Tank upgrade build thread

[ReeferPat]

Hi all. I’m getting a 75-gallon tank with a sump tomorrow as an upgrade for my 40-gallon AIO cube (pic included). I wanted to go with either a Red Sea reefer or an Innovative Marine but I have decided to go with an off the shelf 75-gallon braced tank as it is significantly cheaper. I will start uploading pics sometime tomorrow.

Until then, I have a question: is it absolutely necessary to glue the PVC plumbing?

 

[Sonja]

Your existing tank is beautiful, cant wait to see the new setup!

 

[ccombs]

Hi all. I’m getting a 75-gallon tank with a sump tomorrow as an upgrade for my 40-gallon AIO cube (pic included). I wanted to go with either a Red Sea reefer or an Innovative Marine but I have decided to go with an off the shelf 75-gallon braced tank as it is significantly cheaper. I will start uploading pics sometime tomorrow.

Until then, I have a question: is it absolutely necessary to glue the PVC plumbing?

Congrats.

Yes glue is necessary. When glueing pipes, don't think of it like a traditional glue that attaches 2 things. PVC primer/glue changes the molecular structure so the 2 pieces actually bond together as opposed to being stuck together.

Don't forget to use your primer, it is a step you won't regret.


Here is a good video on plumbing.

 

[maroun.c]

congrats on the upgrade. yes unless using threaded pipes, gluing pipes is necessary.

 

[ReeferPat]

Thanks, I guess I’ll be glueing.. Picked up the whole setup today.

Starphire sump and Eshopps skimmer. I will have two A360Xs on it, which may be overkill on a 75-gallon mixed reef but since I already had the one...

I also got 20 pounds of Caribsea Life Rock shapes (tunnels and caves) to add to my existing 40 pounds of live rock. Will be starting with all new sand.

Never plumbed a tank before so a little intimidated but I will be taking my time.

I also think I have a good plan for how I’m going to empty and move the old 40 gallon cube AIO. before transferring all coral and fish to new tank. Mostly exited about building a much better rock scape.

 

[ReeferPat]

First plumbing attempt. Unfortunately, hardware store didn’t sell any blue pvc so it won’t match.

 

[ReeferPat]

My 14-year-old son helping drain the old tank. This was a much bigger job than I thought. I’m excited, but I’m never doing this again.

 

[ReeferPat]

Here we go.

 

[ReeferPat]

my son and I got the drain

plumbing done. Incredibly proud of our effort (even though it pales in comparison to some of your tanks).

 

[ReeferPat]

Everything is up and ready. Pretty mush just made sure to get the corals and fish into the new tank. Will get to rockscaping tomorrow. Super thrilled with the plumbing even though the gurgling is a bit loud. Still trying to dial it in.

 

[ReeferPat]

Finally set up the way I like it. Now I just have to contain myself from buying more corals. Love the rockscape though.

 

[ReeferPat]

All the corals are starting to settle in. Added a small UV filter, which took care of the bacterial bloom and hazy water. Parameters are holding steady.

 

[ReeferPat]

Rainbow trachyphyllia after feeding reef roids. Crazy to see its feeding response.

 

[ReeferPat]

So sad.. Finally set up a small hospital tank. Using copper power. Only been using it for a day but my poor powder brown tang is still completely covered in either ich or velvet, not sure which...

 

[ReeferPat]

Things are looking pretty good. Going to have to treat the powder brown tang again and take him back to the lfs. He was completely clear after four weeks in hospital tank and none of the fish in display showed any spots. Spots showed up again in a few days after he went back in the display. I just don’t have the capability to run the tank completely fallow at this point so I’m just going to make sure the piwder brown is ok and keep a close eye on all other fish.

 

[ReeferPat]

Growth pics and new lens for the iPhone!

 

[ReeferPat]

Video update...

 

[ReeferPat]

Transitioning to SPS-Heavy...

After about a year-and-half of reefing (first with 40-gallon AIO and now with a 75-gallon), I am adding more acros to increasingly try an SPS dominant reef. I wonder if it can be done with only kalkwasser in my ATO or if I need to consider other - more expensive - dosing options. Seems ok for now...