54 corner bowfront closed loop drill

bbehring · 09/19/2006, 11:44 PM

Just picked up my 54 corner bowfront with the megaflow overflow (w/ 1" overflow bulkhead and 3/4" return bulk head) which I plan to use for flow to and from my sump/refugium with return with mag-drive 7. I have a HOT backpak skimmer. My inquiry is regarding having the sides (backs) of the tank drilled for a closed loop flow system. I'd like to eliminate powerheads and heat from the tanks as much as possible. I'd like to drill for (2) - 1" outflow bulkheads that will have cone screens on them, placed about 3 to 4 inches from each side of the corner overflow box. This will be plumbed with 1" pcs down to a mag drive 7 or 9.5 and the return will have a 4 way om squirt (occelating valve) split off 4 - 3/4" return pvc brances to (2) drilled holes (high and low) about 4" off both corners. I was wondering if 1. If this All Glass brand 54 tank can actuall be drilled or if anyone has done similar drillings into the back panels of this specific tank. 2. If this seems to be a good closed loop plan. 3. If the pump size for this closed loop and tank appears to be correct (mag 7 or mag 9.5)? 4. If the placement of the overflow holes and the return holes seems optimum. Also what would be the best placment locations for the side returns from the top and bottom of the tank? Thanks in advance for any insight/input.

Avast Marine · 09/20/2006, 12:10 AM

It's late for me so pardon my short reply.

bbehring · 09/20/2006, 10:36 PM

dandy7200, thanks for the link. Your tank is awsome! Unfortunately I'm left with the area under my stand, with in the tank and over the tank surface to create a somewhat more subdued heap of equipment. Your syem is an inspiration and I'd love to blow out my daughter's room and do something big! Pushing her to the livingroom floor I guess wouldn't be right? I am going to post to paul at oceans motions to get his input on the om squirt and how I should run and locate the returns. I have no problem drilling the back suppluy and return holes. What pump do you think I should run for this closed loop with the om squirt? Mag 9.5? Will this supply enough volume to work the 4 way squirt IYO? I'll have a mag 5 on the sump/refugium returning to the tank through the megaflow overflow 3/4" return and as well as another mag 7 internally running a HOT skimmer. Looks like I will be lighting with a Aquanetics 24" MH/T5 combo fixture with 175W Coralvue 10K MH and dual 24W Blue Pro actinic T5s and moonlight. Not sure if I will mount inside the canopy or remove the top lid and hand the fixture above. Also what distance above the water would you set the bottom of this fixture?

Avast Marine · 09/20/2006, 10:46 PM

The squirt doesn't have a minimum water flow in order for it to work only a max. I use a panworld 50px-x. Paul will for sure have good advice on your tank. He did for mine and you can see how it is setup. I feel he will more than likely suggest the exact same thing. I did the 24" outer Orbit fixture and am not happy with the amount of light from the 150hqi. The setup you described should work good. I am also going to PM you with another option for that fixture. I am thinking I may actully switch to a single 400w bulb over the tank and see how that goes. Regardless my fixture hangs 7" from the water.

bbehring · 09/21/2006, 08:04 AM

dandy 7200 what do you think about the Gen X PCX-30 pump for the closed loop?

bbehring · 09/26/2006, 06:32 PM

dandy 7200, man, you're right there is no hiding from you! I do plan to post a build thread as I go along. It will simply be a slow process as my time permits in the procurement of equipment phase and readying the tank for wet test. Couple of questions: I spoke with Paul at Oceans Motions and he provided me with a fine plan to install the 4 way squirt. I was wondering, he appeared to be quite satisfied with supply and return of the closed loop over the top with no drilling. Could be an aesthetic personal preferance? What's your thoughts on this? On search on his site/forums, it appears that it's about 50/50. Also noticed some with drilled supply but over the top returns. Also regarding pump choices. I'm looking at Gen-X PCX40(mak4) or the Pan World 50px-x. I could step down 1 series for a bit lighterflow since I will not be keeping sps corals. Just looking to keep softies, LPS and a couple clams.

Avast Marine · 09/26/2006, 07:44 PM

Hahaha, I am on RF usually once a week and although I usually hang my hat here, it caught my eye. I went over the back for my intake. It sits in the back corner, I wanted to be able to just pick the pipe out of the tank to be able to clean it. I slotted my tank for an external overflow and I don't have a RR tank, so it sits right where your overflow is. Since you have the overflow back there I would probably drill for the intake.
I run the Panworld 50px-x. It's a great pump, and it wont be overkill for your LPS or softies. It's 20x turnover for your tank but, it's random flow. I use a Ehiem 1260 return on a 3/4" seaswirl and that gives me 30x and really good movement in the tank. Since my tank is mainly sps and a few lps I of course need a little more flow but, I am holding out for the Tunze nanostreams. The flow is good right now since the tank in young and open for sps but would be perfect long term for what you want to accomplish.
I can't really comment on the mak line of pumps I never used one. Bluezooaquatics talked me into the Panworld line, they use them on all of their pro installs because of reliability and cool running factors.
HTH

bbehring · 09/26/2006, 10:09 PM

Just picked up the Pan World 50px-x and om super squirt compact 4 way. Still need to decide weather to drill the supplys and returns? Probably will definately drill the 2 - supplys. Need to get a price from my glass guy tomorrow. What do you think 2 - 1 7/8" and 4 - 1 5/8" holes should cost me to have drilled?

Avast Marine · 09/26/2006, 10:23 PM

$100 - $120 + the bulkheads.

bbehring · 09/26/2006, 10:33 PM

Do you recommend the Standard Threaded Bulkhead Fitting or the Double Threaded Bulkhead (Schedule 80, Heavy Duty). Also do you use 100% silicone to seal bulkheads? Also what do you use in the way of glue/tape to seal pvc, threaded connections, and pvc to flex pvc?

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=FT1145

Avast Marine · 09/26/2006, 10:45 PM

I missed the link did you mean here? . I'm sure you did

.

I use the standard bulkheads, silicone on the outside of the tank not the inside, pink teflon tape for threads, glue: rain or shine for hard pvc and weldon 795 for the flex. Flex and hard pvc are all schedule 40 so you just use any connection/union/elbow etc, to join them.

bbehring · 09/26/2006, 10:49 PM

To keep you all up to date. Decisions and purchases made thus far. I will post photos soon of equipment only. Working to get the closed loop supply & return holes drilled in the tank back panels (hopefully Thursday, if not some time next week).

Closed Loop System: Pump: PanWorld 50PXX-MD30X External Water Pump - 1110gph w/ Oceanmotion OM Super Squirt Compact 4-way. System will be plumbed with 2 - 1" supply bulkheads and 4 - 3/4" return bulkeads. 1 supply and 2 returns in each back panel.

Lighting: Sunlight SILVER Maristar 24" 1x250watt w/T5 Package w/ PFO 1Watt Extreme LED Moon Light - flat mount
Sump/refugium: 20"lx10"wx18"h. 5" DSB with Cheato with CF lighting. Pending order and receipt.

Skimmer/Filter: Freedom Flow hang on the back. Unit has built in skimmer and mag drive 7 pump. Testing this unit for the LFS and Freedom Filters. Hope to have good results in combination with the refugium and high flow closed loop. This will also provide another 500 gph turnover to the tank, plus raw water skim/filter. I can also place carbon or poly filter media inside if needed. This seems to be a very highly crafted, compact unit. Can't wait to give a whirl. I have left room in my sump, just incase this unit does not pan out and I need to add a separate skimmer

bbehring · 01/22/2007, 12:51 AM

Well it's been a long time! I thought I'd jump back into my own tank build thread and post an update. Progress has been slow (and frustrating sometimes, due to work and life). Anyways, I'm back on track somewhat and have come what I think is a long ways.

All the plumbing is fully completed and wet tested. Over this duration of activity in DIY plumbing and mods I have learned a lot. I actually had the system plumbing which included the overflows, durso standpipe, sump, skimmer, and closed loop all plumbed and wet tested before thanksgiving, but had to leave it set as I traveled out of town for 10 days aver thanksgiving and didn't want a tank start up during this time. My next goal was to have the system up and running before Christmas, but to no avail, I ran short on time with all the holiday activity. Also, I was missing three keep components; 1. the need to have electricity pulled to the location where the tank would call home and 2. To install the MH/T5 hood combo w/ moon light mod syspended with the cable system and 3. Building the power center for my american DJ 100 - 8 switch unit w/ RK2 Controller w/ 8 outlet control and ice cap temps sensor fan. I am happy to report now, effective tonight, all 3 of these are now accomplished. Now I'm down to 1 additional trip out of town this weekend and then hope to get the water, sand and rock in sometime of the following 2 week period (mid Feb target). I have not been able to figure out how to link/post digital images into my own thread or reply so I have uploaded all I have thus far to photobucket under this link:

http://s136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/bbehring/

Avast Marine · 01/22/2007, 04:52 PM

right click picture. copy image location. IMG tag like [IMG.] paste and end tag like [/IMG.] I put periods after the IMG so it would show up.

Avast Marine · 01/22/2007, 06:16 PM

I just checked out all of your pictures. Dejavu man! Real good job with everything so far.

chem-e · 01/22/2007, 06:55 PM

That is one clean setup you've got there. The black PVC is a nice touch. Let me know how you like the RK2 controller. I've been thinking about getting a controller as well.

bbehring · 01/22/2007, 09:58 PM

Just a post to see if I can post a photo? Hopefully this works Enjoy!

IMG]http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/bbehring/reef-2017.jpg[/IMG]

bbehring · 01/22/2007, 10:09 PM

Bump

bbehring · 01/22/2007, 10:11 PM

Bump. Just trying to post photos.

bbehring · 01/22/2007, 10:16 PM

Ok, so I've figured out how to post. Except my photo is huge. So far I have not been successful in downsizing the photo.

09/19/2006, 11:44 PM	#1
bbehring Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hemet, California Posts: 917	54 corner bowfront closed loop drill Just picked up my 54 corner bowfront with the megaflow overflow (w/ 1" overflow bulkhead and 3/4" return bulk head) which I plan to use for flow to and from my sump/refugium with return with mag-drive 7. I have a HOT backpak skimmer. My inquiry is regarding having the sides (backs) of the tank drilled for a closed loop flow system. I'd like to eliminate powerheads and heat from the tanks as much as possible. I'd like to drill for (2) - 1" outflow bulkheads that will have cone screens on them, placed about 3 to 4 inches from each side of the corner overflow box. This will be plumbed with 1" pcs down to a mag drive 7 or 9.5 and the return will have a 4 way om squirt (occelating valve) split off 4 - 3/4" return pvc brances to (2) drilled holes (high and low) about 4" off both corners. I was wondering if 1. If this All Glass brand 54 tank can actuall be drilled or if anyone has done similar drillings into the back panels of this specific tank. 2. If this seems to be a good closed loop plan. 3. If the pump size for this closed loop and tank appears to be correct (mag 7 or mag 9.5)? 4. If the placement of the overflow holes and the return holes seems optimum. Also what would be the best placment locations for the side returns from the top and bottom of the tank? Thanks in advance for any insight/input.

09/20/2006, 12:10 AM	#2
Avast Marine RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,446	It's late for me so pardon my short reply. __________________ Dan Don't rush art, you get bad art.

09/20/2006, 10:46 PM	#4
Avast Marine RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,446	The squirt doesn't have a minimum water flow in order for it to work only a max. I use a panworld 50px-x. Paul will for sure have good advice on your tank. He did for mine and you can see how it is setup. I feel he will more than likely suggest the exact same thing. I did the 24" outer Orbit fixture and am not happy with the amount of light from the 150hqi. The setup you described should work good. I am also going to PM you with another option for that fixture. I am thinking I may actully switch to a single 400w bulb over the tank and see how that goes. Regardless my fixture hangs 7" from the water. __________________ Dan Don't rush art, you get bad art.

09/26/2006, 07:44 PM	#7
Avast Marine RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,446	Hahaha, I am on RF usually once a week and although I usually hang my hat here, it caught my eye. I went over the back for my intake. It sits in the back corner, I wanted to be able to just pick the pipe out of the tank to be able to clean it. I slotted my tank for an external overflow and I don't have a RR tank, so it sits right where your overflow is. Since you have the overflow back there I would probably drill for the intake. I run the Panworld 50px-x. It's a great pump, and it wont be overkill for your LPS or softies. It's 20x turnover for your tank but, it's random flow. I use a Ehiem 1260 return on a 3/4" seaswirl and that gives me 30x and really good movement in the tank. Since my tank is mainly sps and a few lps I of course need a little more flow but, I am holding out for the Tunze nanostreams. The flow is good right now since the tank in young and open for sps but would be perfect long term for what you want to accomplish. I can't really comment on the mak line of pumps I never used one. Bluezooaquatics talked me into the Panworld line, they use them on all of their pro installs because of reliability and cool running factors. HTH __________________ Dan Don't rush art, you get bad art.

09/26/2006, 10:23 PM	#9
Avast Marine RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,446	$100 - $120 + the bulkheads. __________________ Dan Don't rush art, you get bad art.

09/20/2006, 10:36 PM	#3
bbehring Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hemet, California Posts: 917	dandy7200, thanks for the link. Your tank is awsome! Unfortunately I'm left with the area under my stand, with in the tank and over the tank surface to create a somewhat more subdued heap of equipment. Your syem is an inspiration and I'd love to blow out my daughter's room and do something big! Pushing her to the livingroom floor I guess wouldn't be right? I am going to post to paul at oceans motions to get his input on the om squirt and how I should run and locate the returns. I have no problem drilling the back suppluy and return holes. What pump do you think I should run for this closed loop with the om squirt? Mag 9.5? Will this supply enough volume to work the 4 way squirt IYO? I'll have a mag 5 on the sump/refugium returning to the tank through the megaflow overflow 3/4" return and as well as another mag 7 internally running a HOT skimmer. Looks like I will be lighting with a Aquanetics 24" MH/T5 combo fixture with 175W Coralvue 10K MH and dual 24W Blue Pro actinic T5s and moonlight. Not sure if I will mount inside the canopy or remove the top lid and hand the fixture above. Also what distance above the water would you set the bottom of this fixture?

09/21/2006, 08:04 AM	#5
bbehring Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hemet, California Posts: 917	dandy 7200 what do you think about the Gen X PCX-30 pump for the closed loop?

09/26/2006, 06:32 PM	#6
bbehring Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hemet, California Posts: 917	dandy 7200, man, you're right there is no hiding from you! I do plan to post a build thread as I go along. It will simply be a slow process as my time permits in the procurement of equipment phase and readying the tank for wet test. Couple of questions: I spoke with Paul at Oceans Motions and he provided me with a fine plan to install the 4 way squirt. I was wondering, he appeared to be quite satisfied with supply and return of the closed loop over the top with no drilling. Could be an aesthetic personal preferance? What's your thoughts on this? On search on his site/forums, it appears that it's about 50/50. Also noticed some with drilled supply but over the top returns. Also regarding pump choices. I'm looking at Gen-X PCX40(mak4) or the Pan World 50px-x. I could step down 1 series for a bit lighterflow since I will not be keeping sps corals. Just looking to keep softies, LPS and a couple clams.

09/26/2006, 10:09 PM	#8
bbehring Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hemet, California Posts: 917	Just picked up the Pan World 50px-x and om super squirt compact 4 way. Still need to decide weather to drill the supplys and returns? Probably will definately drill the 2 - supplys. Need to get a price from my glass guy tomorrow. What do you think 2 - 1 7/8" and 4 - 1 5/8" holes should cost me to have drilled?

09/26/2006, 10:33 PM	#10
bbehring Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hemet, California Posts: 917	Do you recommend the Standard Threaded Bulkhead Fitting or the Double Threaded Bulkhead (Schedule 80, Heavy Duty). Also do you use 100% silicone to seal bulkheads? Also what do you use in the way of glue/tape to seal pvc, threaded connections, and pvc to flex pvc? http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=FT1145

09/26/2006, 10:45 PM	#11
Avast Marine RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,446	I missed the link did you mean here? . I'm sure you did . I use the standard bulkheads, silicone on the outside of the tank not the inside, pink teflon tape for threads, glue: rain or shine for hard pvc and weldon 795 for the flex. Flex and hard pvc are all schedule 40 so you just use any connection/union/elbow etc, to join them. __________________ Dan Don't rush art, you get bad art.

09/26/2006, 10:49 PM	#12
bbehring Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hemet, California Posts: 917	To keep you all up to date. Decisions and purchases made thus far. I will post photos soon of equipment only. Working to get the closed loop supply & return holes drilled in the tank back panels (hopefully Thursday, if not some time next week). Closed Loop System: Pump: PanWorld 50PXX-MD30X External Water Pump - 1110gph w/ Oceanmotion OM Super Squirt Compact 4-way. System will be plumbed with 2 - 1" supply bulkheads and 4 - 3/4" return bulkeads. 1 supply and 2 returns in each back panel. Lighting: Sunlight SILVER Maristar 24" 1x250watt w/T5 Package w/ PFO 1Watt Extreme LED Moon Light - flat mount Sump/refugium: 20"lx10"wx18"h. 5" DSB with Cheato with CF lighting. Pending order and receipt. Skimmer/Filter: Freedom Flow hang on the back. Unit has built in skimmer and mag drive 7 pump. Testing this unit for the LFS and Freedom Filters. Hope to have good results in combination with the refugium and high flow closed loop. This will also provide another 500 gph turnover to the tank, plus raw water skim/filter. I can also place carbon or poly filter media inside if needed. This seems to be a very highly crafted, compact unit. Can't wait to give a whirl. I have left room in my sump, just incase this unit does not pan out and I need to add a separate skimmer

01/22/2007, 12:51 AM	#13
bbehring Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hemet, California Posts: 917	Well it's been a long time! I thought I'd jump back into my own tank build thread and post an update. Progress has been slow (and frustrating sometimes, due to work and life). Anyways, I'm back on track somewhat and have come what I think is a long ways. All the plumbing is fully completed and wet tested. Over this duration of activity in DIY plumbing and mods I have learned a lot. I actually had the system plumbing which included the overflows, durso standpipe, sump, skimmer, and closed loop all plumbed and wet tested before thanksgiving, but had to leave it set as I traveled out of town for 10 days aver thanksgiving and didn't want a tank start up during this time. My next goal was to have the system up and running before Christmas, but to no avail, I ran short on time with all the holiday activity. Also, I was missing three keep components; 1. the need to have electricity pulled to the location where the tank would call home and 2. To install the MH/T5 hood combo w/ moon light mod syspended with the cable system and 3. Building the power center for my american DJ 100 - 8 switch unit w/ RK2 Controller w/ 8 outlet control and ice cap temps sensor fan. I am happy to report now, effective tonight, all 3 of these are now accomplished. Now I'm down to 1 additional trip out of town this weekend and then hope to get the water, sand and rock in sometime of the following 2 week period (mid Feb target). I have not been able to figure out how to link/post digital images into my own thread or reply so I have uploaded all I have thus far to photobucket under this link: http://s136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/bbehring/

01/22/2007, 04:52 PM	#14
Avast Marine RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,446	right click picture. copy image location. IMG tag like [IMG.] paste and end tag like [/IMG.] I put periods after the IMG so it would show up. __________________ Dan Don't rush art, you get bad art.

01/22/2007, 06:16 PM	#15
Avast Marine RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,446	I just checked out all of your pictures. Dejavu man! Real good job with everything so far. __________________ Dan Don't rush art, you get bad art.

01/22/2007, 06:55 PM	#16
chem-e Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: San Francisco Posts: 1,350	That is one clean setup you've got there. The black PVC is a nice touch. Let me know how you like the RK2 controller. I've been thinking about getting a controller as well. __________________ "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." ~ Benjamin Franklin Current Tank Info: Elos [~] 70 powered by Profilux

01/22/2007, 09:58 PM	#17
bbehring Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hemet, California Posts: 917	Just a post to see if I can post a photo? Hopefully this works Enjoy! IMG]http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/bbehring/reef-2017.jpg[/IMG] Last edited by bbehring; 01/22/2007 at 10:08 PM.

01/22/2007, 10:09 PM	#18
bbehring Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hemet, California Posts: 917	Bump

01/22/2007, 10:11 PM	#19
bbehring Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hemet, California Posts: 917	Bump. Just trying to post photos.

01/22/2007, 10:16 PM	#20
bbehring Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hemet, California Posts: 917	Ok, so I've figured out how to post. Except my photo is huge. So far I have not been successful in downsizing the photo. Last edited by bbehring; 01/22/2007 at 10:42 PM.