125g Build

Very nice build you have going!

I initially set up dual Durso drains and the noise was deafening and the flow into the sump was violent, I thought my sump would crack! I changed to the Herbie style and it works great. My main goals in my plumbing was 1) safe in a power outage, no over flow 2) quiet 3) good flow.
I got all three after some fine tuning - fine tuning the height of the emergency drain and the primary drain pipe. I used the Durso style "L" top but without the drilled air holes. Flow is much better with the Herbie and much safer.
Looking great!

 

I did the head loss calc for my setup. They don't have a Eheim 1262, so I used a mag 9.

Total losses are 8.96 feet of head pressure, or 3.87 PSI. with a flow rate of 500 GPH. Process took 46 iterations.

Head Loss Calculator developed by Jason Nugent, with pump curve information courtesy of Shane Graber and Reefs.org

 

The Eheim's really don't push that much. You'd be better with a Mag 12+. I'm using a Smartpond 2000 (tuned down) on the 125. It's better to use a pump pushing more than necessary so that you may tune the flow to your liking.

 

True, but then I'd have to buy another pump. I had planned at one time on using two (2) Mag 9.5's, one for each megaflow return. But, I scuttled that idea and have only the 1262 on there now. The flow is ok, nothing to write home about. I will have two MP40WES in there, so not too worried about tank flow.

 

Nice build, my 125 is in my DT vid in my sig.

I've added TaoTronics 120W LEDs since that video- highly recommend them- about 150 $ each Shipped!

I use a Marineland 5500 for my return, quiet, reliable, great flow.

Are you going to paint or cover the back before you get it settled?

 

I am going to build a diy coral wall w eggcrate, pond foam, sand, and white concrete.

Those LEDs look interesting...3 for the price of one AI Sol!

 

ordered 80lbs of argonite sand and 50lbs dry rock from marcorocks. Going to start building the 3D aquarium background and aquascape next week.

 

look good

 

Can't wait to see pics of the background.

 

Thanks. I can't wait to get started. I'd much rather work with my hands on projects like this everyday than sitting in front of a computer like a do now.

I have done a ton of research on the different methodologies used for creating DIY rocks and 3D backgrounds using foam board, egg crate, spray foam and different types of aggregates. I think I am going to use several different materials/methodologies to get the type of look I am after. Kind of a fresh water rock shelf and natural reef kind of look if that makes sense. I really love the freshwater backgrounds that are published on youtube and other sites. But, I think they would look silly in a reef tank. So, I'm shooting for a hybrid.

I will post more pics once I get started. Still draining the tank after water testing... trying to save the water for plants. Water is expensive here in AZ.