Critique my tank and sump!

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by felixfish, Jan 25, 2012.

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  1. felixfish

    felixfish Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2011
    Messages:
    140
    Location:
    Sullivan, IN
    I would like the experts and reef keepers help me add, improve, or critique my piece of the ocean. Here is a short journey of things i've changed, and learned.

    Here is a current shot at my 55g. I went for the minimalistic look and added a lot of my live rock to my sump.

    [​IMG]
    PICT0515 by felix_434, on Flickr

    When I started the sump:
    I also have a unique 29G sump tank unlike Berlin or typical set-ups. To make a long story short, I attempted to add baffles after my ATO (Algae Turf Scrubber), to a HOB skimmer, then to my return pump. I have changed a lot from skimmer only to HOB refugium, to cutting holes in the wall and adding a 29G sump tank in my furnace room behind the tank.

    [​IMG]
    IMG_1051 by felix_434, on Flickr


    Well the baffles gave way and now I’m not using baffles, which I don't get any micro bubbles.
    I ran just my old Reef Octopus HOB with my ATS.

    [​IMG]
    IMG_1068 by felix_434, on Flickr

    My sump now houses my ATS, BRS reactor, HOB skimmer, ATO, filter sock & holder, Mag 7 pump and heater. I have a bunch of my live rock from the DT in my sump as well.

    [​IMG]
    Untitled by felix_434, on Flickr

    [​IMG]
    Untitled by felix_434, on Flickr

    ATS
    [​IMG]
    IMG_1483 by felix_434, on Flickr

    Filter sock and holder
    [​IMG]
    Untitled by felix_434, on Flickr

    And our hungry cat Mudo :-D
    [​IMG]
    PICT0502 by felix_434, on Flickr



    I want to strive to have mostly soft coral maybe some LPS tank, and appreciate your feedback. I have a Solar Extreme 4 T5 with 2 -10K and 2 actinic's.
     
    Last edited: Jan 25, 2012
    felixfish, Jan 25, 2012
    felixfish, Jan 25, 2012
    #1

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  2. Newreef15

    Newreef15 Horrid Stonefish

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2009
    Messages:
    2,052
    Location:
    Tallahassee Florida
    what are you using the float switch for ? is that you ato.

    O and I really like your rock work nice job
     
    Newreef15, Jan 25, 2012
    Newreef15, Jan 25, 2012
    #2
  3. felixfish

    felixfish Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2011
    Messages:
    140
    Location:
    Sullivan, IN
    Yes it's for my ATO. It's a gravity fed float valve I have a 5 gal bucket with a bulk head on it out of view on a kitty condo. :-D maybe that's why it's not pictured. Ha
     
    felixfish, Jan 25, 2012
    felixfish, Jan 25, 2012
    #3
  4. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2011
    Messages:
    6,166
    Location:
    southeast ohio O-H....
    2 problems IMO!

    1. paint the background! I used home windowtint! goes on with soapy water and can be adjusted!

    2. It's in the wrong house! PM me for directions!

    Nice tank! i like it!
     
    cosmo, Jan 25, 2012
    cosmo, Jan 25, 2012
    #4
  5. felixfish

    felixfish Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2011
    Messages:
    140
    Location:
    Sullivan, IN
    Yes I do like the blue background, and or thought about painting the PVC the color of the wall. Are you referring to limo tint or something dark?
     
    felixfish, Jan 25, 2012
    felixfish, Jan 25, 2012
    #5
  6. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

    Joined:
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    6,166
    Location:
    southeast ohio O-H....
    i just used a blue window tint from amazon! super cheap and easy! plus easy to remove if ya don't like! should cost less than $20!
     
    cosmo, Jan 25, 2012
    cosmo, Jan 25, 2012
    #6

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  7. tattoolew

    tattoolew Sea Dragon

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2011
    Messages:
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    Location:
    Bluefield, VA
    Yeah limo tint would look nice, really good looking 55gal. It seems like alot of plumbing
     
    tattoolew, Jan 25, 2012
    tattoolew, Jan 25, 2012
    #7
  8. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2011
    Messages:
    6,166
    Location:
    southeast ohio O-H....
    cosmo, Jan 25, 2012
    cosmo, Jan 25, 2012
    #8
  9. SnooknRedz

    SnooknRedz Vlamingii Tang

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2010
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    1,869
    Location:
    Melbourne FL
    I dont think theres anything that can be done, other than to add more coral! The tank looks great! the way the sand bed rolls, and the rocks mimic. nice 55!
     
    SnooknRedz, Jan 25, 2012
    SnooknRedz, Jan 25, 2012
    #9
  10. dowtish

    dowtish Horrid Stonefish

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2011
    Messages:
    2,062
    Location:
    Nashville TN
    I would remove any 90 degree connections on your overflow. It slows things down tremendously, and makes more noise, but being that it's through the wall, i guess that doesnt matter.

    Are you planning on having corals? what kind of lights are you running?
     
    dowtish, Jan 25, 2012
    dowtish, Jan 25, 2012
    #10
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