end of the run), and three equally spaced gate valves to serve up to three purposes in the future. You'd be set for about $125.00.

Well played sir.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Keeping it simple, the with the recirculating skimmer (large photo in my thread build) you never have to worry about keeping a "correct"/constant water level in your sump. In fact the recirculating skimmer could literally run outside your sump-- but most people wouldn't do that without at least putting it in some type of small tank or 'box' in case water were to overflow the top at any point. But sump water-level becomes just one less thing to adjust.

 

[K7BMG]

Good point, RODI unit is assumed in this build, just not called out in the BOM. Could you help me understand the benefits of a recirculating skimmer over one in the sump?

A recirculating skimmer has a manifold or a second pump to feed it with water.
Sump levels no longer matter for peak operation.
They are far more adjustable for tuning it in.
Most manufacturers make both internal and external recirculating skimmers.

 

[Caseyz]

A recirculating skimmer has a manifold or a second pump to feed it with water.
Sump levels no longer matter for peak operation.
They are far more adjustable for tuning it in.
Most manufacturers make both internal and external recirculating skimmers.

Hmm, ok so the one I am considering is the Bashsea model that has a pump that feeds it from the second chamber in the sump. That pump can be tuned to whatever output the skimmer needs. I think I am still missing the point (sorry been out of this for ten years). Is there a diagram you could point me to? Very willing to learn something new.