Jim's 90 gallon tall build

[Retired_AF]

I picked up a used 90 gallon tank back in January. I strted working on the system and started by repairing the stand. It was made from the pressed chipboard and had gotten wet. Naturally, the wood started swelling and deteriorating to the point I didnt want to set the tank on it for fear of it collapsing. I replaced the damaged pieces with birch plywood. that thing is SO strong now.

More to come...

 

[Retired_AF]

After the repairs...

 

[Retired_AF]

I got a wet/dry filter with the unit. It wasn't adequate for my needs because it wouldnt allow me to use my new Reef Octopus protein skimmer. I disassembled it...

 

[Retired_AF]

I rebuilt the sump, following the advice of several of the forum members...

 

[Retired_AF]

More later on putting the sump and plumbing in... I'm having trouble loading more pics...

 

[TLTGF]

I'll be following - looks good so far!

 

[Mpfaff77]

Looking good. Can tell you have done your research and planned well. I'm all in on this build.

 

[Retired_AF]

Placed the tank on the stand, then painted the back cobalt blue... oops, pics are reversed...

 

[Retired_AF]

Made some return pipes from some PVC that was already here from another project... Just had to get the bayonette connections and the adapter to connect it to...

 

[Retired_AF]

Assembled the pump, adding a ball valve in case (when) the pump fails, then manufactured a top for and finished assembling the sump...

 

[Retired_AF]

Installed the sump and pump in the stand...

 

[Retired_AF]

having trouble uploading pics again....

 

[Retired_AF]

Finished hooking up the plumbing. Just need to put all hte hose clamps on and silicone sealing the return pipes I made... Then a leak check...

That is as far as I have finished... hopefully I will be able to leak test later this week...

 

[Mpfaff77]

One thing im seeing is your skimmer water level will be too deep. Baffle is too high. Or to can build a stand out of PVC and egg crate. I think water level needs to be between 8" and 10" inches. Water should be right about where skimmer output is.

 

[PrettyFishies]

I'll be watching this as well. I like your installation of the return pump. Never thought about that. Good space saving location.

 

[Retired_AF]

One thing im seeing is your skimmer water level will be too deep. Baffle is too high. Or to can build a stand out of PVC and egg crate. I think water level needs to be between 8" and 10" inches. Water should be right about where skimmer output is.

Thats one area I wasnt sure about. I have plenty of PVC and egg crate, so I can lift it up. I'm a little confused about placement of the skimmer. There are water level marks on the unit at 10 and 14 inches. I'm not sure if thats supposed to be inside or outside the unit. I built the baffles at 12. I wrote to the company asking about this but didnt get an answer. I guess this will be one of those trial-and-error things, adding more under the unit until it starts working properly.

 

[Retired_AF]

I'll be watching this as well. I like your installation of the return pump. Never thought about that. Good space saving location.

I didnt have much choice... The sump HAS to sit where it is because of the width of the unit. It actually hangs over the edge of the back. When I started to attach the pump I found that there was no way it would fit on the floor. That seemed to be the best way to mount it and leave the cutoff valve in place. I had to mount the pump to a board and then screw the board inside the stand. Looking at it, I think that I will have more pressure going into the tank.

 

[Retired_AF]

Today I built screen covers for the tank using screeening and framing bought at a local home store.

 

[Retired_AF]

The screen covers in place... Hopefully it will keep my future fish from 'carpet surfing'.

 

[Mpfaff77]

Thats one area I wasnt sure about. I have plenty of PVC and egg crate, so I can lift it up. I'm a little confused about placement of the skimmer. There are water level marks on the unit at 10 and 14 inches. I'm not sure if thats supposed to be inside or outside the unit. I built the baffles at 12. I wrote to the company asking about this but didnt get an answer. I guess this will be one of those trial-and-error things, adding more under the unit until it starts working properly.

I have my reef octopus in 9" of water. I built eggcrate stand with some PVC elbows with threads on them s I can adjust if need be. My water level is right about in center of skimmer output tube