Aggressive Reef Step by Step setup - Page 2

smeese · 06-17-2006, 09:51 PM

Got the tank drilled today, and took some pics I will post tomorrow. What a nerve racking experience.

Went smooth though. To answer your question Barry I am doing a 1 1/2" drain (ID) and 2-3/4 inch returns (also ID) the drain is centered in the middle of the tank (no overflow box I am just using a 90 degree elbow pointing up or a T with two 45 degree angles on each end pointing up) Any input on non overflow box tanks out there is greatly looked at and appreciated. The two returns are in both back top corners 4 inches down and 4 inches in (approx) I am gonna hopefully be powerhead free as I plan on coming out of the bulkhead with 3/4" Locline around a foot long and a educator on the end of each. As of right now I am looking at a Gen-x return pump. (external) Checkvalves are a must in this application

redwinger · 06-17-2006, 10:05 PM

Steve I think you need about 10 more tanks.

smeese · 06-17-2006, 10:12 PM

LOL I only have 2 (main ones) John how about that Tues meeting?! Hope you can make it.

redwinger · 06-17-2006, 10:15 PM

I should be there I am off on Tuesdays and it is the beginning of the month. The stars are aligning my friend.

smeese · 06-18-2006, 05:21 AM

Paint will go on today too, but first I will get the drilling pics on here.

smeese · 06-18-2006, 06:55 AM

Starting in the middle with my drain hole.....hole number 1.....
measuring to center it.

put in the coolant seal and some coolant

Drill drill drill clunk

Hole 2

Hole 3

Finished product with paper towels in to make easier to locate.

smeese · 06-18-2006, 06:58 AM

Thanks to Luis Owner of Hobbies and Pets in Mankato (which is about to reopen after a move) for coming over to help me complete this project, and also for letting me take a couple shots for this thread.

Time to order some bulkheads.

spazz · 06-18-2006, 12:16 PM

looking good! but will a 125 be big enough for that eel? how long will he get? or is this a mid size tank for now and an upgrade in the future? when is your meeting? i might be able to make that one. not for sure though.

smeese · 06-18-2006, 03:26 PM

He is full grown now at just under 3 feet. More than likeley I will run it overstocked as usual as the pair of crosshatches will grow to a good size, and I was gonna do a 4"cortez ray and a black Tang or a Powderblue/goldrim hybrid but I am real intrested in a good skimmer if ya know someone that could help in that dept.....still got to go check out Dirks collection of wares.

Schulace123 · 06-18-2006, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smeese

He is full grown now at just under 3 feet. More than likeley I will run it overstocked as usual as the pair of crosshatches will grow to a good size, and I was gonna do a 4"cortez ray and a black Tang or a Powderblue/goldrim hybrid but I am real intrested in a good skimmer if ya know someone that could help in that dept.....still got to go check out Dirks collection of wares.

where u going to get that ray? just curious

smeese · 06-18-2006, 05:47 PM

Dirk has 3.

smeese · 06-19-2006, 07:44 AM

Tape, paint, peel, nice!

I may still tape again and clearcoat it with automotive clear coat just so when I clean it with a magnet it does not all scratch away, but I used glass paint so hopefully it will hold up good.

Time to order plumbing.

smeese · 06-23-2006, 01:28 AM

I got a couple bulkheads in today and the rest should be here Mon or tues. I went with the Gen-X 55 return pump, which will be split into two returns consisting of a bulkhead in each rear upper corner with a foot and a half section of 3/4 inch Loc-Line with an educator on each one. I am hoping this will be enough flow as I am not wanting pump clutter but time will tell. I am guessing I should have 500 gph out of each output and the educators are suppossed to increase that by four or five times. I am doing mainly lps so I am thinking I will be all good. I thank all who made me change my mind of the blue backround as the black looks slick. It even camoflauges the black bulkheads and I am guessing may help the locline to be less noticable. Things should go together quick now. I am picking up a sump from clownnut this mon or tues. (thanks Li) Still am needing to go see Dirk for that skimmer though. Have not a clue as to what i should run.

rihanssu · 06-23-2006, 04:07 AM

if you go to dirks and will be up this way soon pick me up the stuff he has for me!!!!!!!

smeese · 06-23-2006, 04:27 AM

Not sure what you have but i prefer not to take damagable goods for people for very long as it has cost me in the past.