The Unskilled Reef Build

[Unskilled Reefer]

i'm confused with the placement of the baffles. I assume it will flow from right to left.

what are your plans for the small middle section?

Here is a video with my pump set in its place. Without plumbing I can’t show the flow from both sides at the same time but you can get the idea I think.

 

[Unskilled Reefer]

Oh and special thanks to @cromag27 for making me the awesome sock holders and media cup! I only have one installed for leak testing but the final sump with have two.

 

[count krunk]

curious why you decided to set up your sump that way? i think i may do the same

 

[Unskilled Reefer]

curious why you decided to set up your sump that way? i think i may do the same

The reason behind this is to be able to run a high flow turnover through your sump while still being able to limit the flow for your fuge. A fuge needs time with the water to work it’s magic and you also don’t want your chaeto or whatever you have in your fuge to get sucked into the return pump area.

 

[Unskilled Reefer]

The baffles being down up down are also important in being able to run high flow turnover.

 

[Unskilled Reefer]

Plumbing is the next big item on the list. I installed the bulkheads, hose and adapters to get to my first main section of “hard” plumbing.

I am going to use sch 80 pvc for the fittings but sch 40 for the pipe.

I used a hole drill bit to create the holes in the stand for the bulkheads. I also had to notch some of a 2x4 for the drain piece to fit.

I also cut the holes in the wall for the pipes.

 

[Unskilled Reefer]

Further progress on the plumbing. I cut and dry fitted the plumbing from the DT into the wall. This includes the return pipe with Loc-line fittings and the Durso drain.

Yes I was short a few sch 80 fittings so I used some sch 40 just for the dry fitting.

I also have my rough design created for the sump side of the wall plumbing.

 

[JumboShrimp]

I LOVE low tanks. Looks like you’re having fun, too, which is the #1 thing! Best wishes.

 

[Unskilled Reefer]

I LOVE low tanks. Looks like you’re having fun, too, which is the #1 thing! Best wishes.

I’m having a blast! Thanks

 

[scriptmonkey]

What are the dimensions of that, I really like!

 

[Unskilled Reefer]

What are the dimensions of that, I really like!

DT is 48x24x12

 

[Unskilled Reefer]

I wanted a custom color for my plumbing. The sch 80 ball valves I purchased are gray and red. I went with the color marigold.

And now they are ready to assemble the final plumbing

 

[JumboShrimp]

“Marigold!” Gotta love it! Go bold, or go home...

 

[scriptmonkey]

 

[Unskilled Reefer]

Lol

 

[Unskilled Reefer]

My rocks and sand came in today!

80 lbs of CaribSea Hawaiian black sand

40 lbs of CaribSea dry base rock

40 lbs of CaribSea shelf rock

Oh and I almost forgot the 40 lbs of CaribSea Fiji pink sand for the sump fuge.

 

[JumboShrimp]

I thought you were getting “marigold” colored sand?! (Only kidding— we are excited for you. Keep the pictures coming)

 

[Unskilled Reefer]

I thought you were getting “marigold” colored sand?! (Only kidding— we are excited for you. Keep the pictures coming)

If CaribSea sold it I just might have done it, lol.

 

[Unskilled Reefer]

I think the color scheme came out great for the plumbing... I love it!

 

[Unskilled Reefer]

I didn’t want the purple pvc primer ruining my newly painted pipe so I went with the clear.

I did have trouble finding clear pvc primer at the big box hardware stores and had to order it online. The clear cement they had in stock.