~CadLights Artisan 50G Upgrade~

[ReeVo]

So I'm running my leak test with the new sump and I am very impressed.
The water hight is at 9.5", I have noticed a significant sound reduction from my last sump (18 Gallon Cadlights sump that held 12 gallons of water), it holds 17.5 gallons now, I go through about a quarter of evaporation a day (not including the fans being on), and about a 1/2 to 3/4 of a gallon with the fans on.

The fans work very efficiently. It's hot here in California. We've see temps from 92-105 for almost 2 months now. It's about 82-86 degrees inside my house and the tank managed to keep temps below 74.5 degrees. So I'm not worried about hot summers

Not a single micro bubble makes it to the DT. You can see how I have it setup in the pictures. A sponge on the top and Chemi-pure at the bottom ( It's there now to get rid of any odors and impurities from the vinegar treatment)

There is a good amount of flow in the fuge area, good enough to keep frags and such.
You can also see how bright the XP-G Cree LEDs are, so I think I have sufficient light (if not overkill) but it is dimmable.

Everything came out great and I very pleased on how it came out

Next is equipment time!
Skimz SKS181 here I come

[ReeVo]

I totally forgot to add pictures with my update. Sorry about that guys lol

[naterealbig]

Hey Reevo, good start on things! What is the brand of those ball valves you have on the piping? Where did you get them?

Thanks!

[ReeVo]

Originally Posted by naterealbig

Hey Reevo, good start on things! What is the brand of those ball valves you have on the piping? Where did you get them?

Thanks!

Thanks bud
I couldn't see a brand name but I did get them from Lowes.

[moondoggy4]

Sorry if this is a dup but what are the dimensions of the sump, love your skills on the build I tried to do some acrylic lot harder if you do not have the correct applicator.

[ReeVo]

Originally Posted by moondoggy4

Sorry if this is a dup but what are the dimensions of the sump, love your skills on the build I tried to do some acrylic lot harder if you do not have the correct applicator.

Thanks man
The dimensions are 21.5" x 19.5" x 13"
Ya you need a pretty small applicator. Best if it's a bottle. So much easier to use.

[chad p]

Hey Reevo, got here from starting on your old build thread from the first sump. Do you still have that one or is it broken down from starting your new system?

Also, what is the thickness of the plastic on your sumps? And if you don't mind about how much did the first one cost? I'm adding everything up on Tap Plastics and it's about $100 for all the acrylic and cement etc but that's with 1/8" plastic. That sound about right?

Really want to do a build similar to your first one...unless of course you want to sell me your old one.

[ReeVo]

Originally Posted by chad p

Hey Reevo, got here from starting on your old build thread from the first sump. Do you still have that one or is it broken down from starting your new system?

Also, what is the thickness of the plastic on your sumps? And if you don't mind about how much did the first one cost? I'm adding everything up on Tap Plastics and it's about $100 for all the acrylic and cement etc but that's with 1/8" plastic. That sound about right?

Really want to do a build similar to your first one...unless of course you want to sell me your old one.

I'm actually making my old sump into a tank for my room lol
I've always wanted a tank in my room and the dimensions are pretty awesome for a nano cube build. Sorry man.

1/8" is way too thin. That's even too thin for baffles in the sump.
I wouldn't use anything smaller than 3/8" for any sump, especially if there isn't a brace. You can use 1/4" for baffles if you want.
My sump cost me close to $300.
Acrylic is not cheap Costs almost 4x more than glass depending on how thick the acrylic is.

The ricks involved using thin acrylic is not worth it. If you bought 1/8" acrylic and put it together, it would bow on all sides. You run the risk of it falling apart from the water weight and pressure.

How big is the tank that you are planning on building a sump for?

[chad p]

Planning on setting up a Solana 34 like your old setup. That's where I came across your first sump researching other builds.

Man, your sumps are better than anything available off the shelf for cubes if you ask me and I'd love to build one but I don't know if I could justify $300 to do it. Not saying it's not worth it but talking my wife into switching systems just for a handful more gallons and a cleaner look is challenging enough.

[ReeVo]

Thank you...that means a lot
Well considering the size of my 50 gallon compared to the 34 gallon. I dont think it will be close to 300.

I can try to set one up if you give me the dimensions of the stand and give you a total of how much it will run you if you were to DIY.

[chad p]

I'd appreciate that. I did a rough run on tap plastics website and it looks like it would be just under $250.

[ReeVo]

Originally Posted by chad p

I'd appreciate that. I did a rough run on tap plastics website and it looks like it would be just under $250.

Thats close but i think I can sum up something cheaper.
Just give me the dimensions you want and ill sketch something out for you and tell you how much it'll run you.
Just tell me if you want a fuge, what your skimmer's and return pump's footprint.
I'll look like my first sump but better lol

[chad p]

Well I'm going to build my own stand but I'm thinking 17 X 17 and 15" tall. I'd like to do a fuge like your first one. My skimmer is a Aquamaxx HOB-1 which is obviously a hand on back but I'm thinking of trying to make it work in the sump. The footprint on it is 3" X 7". Probably more like 7 X 6" when you consider the inlety/outlet.

Not sure on the return pump footprint but let's say 5" X 3.5".

I appreciate you helping me out. Still seems pricey but man, it beats jimmy rigging some 10 gallon tank into an overflow factory. Might just have to do one.

[Bolo Tran]

Tagging along

[TheReefKeeper]

Originally Posted by ReeVo

The dimensions are 21.5" x 19.5" x 13"

Are you willing to make another sump? I would take one if you are? PM Me if you will do another cool?

If not may be you can share your material list you ordered to make it

[Bolo Tran]

Hey sweet build! I also have a 50g artisan and looking to getting a skimmer to fit inside the stock sump. I believe the size is 7x14? Do you guys have any recommendations for the est bang for the buck skimmer for that sump size? Thanks!

Also what return pump are you using and does it add any heat to the tank? I'm currently using the stock pump too but feel that I could use a better one

[ReeVo]

Originally Posted by TheReefKeeper

Are you willing to make another sump? I would take one if you are? PM Me if you will do another cool?

If not may be you can share your material list you ordered to make it

It was a pain the butt but I will gladly show you how I did it. I'll PM all the dimensions as soon as I find my PDF. lol

Originally Posted by Bolo Tran

Hey sweet build! I also have a 50g artisan and looking to getting a skimmer to fit inside the stock sump. I believe the size is 7x14? Do you guys have any recommendations for the est bang for the buck skimmer for that sump size? Thanks!

Also what return pump are you using and does it add any heat to the tank? I'm currently using the stock pump too but feel that I could use a better one

Thanks bud : )

I believe Cadlights makes a skimmer that fits in that sump perfectly. i believe Reef Octopus makes a sump saver skimmer that fits in that chamber as well. SWC also makes a skimmer that fits i that chamber. All depends on how much you want to spend.

I have a Mag Drive 9.5 and it is overkill and it does add heat. It's really noisy and I'm changing it to an Eheim pump. They are really expensive but worth it.

[ReeVo]

Sorry I haven't posted an updated recently.
Haven't done much because I'm still gettig all my equipment.
I got my Apex Light system. Was actually a gift from my 2 really good friends for my birthday. They really knew what I wanted

I also just pre-ordered my skimmer (Vertex Omega 150). Won't get it till December
Next piece of equipment will be the bio-pellet reactor (Reef Dynamics 135)
I will be writing a full detailed review about this reactor since no one has done it. I feel that this company should be shown more credit. They have a brilliant design and not many people know about it. Hopefully my review will bring them more enthusiasts.
After my reactor I'll be making my stand for the ATO, the bio-pellet reactor, dual gfo and carbon reactor, all my outlets, and the Apex. I don't want all this equipment in one stand, so that's why I'm building a small one next to the DT.
My ATO will be made out of acrylic. It will also have separate chambers for my calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium.

Here is a video of my tank running RO water and the new sump.
ENJOY!

[xxvietxjustinxx]

ReeVo,

How much did it cost you to build your sump?

[ReeVo]

Originally Posted by xxvietxjustinxx

ReeVo,

How much did it cost you to build your sump?

I believe is was about 280 in materials.

[uxdesigner]

Nice build! That sump is awesome! I have the same tank and wanted to know if you are regulating the sump drain output with the valve. Was that the reason for it? My durso is completely silent (need to make a lid like you did) but the drain into the sump drain noise is still too loud. I've tried 90 degree, 45 degree connections, direct flex hose and even a revers durso but I'm still getting too much gurgling (air) at the drain in the sump. Any advice is much appreciated.

[ReeVo]

Originally Posted by uxdesigner

Nice build! That sump is awesome! I have the same tank and wanted to know if you are regulating the sump drain output with the valve. Was that the reason for it? My durso is completely silent (need to make a lid like you did) but the drain into the sump drain noise is still too loud. I've tried 90 degree, 45 degree connections, direct flex hose and even a revers durso but I'm still getting too much gurgling (air) at the drain in the sump. Any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks bud

As for the noise I know your problem because I had the same.
I do use the ball valve to regulate flow. Not a lot, just a pinch just so water isn't shooting down into the sump so fast that it cause gurgling sounds in the sump.
The other thing is that your durso pipe might be made out of 1" PVC piping. 1" Durso pipes dont work properly. The rest of the drain could be 1" PVC but not the durso. It has to be 1 1/4" PVC in order for it to be completely dead silent.
This guy explains why 1" dursos don't work.
http://www.dursostandpipes.com/make-your-own-diy

I still needed a ball valve to regulate flow and now the tank is really silent. I can't be even hear it. Just a trickle which will always be there when you have a sump.
The lid isn't really made to block out the sound but just so I dont see that ugly white PVC. Plus, it made the tank look even better
I hope this answered your questions.

[ReeVo]

Originally Posted by I_H8_JDM

Great build. Best of luck with the tank


Sent from my iPhone8

Thanks bud

[uxdesigner]

Originally Posted by ReeVo

Thanks bud

As for the noise I know your problem because I had the same.
I do use the ball valve to regulate flow. Not a lot, just a pinch just so water isn't shooting down into the sump so fast that it cause gurgling sounds in the sump.
The other thing is that your durso pipe might be made out of 1" PVC piping. 1" Durso pipes dont work properly. The rest of the drain could be 1" PVC but not the durso. It has to be 1 1/4" PVC in order for it to be completely dead silent.
This guy explains why 1" dursos don't work.
http://www.dursostandpipes.com/make-your-own-diy

I still needed a ball valve to regulate flow and now the tank is really silent. I can't be even hear it. Just a trickle which will always be there when you have a sump.
The lid isn't really made to block out the sound but just so I dont see that ugly white PVC. Plus, it made the tank look even better
I hope this answered your questions.

Problem solved! Just as you had assumed, I was running a 1" durso pipe and converted that to a 1.25" along with adding the ball valve it is now extremely quiet, almost silent. Still needs a couple more tweaks but I am very happy, now my pump is too loud (wasn't an issue before, since I couldn't hear it). I see you have a Mag 9.5, I'm thinking a Mag 5 or 7 may do it for me, plus it will allows me to run the drain slower for a truly silent system. I've heard the Eheim compacts are also pretty good. Thanks again for the help, I really appreciate it!

[ReeVo]

Originally Posted by uxdesigner

Problem solved! Just as you had assumed, I was running a 1" durso pipe and converted that to a 1.25" along with adding the ball valve it is now extremely quiet, almost silent. Still needs a couple more tweaks but I am very happy, now my pump is too loud (wasn't an issue before, since I couldn't hear it). I see you have a Mag 9.5, I'm thinking a Mag 5 or 7 may do it for me, plus it will allows me to run the drain slower for a truly silent system. I've heard the Eheim compacts are also pretty good. Thanks again for the help, I really appreciate it!

Glad to have helped! Just tweak the ball valve in small increments. As small as possible.

I'm replacing my Mag 9.5 because it is too loud and too strong. My intention was to run the chiller through the return line. That's why I got such a strong pump.
I'm planning on getting an Eheim 1260. It's super quiet, runs 700gph, and more efficient than my mag drive. I will keep the 9.5 for back up.
I love mag drives but just too loud for my new setup.

Let me know if you got anymore questions or concerns.