New tank build

[Erich]

Okay guys I'm new to the reef2reef forum. So here I go I'm starting a 4 ft long 2 1/2 foot deep 2 foot high fish tank build. I had a poll up to where I should put the overflow. The winner is the back wall. I should start working on this this Sunday. I will be using 1/2 inch thick acrylic and weld on 40. Tried using weld on 3 and 4 didn't work for me. Hopefully I will have pictures up soon this will be an ongoing project as I will be building the sump, stand, and water mixing station. Hope I will get feedback as I go along with the tank build. See you guys Sunday.

 

[HotRocks]

Welcome to R2R!

We like lots of pictures here! So pictures or it didn't happen!

 

[hwntunda]

Welcome to r2r and looking forward to see your build!

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Welcome to R2R! I remember seeing the poll! Can wait to see pics of the build!

 

[Erich]

it has begun!!!!;Happy;Happy;Happy

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Oh ya! Let the fun times begin!

 

[Erich]

now here is the question i'm going to be putting a weir on the back wall 2" going to the sump running 1" as returns do the center of the overflow and the center of the returns need to be at the same level on the back wall

 

[hdsoftail1065]

I'm not experianced in that area but I seen NY_Caveman online. He can probably help or direct you to the right person.

@NY_Caveman

 

[Erich]

I'm not experianced in that area but I seen NY_Caveman online. He can probably help or direct you to the right person.

@NY_Caveman

is he on here

 

[NY_Caveman]

Hey guys. I must admit, I have never built a tank and have never even used a sump. Maybe @jsker would have some thoughts?

 

[NY_Caveman]

Or more generally, [edit] may have some insight.

EDIT: Whoops, wrong tag meant #reefsquad

 

[DLHDesign]

do the center of the overflow and the center of the returns need to be at the same level on the back wall

If I understand your question correctly; no - they do not. Whatever the lowest point is between the two (accounting for nozzles on the returns, of course), that is the level the tank will settle at when the pumps are turned off. If the returns are lower than the bottom of the overflow weir, then they will siphon the water out of the DT into the sump until the siphon breaks. For that reason, I think it's common to have the center of the returns be just slightly above the bottom of the weir. This is one of the advantages of using even just a couple links of Loc-line on the return; they allow you to raise/lower the return valve position so that they are just at the surface.

Caveat: I've never built a tank myself. My Red Sea 525XL has the center of the return located pretty much right at the bottom of the weir slots.

 

[jsker]

is he on here

A sketch of your thoughts and design would help out to clarify things

 

[Erich]

If I understand your question correctly; no - they do not. Whatever the lowest point is between the two (accounting for nozzles on the returns, of course), that is the level the tank will settle at when the pumps are turned off. If the returns are lower than the bottom of the overflow weir, then they will siphon the water out of the DT into the sump until the siphon breaks. For that reason, I think it's common to have the center of the returns be just slightly above the bottom of the weir. This is one of the advantages of using even just a couple links of Loc-line on the return; they allow you to raise/lower the return valve position so that they are just at the surface.

Caveat: I've never built a tank myself. My Red Sea 525XL has the center of the return located pretty much right at the bottom of the weir slots.

Thanks for the info that is what I was wanting to know.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Welcome and may the force be with you on your project

 

[Erich]

Thanks for the info that is what I was wanting to know.

Thanks

 

[Erich]

update 7/1/18 0315 est.

 

[Erich]

i think that i may have to get a new router i think i may have broke it tonight smoke started to come out of it but for now it is still working

 

[Erich]

hey i was just over at the GARF site and was reading about something called a plenum. Is this something that i should be looking at making when I get to the point of setting everything up? just asking what is everyone's thoughts are.

 

[vetteguy53081]

hey i was just over at the GARF site and was reading about something called a plenum. Is this something that i should be looking at making when I get to the point of setting everything up? just asking what is everyone's thoughts are.

Plenum not necessary although it creates a chamber for bacteria or substrate and raises the sanded above the area is also a maintenance headache and could retain harmful gases or air long term.
Water changes work Just as well