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With all the months of planning, I still found myself thinking about how I wanted the plumbing to be, pondering on what would be the ideal layout that wouldn't result in having to make changes and modifications later. I had some crazy ideas in mind originally, but modified them some.

The principle is simple: Water drains into the sump. Water goes back up to the display tank. Avoid too many turns and fittings, and keep it looking clean.

The return assembly was a big ...

The new sump was designed to fit within the steel stand. It is 58" long by 31.5" wide by 17" tall, using 3/8" AcryLite GP.

The layout is simple, with a big skimmer section, an equally large return zone, and a full length refugium. This was the best choice for the equipment I own and the space I had to work with. The sump is sitting on a 3/4" thick sheet of pink foam, which acts as insulation from the concrete floor and keeps the surface very smooth for the acrylic.

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For years, I've used wrapping paper containers to hold 20g of RO/DI water for my reef's evaporated needs. With the new tank, I decided it would be sexier to put a custom-made acrylic vessel under the tank. I measured twice, opting to use every inch at my disposal, and proceeded to build it. The reservoir is 22" wide, 32.75" tall, and 15.5" deep. It has a small access door on the top to allow me to adjust the float valve when needed. It is made with 3/8" AcryLite GP.

The purpose ...

I've been absent from the site to focus on my tank that is now ready for livestock. It's been a busy week, that's for sure. Last Sunday was my birthday, and I couldn't think of a better thing to do than stay home and work on my project. It probably seems like it is going on forever, but it reminds me of an experience a friend told me about a pilot for American Airlines that would come to a private hanger each weekend to work on installing wiring in his personal two-seater prop plane. He ran ...

I am planning on setting up a new 125 gallon reef tank with a 35? gallon sump and I am wondering if you can use a nitrate removal filter instead of the protein skimmer. Do I still have to cycle the tank
or can I cycle the nitrate removal filter on the smaller tank I am currently using? Thanks for all the advice i have previously received. As you can see I'm still in the planning stages!