SC Aquariums Owners Thread

[Boltline]

Originally Posted by jayball

Yeah, there is no nitrogen cycle bacteria in the water so it is not a problem from that as long as you kept the rock nice and wet to avoid die off. You may run into issues from the prospective of parameter change, especially alkalinity.

I can not see reason behind the GFO/chemipure recommendation either.

Not to take this further off topic but I've read that when you add new sand to a system there is going to be a break down of silicates which could lead to algae issues. I'm still new to the hobbie and tend to be on the cautious side of things. So IMO I would invest in GFO as a "just in case **** happen" precaution.

[ian09]

Originally Posted by BfishLpond78

I ditched all the plumbing parts that they sent as they don't fit our standard measurements. Remember these parts are manufactured over seas. I went with all new pipes and bulkheads for my tank. No issues what so ever.

I just learned the hard way lol! I purchased new bulkheads and I need to replumb them into the system. It's just really difficult because it's currently running and I needed a quick fix for the noise until I get some free time to do so. I have a nagging wife and mother in law so a quick fix was all I could do at the moment. I'm curious to see what bulkheads sc aquariums will be sending me. I should be receiving it in the next couple days. I'm not sure if I read through correctly but some people said that sc aquariums sent them new plumbing and bulkheads after they reported the noise since it's supposedly a "quiet plug n play system." They claimed it did the trick so I'm assuming the bulkheads they sent are compatible with our local hardware store pipes. I'll keep y'all posted when I get them. Worse comes to worse I have standard bulkheads currently. Only issue for me while doing a mock up with spare pvc parts n pipes is the "T" for the return. Not much space or clearance to work with in the narrow overflow section. I tried recreating the "T" using 1/2" and 3/4" pipes and fittings but the left side is the issue as the fittings are too bulky so it wouldn't clear the overflow. I needed to get 3/4" threaded to 1/2" slip so it would fit their lock line. It was just so frustrating and that's why I ghetto rigged some 1/2" piping onto both ends of a ball valve Union into their return tubing and just slipped it on both ends then clamped them.

[bitwise]

I'm strongly considering buying one of these aquariums in the next couple of months. Something in the 40 - 66 gallon range.

[ian09]

Originally Posted by bitwise

I'm strongly considering buying one of these aquariums in the next couple of months. Something in the 40 - 66 gallon range.

Go with the 66g setup and replace the plumbing 🏼

[JMorris271]

Originally Posted by postie1686

honestly its really up to you. i use the stock setup on my 150 and i rebuilt the stand pipe to a "super durso" and its tuned to the point you dont hear it. my buddy has a 120 that we drilled and did the herbi on and i dont think his makes anyless noise. but the sound level is going to depend on what your ambiant sound levels around your tank is like. i hear my mp40's over my drain

How is it that you were able to drill the bottom of a 120 tank? I always thought the were tempered glass.

[davocean]

I'm lovin my SCA
This is 2 and half months in.(W established LR I had in vats)

[ian09]

Originally Posted by davocean

I'm lovin my SCA
This is 2 and half months in.(W established LR I had in vats)

Very nice 🏼

[greaps]

Looking for some advise on enlarging the bulkheads to convert it to a Herbie.

What size drill bits and bulk heads should I purchase. I'm a little confused having pulled the old bulk heads and measured the actual holes size, there bigger than I thought, but I assume the bulk head with the pipe inside it may be considerably smaller diameter than the hole in the glass.

I would like 1 inch siphon, and and 1 inch, or 1 1/2 inch safety.

What drills and bulkheads did you all buy?

[Sabataki]

What size tank do you have. I used the 1/2 inch for siphon and the inch for the backup and the wier can not keep up running jebaou 6000 over half power

[Sabataki]

I'm on a 66 with 40 gallon sump

[Sabataki]

However, if you really want to drill it BRS has the sizing for each type of bulkhead

[ian09]

Thought I'd share my tank as it is. Has only been up for a little over a week. My 50g setup is finally quiet ever since i plumbed a ball valve to regulate the return. Also, William from SCA sent me schedule 40 pipes and standard sized bulkheads so I need to swap my existing plumbing for the standard ones. Their customer service is awesome I must say so thumbs up for a great company 🏼🏼. My tank is far from where I want it to be and I still need to wire everything up in a clean matter inside the stand which I plan to do after I swap out the stock pipes for the standard ones they sent.

[greaps]

"Wier" is that the slots at the top of the overflow?

[Sabataki]

Yep. It can't keep up even with me having only s half inch bulkhead. If I'd known I would have widened them a bit

[Sabataki]

Grr 1/2 inch

[greaps]

Good to know I'll be looking into how to widen them up without messing it up completely.

I'm in the process of a total tank rebuild. As part of my rebuild, I am putting in a DIY foam and rock back wall (egg crate covered in dry rock and pond foam to fill in the gaps) covering the entire back including the overflow tower. When cleaning the tank out, the acrylic overflow tower covers came right off. I had intended to re-silicone them back into place... But....

I could keep the overflow panels off and use egg crate instead. That would greatly increase flow and with the rock wall up the back, it wont be an eyesore.

I want a high turn over sump to keep detritus suspended for the socks to capture it. That's where my interest in increasing the bulk heads comes from. The tank is going to be fish only (reef safe) for some time, and eventually soft corals.

[Sabataki]

I wouldn't open them that much. Fish could go in. But average size is probably about 1/4 inch. I'd use a dremel but mine is already set up and I don't want to have to drain it

[Sabataki]

Then set up something as a guide and carefully grind a little off the side

[greaps]

I don't own a dremel, think with the acrylic covers all ready off the tank I could carefully and slowly use a miter saw to do the same thing?

[ian09]

Question, I was wondering what light system you're all using for your sump? I have the 4bulb T5 fixture that came along with the system but it's just too big and bulky for my taste. Anyone else using something with a smaller foot print to light up their sump (fuge area)? Thanks

[davocean]

I've always just used the round dome lights from HD.
Now they have these cool grey PVC ones, looks cleaner, and I use an LED floodlight in the 65k range.
My chaeto grows pretty quick under these.

[ian09]

Originally Posted by davocean

I've always just used the round dome lights from HD.
Now they have these cool grey PVC ones, looks cleaner, and I use an LED floodlight in the 65k range.
My chaeto grows pretty quick under these.

Thanks davocean! I've used the HD fixture and just a grow light in my past set up and I see that these fixtures are now more compact and cleaner looking. You think you can take a pic of your sump setup with focus on the lighting you have?

Since we are on the topic of sumps, I'd like to request anyone and everyone to post pics of your sump setup. Thanks all!

[Sabataki]

@ dave ocean, where did you find the floods in the 65k range. I checked everywhere

[Sabataki]

@ greaps, I'd be real careful with the miter, you could just widen them with a file

[davocean]

Originally Posted by Sabataki

@ dave ocean, where did you find the floods in the 65k range. I checked everywhere

Either HD or lowes should have them, got mine at HD