Sieldan's New 90g.

sieldan · 06/07/2008, 06:06 PM

Well, the wife and I are starting a saltwater aquarium. Ok, I'm starting a tank. The wife just wants it to be 'pretty'. So its going to be a reef mix of corals and fish. We are on an extremely tight budget so the build will be a slow and drawn out one. A couple of months ago I purchased a 90 gallon center drilled tank from Aqueon, along with a very nice Cherry stand and canopy. Here is a bare fts.

Right now, Ive got the tank and sump full of freshwater to leak test and well, I wanted to do something with it.

Ive run into a slight issue tho and its probably one of my own making. The overflow from the dt to the sump is quite noisy. I cant hear the overflow in the DT, its just a very slight trickle, which I think is nice. The noise is down in the sump. Lots of gurgling and bubbling. Im wondering if I have the overflow set up right, or if it is something with my 'plumbing' to the sump. That plumbing is nothing more that some tubing from the pump to the dt, and from the overflow down to the sump. The overflow is submerged. Here are a couple of pictures showing what Im talking about.

The blue-green thing is just a cover to keep the bubbles from splashing out. Kinda hard to find a leak when everything is wet already.

So, what do you all think? What is the proper way to plumb the drain? Below the surface, at the surface, or above the surface?

kau_cinta_ku · 06/07/2008, 06:29 PM

what size is your return pump? you only want 3-5x turnover through your return. it could be that you have to much flow which is making the noise.

on my tank I have my drain stopped about 3" above the water level but I also use a filter sock on my drain.

looks like your off to a good start though. keep up with the pics. and keep us updated

BTW

To Reef Central

Adey7569 · 06/07/2008, 06:36 PM

i had the same problem with sump gurgle even with a durso fitted so i put a ball valve in the pipe and adjusted flow to match the flow of the return pipe now its as quiet as a mouse.

sieldan · 06/07/2008, 06:46 PM

Well, that was it. Too much flow through the overflow. I put a clamp on the line from the pump to the DT to restrict it, and that took care of it. I can see now that I am going to need to change my final plumbing plan a bit.

Thanks for the help there Kau. I have much to learn it seems. First lesson down, next!

Edit: Turns out I was pushing about 7.25 x turnover.

LJA · 06/07/2008, 06:54 PM

Good luck, looks like a nice tank

kau_cinta_ku · 06/07/2008, 07:05 PM

glad you got it fixed. learning is all the more fun in this hobby I think. :d

InsaneClownFish · 06/07/2008, 07:30 PM

Great looking tank.

One think I would recommend is to lower the water level in your sump. Most sumps run at around half full.

sieldan · 06/07/2008, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by InsaneClownFish
Great looking tank.

One think I would recommend is to lower the water level in your sump. Most sumps run at around half full.

Really think so? Ive done a power off test and the water level in the sump only rises to just under the rim/frame of the sump tank.

The sump is going to be divided into three sections: skimmer, return, and refuge.

Anywho, this is just a preliminary run to 'get my feet' wet and figure out some things before any fish get in there.

kau_cinta_ku · 06/07/2008, 08:11 PM

as long as the sump can hold the water from the DT when power is off you will be fine.

vetdog · 06/07/2008, 08:27 PM

good luck with everything

InsaneClownFish · 06/07/2008, 08:33 PM

There's nothing wrong with that...just make sure you're not too much over 10" or you may have problems with a smallish skimmer working effectively.

I think the recommended operating depth for most sub- 100g skimmers is around 8"

sixshot00 · 06/08/2008, 02:03 AM

Looks like it's gonna be a nice looking tank.
Good luck to you and keep us updated.

Denbf58 · 06/08/2008, 06:22 AM

looks like your off to a good start . I did notice the metal hose clamp on
the return even if it is stainless it will rust I would replace with 2 plastic
clamps . keep the pics coming . welcome and good luck.

KingRicky · 06/08/2008, 06:58 AM

When you get the sump/fuge going, you will probably need to have some hard piping to allow for valves to regulate the flow to the fuge. You will need to split the drain into 2, 1 going to the skimmer and 1 going to the fuge.

Here is a good thread about setting up a sump/fuge. It is kind of long but very informative.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1349443

Nice setup, keep us posted on your progress.

sieldan · 06/08/2008, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Denbf58
looks like your off to a good start . I did notice the metal hose clamp on
the return even if it is stainless it will rust I would replace with 2 plastic
clamps . keep the pics coming . welcome and good luck.

Yea, the hose clamp is not going to be staying there. All the tubing is comming out and pvc going in. This 'setup' is just for me to do a bit of testing and to see whats up.

sieldan · 06/08/2008, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by KingRicky
When you get the sump/fuge going, you will probably need to have some hard piping to allow for valves to regulate the flow to the fuge. You will need to split the drain into 2, 1 going to the skimmer and 1 going to the fuge.

Here is a good thread about setting up a sump/fuge. It is kind of long but very informative.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1349443

Nice setup, keep us posted on your progress.

Thanks KingRicky. Ill go read some more. Im starting to get a better idea of what needs to happen/what I want to happen.

Aquarist007 · 06/08/2008, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sieldan
Yea, the hose clamp is not going to be staying there. All the tubing is comming out and pvc going in. This 'setup' is just for me to do a bit of testing and to see whats up.

when you add the pvc consider running ball valves on the return and drain lines.

Aquarist007 · 06/08/2008, 08:51 AM

Here is one of the best thread on a 90gal build there is on RC. This should give you alot of ideas:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1310919

Aquarist007 · 06/08/2008, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by KingRicky
When you get the sump/fuge going, you will probably need to have some hard piping to allow for valves to regulate the flow to the fuge. You will need to split the drain into 2, 1 going to the skimmer and 1 going to the fuge.

Here is a good thread about setting up a sump/fuge. It is kind of long but very informative.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1349443

Nice setup, keep us posted on your progress.

thanks kingricky---yeah it is kinda long now but thanks to you guys that have posted on it

sieldan · 06/09/2008, 01:29 PM

Picked up some cut glass for the baffles in the sump today. 4 large pieces and 4 smaller ones for $26. Here is the design I am planning.

sieldan · 06/09/2008, 01:32 PM

Dangit. They are not labeled, but the 4" corners are bubble towers.

Nano Chris · 06/09/2008, 02:08 PM

Nice setup.

Aquarist007 · 06/09/2008, 02:10 PM

You might not need the bubble chambers with that setup and the baffles---that would give you eight more inches of space for your fuge

sieldan · 06/09/2008, 02:25 PM

Im just baseing the need for the bubble towers on current results. Im getting a ton of bubbles comming from my drain. If in the future I determine that the tower is not needed on the 'fuge, then a bit of work with a razorblade will reclaim that corner.

sieldan · 06/10/2008, 08:51 AM

Baffels in and curing. Question: How the heck do you get both sides of the baffles that make up the bubble trap? A couple of the pieces of glass that make up mine are only siliconed on one side. Just cant get to the inner edges.

Pic:

06/07/2008, 06:06 PM	#1
sieldan Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Central Alabama Posts: 73	Sieldan's New 90g. Well, the wife and I are starting a saltwater aquarium. Ok, I'm starting a tank. The wife just wants it to be 'pretty'. So its going to be a reef mix of corals and fish. We are on an extremely tight budget so the build will be a slow and drawn out one. A couple of months ago I purchased a 90 gallon center drilled tank from Aqueon, along with a very nice Cherry stand and canopy. Here is a bare fts. Right now, Ive got the tank and sump full of freshwater to leak test and well, I wanted to do something with it. Ive run into a slight issue tho and its probably one of my own making. The overflow from the dt to the sump is quite noisy. I cant hear the overflow in the DT, its just a very slight trickle, which I think is nice. The noise is down in the sump. Lots of gurgling and bubbling. Im wondering if I have the overflow set up right, or if it is something with my 'plumbing' to the sump. That plumbing is nothing more that some tubing from the pump to the dt, and from the overflow down to the sump. The overflow is submerged. Here are a couple of pictures showing what Im talking about. The blue-green thing is just a cover to keep the bubbles from splashing out. Kinda hard to find a leak when everything is wet already. So, what do you all think? What is the proper way to plumb the drain? Below the surface, at the surface, or above the surface? __________________ Sieldan Equipment: 90g DT, 30g Sump, 70lbs dry rock (more to be added), 100lbs sand, add salt water and mix well - Its a work in progress... Livestock: 2 Amphehiprion ocellaris, Centropyge bispinosa, Nemateleotris decora Current Tank Info: 90g DT, 30g Sump. OR2500 Retun pump.

06/07/2008, 06:36 PM	#3
Adey7569 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Surrey,UK Posts: 1	i had the same problem with sump gurgle even with a durso fitted so i put a ball valve in the pipe and adjusted flow to match the flow of the return pipe now its as quiet as a mouse. __________________ I used to be rich then i took up fishkeeping lol... Current Tank Info: 5ft x 2ft x 2ft Reef tank with 3ftx18"x12" sump.

06/07/2008, 06:46 PM	#4
sieldan Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Central Alabama Posts: 73	Well, that was it. Too much flow through the overflow. I put a clamp on the line from the pump to the DT to restrict it, and that took care of it. I can see now that I am going to need to change my final plumbing plan a bit. Thanks for the help there Kau. I have much to learn it seems. First lesson down, next! Edit: Turns out I was pushing about 7.25 x turnover. __________________ Sieldan Equipment: 90g DT, 30g Sump, 70lbs dry rock (more to be added), 100lbs sand, add salt water and mix well - Its a work in progress... Livestock: 2 Amphehiprion ocellaris, Centropyge bispinosa, Nemateleotris decora Current Tank Info: 90g DT, 30g Sump. OR2500 Retun pump. Last edited by sieldan; 06/07/2008 at 06:53 PM.

06/07/2008, 07:30 PM	#7
InsaneClownFish Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,069	Great looking tank. One think I would recommend is to lower the water level in your sump. Most sumps run at around half full. __________________ 7 Years Reefing and Many Fresh 8 Foot Envisions

06/07/2008, 08:27 PM	#10
vetdog Space cadet Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Huntingtown, MD Posts: 1,400	good luck with everything __________________ Any emotion, if it is sincere, is involuntary. ~Mark Twain Current Tank Info: 300 gallon DD reef tank, RedSea MaxE260

06/07/2008, 06:29 PM	#2
kau_cinta_ku Moved On Join Date: May 2005 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,669	what size is your return pump? you only want 3-5x turnover through your return. it could be that you have to much flow which is making the noise. on my tank I have my drain stopped about 3" above the water level but I also use a filter sock on my drain. looks like your off to a good start though. keep up with the pics. and keep us updated BTW *To Reef Central*

06/07/2008, 06:54 PM	#5
LJA Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 702	Good luck, looks like a nice tank

06/07/2008, 07:05 PM	#6
kau_cinta_ku Moved On Join Date: May 2005 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,669	glad you got it fixed. learning is all the more fun in this hobby I think. :d

06/07/2008, 08:11 PM	#9
kau_cinta_ku Moved On Join Date: May 2005 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,669	as long as the sump can hold the water from the DT when power is off you will be fine.

06/07/2008, 08:33 PM	#11
InsaneClownFish Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,069	There's nothing wrong with that...just make sure you're not too much over 10" or you may have problems with a smallish skimmer working effectively. I think the recommended operating depth for most sub- 100g skimmers is around 8" __________________ 7 Years Reefing and Many Fresh 8 Foot Envisions

06/08/2008, 02:03 AM	#12
sixshot00 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 444	Looks like it's gonna be a nice looking tank. Good luck to you and keep us updated. __________________ Open Your Eyes. Look Within. Are You Happy With The Life You're Livin'?

06/08/2008, 06:22 AM	#13
Denbf58 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: selden N.Y. Posts: 885	looks like your off to a good start . I did notice the metal hose clamp on the return even if it is stainless it will rust I would replace with 2 plastic clamps . keep the pics coming . welcome and good luck. __________________ Life is good Current Tank Info: 75gal reef ready koralia 3, 30g sump, 4b 48" t5s lighting, 29g reef with breeding pair clowns 55g reef 55g freshwater

06/08/2008, 06:58 AM	#14
KingRicky Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Fultondale, Alabama Posts: 322	When you get the sump/fuge going, you will probably need to have some hard piping to allow for valves to regulate the flow to the fuge. You will need to split the drain into 2, 1 going to the skimmer and 1 going to the fuge. Here is a good thread about setting up a sump/fuge. It is kind of long but very informative. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1349443 Nice setup, keep us posted on your progress. __________________ What if the Hokie Pokie, is really what it's all about? "Jimmy Buffet" Ricky Current Tank Info: 75, 2X250 MH Radiums

06/08/2008, 08:51 AM	#18
Aquarist007 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, Canada Posts: 28,240 Blog Entries: 1	Here is one of the best thread on a 90gal build there is on RC. This should give you alot of ideas: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1310919 __________________ I prefer my substrates stirred but not shaken Current Tank Info: 150gal long mixed reef, 90gal sump, 60 gal refugium with 200 lbs live rock

06/09/2008, 01:29 PM	#20
sieldan Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Central Alabama Posts: 73	Got Glass cut for the baffles Picked up some cut glass for the baffles in the sump today. 4 large pieces and 4 smaller ones for $26. Here is the design I am planning. __________________ Sieldan Equipment: 90g DT, 30g Sump, 70lbs dry rock (more to be added), 100lbs sand, add salt water and mix well - Its a work in progress... Livestock: 2 Amphehiprion ocellaris, Centropyge bispinosa, Nemateleotris decora Current Tank Info: 90g DT, 30g Sump. OR2500 Retun pump.

06/09/2008, 01:32 PM	#21
sieldan Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Central Alabama Posts: 73	Dangit. They are not labeled, but the 4" corners are bubble towers. __________________ Sieldan Equipment: 90g DT, 30g Sump, 70lbs dry rock (more to be added), 100lbs sand, add salt water and mix well - Its a work in progress... Livestock: 2 Amphehiprion ocellaris, Centropyge bispinosa, Nemateleotris decora Current Tank Info: 90g DT, 30g Sump. OR2500 Retun pump.

06/09/2008, 02:08 PM	#22
Nano Chris Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 2,758	Nice setup. __________________ Chris ------- 34 Gallon Red Sea Max 130! Setup (Just got back into the hobby) Current Tank Info: 34 Gallon RedSeaMax!

06/09/2008, 02:10 PM	#23
Aquarist007 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, Canada Posts: 28,240 Blog Entries: 1	You might not need the bubble chambers with that setup and the baffles---that would give you eight more inches of space for your fuge __________________ I prefer my substrates stirred but not shaken Current Tank Info: 150gal long mixed reef, 90gal sump, 60 gal refugium with 200 lbs live rock

06/09/2008, 02:25 PM	#24
sieldan Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Central Alabama Posts: 73	Im just baseing the need for the bubble towers on current results. Im getting a ton of bubbles comming from my drain. If in the future I determine that the tower is not needed on the 'fuge, then a bit of work with a razorblade will reclaim that corner. __________________ Sieldan Equipment: 90g DT, 30g Sump, 70lbs dry rock (more to be added), 100lbs sand, add salt water and mix well - Its a work in progress... Livestock: 2 Amphehiprion ocellaris, Centropyge bispinosa, Nemateleotris decora Current Tank Info: 90g DT, 30g Sump. OR2500 Retun pump.

06/10/2008, 08:51 AM	#25
sieldan Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Central Alabama Posts: 73	Baffels in and curing. Question: How the heck do you get both sides of the baffles that make up the bubble trap? A couple of the pieces of glass that make up mine are only siliconed on one side. Just cant get to the inner edges. Pic: __________________ Sieldan Equipment: 90g DT, 30g Sump, 70lbs dry rock (more to be added), 100lbs sand, add salt water and mix well - Its a work in progress... Livestock: 2 Amphehiprion ocellaris, Centropyge bispinosa, Nemateleotris decora Current Tank Info: 90g DT, 30g Sump. OR2500 Retun pump.