250 gallon build thread - Page 7

maxxII · 06/10/2008, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by michealprater
I wont have water in my tank for some time, so drying time should not be a problem.

I assumed you mixed by the directions on the can?

Nope....

Eyeballed it to a runny oatmeal consistancy, and slapped it on.

Quote:

Originally posted by michealprater
Ace had "Ace brand Quick Set Hyraulic Cement" will that work the same as Thoro and is it as safe?

I dont know. I went with the Thorite because I knew people had used it before without issue. I used the Quikrete because the Thorite was such a PITA to get, and Mr Wilson on the Reef Ceramics thread said it would be fine. I havent used anything else along those lines....

Sorry.

Nick

michealprater · 06/12/2008, 08:01 PM

Did some more roughing in. Nothing is glued, just mocked up.

Had to relocate the sink got longer supply lines. Still have not figured out how I will get the drain to the wall drain, but that should not be too tough.

I have unions installed on the pump should anything go wrong.

built the skimmer stand, will have the input coming from the far end of the sump, the the return will come out right over the sump return pump.

Anyway... here is the pic.

logiktest · 06/13/2008, 04:56 PM

Will you use ball valves on both sides of the pump?

May as well move that sink into the far corner of the room to make space for the important stuff.

michealprater · 06/17/2008, 04:46 PM

I just put a ball valve on the outlet side of the pump, I hope to be able to keep it open all the way.
I want the sink as close to the sump as possible, you will see why when I build the water change system.

I have all the plumbing done except where the sump goes to the pump. Still need a 3" (75mm) drill bit so I can put a 2" bulkhead in. Looks like I am going to have to buy one, cant find anyone to loan me one. Seems ridiculous to buy one that will only be used one time, but oh well. I am ready to start gluing the drains and the return, but I am really nervous, once it is glued, if something is wrong I am screwed. I did get some plastic pipe hanger today that I will put on when I glue everything up. I will need some new flexible clear plastic line to run to my skimmer, since the skimmer has to be placed on the opposite end of the sump. Kraash has my salt and glass, so once I get the tank drilled and the baffles in, and everything glued and strapped. I will be ready for water! Both rock racks are done, I still need to put cement on them yet. Coming along rather nicely. I also made my steps a little higher, so my head is about 1" from the floor joyces (sp?). It is going to make it much easier to work in the tank. Kraash had a really cool idea for the lighting. I will share that with you later. Want to make sure it is going to work first. Plus it will take a while to save up for 4 Lumenarc reflectors. Well that is all I have to update. Hope to hear lots of comments!!

Tater11 · 06/18/2008, 07:52 PM

hi,micheal its tater.do some research on the lumanbrights.there are a few benefits to them.one is you hang them higher this will reduce heat.also makes it easier to do maintanance..

michealprater · 06/18/2008, 07:55 PM

So the Lumenbrights are better than the Lumenarcs in your opinion?

Tater11 · 06/18/2008, 08:11 PM

sent you a pm...

levon15 · 06/19/2008, 10:32 AM

interested in the bright vs arc information do post it dont hide in a PM

Good looking stuff in that basement.

michealprater · 06/19/2008, 01:21 PM

I PM'd Tater and asked him to post info here vs. in a PM or phone call. I sure hope he does. I want everyone to benefit!

levon15 · 06/21/2008, 11:54 AM

How did you finally get your tank level my floor is not level and my stand is similar to yours.

Tater11 · 06/21/2008, 03:25 PM

you mount them higher 16to20 inches which reduces heat and you still get good par.it also makes it easier to get in the tank for maintanance.if your tank is 24in wide you can go with the mini's from what i've read they have great coverage.i would get some myself however the wife has other ideas haha..i wasnt trying to hide in a pm i just like to talk face2face or the phone not in posts

michealprater · 06/22/2008, 06:06 PM

Thanks Tater. The lighting rack is going to be split in the middle then henged on the ends, and each half will swing out to allow easy access to the tank. This was crashes idea, and I cant wait to use it. I am glad you posted, I would like my build thread to be a learning tool for other reefers, that is why I asked you to post.

Levon, I built the stand in its final location and built the top level. If I were to move the stand, it would not be level. You can use shims to level a stand though.

michealprater · 06/22/2008, 06:06 PM

Thanks Tater. The lighting rack is going to be split in the middle then henged on the ends, and each half will swing out to allow easy access to the tank. This was crashes idea, and I cant wait to use it. I am glad you posted, I would like my build thread to be a learning tool for other reefers, that is why I asked you to post.

Levon, I built the stand in its final location and built the top level. If I were to move the stand, it would not be level. You can use shims to level a stand though.

oneoffcustom · 09/21/2008, 10:27 AM

When will you repost again. I cant wait to see that monster running. When i stay over i call the couch in the basement. What ended up of the rock wall? I built one for my 46 gallon it turned out pretty cool. I did use the great stuff pond foam though, it was like 2 dollars more i think i payed 10 or 11 for the bigger can.

samson78945 · 09/21/2008, 03:33 PM

looking forward to this build! keep as updated as much as possible!

cichlid333 · 09/21/2008, 03:54 PM

amazing tank congrats very well put together

Tater11 · 09/22/2008, 12:41 PM

welcome back.tank is looking good keep us posted..p.s. im jones'n for some of those cheesy potatoes

michealprater · 09/22/2008, 03:55 PM

As soon as I get a 3 1/4" glass bit. I can finish the plumbing and do a leak test. Pinchin pennies for the baby, due Nov. 1st.

michealprater · 12/07/2008, 08:17 PM

Well my son came October 10th and he is healthy. I am going to try to get back on the horse now. Funds have been a problem since my wife was off for 6 weeks and all the doctor bills with the birth and my bout with staff infection back in August. Luckily my good buddy kraash is going to get my sump drilled for xmas, that way i can plumb the return pump and get water in this bad boy.
Here are a couple of pics, a pic of the sump with the baffles, kraash, my uncle and I put in back in July and a pic of my son, Oscar Wylee Prater.

am3gross · 12/08/2008, 06:46 AM

congrats on the new baby!..... now get back to WORK!!!! i want to see water in it by the end of the week.....LOL!

michealprater · 12/28/2008, 05:52 PM

Finally, some new updates.

My buds, Mike and Kevin came over today. We made a lot of progress. Got the sump drilled and all the plumbing done. Did a freshwater test, all was good, except the 2" bulk head leaked that feeds the return pump, after removing it 4 times we finally decided to try silicone, so on Tuesday I will check it again. Problem is that I had to install the bulkhead backwards to get the slip side to the pump side and the threaded side to the inside of the sump. This is technically backwards and the threads were allowing for a leak. I will probably have to get a new bulk head and reconfigure some plumbing, but, I figured we would try silicone, just to see if it works. If it fails it is not a major deal to replace. Earlier in the week I got some of the stands sealed with Kilz white sealer. Here are a couple of pics I took today.

Tank with water in it for the first time (since I owned it).

Here are a few shots of the sump fully plumbed.

Thanks for looking!

~sp0ok~ · 12/28/2008, 09:18 PM

looking good...nice update

2farNorth · 12/28/2008, 09:45 PM

Just curious, did you put the rubber gasket for the Bulkhead on the Flange side? They really shouldn't leak either way you put them, as long as the gasket is on the flange side....

michealprater · 12/28/2008, 09:46 PM

Which is the flange side?

michealprater · 12/28/2008, 09:48 PM

I was always told the rubber HAD to be the water side, but now that I think of it, if it was on the outside, the threads wouldnt leak.

06/12/2008, 08:01 PM	#152
michealprater Angelfish Nerd Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Grantfork, IL Posts: 5,465 Blog Entries: 1	Did some more roughing in. Nothing is glued, just mocked up. Had to relocate the sink got longer supply lines. Still have not figured out how I will get the drain to the wall drain, but that should not be too tough. I have unions installed on the pump should anything go wrong. built the skimmer stand, will have the input coming from the far end of the sump, the the return will come out right over the sump return pump. Anyway... here is the pic. __________________ __________________________ Micheal Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder Reef

06/13/2008, 04:56 PM	#153
logiktest Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Zone 5 Posts: 4,071	Will you use ball valves on both sides of the pump? May as well move that sink into the far corner of the room to make space for the important stuff. __________________ Mike Have you ever looked around at the group of people you are in and thought, "If the Zombie Apocalypse happens right now, this is what I have to work with." Current Tank Info: 140.5gal. goldfish bowl

06/17/2008, 04:46 PM	#154
michealprater Angelfish Nerd Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Grantfork, IL Posts: 5,465 Blog Entries: 1	I just put a ball valve on the outlet side of the pump, I hope to be able to keep it open all the way. I want the sink as close to the sump as possible, you will see why when I build the water change system. I have all the plumbing done except where the sump goes to the pump. Still need a 3" (75mm) drill bit so I can put a 2" bulkhead in. Looks like I am going to have to buy one, cant find anyone to loan me one. Seems ridiculous to buy one that will only be used one time, but oh well. I am ready to start gluing the drains and the return, but I am really nervous, once it is glued, if something is wrong I am screwed. I did get some plastic pipe hanger today that I will put on when I glue everything up. I will need some new flexible clear plastic line to run to my skimmer, since the skimmer has to be placed on the opposite end of the sump. Kraash has my salt and glass, so once I get the tank drilled and the baffles in, and everything glued and strapped. I will be ready for water! Both rock racks are done, I still need to put cement on them yet. Coming along rather nicely. I also made my steps a little higher, so my head is about 1" from the floor joyces (sp?). It is going to make it much easier to work in the tank. Kraash had a really cool idea for the lighting. I will share that with you later. Want to make sure it is going to work first. Plus it will take a while to save up for 4 Lumenarc reflectors. Well that is all I have to update. Hope to hear lots of comments!! __________________ __________________________ Micheal Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder Reef

06/18/2008, 07:55 PM	#156
michealprater Angelfish Nerd Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Grantfork, IL Posts: 5,465 Blog Entries: 1	So the Lumenbrights are better than the Lumenarcs in your opinion? __________________ __________________________ Micheal Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder Reef

06/19/2008, 10:32 AM	#158
levon15 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Columbia, IL Posts: 2,070	interested in the bright vs arc information do post it dont hide in a PM Good looking stuff in that basement. __________________ "For he who serves his fellows, is of all his fellows, greatest" - E. Urner Goodman Current Tank Info: Downgrading from a 75 back to a nanocube of some kind.

06/18/2008, 07:52 PM	#155
Tater11 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: centralia,il Posts: 1,111	hi,micheal its tater.do some research on the lumanbrights.there are a few benefits to them.one is you hang them higher this will reduce heat.also makes it easier to do maintanance..

06/18/2008, 08:11 PM	#157
Tater11 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: centralia,il Posts: 1,111	sent you a pm...

06/19/2008, 01:21 PM	#159
michealprater Angelfish Nerd Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Grantfork, IL Posts: 5,465 Blog Entries: 1	I PM'd Tater and asked him to post info here vs. in a PM or phone call. I sure hope he does. I want everyone to benefit! __________________ __________________________ Micheal Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder Reef

06/21/2008, 11:54 AM	#160
levon15 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Columbia, IL Posts: 2,070	How did you finally get your tank level my floor is not level and my stand is similar to yours. __________________ "For he who serves his fellows, is of all his fellows, greatest" - E. Urner Goodman Current Tank Info: Downgrading from a 75 back to a nanocube of some kind.

06/21/2008, 03:25 PM	#161
Tater11 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: centralia,il Posts: 1,111	you mount them higher 16to20 inches which reduces heat and you still get good par.it also makes it easier to get in the tank for maintanance.if your tank is 24in wide you can go with the mini's from what i've read they have great coverage.i would get some myself however the wife has other ideas haha..i wasnt trying to hide in a pm i just like to talk face2face or the phone not in posts

06/22/2008, 06:06 PM	#162
michealprater Angelfish Nerd Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Grantfork, IL Posts: 5,465 Blog Entries: 1	Thanks Tater. The lighting rack is going to be split in the middle then henged on the ends, and each half will swing out to allow easy access to the tank. This was crashes idea, and I cant wait to use it. I am glad you posted, I would like my build thread to be a learning tool for other reefers, that is why I asked you to post. Levon, I built the stand in its final location and built the top level. If I were to move the stand, it would not be level. You can use shims to level a stand though. __________________ __________________________ Micheal Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder Reef

06/22/2008, 06:06 PM	#163
michealprater Angelfish Nerd Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Grantfork, IL Posts: 5,465 Blog Entries: 1	Thanks Tater. The lighting rack is going to be split in the middle then henged on the ends, and each half will swing out to allow easy access to the tank. This was crashes idea, and I cant wait to use it. I am glad you posted, I would like my build thread to be a learning tool for other reefers, that is why I asked you to post. Levon, I built the stand in its final location and built the top level. If I were to move the stand, it would not be level. You can use shims to level a stand though. __________________ __________________________ Micheal Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder Reef

09/21/2008, 10:27 AM	#164
oneoffcustom Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: houston texas Posts: 311	When will you repost again. I cant wait to see that monster running. When i stay over i call the couch in the basement. What ended up of the rock wall? I built one for my 46 gallon it turned out pretty cool. I did use the great stuff pond foam though, it was like 2 dollars more i think i payed 10 or 11 for the bigger can. __________________ Honey your are gonna be ****ed but... I really needed it!!! Current Tank Info: 5g Unknown destination!

09/21/2008, 03:33 PM	#165
samson78945 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: So Cal Posts: 267	looking forward to this build! keep as updated as much as possible!

09/21/2008, 03:54 PM	#166
cichlid333 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: clinton township michigan Posts: 101	amazing tank congrats very well put together

09/22/2008, 12:41 PM	#167
Tater11 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: centralia,il Posts: 1,111	welcome back.tank is looking good keep us posted..p.s. im jones'n for some of those cheesy potatoes

09/22/2008, 03:55 PM	#168
michealprater Angelfish Nerd Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Grantfork, IL Posts: 5,465 Blog Entries: 1	As soon as I get a 3 1/4" glass bit. I can finish the plumbing and do a leak test. Pinchin pennies for the baby, due Nov. 1st. __________________ __________________________ Micheal Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder Reef

12/07/2008, 08:17 PM	#169
michealprater Angelfish Nerd Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Grantfork, IL Posts: 5,465 Blog Entries: 1	Well my son came October 10th and he is healthy. I am going to try to get back on the horse now. Funds have been a problem since my wife was off for 6 weeks and all the doctor bills with the birth and my bout with staff infection back in August. Luckily my good buddy kraash is going to get my sump drilled for xmas, that way i can plumb the return pump and get water in this bad boy. Here are a couple of pics, a pic of the sump with the baffles, kraash, my uncle and I put in back in July and a pic of my son, Oscar Wylee Prater. __________________ __________________________ Micheal Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder Reef

12/08/2008, 06:46 AM	#170
am3gross Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: va Posts: 1,243	congrats on the new baby!..... now get back to WORK!!!! i want to see water in it by the end of the week.....LOL! __________________ There are five things that you cannot recover in life: (1) The Stone...........after it's thrown, (2) The Word...............after it's said, (3) The Occasion......after it's missed, and ...(4) The Time.............after it's gone. (5) A person...............after they die Current Tank Info: 210 display, 75 gallon fuge

12/28/2008, 05:52 PM	#171
michealprater Angelfish Nerd Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Grantfork, IL Posts: 5,465 Blog Entries: 1	Finally, some new updates. My buds, Mike and Kevin came over today. We made a lot of progress. Got the sump drilled and all the plumbing done. Did a freshwater test, all was good, except the 2" bulk head leaked that feeds the return pump, after removing it 4 times we finally decided to try silicone, so on Tuesday I will check it again. Problem is that I had to install the bulkhead backwards to get the slip side to the pump side and the threaded side to the inside of the sump. This is technically backwards and the threads were allowing for a leak. I will probably have to get a new bulk head and reconfigure some plumbing, but, I figured we would try silicone, just to see if it works. If it fails it is not a major deal to replace. Earlier in the week I got some of the stands sealed with Kilz white sealer. Here are a couple of pics I took today. Tank with water in it for the first time (since I owned it). Here are a few shots of the sump fully plumbed. Thanks for looking! __________________ __________________________ Micheal Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder Reef

12/28/2008, 09:18 PM	#172
~sp0ok~ Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 503	looking good...nice update __________________ The great question... which I have not been able to answer... is, "What does a woman want? Current Tank Info: in the works

12/28/2008, 09:45 PM	#173
2farNorth Moved On Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upper Peninsula, Michigan Posts: 929	Just curious, did you put the rubber gasket for the Bulkhead on the Flange side? They really shouldn't leak either way you put them, as long as the gasket is on the flange side....

12/28/2008, 09:46 PM	#174
michealprater Angelfish Nerd Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Grantfork, IL Posts: 5,465 Blog Entries: 1	Which is the flange side? __________________ __________________________ Micheal Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder Reef

12/28/2008, 09:48 PM	#175
michealprater Angelfish Nerd Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Grantfork, IL Posts: 5,465 Blog Entries: 1	I was always told the rubber HAD to be the water side, but now that I think of it, if it was on the outside, the threads wouldnt leak. __________________ __________________________ Micheal Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder Reef