Need some advice please

[ASpec]

I have a 58 gallon Reef Ready Oceanic. I got a great deal on this tank so being reef ready had nothing to do with my purchase.

Initially I thought about running a sump or wet/dry to keep all the equipment hidden and out of sight. Well, after doing some reading and talking to several people I have decide against using a sump or wet/dry since I would really have to crank up my pressurized C02 system to compensate for the gas lost by running such a setup.

So my new plan is to purchase a canister filter, either a Eheim Thermo 2126 or a XP3 and an in-line Hydor heater, plumb in a DIY reactor on the return line and thus leaves only the canister intake and spray bar in the tank, which I can live with.

Then I though about doing something more drastic, which is where I need some advice please...

The overflow box could easily be removed, since it's just held in place by silicone, and it's centered in the tank - not worried about hurting the actual aquarium seal. This would leave me 2 bulkheads on the bottom floor of the tank.

I would insert both bulkheads but cap off the larger bulkhead under the tank, which was the drain bulkhead. Then I would plumb the return bulkhead into my canister return, paint a piece of PVC black, Y it out about 6" to 10" from surface and have it as my custom flow return.

Is this a feasible plan? Do you see any reason why this would not work, or why I should not attempt something like this? Throw some ideas around... let me know what you think please.

TIA!

 

[Tiffi]

Wrong forum! This is FW!

 

[Guest]

How is this the wrong forum? Looks like the right place to me.

AND, I think that sounds like an awesome idea. Just keep an eye out for leaks.

 

[Fubie]

I have a 58 gallon Reef Ready Oceanic...

That's how Technics...Belongs in SW since some issue FW people don't know about can arise.

 

[ASpec]

I know this is FW... This tank will be a FW planted tank.

I guess because I mentioned the tank was reef ready you assumed I was speaking of something else. Maybe I should have said this will be a FW planted tank, but I assumed since I mentioned the fact I was using CO2 would make that clear. If not, sorry.

I'll post the same question in the SW forums, but I have a feeling I'll again be told wrong forum.

 

[Blazeherd2306]

This is the right forum. He intended this to be a freshwater planted tank.

Sounds like a good plan to me. I think someone else on this site did something similar.

 

[Guest]

I think some before/after pictures would be in order.

 

[Tiffi]

I'm really sorry Aspec! I just read "reef" etc.. Sorry !

 

[ASpec]

No need to appologize... I was not 100% clear in my original post.

I think some before/after pictures would be in order.

No problem! But I want some advice/suggestions before I do it. I don't see a problem with it but the more eyes and minds that "think" about it the better in my opinion.

 

[Hoovercat]

If you'll take and post some pics we can help better. I might have the answer but I've not had a close look at how the drain/fill is cut into your tank. Your custom return sounds workable, BTW so post up what you've got and let's see what we can do.

 

[Jchillin]

ASpec - I believe now that everything is understood, the folks here can assist you. I noticed that you posted (and really clearly stated) in the SW forum. You will probably get the same answers there as in here regarding the sump/wetdry questions. A pic of the tank in it's current state may provide help as suggested.

 

[ASpec]

Here are a couple of picture as requested. I don't know exactly what you need to see, if you need a different shot or view please let me know.

I would completly remove the "black" overflow box (tower) from the tank leaving only the 2 bulkhead holes and bulkheads left in the bottom, back of the aquarium.

 

[ASpec]

Couple more pics from the top.

 

[czcz]

I like your idea. I think the Y will be harder to hide than a spray bar, and of course you'll need a valve on the return line when servicing the canister. Clever piping and valves would make draining for water changes real easy. I would be tempted to keep the overflow box and use it to hide the drain and return lines from the canister, and maybe put all the in-line stuff in there too, but this may be impractical.

 

[ASpec]

It's out, finally! This was no easy task. Oceanic seals those things in there.

I've re-done my plumbing setup since I first started this project. The drain will only sit about 2 to 3" above the substate and will be easily hidden with some rock/driftwood. For the return I am using LocLine (Flex pipe). I can hide this as well once the plants go in.

As for servicing the canister - I have this covered. There are a series of ball valves I am installing for maintenace as well as a drain (for water changes) and I'm working out details on a in-line water replenishment (not automatic) system.

I'll document the entire removal (with pictures) and start a journal of the new setup this week. Just waiting on some final equipment to arrive.

Thanks for the suggestions/advice on this project.

 

[czcz]

Sounds sweet, man -- I look forward to reading your journal. Switching return and drain sounds like a good idea and PWC system is extra cool. Good luck!