Okay... I'm going to cheat a little and copy and paste most of my update from another forum (R2R) that I'm on.
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So, as I stated before that I was going to add a calcium reactor and plumb both of my tanks together as one. I finally got that all done and was pleasantly surprised when I kicked everything back on and experienced "no leaks!" I usually have a semi-loose union, or bulkhead that's not tight enough... NOPE! I guess a squirrel gets a nut every now and then, after all!
That being said, here's a list of what I did. It may not seem like much (on paper), but it took me 2 days last week to complete (Wednesday and Thursday).
1. Plumb both tanks into one with hard PVC lines.
---This required 4 new 1" threaded/threaded bulkheads on the 120g and one new 3/4" threaded/threaded bulkhead on the 60g.
2. New return pump powers everything.
---I used a Jebao DCT-15000. I only needed half power on the controller to get the result I wanted.
---I added a "shaved" 2" elbow on the intake of the pump's volute, so that water is being sucked in from the bottom of the sump's chamber that it's in. I had to cut it down to make it work the way I wanted it to (used my miter). I've always done this, in the past, as a precaution to running out of ATO water in the reservoir. It's saves me when I'm travelling, or when I simply forget to fill the ATO.
3. Removed custom 2-chamber sump under the 60g (built locally), and removed Trigger Systems Ruby 36 sump from under the 120g.
4. Added custom 48" x 24" x 16" sump for both systems.
---Removed all flex hose (vinyl tubing) and replumbed with hard lines.
5. Removed 2/3 part dosing and added MRC-CR2 calcium reactor.
---Ordered new pump for calcium reactor.
---Testing out new CO2 Art co2 regulator (purchased from our European brother's across the pond).
---Drilled and fit pH probe holder in primary chamber of calcium reactor.
---Current Alk/Ca/pH is 8/400/8.4
6. Built 4-way valved manifold system into return line.
---This removed 3 small pumps from my sump. (Carbon, GFO, UV).
---The 4th valve is for my calcium reactor feed.
7. Added gravity fed auto top off/up.
---My system was evaporating 2.5 gallons per day with the ceiling fan on.
---Turned ceiling fan off and it's now evaporating about 2 gallons per day.
---Going to build a cover for the sump to help out (more coming on that).
---Add a direct feed line from my Icecap RODI system, to the ATO tank.
---Added a float in the sump from the ATO tank, and a float in the ATO tank from the RODI unit (stepper drill bits are your friend).
8. Recessed my return lines in the tank.
---When I got this 120g, a few years ago, I knew there were knockouts built into the overflow boxes, where my Loc-Line could exit. I never used those because I (and most reefers) never put glass lids on top of reef tanks. However, I set my LED strips (supplements) on top of the tank, and those returns always got in the way. I cut the pipes down to size and was able to make it look more "clean" by doing so. No big deal, but definitely worth mentioning. I'll never "not" do that again. It looks that good, IMO.
9. Video diary created on YouTube via my channel.
---It's over 30 minutes long, and unedited. I don't recommend watching this if you are impatient.
---After understanding disclaimer above, here's the link:
https://youtu.be/1zLNyDyb-WU
Problems I encountered...
1. The tank temperatures dropped to 73 degrees F! Some of my corals "dinged-out" on me, by I experienced no losses, thank God.
2. I did this job completely by myself. This was stupid! I should have called a buddy to help out. This would have alleviated down time tremendously. However, I'm a typical guy that likes to "go it alone," so to speak.
3. Never move a 8g nano without draining the water down a bit. (forehead slap)
4. It's better to over-purchase plumbing parts!!! I had to run to Lowe's 4-5 times during the build.
5. Don't forget to eat and drink water! My energy levels suffered because I lost track of time during the build.
6. Wear gloves when fitting pipe! I cut my hands up pretty good doing all of this.
7. Crack a window when using PVC cement/cleaner. I knew better, but I'm still flying high.
8. Did I mention that I didn't put a heater in the tank overnight? (duh)
Pearl of Wisdom: Use a miter saw to cut all your PVC. All PVC hand cutters, that I've EVER used, are terrible substitutes for clean cuts a miter can give you. Sure, you have to run outside all the time... but, it's well worth it for a strong gluing surface, IMO.
I only use the hand cutters on short, quick jobs.
Now, for some nicer observations...
1. My fish seem "happier!" They are swimming around more and not trying to hide from anyone entering the room. The stress just doesn't seem to be there anymore... what little they had, of course.
2. My parameters are easier to adjust. I am drip dosing the effluent from the calcium reactor. By drip dosing it, I am able to control the effluent's pH levels "easier." I'm sure I'll have to increase the drip rate of the effluent and the CO2 later, but right now, my drip rates are spot on (so far). Of course, "easier" is a relative term. What I find easy, you may find difficult.
3. My corals "colored-up" overnight! They love whatever it is that I did.
4. I went from having 2 complete systems to one. My total water volume is now at 230-240g. Also, I only need the one calcium reactor vs. 2 separate dosing setups (which I had, but didn't want to use, FWIW...).
5. The manifold that I setup is a God sent! My system is so "simple" now! I actually enjoy looking at the details now. I used-to dread going in there and seeing my GFO not tumbling right, or air pockets in my dosing lines! All a thing of the past, now...
I'm sure there's some things that I'm missing, but that's the overview.
Since I got all of this done before the weekend, I was able to spend some quality time relaxing most of the weekend. I'm grateful the weather was GORGEOUS!
I hope your weekends were just as nice!
I'll try to get some photos of the work I did, tonight. For those of you that don't want to waste time watching the video.
I'll check this weekend when I get home.
