120 Gallon Build in HB
- Thread starter mkfmedic
- Start date
So since everything is moving along smoothly, I've decided to upgrade my sump and plumbing. I've ordered a custom built 38" x 20" by 16 tall. I have designed the sump based on personal preference and experiences over the last year and a half. I will have my water draining into a chamber then up and over a filter sock section with three socks. It will proceed through my sump equipment including two reactors and my protein skimmer then through baffles to the return pump section. I am removing my current BRS reactors from their hanging position and will be placing the reactors (Possibly new ones), "In-Sump." Lowering the height in comparison to my current sump and moving these will give me greater access in and above the sump. The sump will run at approximately 10.5" deep and add just over 5 gallons more water volume to the system.
For kicks, I will be using colored pipe (Red for the return and manifold, and Grey for the drains. I will be adding in a "Check Valve," although the sump will be able to handle any water volume draining from the DT above, but I just wanted to add an additional measure of protection.
The Sump back and all interior parts will be done in white acrylic. In addition to the increased size and volume of the sump, I am having each section maximized for equipment so that there is no "Wasted" space, while still allowing for ease of placement, access and maintenance of my equipment.
Other changes will include my main pump which will be a Fluval SP4 rated at 1800+ gallons per hour and I will be increasing the return plumbing size to 1" rather than my 3/4" I am currently using. I will still have to reduce the 1" to 3/4" at the bulkhead, but I still think this will reduce some of the friction loss opposed to reducing at the pump itself. Because I will have more room above the sump I will have some increased flexibility with my plumbing placement and I will be adding a manifold. The manifold will have 2 1/2" union ball valves and a 3/4" union ball valve.
I will continue to update and post pictures as I make progress!
Thanks and have a great day!
Mike
For kicks, I will be using colored pipe (Red for the return and manifold, and Grey for the drains. I will be adding in a "Check Valve," although the sump will be able to handle any water volume draining from the DT above, but I just wanted to add an additional measure of protection.
The Sump back and all interior parts will be done in white acrylic. In addition to the increased size and volume of the sump, I am having each section maximized for equipment so that there is no "Wasted" space, while still allowing for ease of placement, access and maintenance of my equipment.
Other changes will include my main pump which will be a Fluval SP4 rated at 1800+ gallons per hour and I will be increasing the return plumbing size to 1" rather than my 3/4" I am currently using. I will still have to reduce the 1" to 3/4" at the bulkhead, but I still think this will reduce some of the friction loss opposed to reducing at the pump itself. Because I will have more room above the sump I will have some increased flexibility with my plumbing placement and I will be adding a manifold. The manifold will have 2 1/2" union ball valves and a 3/4" union ball valve.
I will continue to update and post pictures as I make progress!
Thanks and have a great day!
Mike
Hey Nick,
I'll try to get some updated pics up soon or a video. It's actually changed quite a bit. I had to remove an Arc Eye Hawkfish from my tank and ended up having to take out most of my rock to finally catch him. So that by itself resulted in some changes to my rock scape. You can never get everything back where it was before that darn fish. I also lost a couple of fish due to jumping including my Borbonios. Ugh. That was the last straw and now I have a screen over the tank. I'm hoping that I can replace him someday because that was one of my favorites!
I changed my skimmer up, not so much because the Seaside ES2 wasn't working, because it did a good job, but I was looking for something that performed a little better. Ended up going with the RO Prime 200int and there is a night and day difference!
Thanks,
Mike
I
I'll try to get some updated pics up soon or a video. It's actually changed quite a bit. I had to remove an Arc Eye Hawkfish from my tank and ended up having to take out most of my rock to finally catch him. So that by itself resulted in some changes to my rock scape. You can never get everything back where it was before that darn fish. I also lost a couple of fish due to jumping including my Borbonios. Ugh. That was the last straw and now I have a screen over the tank. I'm hoping that I can replace him someday because that was one of my favorites!
I changed my skimmer up, not so much because the Seaside ES2 wasn't working, because it did a good job, but I was looking for something that performed a little better. Ended up going with the RO Prime 200int and there is a night and day difference!
Thanks,
Mike
I
Would you mind putting up pics of your sump setup? Trying to finalize plans on my sump and filtration. Also, LOL on the choice of red PVC because I plan on doing the same for my setup. Totally for $hit$ and giggles on my part because I simply think it'll look cool since it'll stand out nicely in my sump area which is painted a glossy white. I'll just be using the red PVC pipes. My other ball valves and gate valves are the schedule 80 gray color, and I'll probably just use the white PVC for any tees and elbows. In my head, that should make for a nice looking sump area, but we shall see.
Also interested in what else you have to say about the RO Prime 200INT because that's right up there on the top of my list for skimmer upgrades on my 150.
Looking forward to progress pics.
Jay
Also interested in what else you have to say about the RO Prime 200INT because that's right up there on the top of my list for skimmer upgrades on my 150.
Looking forward to progress pics.
Jay
