5ft 120 Build Log

Jeremy Blaze · 04/01/2006, 10:24 AM

I thought I'd jump on board and start a log of my new tank build.

I am setting up a new 120 gallon tank. I currently am running a 6ft 125 reef, which is set up in my spare bedroom. It is no longer a spare bedroom as we are expecting our first child now.

I will be taking this tank down, and moving some of the livestock into the 120 gallon.

Because I maintain aquariums 40hrs a week, I prefer my home tanks to be very simple and low maintaince. I try to use natural methods whenever possible, and the lest amount of equipment as possible.

Here is a run down,

Tank. Perfecto 120 gallon. 60"x18"x24"

I received this tank as payment for a custom sump I built for a friend, so I really had nothing in it. I figured I'd give it a shot drilling it, as if it broke I would not be out much. I have drilled many tanks, but never one this size.

Sump, Custom Acrylic built by myself. 48"x16"x20" . It has a large section for DSB and algae, as well as a tray for holding carbon.

Return pump. I plan to use a fairly small return pump, probably a Mag 9 or Mag 12. My reason for this is, power draw, and noise. With a smaller return rate, my overflows and sump will not be as loud.

Tank circulation. I am going to run a Sequence Dart on a closed loop, with a manifold. Manifold will be 1 1/2" pipe, probably with 8 3/4" lock line outputs.

Lighting. Tank will be lit by 2 400 watt Metal Halides. I am using Blueline electronic ballasts, currently running XM 20k bulbs, but may try some 10k or 14k's.

Sump will be lit on a reverse cycle by 2 2ft VHOs.

I go against the grain by not running a skimmer. I have had the best of luck this way.

I run Phosban and Carbon 24/7. The tank will have a dsb as will the sump. LR will likely be about 80lbs.

As of now, the tank is drilled, back is painted, and it is sitting on my back patio. I am waitng for my stand to start setting it up. I am going to start breaking down the 125 Tommorrow, and moving the livestock into some holding tanks at work for the time being.

Pics soon to come!

Jeremy Blaze · 04/03/2006, 12:20 PM

Not much to show yet, heres my bulkheads and closed loop pump,

And here is the back glass after drilling and painting. Top 2 holes are for overflow drains, bottom 2 are intakes for the closed loop.

And heres what you get after you drill,

143gadgets · 04/03/2006, 10:50 PM

Lookin great!

Jeremy Blaze · 04/08/2006, 08:14 AM

Not much to add yet. I have my stand and canopy ordered. Just waiting for them to come in. I have started taking the old 125 down, and moving my favorite stuff to work for now. Taking some of the lesser peices to the lfs for credit.

Jeremy Blaze · 04/17/2006, 08:45 AM

Heres some pics of the sump.

tank drains into far left compartment, then into center refugium area, over drip tray for carbon, and into last area with return pump intake.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/...shpics_001.jpg

The skimmer was never used when the sump was used on the last tank. It would not perform properly, so I scraped it. I think the problem is solved, and I may try it again at a later time.

The fuge area holds a dsb of about 5" and algaes. It will be reverse lit by vho.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/...shpics_002.jpg

mr pink floyd · 04/17/2006, 08:50 AM

since the drains are in middle of the tank, how do yo ukeep them fro mdraining out the whole half of a tank in a power outage?

Jeremy Blaze · 04/17/2006, 10:00 AM

The holes in the miffle of the tank are the intakes for the closed loop.

The tank drains are the two holes near the top.

mr pink floyd · 04/17/2006, 10:52 AM

what do you mean in takes?

does water enter in, or leave the tank through those holes?

and is a closed loop just a sump and fuge and skimerm thing?
or is a CL somethign else

Jeremy Blaze · 04/17/2006, 11:31 AM

Please do a search on closed loop, there are tons of threads and info on them.

The only way water can empty from those holes is if a pvc pipe some how busted.

Jeremy Blaze · 04/18/2006, 02:35 PM

Started stocking up on epoxy to build my reef struture with.

Still waiting on the stand and canopy, may be here within the next week, hopefully.

Probably start collecting plumbing supplies soon as well.

Jeremy Blaze · 04/23/2006, 10:45 AM

Hee are most of my current corals, and clams in a prop tank at work, eaitning for their new home!

simple_joe · 05/03/2006, 12:15 AM

Updates?

Jeremy Blaze · 05/03/2006, 05:35 AM

Not much to update on. Still waiting on the stand, which should be here at the end of the week. Collecting plumbing right now.

Jeremy Blaze · 05/17/2006, 05:36 PM

Finally have an update on this tank!

Just picked up my stand and canopy. The sump is now sitting in the stand, and just waiting on a helper to move the tank and sit it on the stand. Then, I can start plumbing and making some progress!

Things should really start to pick up now.

Jeremy Blaze · 05/19/2006, 08:23 AM

Just got off the phone with Acuatic Ecosystems. Ordered the rest of my plumbing supplies (hopefully). Sould have the tank fully plumbed next week, and will be able to water test it!

I am trying to figure out a way to mount my halides. The entire top of the canopy is hindged, so if I mount them to that, whenever I open the top, I'll get blinded!

However, between that, and the fact that I'll have to stand on a chair to get in the tank with the canopy on, it will keep me out of the tank, which is a good thing most of the time as well!

My rock scape plan calls for a large piller of rock on one side. To do this, I have decided to drill the rock so it will slide over an acrylic rod. I happened to have a 5ft piece or acrylic rod laying in the shop, so I cut it down and will glue it to a large acrylic base. I will probably silicone the base to the bottom of the tank as well.

I have most of my corals already. SPS for the most part. Several fish in waiting as well.

Fish include,

Red Headed Fairy Wrasse
Yellow Flanked fairy wrasse
2 flashers, different sp. not sure, will post photos in hopes of id
Another unknown flasher, think it is a McCoskers
Red Sea Sailfin tang, about 3"
Spotted manderin (have had for about 1 yr. eats food from water column!
Sunrise dottyback (captive bred, very docile)

Also have a red sea mi9mic blenny, but now am leary about placing him in the tank. Will probably go to my 5.5 gallon mini bow instead.

I am thinking I may want another couple fish. Possibly a pearly jawfish. ANd maybe another small tang, such as a juvi orange shoulder, or ??

Jeremy Blaze · 05/22/2006, 12:24 PM

Tank on the stand

Sump installed

Jeremy Blaze · 05/26/2006, 07:22 AM

Okay, got the rest of my plumbing peices, and will finish up tonight. I am off tommorrow, and will likely fill it with freshwater, and check for leaks. As long as it goes okay, it should be filled with saltwater by the first of next week.

My plan is to set up the rock work, let it run for at least a few days without substrate so if any detritus settles on the bottom form the rock I can clean it out.

I prefer to place the rock in before the substrate, which makes for a much more stable rock structure when it gets backfilled with the sand.

I have an interesting plan for the rock work, which I will share in photos soon!

Jeremy Blaze · 05/27/2006, 03:23 PM

Plumbing is done!

Manifold,

Still need to add loc lines, but thats it. Will fill with freshwater tommorrow and check for leaks.

seanb · 05/27/2006, 05:03 PM

Thanks for the photos Jeremy. I am a total newbie at this, so I appologize if these are simple questions. I know the two lines on the left are the overflow drains, but why the T on top instead of an elbow? Some kind of air gap? What kind of fitting is on the other side of the drain bulkheads? How did you determine the height for the drain holes when you drilled them?
Also, what do you cover the intakes for the closed loop with and why did you choose those spots for the intake holes?
Lastly, what is the pipe going up on the right side for?
I love the idea of a manifold on a closed loop with an external pump.
This thread has been a great learning tool for me, thanks.

Jeremy Blaze · 05/27/2006, 05:55 PM

Let me try an answer all your questions.

The tees on the drains are called stockman drain pipes, the top of the tee has a cap with a hole drilled in it. This allows some air in and reduces noise from the drains, if it only had and elbow. On the inside is a Calfo style overflow box, see my thread here for more info,
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=473152

For the height, I just eyeballed it, doesn't sound to good, but after doing it enough, and seeing other tanks, you get an idea where they need to be.

Intakes for the closed loop are covered with large strainers,

The spots for the intakes were choosen based on a picture in my head of how I am going to aquascape it. They will be behind my rock work. Pics of that will come soon.

The lone pipe on the right side is the return from my sump. The pump is a mag 12 hidden in the stand.

Glad this thread is helping you! I was begining to think I was just doing it for myself. Feel free to ask anymore questions. And stay tuned, progess is about to pick up!

seanb · 05/27/2006, 08:33 PM

Few more questions.
Are you putting elbows on the overflow drains or just leaving open bulkheads?
How big is the overflow you're putting in and are you making it yourself?
I looked up the specs and your Sequence Dart seems perfect for the closed loop. Why did you choose the Mag 12 for the return? What set it apart from other pumps?
Keep those pictures coming!

steveo32 · 05/27/2006, 09:36 PM

I see that you went from a 125 to a 120 ? did you down grade from a 6' tank ? and if so why >? jsut curious. Also I love your cl manifold excellent set up. How ever like the pervious poster, why did you choose a mag 12 over another dart or something stronger? and why only the one return >? Was it cuase you knew you would do the cl ? thanks And great log

Jeremy Blaze · 05/28/2006, 06:39 AM

Lets see,

The inside will have elbows. The overfolw box will be about 12" I have not made it yet, but will build it myself.

The mag12 was chosen for a couple reasons. 1, I already had it on hand. 2. The size of the sump did not allow enough room for a larger pump, sumo is 48", tank is 60". 3. I did not want a whole lot of flow through the sump, as this leads to more noise, microbubbles, etc. 4. I have had good success with mags in the past, they run quiet, and last long.

Yes, I did downgrade from a 6 ft tank, however, once on the stand, this tank looks larger and more impressive due to the added height. The reason for the downgrade, was due to me getting this tank for basically free, I was not afraid to drill it, and knew I wanted to do it differently thant the 125. I did not want to drill the 125 for fear of breaking it.

I only have one return because of the closed loop. It has 8 outlets, so I figured it would be enough, and didnn't want to add any more plumbing than needed.

Jeremy Blaze · 05/28/2006, 08:17 AM

Tank is full of water and running! The manifold works great, and puts a lot of flow in the tank.

I found one very very small leak at a valve, but it will be an easy fix.

The mag 12 puts out too much flow for the 2 drains to keep up with, so I will have to throttle it back a bit, other than thet, its all good!

Jeremy Blaze · 05/28/2006, 08:26 AM

Another concern I had was the suction from the closed loop intakes. hat is why I split it in two and used the large strainers. Well, I stuck my hand in the tank and against the strainers, and I could not even feel a suction!

I just threw a vavle on the return and throttled it back, and it works well now.

Now I just have to drain it, fix the small leak, and move it against the wall. Then its time to fill with saltwater, and start stocking!

Oh, and it is running very quiet as well. When the mag12 was wide open it was louder than the dart. Not saying the mag was loud, but the dart is that quiet!

04/01/2006, 10:24 AM	#1
Jeremy Blaze Former Reef Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Washington, IN Posts: 5,864	5ft 120 Build Log I thought I'd jump on board and start a log of my new tank build. I am setting up a new 120 gallon tank. I currently am running a 6ft 125 reef, which is set up in my spare bedroom. It is no longer a spare bedroom as we are expecting our first child now. I will be taking this tank down, and moving some of the livestock into the 120 gallon. Because I maintain aquariums 40hrs a week, I prefer my home tanks to be very simple and low maintaince. I try to use natural methods whenever possible, and the lest amount of equipment as possible. Here is a run down, Tank. Perfecto 120 gallon. 60"x18"x24" I received this tank as payment for a custom sump I built for a friend, so I really had nothing in it. I figured I'd give it a shot drilling it, as if it broke I would not be out much. I have drilled many tanks, but never one this size. Sump, Custom Acrylic built by myself. 48"x16"x20" . It has a large section for DSB and algae, as well as a tray for holding carbon. Return pump. I plan to use a fairly small return pump, probably a Mag 9 or Mag 12. My reason for this is, power draw, and noise. With a smaller return rate, my overflows and sump will not be as loud. Tank circulation. I am going to run a Sequence Dart on a closed loop, with a manifold. Manifold will be 1 1/2" pipe, probably with 8 3/4" lock line outputs. Lighting. Tank will be lit by 2 400 watt Metal Halides. I am using Blueline electronic ballasts, currently running XM 20k bulbs, but may try some 10k or 14k's. Sump will be lit on a reverse cycle by 2 2ft VHOs. I go against the grain by not running a skimmer. I have had the best of luck this way. I run Phosban and Carbon 24/7. The tank will have a dsb as will the sump. LR will likely be about 80lbs. As of now, the tank is drilled, back is painted, and it is sitting on my back patio. I am waitng for my stand to start setting it up. I am going to start breaking down the 125 Tommorrow, and moving the livestock into some holding tanks at work for the time being. Pics soon to come! __________________ Trust me my friend, the names are not important at all. I've own hundreds of different zoas and palys and don't know the name of a single one. In my opinion, they are a waste of valuable time. Mucho Reef

04/03/2006, 12:20 PM	#2
Jeremy Blaze Former Reef Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Washington, IN Posts: 5,864	Not much to show yet, heres my bulkheads and closed loop pump, And here is the back glass after drilling and painting. Top 2 holes are for overflow drains, bottom 2 are intakes for the closed loop. And heres what you get after you drill, __________________ Trust me my friend, the names are not important at all. I've own hundreds of different zoas and palys and don't know the name of a single one. In my opinion, they are a waste of valuable time. Mucho Reef

04/08/2006, 08:14 AM	#4
Jeremy Blaze Former Reef Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Washington, IN Posts: 5,864	Not much to add yet. I have my stand and canopy ordered. Just waiting for them to come in. I have started taking the old 125 down, and moving my favorite stuff to work for now. Taking some of the lesser peices to the lfs for credit. __________________ Trust me my friend, the names are not important at all. I've own hundreds of different zoas and palys and don't know the name of a single one. In my opinion, they are a waste of valuable time. Mucho Reef

04/17/2006, 08:45 AM	#5
Jeremy Blaze Former Reef Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Washington, IN Posts: 5,864	Heres some pics of the sump. tank drains into far left compartment, then into center refugium area, over drip tray for carbon, and into last area with return pump intake. http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/...shpics_001.jpg The skimmer was never used when the sump was used on the last tank. It would not perform properly, so I scraped it. I think the problem is solved, and I may try it again at a later time. The fuge area holds a dsb of about 5" and algaes. It will be reverse lit by vho. http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/...shpics_002.jpg __________________ Trust me my friend, the names are not important at all. I've own hundreds of different zoas and palys and don't know the name of a single one. In my opinion, they are a waste of valuable time. Mucho Reef

04/17/2006, 10:00 AM	#7
Jeremy Blaze Former Reef Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Washington, IN Posts: 5,864	The holes in the miffle of the tank are the intakes for the closed loop. The tank drains are the two holes near the top. __________________ Trust me my friend, the names are not important at all. I've own hundreds of different zoas and palys and don't know the name of a single one. In my opinion, they are a waste of valuable time. Mucho Reef

04/03/2006, 10:50 PM	#3
143gadgets Moved On Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 3,151	Lookin great!

04/17/2006, 08:50 AM	#6
mr pink floyd Moved On Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: west hartford, CT Posts: 3,480	since the drains are in middle of the tank, how do yo ukeep them fro mdraining out the whole half of a tank in a power outage?

04/17/2006, 10:52 AM	#8
mr pink floyd Moved On Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: west hartford, CT Posts: 3,480	what do you mean in takes? does water enter in, or leave the tank through those holes? and is a closed loop just a sump and fuge and skimerm thing? or is a CL somethign else

04/17/2006, 11:31 AM	#9
Jeremy Blaze Former Reef Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Washington, IN Posts: 5,864	Please do a search on closed loop, there are tons of threads and info on them. The only way water can empty from those holes is if a pvc pipe some how busted. __________________ Trust me my friend, the names are not important at all. I've own hundreds of different zoas and palys and don't know the name of a single one. In my opinion, they are a waste of valuable time. Mucho Reef

04/18/2006, 02:35 PM	#10
Jeremy Blaze Former Reef Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Washington, IN Posts: 5,864	Started stocking up on epoxy to build my reef struture with. Still waiting on the stand and canopy, may be here within the next week, hopefully. Probably start collecting plumbing supplies soon as well. __________________ Trust me my friend, the names are not important at all. I've own hundreds of different zoas and palys and don't know the name of a single one. In my opinion, they are a waste of valuable time. Mucho Reef

04/23/2006, 10:45 AM	#11
Jeremy Blaze Former Reef Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Washington, IN Posts: 5,864	Hee are most of my current corals, and clams in a prop tank at work, eaitning for their new home! __________________ Trust me my friend, the names are not important at all. I've own hundreds of different zoas and palys and don't know the name of a single one. In my opinion, they are a waste of valuable time. Mucho Reef

05/03/2006, 12:15 AM	#12
simple_joe Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 450	Updates? __________________ Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.

05/03/2006, 05:35 AM	#13
Jeremy Blaze Former Reef Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Washington, IN Posts: 5,864	Not much to update on. Still waiting on the stand, which should be here at the end of the week. Collecting plumbing right now. __________________ Trust me my friend, the names are not important at all. I've own hundreds of different zoas and palys and don't know the name of a single one. In my opinion, they are a waste of valuable time. Mucho Reef

05/17/2006, 05:36 PM	#14
Jeremy Blaze Former Reef Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Washington, IN Posts: 5,864	Finally have an update on this tank! Just picked up my stand and canopy. The sump is now sitting in the stand, and just waiting on a helper to move the tank and sit it on the stand. Then, I can start plumbing and making some progress! Things should really start to pick up now. __________________ Trust me my friend, the names are not important at all. I've own hundreds of different zoas and palys and don't know the name of a single one. In my opinion, they are a waste of valuable time. Mucho Reef

05/19/2006, 08:23 AM	#15
Jeremy Blaze Former Reef Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Washington, IN Posts: 5,864	Just got off the phone with Acuatic Ecosystems. Ordered the rest of my plumbing supplies (hopefully). Sould have the tank fully plumbed next week, and will be able to water test it! I am trying to figure out a way to mount my halides. The entire top of the canopy is hindged, so if I mount them to that, whenever I open the top, I'll get blinded! However, between that, and the fact that I'll have to stand on a chair to get in the tank with the canopy on, it will keep me out of the tank, which is a good thing most of the time as well! My rock scape plan calls for a large piller of rock on one side. To do this, I have decided to drill the rock so it will slide over an acrylic rod. I happened to have a 5ft piece or acrylic rod laying in the shop, so I cut it down and will glue it to a large acrylic base. I will probably silicone the base to the bottom of the tank as well. I have most of my corals already. SPS for the most part. Several fish in waiting as well. Fish include, Red Headed Fairy Wrasse Yellow Flanked fairy wrasse 2 flashers, different sp. not sure, will post photos in hopes of id Another unknown flasher, think it is a McCoskers Red Sea Sailfin tang, about 3" Spotted manderin (have had for about 1 yr. eats food from water column! Sunrise dottyback (captive bred, very docile) Also have a red sea mi9mic blenny, but now am leary about placing him in the tank. Will probably go to my 5.5 gallon mini bow instead. I am thinking I may want another couple fish. Possibly a pearly jawfish. ANd maybe another small tang, such as a juvi orange shoulder, or ?? __________________ Trust me my friend, the names are not important at all. I've own hundreds of different zoas and palys and don't know the name of a single one. In my opinion, they are a waste of valuable time. Mucho Reef

05/22/2006, 12:24 PM	#16
Jeremy Blaze Former Reef Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Washington, IN Posts: 5,864	Tank on the stand Sump installed __________________ Trust me my friend, the names are not important at all. I've own hundreds of different zoas and palys and don't know the name of a single one. In my opinion, they are a waste of valuable time. Mucho Reef

05/26/2006, 07:22 AM	#17
Jeremy Blaze Former Reef Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Washington, IN Posts: 5,864	Okay, got the rest of my plumbing peices, and will finish up tonight. I am off tommorrow, and will likely fill it with freshwater, and check for leaks. As long as it goes okay, it should be filled with saltwater by the first of next week. My plan is to set up the rock work, let it run for at least a few days without substrate so if any detritus settles on the bottom form the rock I can clean it out. I prefer to place the rock in before the substrate, which makes for a much more stable rock structure when it gets backfilled with the sand. I have an interesting plan for the rock work, which I will share in photos soon! __________________ Trust me my friend, the names are not important at all. I've own hundreds of different zoas and palys and don't know the name of a single one. In my opinion, they are a waste of valuable time. Mucho Reef

05/27/2006, 03:23 PM	#18
Jeremy Blaze Former Reef Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Washington, IN Posts: 5,864	Plumbing is done! Manifold, Still need to add loc lines, but thats it. Will fill with freshwater tommorrow and check for leaks. __________________ Trust me my friend, the names are not important at all. I've own hundreds of different zoas and palys and don't know the name of a single one. In my opinion, they are a waste of valuable time. Mucho Reef

05/27/2006, 05:03 PM	#19
seanb Premium Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 236	Thanks for the photos Jeremy. I am a total newbie at this, so I appologize if these are simple questions. I know the two lines on the left are the overflow drains, but why the T on top instead of an elbow? Some kind of air gap? What kind of fitting is on the other side of the drain bulkheads? How did you determine the height for the drain holes when you drilled them? Also, what do you cover the intakes for the closed loop with and why did you choose those spots for the intake holes? Lastly, what is the pipe going up on the right side for? I love the idea of a manifold on a closed loop with an external pump. This thread has been a great learning tool for me, thanks. __________________ The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not "Eureka!" but "That's funny..."' - Isaac Asimov Current Tank Info: 225 gal reef tank

05/27/2006, 05:55 PM	#20
Jeremy Blaze Former Reef Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Washington, IN Posts: 5,864	Let me try an answer all your questions. The tees on the drains are called stockman drain pipes, the top of the tee has a cap with a hole drilled in it. This allows some air in and reduces noise from the drains, if it only had and elbow. On the inside is a Calfo style overflow box, see my thread here for more info, http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=473152 For the height, I just eyeballed it, doesn't sound to good, but after doing it enough, and seeing other tanks, you get an idea where they need to be. Intakes for the closed loop are covered with large strainers, The spots for the intakes were choosen based on a picture in my head of how I am going to aquascape it. They will be behind my rock work. Pics of that will come soon. The lone pipe on the right side is the return from my sump. The pump is a mag 12 hidden in the stand. Glad this thread is helping you! I was begining to think I was just doing it for myself. Feel free to ask anymore questions. And stay tuned, progess is about to pick up! __________________ Trust me my friend, the names are not important at all. I've own hundreds of different zoas and palys and don't know the name of a single one. In my opinion, they are a waste of valuable time. Mucho Reef

05/27/2006, 08:33 PM	#21
seanb Premium Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 236	Few more questions. Are you putting elbows on the overflow drains or just leaving open bulkheads? How big is the overflow you're putting in and are you making it yourself? I looked up the specs and your Sequence Dart seems perfect for the closed loop. Why did you choose the Mag 12 for the return? What set it apart from other pumps? Keep those pictures coming! __________________ The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not "Eureka!" but "That's funny..."' - Isaac Asimov Current Tank Info: 225 gal reef tank

05/27/2006, 09:36 PM	#22
steveo32 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: new york Posts: 344	I see that you went from a 125 to a 120 ? did you down grade from a 6' tank ? and if so why >? jsut curious. Also I love your cl manifold excellent set up. How ever like the pervious poster, why did you choose a mag 12 over another dart or something stronger? and why only the one return >? Was it cuase you knew you would do the cl ? thanks And great log

05/28/2006, 06:39 AM	#23
Jeremy Blaze Former Reef Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Washington, IN Posts: 5,864	Lets see, The inside will have elbows. The overfolw box will be about 12" I have not made it yet, but will build it myself. The mag12 was chosen for a couple reasons. 1, I already had it on hand. 2. The size of the sump did not allow enough room for a larger pump, sumo is 48", tank is 60". 3. I did not want a whole lot of flow through the sump, as this leads to more noise, microbubbles, etc. 4. I have had good success with mags in the past, they run quiet, and last long. Yes, I did downgrade from a 6 ft tank, however, once on the stand, this tank looks larger and more impressive due to the added height. The reason for the downgrade, was due to me getting this tank for basically free, I was not afraid to drill it, and knew I wanted to do it differently thant the 125. I did not want to drill the 125 for fear of breaking it. I only have one return because of the closed loop. It has 8 outlets, so I figured it would be enough, and didnn't want to add any more plumbing than needed. __________________ Trust me my friend, the names are not important at all. I've own hundreds of different zoas and palys and don't know the name of a single one. In my opinion, they are a waste of valuable time. Mucho Reef

05/28/2006, 08:17 AM	#24
Jeremy Blaze Former Reef Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Washington, IN Posts: 5,864	Tank is full of water and running! The manifold works great, and puts a lot of flow in the tank. I found one very very small leak at a valve, but it will be an easy fix. The mag 12 puts out too much flow for the 2 drains to keep up with, so I will have to throttle it back a bit, other than thet, its all good! __________________ Trust me my friend, the names are not important at all. I've own hundreds of different zoas and palys and don't know the name of a single one. In my opinion, they are a waste of valuable time. Mucho Reef

05/28/2006, 08:26 AM	#25
Jeremy Blaze Former Reef Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Washington, IN Posts: 5,864	Another concern I had was the suction from the closed loop intakes. hat is why I split it in two and used the large strainers. Well, I stuck my hand in the tank and against the strainers, and I could not even feel a suction! I just threw a vavle on the return and throttled it back, and it works well now. Now I just have to drain it, fix the small leak, and move it against the wall. Then its time to fill with saltwater, and start stocking! Oh, and it is running very quiet as well. When the mag12 was wide open it was louder than the dart. Not saying the mag was loud, but the dart is that quiet! __________________ Trust me my friend, the names are not important at all. I've own hundreds of different zoas and palys and don't know the name of a single one. In my opinion, they are a waste of valuable time. Mucho Reef