First DIY Build, Please Help

coraln'fish · 08-15-2007, 12:15 AM

Alright, I've been in this hobby about a year and have had an AP24 and really hate it. I was going to buy new lighting because a 72w MH doesn't really cut it. Then realizing this tank would be too much for my mother to take care of during my training in the Navy I decided to use the same lighting only on a smaller, easier to maintain aquarium. The plan is a 15 gallon AGA aquarium with a 10 gallon sump, and a CLS. I need to know whether I can drill or not. I also would like step-by-step instructions as well. I'm a newbie in this area so any help is very appreciated. I was on other web sites and they were either jerks or just weren't helpful. This web site is awesome, I've been dwelling here for some time. Here are my plans (there not exact):

Any word is appreciated, good or bad. I just want to know what to do. I especially would like to know about plumbing sizes and etc. Thank you for all advice in advance.

~Ryan

Geoff · 08-20-2007, 11:22 AM

a CLS does not come from the sump. a CLS will have its own inlet and outlets, this is what makes it closed, it is not exposed to the atmosphere through its entire length. a CLS pump will need to be an external pump and not a submersible pump.

CLS's are great for making spray bars for behind the LR. for that size tank i would try and keep the number of holes down. maybe have a drain for the sump. i suggest running the return up and over the back instead of drilling for the return. less risky of backflow that could overflow the sump. one inlet for the CLS and one outlet for the CLS. the outlet being down low behind the LR. the inlet for the CLS will need to be below the drain level in order to keep it from going dry if the drain were to get clogged or the return pump were to stop working for some reason.

HTH,

G~

ckusnierek · 08-20-2007, 11:56 AM

As far as drilling you will have to check with the MFG to make sure the sides are not tempered.

Ditto to the above about the CLS. The best way to drscribe one is taking water from the tank and returning it with the water having never been exposed to air.

your drawing looks good but add another hole for the CLS drain, run pipe from the CLS pickup to an EXTERNAL pump then from the pump the the SCWD and back into the tank.