First DIY Build, Please Help

[Geoff]

since we are drilling holes, i would just move the CLS input up to the other top corner. the upper left one looking from the top. that way it is easily cleaned. then move the drain for the sump where the intake for the CLS is drawn now. get rid of the upper hole.

G~

[coraln'fish]

Geoff, the tank has already been drilled....

I went and bought most of the lumber and hopefully most of the plumbing although I already see what else I need. I'm learning very much from this but that is the thing, I'm learning, I know mistakes I have made now and the next tank I do will be much better. Here are some pics of the supplies:

Almost everything to finish the aquarium



Misc



The CLS Pump Setup



I've had some fair share of carpentry and I've even helped plumb a bathroom but I know soo little about all this stuff. I think this aquarium has been one of the biggest learning experiences I've had. More to come later. Thanks everybody,

Ryan

[DaveTheReefGeek]

looking good.

[Loverotties]

Ditto!, Looking good!

[coraln'fish]

Thank you. Any comments or suggestions about everything?

[Geoff]

test fit before glueing.

G~

[coraln'fish]

Hahaha, that's what I was doing for a couple hours today! Man, sometimes I impress myself, out of everything I bought I only found two fittings that I didn't get. Lucky me, now I have to go back to the hardware store where I will probably spend another chunk of money! I'll post more pics when I get my camera back. Peace.

~Ryan

[Geoff]

i have 4 boxes of PVC at the house. 1/2", 3/4", 1", and bigger than 1". i was 20min from the nearest HW store so i always over bought, just in case. PVC is cheap.

G~

[coraln'fish]

Yeah that's what I'll probably do next time. It is good that PVC is cheap though, I would be broke right now.

[coraln'fish]

Here are some more updates. I got a fair amount finished this weekend. The stand is nearing completion and so is the plumbing, just waiting for the OM 2-way squirt. Here are the pics:

Right Side



Left Side:



Straight on:



The plumbing:



More Plumbing:



All Together:



Finally a picture of the person who is always by my side, no matter how many times I kick him or tell him I don't want him around:



Bingo, my Australian Shepherd.

I'm thinking of puting this aquarium in the Nano build-off. What do you guys think? Anyways, tell me what everybody thinks so far, what I need to do yadayadayada. Thanks everyone, I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for the people on this website. Thanks.

~Ryan

[Geoff]

what is the linear length of the overflow wiers? what size mag is that? if needed there are ways to increase the water flow into the box if needed.

in the future i suggest getting a Velocity T series pump to replace that Mag. mainly because mags will usually leak at some point in the future. not real bad, they just kinda do sometimes. and the fact that a Velocity is completely silent pump. a better fit for a purely external build.

G~

[coraln'fish]

Thanks I will look into those to have as backups if my Mags ever go out. The wiers are about 1 inch.

~Ryan

[Loverotties]

Your doing a great job!

[Geoff]

Originally Posted by coraln'fish

Thanks I will look into those to have as backups if my Mags ever go out. The wiers are about 1 inch.

~Ryan

sorry, i did not mean the length of the individual tooth, but the total length of each side of the overflow box.

G~

[coraln'fish]

Okay, they are 4 1/2''.

Well I had a busy day yesterday, I enlisted in the Army and am now in the 37FoxTrot, Psychological Warfare specialist. It's in the same group as the Special Forces. I'll be shipping out for training on July 23. I'm so excited to serve my country and I have a freakin' awesome job, I already have a secret clearance in the military and what I do is basic spy work. It's sweet.

Anyways, the OM2-way squirt should be in shortly along with the new bulb. Peace.

~Ryan