250 gallon build thread

[Angler02]

Good looking build. Look forward to seeing this finished.

[michealprater]

Great advise JXmetal.

What do you guys thing about epoxing the foam?

[ReefEnabler]

Micheal,

the reason the foam breaks down is because people are leaving it exposed to their lighting. It is very UV sensitive and will break down under MH lights over time.

The 'pond foam' version of great stuff costs a bit more, but it has carbon mixed into it. This makes it dark grey and also offers UV protection. not sure if there is anything else different, but the DOW Chemical company claims it to be fish-safe whereas they say regular greatstuff is NOT fish safe.

I think the using epoxy over it is the best method. I'm pretty sure that carbon is the only thing added to the pondfoam, so if you used epoxy and then cover it in sand/crushed coral you're providing pretty good sunblock IMO. Not only that, it looks amazing like that.

I've seen a *few* people pull off the raw-foam look, but it usually ends up looking like squigly turds unless you spend alot of time moulding the shape by pressing rocks into it. Its actually alot harder than you think, I tried it.

[logiktest]

Originally posted by michealprater
What do you guys thing about epoxing the foam?

The foam should last longer if you "epoxy" or use some sort of finishing resin. Using resin in combination with sand will add to the protection of the wall as well. Also, I think you will be able to return a few of those 10 cans of great stuff. You don't want the wall to float!

Keep up the good work!

[michealprater]

Well I figured I would throw some updates out there.

I bought a used Dart return pump and it is on its way.

I am probably going to order the bulkheads and sure flows tonight. Possible a couple of master test kits. Then when all that comes I will be ready to plumb.

Here is the 150lbs of rock I have here right now, I put it all in this brute can and I am filling it up with new water right now. I have another 80lbs at my moms in the 46 that will eventually be the qt.


I rinsed the 100lbs of black sand I have (real PITA). I am not sure if I should add more. I left the bottom bare where I am going to put the live rock racks, it is 1 1/2 to 2" deep. What do you guys think?

[michealprater]

Plumbing questions.

It looks like the outlets on my overflow boxes are for 2" PVC. There are two outlets on each overflow. Former owner had one plugged on each. I will have a 75 gallon sump and the return pump is a Dart, 3600gph. Should I use all four drains, or just two? Should I install ball valves on the drains? I imagine I should have a ball valve on the return side to throttle back the pump? The return will have to be 1" because that is the size of the 3 bulkheads on the returns. Not sure exactly where to start, but I would like to start buying some materials.

[logiktest]

Not sure if I read that correctly... If your holes in the overflows are 2", your required bulkheads will actually be smaller. That said, I would use all four bulkheads for drains with that amount of flow, or at least set up the ones you don't plan to use as emergency stand pipes rather than capping them off.

You should install ball or gate valve's before and after the return pump along with unions to allow the pump to be removed/serviced, so you don't make a mess or drain your sump.

[michealprater]

I measured the bulkhead, not the hole. I believe it is 2".

[logiktest]

Two 2" bulkheads should be fine for that pump, but if you have more bulkheads, use them for something...

[michealprater]

OK, I think I measured and explained wrong.

There are two overflow boxes, each box has 2 drains. The drains are 1 1/2" not 2" as previously though. Making a total of four drains.

There are 3 return bulkheads that are 1".

[michealprater]

The vertict still seems to be out on foam in reefs. I am still torn as to whether I should use it or not.

[logiktest]

Four 1-1/2" bulkheads should handle the 3600GPH of flow as well. Since your tank is in wall and you have the space, if it were me, I would use the three other bulkheads as emergency overflows. You could plumb your returns over the top of the tank.

As for the foam, I like it. The biggest question in my mind is their longevity. If you were to make the foam wall removable, that problem would be solved though.

[michealprater]

I can make the foam wall removeable, just not sure about the live rock racks. I wanted to cover them in foam also so if any of them where exposed it would not matter. I guess that would be a bad idea.

[michealprater]

as far as the returns, I would prefer to use the bulk heads because they do not stick in the tank. I cant stand pumps and pipes in tanks, so I do not want returns coming into the water from the top. My next challenge will be to figure out how to hide the 6 maxi jet mods I will be using for flow. I will take a pic of the back and post it for you here in a couple of minutes.

[michealprater]

The 3 pipes sticking out will be removed and the bulkheads replaced with new ones.

[logiktest]

I see (the pics help). If you don't like having all the pumps, etc. in your display, have you thought about employing a closed loop? Would/will you try to hide the MJ12 mods in the foam wall?

Would you please describe your LR racks?

[pRadaaaaa]

Very nice so far keep up the good work!

[michealprater]

I am going to try to disguise the maxi jets. I tossed around a closed loop, but then passed because of the cost.

Here is a picture of the live rock racks in Kraash's 525, mine will be similar.


basically when you get into these bigger systems, it will allow you the luxury of being able to place all your rock on racks giving the appearance that there is twice as much in the display. I plan on having 300-400 lbs of rock, but with the racks, it will look like 1000lbs.

[logiktest]

Oh OK. When I read "rock racks", I was thinking of something like this:



That is for someone else's (Bricky) cryptic zone.

I'm with you now.

[michealprater]

The racks will not be visible while looking at the display. It will be completely hidden by a pile of rock. I am doing two racks 3" in length.

What do you think about covering the racks in foam?

[logiktest]

If you use PVC for the racks, the foam will likely try to spin around on it unless you find a way to secure it. PVC is pretty slick.

[michealprater]

HMMM, I wonder if I could incorporate some eggcrate, or maybe even sand the PVC?

[logiktest]

Maybe drill a bunch of holes in the PVC, fill it with foam letting the foam ooze out and harden, then using the foam as planned, having a more irregular shape to bond the rest of the foam to?

[michealprater]

That sounds great. This could be very interesting!!!

[michealprater]

have not did much lately, kind of at a stand still until I get the sump baffled and the plumbing in. I am hoping Kraash can make it over to help me with that Sunday.

I did a few things. Put a new impeller housing on my mag36 that will be the power plant for my ev2000. Learned a hard lesson, never pick up a heavy pump by the spout. LOL. Thanks to Reefgeek for stocking the replacement!

Here is a good deal, I got this Sequence Reeflo Dart for $130! Will make a great return!