DG's 180G Mixed Reef Build (1 Viewer)

[DGTG]

Thought I'd share the build along the way, with those who may want to tag along.

Starting with an AGA 180G RR with dual Mega-flow overflows (6'X 2'X 2') and the basic black factory stand. I plan on getting most of the plumbing, equipment, electrical, make-ready and rock-scape temporarily "laid out" and arranged--in the garage, before disassembling and moving it into it's permanent location in the house.

Lighting is a Coralife PRO 72" w/(3) 250W HQI MH, (4) 96w Actinics & (4) Lunar Leds.

Sump is a custom acrylic that is currently under construction.

Skimmer......well heck, I WANT IN THE CLUB!! Bubble Magnus 200P (as soon as they get one in stock).

Pump, I'm leaning towards a Panworld 150PX (but haven't pulled the trigger yet)

Rock-scape will be something special (once I get them in hand and in the tank, I'll post some pictures) :-o

So far: Durso's are built, back of tank has a few coats of black, light has been fitted (just for some pics), and plumbing will get started when sump is finished and pump gets here. A few pics to get it going:

 

[RR-MAN]

Looking good Duston.

You changed tank already?

 

[DGTG]

Knaw, I still have the other 2..........for now, lets say I'm consolidating (lol).

Sorry bout no pics yet, have a request into the admin, for an allowed increase in attachment size.

 

[flexrac]

just use photobucket to host the images.

 

[DGTG]

http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae90/DustonG/Reef/DSC00166.jpg

http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae90/DustonG/Reef/DSC00170.jpg

http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae90/DustonG/Reef/DSC00169.jpg

 

[boogaman]

Looks good so far.

 

[fjwaquarium]

Looking good D.

 

[flexrac]

Assist:

 

[DGTG]

Thanks for the assist Flex.

Let me try this again, I'll figure it out sooner or later.

I love Saturdays.......and new pumps

 

[flexrac]

any update?

 

[DGTG]

Been slowly working on some minor stuff, while waiting for the custom sump to be finished:

Got some of my loc-line and fittings in.

Oversized check installed. We will see if it blows apart during testing. If it does, I'll go with your suggestion Felix I want to change the pump bottom 1/2 union to schedule 80 yet.

Plumbed about as much that can be done, until sump gets here.

The Sch80 elbow on the return was used for 2 reasons. 1-it is a FIP X Slip. In the plumbing trade-when we use a FIP fitting (weather under static pressure, or flow pressure) we like schedule 80. The slightly thicker fitting wall at the threads are less likely to split due to stress or over-tightening. 2. Darker color. I plan on grabbing sch80 caps for the durso's next time i'm in the warehouse, to disguise the drain a little better.

Built a little shelf out of poplar, to hold the 250W MH ballasts.


Checked my UPS tracking number on my "special" dry rock before logging in. It looks like it may be here tomorrow. I think I figured out why a lot of folks go with a custom stand. I am not real pleased with the construction of the bottom of the factory stand. The grain of the wood runs with the 6' length, and when marginal weight is put under the stand (me doing the plumbing) there is substantial flex in the bottom. Looks like some stand work will be in order, before it makes it in the house.

 

[flexrac]

for your setup, you do not need that chck valve at all, you will get a little backflow from power fail but, not enough to cause concern, you should have enough room in your sump to handle this. You should have a running sump water level and a power off water level. as long as your loc lines are not too low below the water line you will be fine.
if you must use a check valve get the one with the plastic flap inside, your current check valve has a metal spring inside and can rust. Learned this after i removed mine.

keep us updated.
here is a link to the checks:
http://www.flexpvc.com/cart/agora.cgi?product=PVC-Valves-SwingCheck

 

[DGTG]

The running level and emergency drain down volume levels in the sump, were accounted for during sump design-- in case the check doesn't cut it- I'm comfortable there.

Heres the exact swing (not spring) type check I have installed; http://www.kbico.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_26&products_id=237

There is no metal/spring in this valve.

When she fires up on her initial test run......we will see what happens, after all.....I'm learning as I go

 

[flexrac]

ok

 

[DGTG]

Starting to play with rocks

Starting to play with some of the rocks received yesterday. I'm sure they will get moved around several more time before settling on a design.

 

[fjwaquarium]

Looking good Duston.

 

[DGTG]

Thanks D!

 

[Copingsaw]

Really nice looking rock scape. Love the multi-tiered look.

 

[trb]

That is a nice size tank! Looks good!

If you want to lower the top of your Durso, you can use a plug inside the top of the T fitting instead of the pipe and a cap. I used one with a 3/4" screw in fitting that I drilled the air hole in. The top of my drain is only about 1/4" above the T fitting now and completely hidden behind my overflow.

 

[flexrac]

Looks great!