125 gallon in-wall thread

bteagle93 · 11/05/2007, 07:48 PM

Ok, im am so excited! So today, i arrived home from school today and found my mom downstairs with the architech for redoing the basement. I quickly brought up the fact of a 125 gallon tank, and it turned into a 45 minute discussion about placement, size etc. It was basically ended with an idea of a 125gallon, inwall tank! The project is starting in the next few weeks, and i will keep everyone updated with pictures and progress. Anyways, for now, im looking into equipment, and stocking. As you probally know, this is a FOWLR tank, hense the thread.
I know I have been asking the same questions in the last couple posts, but now as this is becoming a reality i really need to start planning! I want to get a lot of equipment used in good condition, so im going to look at the used equipment threads for a lot of gear.
As for equipment:

-125 gallon glass tank (72x18x22)
-72" 4x96watt PC
-40 gallon DIY Sump
-Skimmer (The used tank im getting comes with a seaclon 150-will upgrade later)
-2x Seio 2600gph Power Heads
-Prefilter/Overflow
-(need return pump from sump. Not sure which one...?)
-HOB Refugium
-(Need a RO/DI unit-need help deciding which unit.)
- 250 lbs of Fiji LR (Rcieving it from the tank owner-not sure if i will use it all)
-120lbs of LS

Fish:
Hippo Tang
Kole Tang
Yellow Tang
3 Lyretails Anthias
5 Blue/Green Chromis

Inverts:
5 Mexican Turbos
50 Red Leg Hermits
30 Margarita Snails
15 Astrea Snails

Please help me plan this project. I want to do it right, and not have to upgrade and spend more money down the road. Thanks for taking time to look at this.
-Brett

Agu · 11/05/2007, 08:05 PM

I would seriously look into having the tank drilled. Dumping a few dozen gallons of saltwater in a newly remodeled basement isn't going to make you a family favorite.

Return pump will be determined by your overflow or drilled drains. For a fowler you don't need near the turnover as a reef tank though.

With the HOB refugium and Seios you might just want to skip the sump and spend the money on a skimmer upgrade

Good Luck and Have Fun ..........

bteagle93 · 11/05/2007, 08:14 PM

What do you mean by dumping a few dozen gallons of water-and what would the difference of a drilled tank, and a HOB overflow be? Also, if i skip the sump, where do i put the skimmer, heater, etc if i dont want them in my tank?

bteagle93 · 11/05/2007, 08:38 PM

Okay, my over flow is rated 600-1200 gph. Would a Mag-7 be good?

customcolor · 11/05/2007, 08:50 PM

i think Agu was talking about the -Prefilter/Overflow- is it a hang on? if so there are many problems with them on loosing syphon durning power outs.
a mag 9 would be better if you have 2 out puts into your tank.
and yes upgrade the skimmer. the one you have is a hang on tank style and not realy a insump style unless your sump is deep and water levle is high in it and you have the skimmer hanging on the side. i like my turbo floater 1000.
you could always check out my build on my 125 by clicking on my red house if you want some more ideas

bteagle93 · 11/05/2007, 09:13 PM

hmm okay....well the HOB overflow was to not have to drill the tank..for now i think i will go with the HOB. Also, my sump is going to be a 40....soo the skimmer will work however but i will deff. upgrade.

Also, if i have the overflow "flowing" down to the sump, with either PVC, or a drain hose then have the mag 7 or 9 returning it to the tank, how do you recomend doing so. Should i run PVC back to the tank from the mag or is there a simpler way to do so?

Also, the tank will be in the back room of my basement (storage space) and its a little muggy and dusty. Will i be fine with putting a glass canopy over it and the sump? Or are there negative affects in doing so....i can think of a positive less evaporation. lol

Any ideas on a deecent RO/DI system?

bteagle93 · 11/06/2007, 01:50 PM

ttt

customcolor · 11/06/2007, 06:58 PM

run pvc from your pump to the tank cuz there is a good force coming out of your returns so you want them to be strong and stay put.

do power outage test with your overflow to see if it starts back up after a few min with no power.

the glass top would be fine since your only having fish, but watch your temps. they may rise do to the lack of evap and traped heat from the lights and return pump.

i have this ro/di and it is working great for me. http://cgi.ebay.com/6-stage-125GPD-R...em120180586048

stuccodude · 11/06/2007, 07:41 PM

lucky

bteagle93 · 11/06/2007, 09:43 PM

Thanks for the reply and advice.
Also, when running pvc back up to the tank, should i make a Y shape and have water being put back in the tank by two pieces of PVC? (Use the Mag 7 use a piece of PVC pipe, get a Y-fitting and make it so theres returns on both the back right, and back left side of the tank).
I want to keep it simple, yet affective and clean. Im going to use a 40gallon as a DIY Sump, and have a HOB refugium and HOB overflow.

I am brand new to RO/DI units, so I have no idea how they work, how to set them up...Main question is, after i hook it up to a water supply, is there an output from the unit that I would need to liek put/drain into a tub/container? Also do I have to run it 24/7 or can i just run it as needed?

I made a drawing in AutoCad of the plumming, and its detailed and shows exactly what i wabt, but im not sure of how to upload it. Does anyone know how to go about doing so?

Thanks guys!

bteagle93 · 11/06/2007, 10:06 PM

The red tube is the line that supplies water to the RO unit.

The black tube is the drain line for waste water. Simply place this tube in a sink or down a drain and allow the water to flow freely.

The blue tube is your good RO water.
(basically the tubes will be color coded, not necessareily every unit will have the same colors correct?)

I found this, and I understand this. Basically however, in my basement, I have an old HUGE sink with a regular faucet. Can I hook the RO/DI unit up to that and have the "black" tube drain right out through the tub or store it for watering plants or what not?
Also, shoudl the "blue" tube, that will supply the good water, be placed in a container of somesort to store the good RO water untill needed?

Please correct me in im wrong.....
thanks!

customcolor · 11/06/2007, 10:18 PM

correct. most people hook up the good water line to a float valve so they can forget about it for a wile. i also have ballvalves on so after the float stops it i can make shure it will not flow again do to water evap or usage. when i need more i turn the ball valve and forget till next day. the first time doing it i would still keep an eye on it for small leaks or other water spills that may accure.
the ro/di unit i posted that i have comes with many fittings to hook up to almost any thing. i thought it was a great buy.
lots of people use the waste water for watering there lawn or plants or put it into there washing machine. me i just let it go

bteagle93 · 11/07/2007, 02:00 PM

hah okay. its more simple then i thought. would a 40 gallon sump be enough for a 125 gallon tank? Also, and other ideas on skimmers?

mg426 · 11/07/2007, 02:24 PM

I have a 125 inwall setup. I use a HOB type overflow rated at 600 GPH. I use a mag 9.5 as return pump from my 40 gallon sump. I have a ball valve on the 9.5 cause it is all my overflow can handle.
I also have a 30 gallon remote refugium. As for skimmers there are many , many to choose from. Have you a price range in mind ??

Here are a couple of pics of my set up

bteagle93 · 11/07/2007, 02:56 PM

Your tank is wonderful looking. I love the colors. Tank is very similar to mine so be sure to recieve mroe questions from me! lol. Im thinkign abotu goign with an ASM G2 Skimmer.

bteagle93 · 11/07/2007, 03:01 PM

However, question. whast the point of the valve on the 950?

bteagle93 · 11/07/2007, 04:56 PM

Anyone have expierence with the ASM g1x or the ASM g2..?

bteagle93 · 11/07/2007, 06:34 PM

what size PVC piping should I use for the return and other plumming?
1" 3/4" any reccomendations?

Blown 346 · 11/07/2007, 06:45 PM

Just for reference, if you deciude tyo drill the tank, make sure the bottom isnt tempered!

bteagle93 · 11/07/2007, 06:48 PM

Im not going to drill it. im just going to use a HOB over flow.
Blown 346, how does that 220 Super Skimmer work for you? You like it?

mg426 · 11/07/2007, 07:06 PM

I use a ball valve to reduce the flow on the Mag 9.5. Its right to the top of the teeth of my overflow wide open plus it cuts down on the micro bubbles in my sump. I use 3/4 inch PVC for the return piping. I dont think a G2 is going to cut it on your 125. I run a modded G3 and I feel its just barely enough.You can get a reef Octopus nw 200 for around 200 bucks. Its an 8 inch monster.

bteagle93 · 11/07/2007, 08:09 PM

hmm, okay. Reef Octopus looks nice, however i cant find it anywhere. What about the Super Skimmer 220?

bteagle93 · 11/07/2007, 08:10 PM

Anyone have expierence with the-Octopus DD-150 Downdraft Protein Skimmer?

jcpatella · 11/07/2007, 08:26 PM

I came across this skimmer a few weeks back before I decided on the Octopus NW-150. No one had heard much of the downdraft (though it seems like a good skimmer). I'm glad I went with the NW-150, though. It's performing great, but that could be because I only have a Seaclone to compare it to...

bteagle93 · 11/07/2007, 08:30 PM

Haha, well the tank im recieving is comign with a seaclone from the previous ownder and I dont even want to plug it in!
Theres a good deal on ebay of this Octopus DD-150 so we'll see how it all works out. Thanks.

11/05/2007, 07:48 PM	#1
bteagle93 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Hershey, PA Posts: 421	125 gallon in-wall thread Ok, im am so excited! So today, i arrived home from school today and found my mom downstairs with the architech for redoing the basement. I quickly brought up the fact of a 125 gallon tank, and it turned into a 45 minute discussion about placement, size etc. It was basically ended with an idea of a 125gallon, inwall tank! The project is starting in the next few weeks, and i will keep everyone updated with pictures and progress. Anyways, for now, im looking into equipment, and stocking. As you probally know, this is a FOWLR tank, hense the thread. I know I have been asking the same questions in the last couple posts, but now as this is becoming a reality i really need to start planning! I want to get a lot of equipment used in good condition, so im going to look at the used equipment threads for a lot of gear. As for equipment: -125 gallon glass tank (72x18x22) -72" 4x96watt PC -40 gallon DIY Sump -Skimmer (The used tank im getting comes with a seaclon 150-will upgrade later) -2x Seio 2600gph Power Heads -Prefilter/Overflow -(need return pump from sump. Not sure which one...?) -HOB Refugium -(Need a RO/DI unit-need help deciding which unit.) - 250 lbs of Fiji LR (Rcieving it from the tank owner-not sure if i will use it all) -120lbs of LS Fish: Hippo Tang Kole Tang Yellow Tang 3 Lyretails Anthias 5 Blue/Green Chromis Inverts: 5 Mexican Turbos 50 Red Leg Hermits 30 Margarita Snails 15 Astrea Snails Please help me plan this project. I want to do it right, and not have to upgrade and spend more money down the road. Thanks for taking time to look at this. -Brett

11/05/2007, 08:05 PM	#2
Agu Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Sarasota, Florida Posts: 30,279	I would seriously look into having the tank drilled. Dumping a few dozen gallons of saltwater in a newly remodeled basement isn't going to make you a family favorite. Return pump will be determined by your overflow or drilled drains. For a fowler you don't need near the turnover as a reef tank though. With the HOB refugium and Seios you might just want to skip the sump and spend the money on a skimmer upgrade Good Luck and Have Fun .......... __________________ Less technology , more biology . Current Tank Info: 30 gallon half cube and 5.5, both reef tanks

11/05/2007, 08:50 PM	#5
customcolor Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: kaukauna, wi. Posts: 3,879	i think Agu was talking about the -Prefilter/Overflow- is it a hang on? if so there are many problems with them on loosing syphon durning power outs. a mag 9 would be better if you have 2 out puts into your tank. and yes upgrade the skimmer. the one you have is a hang on tank style and not realy a insump style unless your sump is deep and water levle is high in it and you have the skimmer hanging on the side. i like my turbo floater 1000. you could always check out my build on my 125 by clicking on my red house if you want some more ideas __________________ PLEASE DONT USE GREAT STUFF (THE YELLOW STUFF) IN YOUR TANK........USE POND FOAM (THE BLACK STUFF).. I BEG YOU! Great stuff====$5 a can 24-48 hour cure Epoxy to cover it====little as $5 for small projects or up to $100+ for larger projects and another 24-48 hour cure I hope you covered it well cuz if you didnt it will start to break down in a few months sand is another added cost to cover up the yellow. Pond foams====$9-$15 a can 24-48 hour cure DONE! You can cover it with sand if you want to (YOU DONT HAVE TO) though but thats added cost again Current Tank Info: 75 gal under way

11/06/2007, 07:41 PM	#9
stuccodude Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: sanger Posts: 1,040	lucky __________________ fear the wrath of patrick willis!!! no offense is safe. Current Tank Info: 240 all the goodies,hydra 26 led lights, chiller etc

11/06/2007, 10:18 PM	#12
customcolor Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: kaukauna, wi. Posts: 3,879	correct. most people hook up the good water line to a float valve so they can forget about it for a wile. i also have ballvalves on so after the float stops it i can make shure it will not flow again do to water evap or usage. when i need more i turn the ball valve and forget till next day. the first time doing it i would still keep an eye on it for small leaks or other water spills that may accure. the ro/di unit i posted that i have comes with many fittings to hook up to almost any thing. i thought it was a great buy. lots of people use the waste water for watering there lawn or plants or put it into there washing machine. me i just let it go __________________ PLEASE DONT USE GREAT STUFF (THE YELLOW STUFF) IN YOUR TANK........USE POND FOAM (THE BLACK STUFF).. I BEG YOU! Great stuff====$5 a can 24-48 hour cure Epoxy to cover it====little as $5 for small projects or up to $100+ for larger projects and another 24-48 hour cure I hope you covered it well cuz if you didnt it will start to break down in a few months sand is another added cost to cover up the yellow. Pond foams====$9-$15 a can 24-48 hour cure DONE! You can cover it with sand if you want to (YOU DONT HAVE TO) though but thats added cost again Current Tank Info: 75 gal under way

11/05/2007, 08:14 PM	#3
bteagle93 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Hershey, PA Posts: 421	What do you mean by dumping a few dozen gallons of water-and what would the difference of a drilled tank, and a HOB overflow be? Also, if i skip the sump, where do i put the skimmer, heater, etc if i dont want them in my tank?

11/05/2007, 08:38 PM	#4
bteagle93 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Hershey, PA Posts: 421	Okay, my over flow is rated 600-1200 gph. Would a Mag-7 be good?

11/05/2007, 09:13 PM	#6
bteagle93 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Hershey, PA Posts: 421	hmm okay....well the HOB overflow was to not have to drill the tank..for now i think i will go with the HOB. Also, my sump is going to be a 40....soo the skimmer will work however but i will deff. upgrade. Also, if i have the overflow "flowing" down to the sump, with either PVC, or a drain hose then have the mag 7 or 9 returning it to the tank, how do you recomend doing so. Should i run PVC back to the tank from the mag or is there a simpler way to do so? Also, the tank will be in the back room of my basement (storage space) and its a little muggy and dusty. Will i be fine with putting a glass canopy over it and the sump? Or are there negative affects in doing so....i can think of a positive less evaporation. lol Any ideas on a deecent RO/DI system?

11/06/2007, 01:50 PM	#7
bteagle93 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Hershey, PA Posts: 421	ttt

11/06/2007, 06:58 PM	#8
customcolor Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: kaukauna, wi. Posts: 3,879	run pvc from your pump to the tank cuz there is a good force coming out of your returns so you want them to be strong and stay put. do power outage test with your overflow to see if it starts back up after a few min with no power. the glass top would be fine since your only having fish, but watch your temps. they may rise do to the lack of evap and traped heat from the lights and return pump. i have this ro/di and it is working great for me. http://cgi.ebay.com/6-stage-125GPD-R...em120180586048

11/06/2007, 09:43 PM	#10
bteagle93 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Hershey, PA Posts: 421	Thanks for the reply and advice. Also, when running pvc back up to the tank, should i make a Y shape and have water being put back in the tank by two pieces of PVC? (Use the Mag 7 use a piece of PVC pipe, get a Y-fitting and make it so theres returns on both the back right, and back left side of the tank). I want to keep it simple, yet affective and clean. Im going to use a 40gallon as a DIY Sump, and have a HOB refugium and HOB overflow. I am brand new to RO/DI units, so I have no idea how they work, how to set them up...Main question is, after i hook it up to a water supply, is there an output from the unit that I would need to liek put/drain into a tub/container? Also do I have to run it 24/7 or can i just run it as needed? I made a drawing in AutoCad of the plumming, and its detailed and shows exactly what i wabt, but im not sure of how to upload it. Does anyone know how to go about doing so? Thanks guys!

11/06/2007, 10:06 PM	#11
bteagle93 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Hershey, PA Posts: 421	The red tube is the line that supplies water to the RO unit. The black tube is the drain line for waste water. Simply place this tube in a sink or down a drain and allow the water to flow freely. The blue tube is your good RO water. (basically the tubes will be color coded, not necessareily every unit will have the same colors correct?) I found this, and I understand this. Basically however, in my basement, I have an old HUGE sink with a regular faucet. Can I hook the RO/DI unit up to that and have the "black" tube drain right out through the tub or store it for watering plants or what not? Also, shoudl the "blue" tube, that will supply the good water, be placed in a container of somesort to store the good RO water untill needed? Please correct me in im wrong..... thanks!

11/07/2007, 02:00 PM	#13
bteagle93 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Hershey, PA Posts: 421	hah okay. its more simple then i thought. would a 40 gallon sump be enough for a 125 gallon tank? Also, and other ideas on skimmers?

11/07/2007, 02:24 PM	#14
mg426 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 6,923	I have a 125 inwall setup. I use a HOB type overflow rated at 600 GPH. I use a mag 9.5 as return pump from my 40 gallon sump. I have a ball valve on the 9.5 cause it is all my overflow can handle. I also have a 30 gallon remote refugium. As for skimmers there are many , many to choose from. Have you a price range in mind ?? Here are a couple of pics of my set up __________________ I found a way to make a small fortune running a reef tank. Start with a large fortune. Unofficial President of the SEACLONE haters club Current Tank Info: 125 mixed reef 110 lbs LR, 1x250watt XM 20K MH 2x175watt XM 20K MH on Magetics 2X96 watt actinic PC, 220 watt VHO actinic, 30 gallon refugium, closed loop system powered by Sequence Dart MSX 200 skimmer 38 gallon sump, Oceansmotions squirt

11/07/2007, 02:56 PM	#15
bteagle93 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Hershey, PA Posts: 421	Your tank is wonderful looking. I love the colors. Tank is very similar to mine so be sure to recieve mroe questions from me! lol. Im thinkign abotu goign with an ASM G2 Skimmer.

11/07/2007, 03:01 PM	#16
bteagle93 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Hershey, PA Posts: 421	However, question. whast the point of the valve on the 950?

11/07/2007, 04:56 PM	#17
bteagle93 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Hershey, PA Posts: 421	Anyone have expierence with the ASM g1x or the ASM g2..?

11/07/2007, 06:34 PM	#18
bteagle93 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Hershey, PA Posts: 421	what size PVC piping should I use for the return and other plumming? 1" 3/4" any reccomendations?

11/07/2007, 06:45 PM	#19
Blown 346 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Rockford, Illinois Posts: 6,596	Just for reference, if you deciude tyo drill the tank, make sure the bottom isnt tempered!

11/07/2007, 06:48 PM	#20
bteagle93 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Hershey, PA Posts: 421	Im not going to drill it. im just going to use a HOB over flow. Blown 346, how does that 220 Super Skimmer work for you? You like it?

11/07/2007, 07:06 PM	#21
mg426 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 6,923	I use a ball valve to reduce the flow on the Mag 9.5. Its right to the top of the teeth of my overflow wide open plus it cuts down on the micro bubbles in my sump. I use 3/4 inch PVC for the return piping. I dont think a G2 is going to cut it on your 125. I run a modded G3 and I feel its just barely enough.You can get a reef Octopus nw 200 for around 200 bucks. Its an 8 inch monster. __________________ I found a way to make a small fortune running a reef tank. Start with a large fortune. Unofficial President of the SEACLONE haters club Current Tank Info: 125 mixed reef 110 lbs LR, 1x250watt XM 20K MH 2x175watt XM 20K MH on Magetics 2X96 watt actinic PC, 220 watt VHO actinic, 30 gallon refugium, closed loop system powered by Sequence Dart MSX 200 skimmer 38 gallon sump, Oceansmotions squirt

11/07/2007, 08:09 PM	#22
bteagle93 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Hershey, PA Posts: 421	hmm, okay. Reef Octopus looks nice, however i cant find it anywhere. What about the Super Skimmer 220?

11/07/2007, 08:10 PM	#23
bteagle93 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Hershey, PA Posts: 421	Anyone have expierence with the-Octopus DD-150 Downdraft Protein Skimmer?

11/07/2007, 08:26 PM	#24
jcpatella Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 814	I came across this skimmer a few weeks back before I decided on the Octopus NW-150. No one had heard much of the downdraft (though it seems like a good skimmer). I'm glad I went with the NW-150, though. It's performing great, but that could be because I only have a Seaclone to compare it to... __________________ Dogs - Man's best friend; entropy's greatest catalyst. Current Tank Info: Biocube 8 on the way!

11/07/2007, 08:30 PM	#25
bteagle93 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Hershey, PA Posts: 421	Haha, well the tank im recieving is comign with a seaclone from the previous ownder and I dont even want to plug it in! Theres a good deal on ebay of this Octopus DD-150 so we'll see how it all works out. Thanks.