Jimbo’s CDA 250
- Thread starter Jimbo327
- Start date
Yeah, it doesn't take much to fill those things up quickly. I know going back to halides has reduced my light fixtures in half, which took up one EB8 and part of another. I'm actually reverting to my old school ways and only using things that I actually need, then using equipment that doesn't require multiple plugs, but it's hard.
I’m very thankful that there is a HD very close to my house, and a Lowes near my work. So I try to time my pickups and returns. Haha, the worst is the returns if there is a guy returning 100 parts after a big job. And I think HD purposely put the slowest guys at returns, they go into chit chat mode and checking every little thing. 😂. But I find that thr big box stores don’t carry too much reef stuff like bulkheads. Some of the places I’ve bought from online is BRS, Premium Aquatics, Savko, and Grainger. Each have their pros and cons. Lowes does carry a bunch of Schedule 80’s and unions. Savko is much cheaper for some parts. And Premium Aquatics have no tax.
Hopefully, this info helps the next guy spending a fortune on plumbing and fittings to make everything fit.
Hopefully, this info helps the next guy spending a fortune on plumbing and fittings to make everything fit.
I have dry fitted my plumbing. Will probably wait until next weekend to glue them together. Plumbing for the lower return was tricky, I raised the height of tubing with planned siphon break line into external overflow box. This should prevent back siphon from the lower return. Even added check valve to this line. (Tip: cover the clear check valve so no light can get it, you’ll have a better chance of it working) This may be controversial as how well it will work, fingers crossed.
I cleaned the return pumps in citric acid bath, and gave it a good scrub. I have a L1 pump as main return pump feeding the returns on each side. I have a M1 pump feeding a manifold, which includes the chiller and UV that I will run outside of the house, and finally going to the lower return.
I cleaned the return pumps in citric acid bath, and gave it a good scrub. I have a L1 pump as main return pump feeding the returns on each side. I have a M1 pump feeding a manifold, which includes the chiller and UV that I will run outside of the house, and finally going to the lower return.
I have to say that plumbing is my least favorite part so far. I had everything cut and dry fitted already, so I thought it’ll be a quick job of glueing it together. Started at 10am, after a few screw-ups and store runs, I finally finished glueing my last fitting at 2 am. If there are leaks, I’m going to cry.
Screw-up includes PVC pipe pushing back out of fittings after initial insertion. So you have to hold the piece together for about 20 seconds. I did find the Ace Hardware in Santa Ana has a very complete schedule 80 fittings selection.
Screw-up includes PVC pipe pushing back out of fittings after initial insertion. So you have to hold the piece together for about 20 seconds. I did find the Ace Hardware in Santa Ana has a very complete schedule 80 fittings selection.
I think I was breathing in too much of that PVC glue. I glued the wrong piece together, so definitely user error. So I started to label the pieces that go together with numbers before I removed the dry fit. It kept me from making more mistakes. I’m just glad it is over.
Do you guys test the piping/fitting for leaks with filling up the whole tank with tap water before moving it into the final spot?
Do you guys test the piping/fitting for leaks with filling up the whole tank with tap water before moving it into the final spot?
Looks good. Don't forget to create hiding places and holes for the fish, they'll thank you for it. A lot of people are just thinking about coral placement, but providing security for your fish will not only help reduce stress, but you'll see more "normal" behavior from your fish. Which is my main reason why I don't like negative space aquascapes, they simply do nothing for the fish and when the corals grow out, you don't see any of that work, kinda pointless in my book, but I'm kinda old school that way. I also like islands or bommies, which kinda breakup the overall look and gives you a sense of depth.
Added a shelf inside my stand for my doser.
Finished up my controller board, just need to wire it.
I’m going to work on my water storage shed next, and hope to get that set up soon. Also waiting for electrician to come out to fix my electrical outlet. While I wait, I try to learn how to set up this APEX.
Finished up my controller board, just need to wire it.
I’m going to work on my water storage shed next, and hope to get that set up soon. Also waiting for electrician to come out to fix my electrical outlet. While I wait, I try to learn how to set up this APEX.
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