Upgrade time! New 6 Footer!!

Craigdillman · 09/02/2013, 09:27 PM

Well Here goes nothing...Well looks like my wife approved the start of a new tank build..

For some background here is my first 29 gallon tank progress

Craigdillman · 09/02/2013, 09:31 PM

Well...
Scoped out and picked up a gently used tank from a reefer up north who was upgrading tank was built from a concept in Calgary, drilled bean animal overflow, 2 returns, just finish cleaning the tank up and getting excited

72"x20"x20" 125 gallon display
48"x15.5"x16.5" Sump

I guess im still pretty new at reefing my first setup was pretty simple so im excited to get going on a "real tank"

Got it all cleaned up tonight and starting to plan the plumbing (which I have no idea were to start.
Is it best to mock up the plumbing then pick a return pump ?
Should I feed the fugue (bottom right compartment) off the return or from one of the over flows?

Thanks for listening

cderleth84 · 09/02/2013, 10:12 PM

Definitely plan out all the plumbing on paper first, then mock up without gluing to make sure all lengths are correct and once you have all the plumbing in place then do the math to figure out your head loss and how much flow you actually need and buy the return pump last per how much flow it puts out minus the head loss. As far as feeding the fuge, personally I would have one overflow feed the fuge and the other one feed the skimmer but I'm sure other people have different suggestions (it's personal preference). Also, your last tank looked nice can't wait to see what this build will look like.

Craigdillman · 09/02/2013, 10:34 PM

Yea that sounds good, I think after looking at it i want the returns to go to the first chamber so the crap has to go through the filter socks and i will probably feed the fuge off of the return with a gate value to control flow

cderleth84 · 09/02/2013, 10:38 PM

Just to be clear by "returns" you're meaning the overflow pipes coming from the display tank down to the sump, correct? The actual "return" would be going from your return pump that is located in the sump pumping (returning) the water back up to the display tank.

Craigdillman · 09/02/2013, 10:41 PM

Yea sorry

cderleth84 · 09/02/2013, 11:00 PM

No worries, in that case I think your idea would be fine. Great looking sump btw. Can't wait to see this build materialize.

saltwaterguy718 · 09/03/2013, 12:22 AM

Very nice tank/sump best of luck with the upgrade.

Craigdillman · 09/03/2013, 11:09 AM

Yea im excited, going to measure up and plan the plumbing today and tomorrow and hopefully over the weekend can get a good start to the plumbing

Craigdillman · 09/03/2013, 12:51 PM

Also Im looking into skimmers and i see a problem right off the bat the skimmer section (middle) is only 7" high before draining into the bubble trap and return, would it be a big deal to add glass or acrylic to the bubble trap to raise the water to say 9" which is what most skimmers are calling for

Fizz71 · 09/03/2013, 01:54 PM

LOL...your new sump is almost twice as big as your current DT...you are so screwed...I mean addicted......I mean lucky.

I'm having a hard time figuring out what's going on on the right side of the sump, but yes you need to do something to get that up a little higher if the skimmer you want calls for it. Depending on the skimmer though, there is some wiggle room, I can run my skimmer pretty low because I have a gate valve on the exit rather than the usual riser. I'd pick a skimmer before you mod the sump.

And a tip on plumbing, put it all together without cement (like somebody else suggested) but then MARK how the pieces line up, then you can glue most of it without trying to do it in place. Also make sure you factor in pump removal (ball and unions) for cleaning into your design.

Good luck.

Craigdillman · 09/03/2013, 03:15 PM

I know right!! My little 29 gallon is so simple and its worked amazing so I want to replicate that in the new one lol

Ill take a top down shot of the sump

Top right there is a bubble trap then return section and the bottom right is supposed to be refugium

Craigdillman · 09/03/2013, 03:23 PM

[URL=http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/youngmedic1/media/IMG_2801_zps9f57f1fc.jpg.html]

[/URL

Fizz71 · 09/04/2013, 06:28 AM

Ok. I get it now. That is pretty low, but it's also pretty narrow. Depending on your pump speed that could run at a level atleast an inch above it. So you might be able to pull it off....but it would he easier to raise it now.

Do you know what kind of return speed you're looking for?

Craigdillman · 09/04/2013, 07:28 AM

Yea that's what I'm trying to figure out, the return is 6" high i think after the last baffle my ATO will dump into there, I think for flow I need approx 750 gph after head loss

125 gallon- if I do 5x display volume through sump then
625gph
If I plumb the refugium off return ill need probably 20% more so
750gph

So I need at least that after head loss, I was thinking a mag 9.5 pump that delivers that and I can dial if back if needed

Fizz71 · 09/04/2013, 07:59 AM

Did you pick a skimmer yet? I tried to find a calculator to see how much the water level would rise at 625gph on a 3" gap (a guess) but I couldn't find anything.

I just hope the bubble trap works for you because I think the water is going to be moving pretty fast in that narrow gap. Be sure to plumb your pump intake to the outside.

And did you mean a 6' (foot) return? (not ") If we're talking feet that Mag 9.5 at 6' with no turns is only 720gph. If you have bends, unions, balls and splits you might be a little light on power for a 625gph return. You might need to go with a 12.

Craigdillman · 09/04/2013, 08:26 AM

O no i ment the water level in the return section is 6" and the compartment is 6.5" wide
the head loss is around 4 feet give or take a bit

Also haven't picked a skimmer yet

Craigdillman · 09/04/2013, 02:54 PM

Im looking at these so far
Bubble magus curve 7-
http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-st...er-canada.html
Reef octopus Nwb-150-(or the 200)
http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-st...p-Skimmer.html
Vertex omega 150
http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-st...0-gallons.html

Fizz71 · 09/05/2013, 06:31 AM

The reef octopus looks like it has a gate, the others look like risers. I've never had luck with risers and wound up converting my current skimmer to use a gate. And the 200 would be better than the 150. Mind you I've never used any of those models, I'm just saying that most mfgs tend to over estimate their skimmer's potential. A 125g display and about 20g of water in the sump is pushing a "150g" rated skimmer IMO.

Craigdillman · 09/05/2013, 09:44 AM

Ok yea a few people said the reef octopus so I think ill go that one and I was going to go with the 200 if i went that way better to have a bit more

cderleth84 · 09/05/2013, 10:55 AM

Either one of these. Do iiiiiiiittttttt!!!!!!! Lol

http://www.proteinskimmer.com/Product%20Pages/EV180.htm

http://www.proteinskimmer.com/Product%20Pages/EV240.htm

RockyProndoa · 09/05/2013, 06:10 PM

I don't have a whole lot to add to this thread other than I am watching closely as I am in the planning stages of my 125g build as well!

I too was considering the Reef Octopus NWB-200 as I see it is recommended by quite a few people on here.

What are you using for lighting?

Craigdillman · 09/05/2013, 06:48 PM

For lights I'm going to build some more cree LED by rapid led I have them over my 29 gallon and they are giving me awesome growth and color just going to add 2 more 20" heatsinks

Craigdillman · 09/07/2013, 04:38 PM

Im about to order a return pump and have it down to either the mag 12 or the Speedwave Dc controllable both are around the same price with the Dc being able to throttle it back

What you think?
Mag drive

http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-st...ater-Pump.html

Dc controllable

http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-st...p-1320GPH.html

Craigdillman · 09/08/2013, 01:09 PM

bump anyone have either of these pumps?
Want to order them so i can get going on the plumbing

09/02/2013, 09:27 PM	#1
Craigdillman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lethbirdge Posts: 487	Upgrade time! New 6 Footer!! Well Here goes nothing...Well looks like my wife approved the start of a new tank build.. For some background here is my first 29 gallon tank progress __________________ Current tank---125 gallon mixed reef 60 gallon sump, Reef octopus nw200 skimmer, Rapid LEDs, Maxspec gyre, Mp10s, Fuge, Biweekly 20% WC, QT everything

09/02/2013, 09:31 PM	#2
Craigdillman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lethbirdge Posts: 487	Well... Scoped out and picked up a gently used tank from a reefer up north who was upgrading tank was built from a concept in Calgary, drilled bean animal overflow, 2 returns, just finish cleaning the tank up and getting excited 72"x20"x20" 125 gallon display 48"x15.5"x16.5" Sump I guess im still pretty new at reefing my first setup was pretty simple so im excited to get going on a "real tank" Got it all cleaned up tonight and starting to plan the plumbing (which I have no idea were to start. Is it best to mock up the plumbing then pick a return pump ? Should I feed the fugue (bottom right compartment) off the return or from one of the over flows? Thanks for listening __________________ Current tank---125 gallon mixed reef 60 gallon sump, Reef octopus nw200 skimmer, Rapid LEDs, Maxspec gyre, Mp10s, Fuge, Biweekly 20% WC, QT everything

09/02/2013, 10:34 PM	#4
Craigdillman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lethbirdge Posts: 487	Yea that sounds good, I think after looking at it i want the returns to go to the first chamber so the crap has to go through the filter socks and i will probably feed the fuge off of the return with a gate value to control flow __________________ Current tank---125 gallon mixed reef 60 gallon sump, Reef octopus nw200 skimmer, Rapid LEDs, Maxspec gyre, Mp10s, Fuge, Biweekly 20% WC, QT everything

09/02/2013, 10:41 PM	#6
Craigdillman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lethbirdge Posts: 487	Yea sorry __________________ Current tank---125 gallon mixed reef 60 gallon sump, Reef octopus nw200 skimmer, Rapid LEDs, Maxspec gyre, Mp10s, Fuge, Biweekly 20% WC, QT everything

09/03/2013, 11:09 AM	#9
Craigdillman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lethbirdge Posts: 487	Yea im excited, going to measure up and plan the plumbing today and tomorrow and hopefully over the weekend can get a good start to the plumbing __________________ Current tank---125 gallon mixed reef 60 gallon sump, Reef octopus nw200 skimmer, Rapid LEDs, Maxspec gyre, Mp10s, Fuge, Biweekly 20% WC, QT everything

09/02/2013, 10:12 PM	#3
cderleth84 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: San Francisco Posts: 133	Definitely plan out all the plumbing on paper first, then mock up without gluing to make sure all lengths are correct and once you have all the plumbing in place then do the math to figure out your head loss and how much flow you actually need and buy the return pump last per how much flow it puts out minus the head loss. As far as feeding the fuge, personally I would have one overflow feed the fuge and the other one feed the skimmer but I'm sure other people have different suggestions (it's personal preference). Also, your last tank looked nice can't wait to see what this build will look like.

09/02/2013, 10:38 PM	#5
cderleth84 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: San Francisco Posts: 133	Just to be clear by "returns" you're meaning the overflow pipes coming from the display tank down to the sump, correct? The actual "return" would be going from your return pump that is located in the sump pumping (returning) the water back up to the display tank.

09/02/2013, 11:00 PM	#7
cderleth84 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: San Francisco Posts: 133	No worries, in that case I think your idea would be fine. Great looking sump btw. Can't wait to see this build materialize.

09/03/2013, 12:22 AM	#8
saltwaterguy718 Moved On Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 81	Very nice tank/sump best of luck with the upgrade.

09/03/2013, 12:51 PM	#10
Craigdillman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lethbirdge Posts: 487	Also Im looking into skimmers and i see a problem right off the bat the skimmer section (middle) is only 7" high before draining into the bubble trap and return, would it be a big deal to add glass or acrylic to the bubble trap to raise the water to say 9" which is what most skimmers are calling for __________________ Current tank---125 gallon mixed reef 60 gallon sump, Reef octopus nw200 skimmer, Rapid LEDs, Maxspec gyre, Mp10s, Fuge, Biweekly 20% WC, QT everything

09/03/2013, 01:54 PM	#11
Fizz71 FragSwapper Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Lawn, PA Posts: 5,800	LOL...your new sump is almost twice as big as your current DT...you are so screwed...I mean addicted......I mean lucky. I'm having a hard time figuring out what's going on on the right side of the sump, but yes you need to do something to get that up a little higher if the skimmer you want calls for it. Depending on the skimmer though, there is some wiggle room, I can run my skimmer pretty low because I have a gate valve on the exit rather than the usual riser. I'd pick a skimmer before you mod the sump. And a tip on plumbing, put it all together without cement (like somebody else suggested) but then MARK how the pieces line up, then you can glue most of it without trying to do it in place. Also make sure you factor in pump removal (ball and unions) for cleaning into your design. Good luck. __________________ --Fizz Current Tank Info: Current system is 8x2x2 240g peninsula setup with a single "chamber" 100g sump in the basement with an RDSB. All corals are 100% home grown from frags of fellow reefers (low natural reef impact).

09/03/2013, 03:15 PM	#12
Craigdillman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lethbirdge Posts: 487	I know right!! My little 29 gallon is so simple and its worked amazing so I want to replicate that in the new one lol Ill take a top down shot of the sump Top right there is a bubble trap then return section and the bottom right is supposed to be refugium __________________ Current tank---125 gallon mixed reef 60 gallon sump, Reef octopus nw200 skimmer, Rapid LEDs, Maxspec gyre, Mp10s, Fuge, Biweekly 20% WC, QT everything

09/03/2013, 03:23 PM	#13
Craigdillman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lethbirdge Posts: 487	[URL=http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/youngmedic1/media/IMG_2801_zps9f57f1fc.jpg.html][/URL __________________ Current tank---125 gallon mixed reef 60 gallon sump, Reef octopus nw200 skimmer, Rapid LEDs, Maxspec gyre, Mp10s, Fuge, Biweekly 20% WC, QT everything

09/04/2013, 06:28 AM	#14
Fizz71 FragSwapper Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Lawn, PA Posts: 5,800	Ok. I get it now. That is pretty low, but it's also pretty narrow. Depending on your pump speed that could run at a level atleast an inch above it. So you might be able to pull it off....but it would he easier to raise it now. Do you know what kind of return speed you're looking for? __________________ --Fizz Current Tank Info: Current system is 8x2x2 240g peninsula setup with a single "chamber" 100g sump in the basement with an RDSB. All corals are 100% home grown from frags of fellow reefers (low natural reef impact).

09/04/2013, 07:28 AM	#15
Craigdillman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lethbirdge Posts: 487	Yea that's what I'm trying to figure out, the return is 6" high i think after the last baffle my ATO will dump into there, I think for flow I need approx 750 gph after head loss 125 gallon- if I do 5x display volume through sump then 625gph If I plumb the refugium off return ill need probably 20% more so 750gph So I need at least that after head loss, I was thinking a mag 9.5 pump that delivers that and I can dial if back if needed __________________ Current tank---125 gallon mixed reef 60 gallon sump, Reef octopus nw200 skimmer, Rapid LEDs, Maxspec gyre, Mp10s, Fuge, Biweekly 20% WC, QT everything

09/04/2013, 07:59 AM	#16
Fizz71 FragSwapper Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Lawn, PA Posts: 5,800	Did you pick a skimmer yet? I tried to find a calculator to see how much the water level would rise at 625gph on a 3" gap (a guess) but I couldn't find anything. I just hope the bubble trap works for you because I think the water is going to be moving pretty fast in that narrow gap. Be sure to plumb your pump intake to the outside. And did you mean a 6' (foot) return? (not ") If we're talking feet that Mag 9.5 at 6' with no turns is only 720gph. If you have bends, unions, balls and splits you might be a little light on power for a 625gph return. You might need to go with a 12. __________________ --Fizz Current Tank Info: Current system is 8x2x2 240g peninsula setup with a single "chamber" 100g sump in the basement with an RDSB. All corals are 100% home grown from frags of fellow reefers (low natural reef impact).

09/04/2013, 08:26 AM	#17
Craigdillman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lethbirdge Posts: 487	O no i ment the water level in the return section is 6" and the compartment is 6.5" wide the head loss is around 4 feet give or take a bit Also haven't picked a skimmer yet __________________ Current tank---125 gallon mixed reef 60 gallon sump, Reef octopus nw200 skimmer, Rapid LEDs, Maxspec gyre, Mp10s, Fuge, Biweekly 20% WC, QT everything

09/04/2013, 02:54 PM	#18
Craigdillman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lethbirdge Posts: 487	Im looking at these so far Bubble magus curve 7- http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-st...er-canada.html Reef octopus Nwb-150-(or the 200) http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-st...p-Skimmer.html Vertex omega 150 http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-st...0-gallons.html __________________ Current tank---125 gallon mixed reef 60 gallon sump, Reef octopus nw200 skimmer, Rapid LEDs, Maxspec gyre, Mp10s, Fuge, Biweekly 20% WC, QT everything

09/05/2013, 06:31 AM	#19
Fizz71 FragSwapper Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Lawn, PA Posts: 5,800	The reef octopus looks like it has a gate, the others look like risers. I've never had luck with risers and wound up converting my current skimmer to use a gate. And the 200 would be better than the 150. Mind you I've never used any of those models, I'm just saying that most mfgs tend to over estimate their skimmer's potential. A 125g display and about 20g of water in the sump is pushing a "150g" rated skimmer IMO. __________________ --Fizz Current Tank Info: Current system is 8x2x2 240g peninsula setup with a single "chamber" 100g sump in the basement with an RDSB. All corals are 100% home grown from frags of fellow reefers (low natural reef impact).

09/05/2013, 09:44 AM	#20
Craigdillman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lethbirdge Posts: 487	Ok yea a few people said the reef octopus so I think ill go that one and I was going to go with the 200 if i went that way better to have a bit more __________________ Current tank---125 gallon mixed reef 60 gallon sump, Reef octopus nw200 skimmer, Rapid LEDs, Maxspec gyre, Mp10s, Fuge, Biweekly 20% WC, QT everything

09/05/2013, 10:55 AM	#21
cderleth84 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: San Francisco Posts: 133	Either one of these. Do iiiiiiiittttttt!!!!!!! Lol http://www.proteinskimmer.com/Product%20Pages/EV180.htm http://www.proteinskimmer.com/Product%20Pages/EV240.htm

09/05/2013, 06:10 PM	#22
RockyProndoa Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Toledo, OH Posts: 204	I don't have a whole lot to add to this thread other than I am watching closely as I am in the planning stages of my 125g build as well! I too was considering the Reef Octopus NWB-200 as I see it is recommended by quite a few people on here. What are you using for lighting?

09/05/2013, 06:48 PM	#23
Craigdillman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lethbirdge Posts: 487	For lights I'm going to build some more cree LED by rapid led I have them over my 29 gallon and they are giving me awesome growth and color just going to add 2 more 20" heatsinks __________________ Current tank---125 gallon mixed reef 60 gallon sump, Reef octopus nw200 skimmer, Rapid LEDs, Maxspec gyre, Mp10s, Fuge, Biweekly 20% WC, QT everything

09/07/2013, 04:38 PM	#24
Craigdillman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lethbirdge Posts: 487	Im about to order a return pump and have it down to either the mag 12 or the Speedwave Dc controllable both are around the same price with the Dc being able to throttle it back What you think? Mag drive http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-st...ater-Pump.html Dc controllable http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-st...p-1320GPH.html __________________ Current tank---125 gallon mixed reef 60 gallon sump, Reef octopus nw200 skimmer, Rapid LEDs, Maxspec gyre, Mp10s, Fuge, Biweekly 20% WC, QT everything

09/08/2013, 01:09 PM	#25
Craigdillman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lethbirdge Posts: 487	bump anyone have either of these pumps? Want to order them so i can get going on the plumbing __________________ Current tank---125 gallon mixed reef 60 gallon sump, Reef octopus nw200 skimmer, Rapid LEDs, Maxspec gyre, Mp10s, Fuge, Biweekly 20% WC, QT everything