MMcDonald 55 gal Build

I finally got far enough along that I am willing to post some pictures and start a build thread. Thanks much to the 3reef community for the consulting help and advice thus far. If anyone sees anything in these pictures, I am more than open to feedback.

55 gal Display with 40 gal Sump/Refuge underneath


Sump/Refuge : Wooden closeout at the mid-section of the tank is removable


Skimmer section : Octo XP-2000 skimmer raised on crate sitting in 5.5 inches water depth.


Pump/ATO float vale section


Refugium Section


ATO Bottle: I built the valve feed line into the cap so that I can just fill bottles with RO/DI water and change them out. Will build a cabinet extension to hide and cover as I go. You can also see the valve manifold that I built to control the 1000GPH return pump.


Comment appreciated. Next issues: too many bubbles coming into sump/refuge from overflows. Suggestions appreciated. Dosing?? What to do about dosing in general.

Thanks
Mark

 

wow very nice set up i like the look of your fuge and aqua scape in your dt

 

Looking great! Only concern I have would be cleaning the glass on the sides where the rocks are touching. As far as the micro bubbles . . . I dont really see anything that jumps out at me as a potential problem, unless there is air getting into your manifold somehow.

~Will.

 

Looks nice!!

 

Good job, awesome.

 

Looks great.....

 

Very nice! I really like how you have the rock arranged. How many pounds of rock is that??

 

I actually don't remember how much LR that is. I had bought over time in a FOWLR tank. I really didn't know what I was doing. I am guessing 75lbs but it is a total guess. Enough to pile the back wall of a 55 gal and put a pile in the refugium. I figure a lot of LR isn't a bad thing.

 

looks good i just started my 55 back up also

 

I have like 120 pounds in my tank but its soooo dense it doesnt fill up the tank like yours does. Yours looks great i'm jealous lol