Pics of my finally completed sump/fuge

uploaded all the pics to 3Reef last night and thought I could then at work today just link to them...thinking this may not have been the way to do it...so testing this

http://www.3reef.com/forums/members/wcw-albums-new-sump-fuge-diy.html

can everyone click on the link and get to the pics?

 

Sweet! Looks great. Try using this link to post the pics straight to the thread....http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/how-post-pictures-3reef-69264.html

Luna

 

I can see them fine. Nice looking work! I notice you're using a Hoffer Gurglebuster in your HOB overflow. I used one of them for awhile. Nifty little invention, and they work quite well, too.

Mine was "tuned" so that the water level was even with the top of the coupling on which the capped pipe rests. This way was the most silent configuration in my scenario. If yours is silent, I wouldn't change a thing.

 

Ha! Hey Luna! What's so funny is I went searching for that very thread! I remembered seeing it somewhere. My gf and I were otw out for dinner and she was hongreee so I took those shots real quick and uploaded them to here. Next time I'll 'photobucket' the pics (at work right now). Thanks for responding as I wasn't sure people could actually see the pics if they were in my album. Now that I know they can I can write (type) about my experience, so thank you again!

Ok, firstly I want to thank (or maybe not =$$$ ) everyone on this site and the site itself. I've learned so much valuable info. It's also what caused me to completely overhaul my tank from top to bottom, literally. It's because of this is why I became a 3Reef supporter. Least I could do for the knowledge I've gained.

A.) I started with changing the lighting from 4x65w PC's to 2x150w MH's & 4x54w PC's. To some who'd seen my posts that was a challenge in itself from trying to figure out why the PCs were tripping GFCIs, returning the ballast and drilling 4.5" holes into canopy.

B.) Next (about same time actually) I started the process of trying to figure out the largest size sump I could fit under the stand after learning about DIY here vs. buying a pre-made ($!) one. I ended up borrowing a tank from the LFS to test. Ended up with a 30g long and had 1/4" glass baffles made at a local glass co. for $46. Siliconing them was a task trying to figure out the best way to do it. Kudos also btw to Mark Levenson's web site Melevsreef.com - What is a Sump? which was also a huge help. He also emailed me giving me further pointers. One of which was silly, but I had no idea where to get 'egg crate'! lol
Plumbing the sump/fuge is just too much to type. Suffice to say that took some time, effort and a bunch of trips to Home Depot.

C.) I must include this... The overflow box. It's an Eshopps PF-800. I ended up getting a great deal on a Quiet One 4000 on E-bay. Needless to say it was returning water (800 gph at 4ft) faster than the overflow could handle so I ended up putting another U-tube in the box and as per following direction from here, adding a ball valve on the return line. Huge help... What I really wanted to say here though is the Hofer Gurgle Buster was a lifesaver! Hofer Gurgle Buster OMGosh, prior to installing this (was a pita to make the holes!) you could literally hear the noise throughout the whole house! My gf said it sounded like a big 'ole crawfish boil goin on. It took me 3-4 hours to get the HGB done, but oh my goodness. It was unbelievable how it quieted things down! *on a sidenote, the gf gained major points in helping construct everything. She was also the one who pointed out why the water level in the tank was so high, cuz doofus didn't realize the black part (inside the tank) of the overflow box was adjustable...derrrr*

Ok, I'm afraid this post is getting too long so I want to wrap up with some issues I've come across and is the other reason I really wanted to post pics. So you guys can critique and help me further refine my tank etc.

I'm currently replacing all the Texas 'holey' rock with live rock. I thought I could do approx 10lbs a week, but I noticed my nitrates got up to 30-40ppm. I'm wondering if this is partly because I removed the 2 HOB filters and replaced the whole thing with the sump/fuge and cuz the fuge is 'new'?

Another issue was the protein skimmer. I think I tried adjusting it too high (the bubbles) too early as I came home one day cuz the drain line overfilled a 1g jug onto the carpet...grrr It appears now though that it's working correctly. I've it draining into a 5g bucket just to be safe (skimmer's new btw).

Chaeto, as you can see in the picture it's on the bottom of the fuge. I presume it's ok there? I put live sand with fiji mud in there. I also put little pieces of live rock in the fuge. I ended up buying a 2nd ball to try to expedite getting the nitrates back down. This is also why I added de-nitrator to the reactor. As per Luna, i've the light on at night.

Heat...tank temp has gone up since adding the sump. I presume it's from the multiple pumps in the sump (UV ster., skimmer, reactor & return pump). I must say adding that little clip on fan over the sump has helped maintain it between 78.1 to 78.9. cheap alternative to a chiller.

Bubbles...there's still a lot of little bubbles in the DT, but from what I understand that's partly due to the new plumbing. The bubble trap seems to eliminate the majority. Although I still want to figure out a way to decrease the large amount of bubbles entering the sump from the overflow box. I'm thinking of drilling some holes or slots in the pvc that enters the sump.

Overflow box sponge material. Question, how do you or do you, prevent detritus from entering sump? I've read about the sponge material being a nitrate factory, but do ya'll not run anything to block it? I currently have the sponge material that came with the overflow box sitting in between the HGB and the input area. One reason is prevents splashing on my wall and 2 it's seems to be catching detritus. I notice the sponge material I've on the return pump intake also collecting stuff. Do ya'll just let your tanks run without anything?

Ok, in closing (sorry so long!) I'm waiting for my ro/di unit to get in as well as the autotopoff system. Thanks 3Reefers!!! ;D

 

If you plan on going reef, it would be money very well spent to buy RO/DI water from wherever you must during the time you don't own your own RO/DI unit.

Sounds like you're off to a great start!!

 

Sparky,
That's a really great way to reply to a big post with lots of points. Did you learn that trick in Moderator's class?

 

Nope. Learned from observing others.

 

wow, Idk how you quoted like that (cool!), but...

Was planning to leave skimmer hanging off the back to allow more volume in the sump. I figure a 30g sump is pretty small as it is for a 110 :-/ Next time I'll plan it beforehand. I'd like to one day get a 210

As far as the chaeto, i went and bought a 2nd ball of it. Had originally only put one in.

The tank temp was going up to 80.+ deg. something during the day then back down to 78.something at night. (ie. 78.1 to 80.7).

I'm wondering if it'd be a dumb idea to add back one of the HOB filters til the nitrates subside...?

thanks for all your input Sparky and I'll add a sock to the input pvc.