BSuttons 90 Gallon Build Thread

Well it is coming together and looking good. I don't know to much about the way you have your drain pipe done mine just terminate right below the normal operating water line. I have a different drain system then you though is there a benfit to making it submerge that far under the water and adding all that extra piping? The teed off return to the fuge looks good might I recommend instead of the 90's use 45's because there will be less back pressure. As far as teeing off your drain you could do it either way. Some people say they like to do it that way so that the nutrient rich bactira can get to the fuge directly from the tank and the fuge can do its magic. Either way you do it be sure to attach a ball valve so you can regulate the flow of the water because you don't want to much going through there... about 300-400 gph

 

Whats up strangers? I've been quite busy lately and had to put off my build. I'm back into the swing of things and have yet another question. I'm getting ready to primer and cement my pvc for the sump. Is there certain parts I don't want to glue or not? For some reason I recall someone telling me or reading that not all should be glued. Thanks

Brian

 

i would glue everything except near the pumps. you want to be able to remove your pump without cutting your plumbing. I did a union to a "NPT to Barb fitting" and ran vinyl tubing the last 4" to my pump.

 

also, threaded joints dont get glued, get some pipe dope or teflon tape.

 

Sorry I didn't post back up right away... been busy myself if getting it cycling.

As for the PVC goes you can glue what ever you don't want to disassemble.

And a good thing to do is use true union ball valve in all areas for disassembly. Every where else use threaded fittings with thread sealant to make for easy reuseable disassembly.

Basicly you want to be able to take everything apart if needed and use PVC cement as a last option if threads wont fit and you don't need to take it apart.

You can't plan for what it going to happen and you might need to get it apart in a hurry and not have access to replacement part easily better to be safe then sorry.

 

Here is what I've done. My dain has a union before T, that drains in sump/skim area. After the T heading towards the fuge is another union as well as a ball valve. I have not installed a ball valve coming from drain. Do I need to or no? As soon as I pick up a good return pump I will plumb that next.

Brian

 

Ok, so I'm not even done with my 90G build and I already feel as if I need a bigger tank...go figure.

First off I want to thank John @reefcleaners for the awasome base rock...also a speedy recovery. So I decided to take Dingo's idea and recreate his DIY aquascape. I ordered 50 lbs and would say 25 to 30lbs is dedicated to the underwater plataeu. I made this to slope somewhat forward towards the front of the tank. I think this was a really cool idea...thx Dingo.

I also decided to make a pvc box frame and try to create a cave for the tank. I used 3/4" pvc, a few elbows and tee's, drilled some hole and clear zip-ties Then I used some left over purple primer to paint the pvc. I want the cave to be closed on the right side, and open on the left. As for the top I would like to have some light somewhat shine in the cave, but not to much, so I will place the last 3 rocks form reefcleaners on top. The frame consists of about 14lbs of some very porous rock I picked up at LFS.

Here are some pics...let me know what you guys think.

Brian

 

Rock looks very nice

 

Hey. Any updates on this?

 

RL has kept me very busy the past few years keeping me from finishing my tank, however I'm pumped to report that I will be adding water next week. The extra time to do additional research has not hurt.

I finally purchased a 6 lamp t-5 ho lights a while back. I also bought an American DJ Strip that I will mount in my new side cabinet. It will make things much easier to control. I will still be using my underwater island I built but will ditch the rock cave with the PVC I made. I also found a "great must read" about aquascaping tips and tricks on another forum, so the past 2 weeks I've been focusing on that with placement and such. I should have the scape down by tomorrow and will be posting pics. (not sure if i was able to post another forum thread here)

I do have a few questions if anyone is reading this...

1. Do I need to set up skimmer after water is in or wait until tank cycles?

2. My sump is 3 zones, left is from tank, middle is return and right is refugium. Do I set up refugium at same time as tank or no? Also, I've heard a lot of what people use in there from MUD to cat litter and sand with some rubble. I have the rubble. Open to suggestions...

3. Fuge lighting...Can I just buy one of those dome fixtures you see at LFS? I'm limited with room. What type of lamp will I need?

4. Also looking into ATO and reservoir for easier maintenance. Not in a rush on this. Will wait until after turkey day...

5. Lights...For Xmas I was going to treat myself to some new lamps. I've read about different orders and types to put in. Again open to suggestions.

6. This will be a reef tank. I will take my time and start with beginner corals and fish. We kind of know the fish we want but looking for suggestions on corals.

Again, pics will come tomorrow. Thanks in advance...

B