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  1. Plumbing: Return assembly with Penductors

    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 ...

    Updated 01-29-2011 at 05:03 AM by melev

    Categories
    Plumbing
  2. My new sump and the silicone project

    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.

    ...
    Categories
    DIY projects
  3. Custom Auto Top Off Reservoir

    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 ...

    Updated 02-04-2011 at 05:18 PM by melev

    Tags: ato
    Categories
    Plumbing , ‎ DIY projects
  4. Concrete done, liner installed

    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 ...
    Categories
    DIY projects
  5. Nitrate removal filter vs.protein skimmer.

    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!
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