New 135g reef tank build

[huma-huma]

I like tall stand anyway you dont have to bend over to see your reef

I couldnt agree more lol

 

[Saratj1]

I like that design, of that sump, Im doing a refugium and skimmer sump, I may want a algae turf scrubber in there also, I just need to read a little more about it. My sump is going to be filter sock intake, skimmer in first section, refugium, and possibly a scrubber in middle section, then return pump in third section.

My stand is 38" tall so I don't think that will be an issue.
Danbstrong could you send me some more info/links to that sump build. I'd appreciate it.

 

[huma-huma]

I like that design, of that sump, Im doing a refugium and skimmer sump, I may want a algae turf scrubber in there also, I just need to read a little more about it.
My stand is 38" tall so I don't think that will be an issue.
Danbstrong could you send me some more info/links to that sump build. I'd appreciate it.

Algae scrubbers are amazing, just make sure your numbers and calculations are spot on and youll be fine..

 

[Saratj1]

If I put a ball valve between my pump and the aquarium to regulate the flow through the sump would that back pressure ruin my return pump quickly ?

On the return I have a 1" slipxslip bulkhead, I've only seen line loc in 3/4" how could I make that work for a clean return in the aquarium?

 

[Hocky puck]

I like tall stand anyway you dont have to bend over to see your reef

I like tall cuz of the kids I got little ones and finger marks on glass grrr

 

[danbstrong]

If I put a ball valve between my pump and the aquarium to regulate the flow through the sump would that back pressure ruin my return pump quickly ?

On the return I have a 1" slipxslip bulkhead, I've only seen line loc in 3/4" how could I make that work for a clean return in the aquarium?

Imo your pump will be fine with valve it wont cause backpressure it will only limit its output obviously you probably wouldnt wanna tone down a 3000gph pump down to 500 gph something extreme like that might put wear on a pump you may not even use the valves depending on pump rating at im assuming about 5' to the tank

 

[Saratj1]

I'm thinking about getting a skimmer , it's a knock off, but looks promising, it's a newer design cone skimmer. I figure with the design worse case scenario is I have to get a better pump down the road. Or I may get I higher end, but used down draft skimmer. The down drafts seem better made and are rated for big tanks, but will require a large powerful pump that I will have to buy and plumb and operate 24/7. I don't know.

Here's the cone skimmer:
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=140825280222&index=0&nav=SEARCH&nid=94689093042

Here's an example of the downdraft skimmer, there's a few I'm looking at but they are similar to this.
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=261086598667&index=9&nav=SEARCH&nid=61412727663


So here's my pros and cons for each

Cone skimmer:
Cons:
Unknown company, pump quality ect
Maybe a little small for my setup (rated 180g)
Pros:
Cheap
New more efficient design
Compact size
Supposed warranty


Downdraft skimmer
Cons:
Requires additional expensive pump
Older design, less effecient
Larger, will require more intricate plumbing
Buying this used so, could be unknown issues ( could be buying someone else's problem)
Pros:
Tried and true design and companies
Generally rated much higher than my tank size(200-300g)
Appears sturdy/high quality parts

 

[Grizz]

For the money your half way there to a proven skimmer IMO better to wait and buy a Reef octopus (BRS group buy) In 13 years iv'e learned dont skimp on skimmers, pumps or heaters
(1) 90 day warranty on pump?
(2) $100-150 for the needed pump

 

[Saratj1]

Got to work on the stand some today, made some progress.
Still not finished though. I have sanding and staining to do and the doors. But it's coming along pretty well I think.

 

[Saratj1]

Building the stand was fairly straight forward except for one thing, in my attempt to save as
Much money as possible I used scrap 2x4's that I already had to make the frame, this made the frame "not square" so I had a hard time cutting some of the sides. Most of this issue I could deal With by moving the unevenness to the back of the stand. The big front piece could not do that as all four sides are on the front. So I basically belt sanded the top edge until it fit. It still has a slight gap in some spots because the belt sander is not the most precise tool, but I think I can work with it. I still need to make doors for the stand that and smooth the whole thing and get it ready for stain or paint. I had been planning on stain but I am rethinking this, one thing is the wood is not as nice as I thought it is just cheap plywood with a fancy wrapper, and I've messed up that wrapper in a few spots with the saw. I could putty that, but would that show on the stain ? I don't know,

I ordered a pump from my lfs for my sump, its a deep blue brand triton 4 pump its rated at 1050gph. It was $70 and my lfs said if I didn't like it he would take it back, so fair enough.

 

[Saratj1]

For the money your half way there to a proven skimmer IMO better to wait and buy a Reef octopus (BRS group buy) In 13 years iv'e learned dont skimp on skimmers, pumps or heaters
(1) 90 day warranty on pump?
(2) $100-150 for the needed pump

I'm probably not going to get a reef octopus just out of principal lol. They are top of the line I suppose, but I'm not shopping for top of the line I'm shopping for bang-for-the-buck, so that pretty much eliminates reef octopus, unless I found a really good deal on one used.

 

[danbstrong]

I'm probably not going to get a reef octopus just out of principal lol. They are top of the line I suppose, but I'm not shopping for top of the line I'm shopping for bang-for-the-buck, so that pretty much eliminates reef octopus, unless I found a really good deal on one used.

Ive heard good things about eshopps skimmer never used one myself tho

 

[Saratj1]

I have an eshopps psk75h, I love it, it's a great skimmer, but their larger models are just as expensive as the name brand stuff for the most part. I think I'm going with that no name cone skimmer, I figure worst case is I buy a nice pump for it down the road.
And I got the eshopps for $40 and a zoanthid frag off craigslist so that makes it even better in my book.

 

[Saratj1]

Just bought a little power center to incorporate into the stand. I think it will be cool and help with all the electrical cords that will be coming soon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0029L7KRY/ref=mp_s_a_2?pi=75x75&qid=1345972117&sr=8-2

 

[Saratj1]

I'm reviving this old thread, I have been working on this project just slowly. But things should start moving a little quicker now.
I have the tank in the house, now I have to work on the sump.