Plywood tank or DIY acrylic?

[Minnreefer]

I think that uneven slow is much better then even flow, it should get some good currents going. I would recomend getting some very good flow going into that tank.

Welcome to TRT

Jon

[Das]

I think uneven flow is the go Minnreefer now i have some more questions:

I was planning a 300 Gal sump but recent thinking has leaned me towards a say 150 gal sump and 100 Gal O/Flow tank just in case of power outage. As my skimmer is seperate from the sump i really don't need such a large sump as for the Ref i will keep it the same size as originally stated.

So what do you Guys/Girls think your suggestions would be greatly appriciated.

Thanks ,
Darrell.

[H2OENG]

DAS,
Nice setup!
I would seal the back of the mirrored acrylic or use black acrylic instead. There is metal in that film which will be exposed to your tank water in operation. You could also sandwich it between 2 sheets to seal it, but thats a ton of work.
I have used a similar liquid rubber, but it was EPDM I think. Hecht rubber from Aquatic Ecosystems. Nasty, nasty stuff, but once it dries, as good or better than epoxy. Definitely use a respirator!
Also, good to see you are using one of the finest hand tools used in reefing...........A twelve ouncer of beer!
Chris

[Das]

Hi H2OENG,

After a trip to the acrylic supplier ai came to that conclusion as well. As for sealing the tank on the first coat i was no respirator and came out of the work shop feeling abit funny , so from now on protection will be worn ONCE BITTEN TWICE SHY !

P.S I will post more details and pics as i progress.

Thanks ,
Darrell.

[Das]

Hi,

I have another question (I have lots more to come)in regards to my pumps for my system hopefully someone can help me out with some answers:
My first question is i have a weir that is on a 45 degrees in the back two corners of my tank, the length of the face that is collecting water is 350mm and the depth of the weir is 820mm with a 50mm durso stand pipe and a 50mm bulk head fitting.I was wondering how i would work out how many Lt P/Hr would flow through each weir into the sump.

The reason i am asking these questions is i have allowed for two Onga 415 pumps with are rated at 12000Lt P/hr @ 3m head each as returns for my tank which has six outlets at the rear and two on the left side and two on the right side. They will also be feeding my fuge at approx. 800Lt P/Hr and the return from the fuge would be gravity fed back through a 25mm bulkhead in the weir walls on either side.
The two pumps will be setup on a manifold system with five outlets with inline flow meters, i also have allowed for a third pump dedicated to my closed loop, as for the transfer of heat i am not to fussed as i am building a climate controlled fish room out of sandwich panel ( what coolrooms are made from )and i have some friggy mates to help me out aon a chiller design .Now i do not want to be stupid and just go out and buy more pumps than is required so i thought i would pick the brains of some fellow hobbiest and then make a decision on what to buy.

[Buk_A_neer]

Hi Darrell ... It is not necessary to have alot of flow through the sump etc. but you want alot of flow inside the tank ... on my 300G I have a LG4MDQXSC as a return at about a 5' head ( 900G/Hr or so ) but I have 2 closed loops with 4 penductors for intank circulation ... more closed loops would be better IMO

[Das]

Okay i have just finished my final coat on my plywood tank now its time to get serious about my plumbing and i need suggestions on my theroy:

I have plenty of room in my wier for dual durso's if i stick with the 50mm and then add another 2 inch standpipe but at the bulkhead fitting reduce it down to 1 inch and under the tank and bring it back to one say 3 inch Approx. line to the sump.In doing so would this give me a greater flow to the sump as i am worried the the pump will be pumping more out of the sump than whats actually coming in from the wiers, as i want to also run another four outlets from the sump with SCWD on them.(also i intend to fit ball valves on each standpipe under the tank.)


Note that my return pump from the sump is rated at 3000 Gals P/Hr at 5 ft head.
Thanks ,
Darrell.

[Das]

Just a quick update,

I picked up my Turbo Floater 5000 Twin today and boy was i surprized by the shear size of it , i also had my plumbing gear delivered yesterday so i will plumb it this weekend and fit the glass Friday week ready for a test fill.

I will post some pics as soon as i can grab a camera of a mate.

Thanks,
Darrell.

[brian_e]

what kind of brace are u doing on the top?
i bult a 320 gallon plywood 6 months ago its 62L-36W-28H

[Adam101]

hey mike any Updates??? and to everyone elsse please post pics of your DIY tanks, if you can scan them or use a digi cam or if you wanna send them to me via mail i can scan them and post em.

[brian_e]

heres mine

[Mastino Mike]

Installing pond liner for my 700 with acrylic front.

[Mastino Mike]

another

[brian_e]

why the liner

[Mastino Mike]

I chose a rubber liner because my friend has an 800g tank with a liner that is about 8 years old with no leaks. I dont want to worry about leaks. It is extremely easy to work with. Very easy to install