Houston We Have Problem (w/plumbing) (1 Viewer)

[Guest]

Here's the situation... Got the new 150 setup... Plumbing all done...Mixing Sump in place and ready to roll... Moved rock and stock from my 55gal reef to the 37gal QT tank... started my Macro colonies in the 55gal which will become the refuge for the new 150. Waiting on the fresh harvest of Keys Rock from Liverocks.com in mid-January to start the tank, but wanted to do a FW test run on the plumbing to ensure its integrity and function...

HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM

Even with only a single built in overflow box I couldnt pass on a brand new 150 and Canopy/Stand for $400.... I am pumping in the neighborhood of 1600-1700gal/hr into the tank... It outflows just fine but the water level runs at the jagged upper edge of the overflow box... And without a standoff in the bulkhead fitting in the overflow I am running close to a foot of head in the box to keep up on the drain side... I am terrified a snail is gonna commit hairy carey into the overflow / plug the drain and here comes niagara Falls....

The only solution I can conceive is to construct a Stainless Steel Mesh Strainer to fit the top of the overflow to prevent such a catastrophe....

 

[Guest]

$400? you got ripped off

 

[Guest]

$400? you got ripped off

Are you serious????? Are there some mystical super cheapo tanks out there? Please tell me your yankin my chain.... 8O

 

[fishcraze]

Is it $400 for a brand new RR 150gal w/ stand/ canopy? If it is, then that's an excellent price!
If your drain line is 1" then the snails shouldnt be able to plug up your drain. But it's still a good idea to put a smesh in to prevent the little snails/ fishes to get into your overflow box.

 

[fins]

You could use eggcrate from the home center, its a light diffuser in the lighting section.

 

[Guest]

I believe I may have solution.... I will be building a Durso Standpipe assembly with a DIY bulkhead fitting that should significantly increase the ID of the drain system... I will post results...

 

[AggieBrandon]

And the way a durso works will make it a little harder for the drain line to get clogged up.

Brandon

 

[Guest]

stainless

I think I would stray away from stainless, it still rusts, and metal and saltwater dont work well together.

AND COULD SOMEONE STICK A FORK IN THE SNAKE :-x

 

[Guest]

Ok Guys... Change of plans.... After dinking around with various configurations of DIY bulkheads I am not happy with the resulting possible combinations in terms of gross structural stability.... Thusly I have decided to go ahead and fix the problem properly and ensure plenty of room for growth/expansion.... I will be adding 2 additional built in overflows and replacing the box on the current overflow so all are the same... I want to add a bottom of tank spray bar behind the LR to ensure 0 detrius build up...

So here is where I need Guidance...

1. Who is the local Acrylic Guy and how do I contact him?

2. What is the proper configuration for such a spray bar and what should its volume be?

3. Are there any local glass shops off 290 outside the beltway where I can have the additional holes punched?

4. What is the best silicone sealant to use when installing the new boxes?

 

[Guest]

Answers

1. Reefalot, A.K.A. Kevin Ngo is what I would call our resident acrylic expert.

2. You could run your spray bay as part of a closed loop system and to me more is better. Use the largest pump you can afford.

3. Glass shops on that side of town I can't help you with.

4. GE Silicone I from your local home store. Make sure it's the Silicone I due to the others having inhibitors in them that will leach into your system

 

[Guest]

All Done.... I built the overflows myself from Acrylic... Actually much easier to bend and work with than I imagined... Added an extra overflow to the other back corner, used standard 1" bulkheads, upgraded to 2" PVC for drain manifold, built and installed the Durso Standpipe Assemblies, filled and tested.... PRESTO... problem solved, tank runs almost silent, and I have really unique clear overflows.... I'm a gearhead so I dig the mechanics of the system as much as the actual inhabitants... Thanks to everyone for the input..