Mixing Station Build

Michael Hull · Oct 15, 2019

Hi All,

Just thought I'd see about starting my first build thread! Installing a SW mixing station in my attached garage. You can see the glow of my tank just up the stairs.

I purchased two Norwesco 65gal water tanks, a PanWorld 40PX pump, and various ball valves/pvc, etc. Planning to build a platform about 33" off the ground, to take advantage of storage underneath since I have such high ceilings in here.

Will mount my 5 stage RO/DI on the wall behind, and also put in a utility sink. Thinking I'll mount the sink right on the platform at the 33" height with a mount-in style sink.

Here's the area it will go, and my current shelf of gear, which may go right where it is, but with the wheels off.

Also, unrelated question: You can see I have some dry rock. What's the best way to prep that if I want to add to my sump/fuge/display for add'l bio filtration?

Crabs McJones · Oct 15, 2019

Put the rock in a bin with heated circulating saltwater and dump in a bottle of bacteria and let it run. This will seed the rock to add to your tank.

JumboShrimp · Oct 15, 2019

If you could explain the plumbing in your build as you progress through it, it would be helpful to me. Most people just say broad things like ‘I have it circulating from here to there by turning a valve.’

z28reefer · Oct 15, 2019

Did you buy the tanks locally or online? Usually the prices seem to be reasonable but the shipping costs have always stopped me from ordering.

Michael Hull · Oct 15, 2019

Found them on agrisupply.com. Best I could find of the online sources. Got to me in less than a week.

z28reefer · Oct 15, 2019

Michael Hull said:
Found them on agrisupply.com. Best I could find of the online sources. Got to me in less than a week.

Just checked shipping. For me its $150 for one tank

I guess I'll just keep using brute trash cans for now.

ttbuc40 · Oct 15, 2019

Home depot has them for local pick up I believe.

AbjectMaelstroM · Oct 15, 2019

z28reefer said:
Just checked shipping. For me its $150 for one tank I guess I'll just keep using brute trash cans for now.

Check a Tractor Supply if you have one near you.

Michael Hull · Oct 17, 2019

Here's my proposed layout. Tanks will be approx 30" off the ground. Hope to add in a sink to wright of tanks. This is an elevation view.

Would like to mount shelving/RO/DI to right of FW tank.

Thoughts? What else should I Be considering?

NPD_289 · Oct 17, 2019

Looks good. I'm sharing a picture of mine for an idea of what plumbing pieces you might need.

AdamB · Oct 17, 2019

Looks fine .. mine is similar set up in the part you erased on drawing . I have installed fittings where I can put water hose or python hose on.

Michael Hull · Oct 17, 2019

Nice! What fitting did you use to connect Python hose?

Idoc · Oct 17, 2019

NPD_289 said:
Looks good. I'm sharing a picture of mine for an idea of what plumbing pieces you might need.

Is there anything special in terms of plumbing required inside the salt mixing container? Or is sucking water from the bottom and returning it back through the top sufficient for mixing the salt with the water?

Michael Hull · Oct 17, 2019

Idoc said:
Is there anything special in terms of plumbing required inside the salt mixing container? Or is sucking water from the bottom and returning it back through the top sufficient for mixing the salt with the water?

I was thinking about making some kind of internal distribution piping for mixing, but not sure its necessary.

NPD_289 · Oct 17, 2019

Idoc said:
Is there anything special in terms of plumbing required inside the salt mixing container? Or is sucking water from the bottom and returning it back through the top sufficient for mixing the salt with the water?

This is what I did on the inside of the mixing container

Michael Hull · Oct 19, 2019

First frame complete.

AdamB · Oct 19, 2019

Michael Hull said:
Nice! What fitting did you use to connect Python hose?

I just went to Lowe’s and bought a 3/4” pvc hose fitting. I can attach water hose or my python hose. Works great .

AdamB · Oct 19, 2019

Idoc said:
Is there anything special in terms of plumbing required inside the salt mixing container? Or is sucking water from the bottom and returning it back through the top sufficient for mixing the salt with the water?
Sucking water from bottom and circulating to top mixes the salt great. Not a problem ..my 2 tanks are 25 ft from my storage so I bought 3000 quiet one pumps to recirculate and pump to my tanks as seen in picture ..