55G FOLR Build DIY ATS

[TomStav]

I am setting up a 55G tank here are my plans...

55G all-glass aquarium
DIY plywood stand
Remora Pro skimmer with Mag 3 pump
1.25" drain (drilled) with custom overflow box
X2 1/2" returns (drilled) with loc-line fittings
1" aragonite sand bed (seeded from my reef tank)
50lbs DIY live rock (seeded from my reef tank)
X2 koralia Evo 1400 pumps with the hydor smart wave
DIY 10G sump Algae turf scrubber with Mag 5 return pump
DIY 5G ATO system
Lighting TBD

Livestock

- Baby Snowflake Eel (already own)
- serpent star (large, already own)

Others TBD... Dwarf Lionfish?

[TomStav]

Here is the design for my overflow box that I have sent to my acrylic guy... I have basically taken the design from the Aqua C Remora surface skimmer attatchment box and added an additional overflow section on the right for my tank drain.

Its a little different as its going to have 3 separate sections...

Section 1 will enclose a Mag 3 skimmer pump.

Section 2 will be for the skimmer return and media (water does not flow in this section from the outer overflows). It will have a hole in the base / bottom, a simple 2-3" hole will be sufficient for water to return from the skimmer.

Section 3 is just going to have a hole with a 1.25" bulkhead (through the back, not bottom).

The rough sketch below does not have a back but I have requested that it does so I can secure it simply with the bulkhead and not need silicone.

I expect to receive this in the mail within a couple of weeks, then I can get the tank (which im picking up on Jan 2nd) drilled and install it.

[David S]

problem I see here is if your return pump stops then the skimmer pump will pump dry,put your skimmer pump and return in your sump

[TomStav]

Originally Posted by David S

problem I see here is if your return pump stops then the skimmer pump will pump dry,put your skimmer pump and return in your sump

Yea I thought about that but as I had a remora pro that won't fit in the sump I thought I would risk it, I can always get another pump should the return go, in the last 5 years I've yet to have a danner return pump burn out.

Just finished building & painting my DIY stand, I'll post some pics once it dries!

[TomStav]

Here is my diy plywood stand

[TomStav]

Here is the tank to be along with the remora pro, loc-line nozzles, bulkheads etc, I'm still waiting to receive the overflow box (designed above) once I get it I will get the tank drilled.

[TomStav]

This is my ATS, now I just need to build the sump to put it in and consider lighting...

[TomStav]

Here's a little mod to my DIY stand, just put a Hydor smart wave in the side panel, and I plan on adding some switches alongside for the skimmer and return pump so I can easily turn them all off for feeding/ maintenance.

[TomStav]

A few changes,

I decided to trade the Remora Pro for an AquaC EV-120 with a Mag 5 so I can put it next to the sump. I've got an EV-240 running my bigger tank so I know they are great skimmers.

Also I have bought a simple 1200 GPH overflow box to run the mag 7 return pump.

I have also finished putting together my 10G sump. It's a very compact design but should work out great with the turf scrubber.

The PVC pipe work is still in progress as I need to get the tank drilled in order to Finish the plumbing.

[TomStav]

Also I have changed my mind on the livestock, I'm going to keep my eel in the larger tank and this tank will include (already own)...

- mated pair of clowns
- yellow eyed kole tang (may move him into the bigger tank as he grows)
- few damsels and chromis
- mushrooms, frogspawns, birdsnest etc

After researching turf scrubbers I think bioload will not be an issue, so I may also add a couple more fish, thinking of a fire fish and ???... Suggestions welcome!