Jake's 50g build

windcoast reefs · #1 05-31-2011, 03:37 AM

Hey everyone, I have decided that it is time to do a slight upgrade to my current tank. I have decided to go to a 50 gallon tank with a 25 gallon sump.
First time doing a sump, so this should be interesting!

windcoast reefs · #2 05-31-2011, 03:46 AM

SO to start I found myself a used tank that was already drilled! It is a great size for me. Its kinda weird dimensions, but I like the raceway design.

I plan to use 1.25" PVC pipe for pipe to and from the sump and I will have a 800 gph pump for the return.

windcoast reefs · #3 05-31-2011, 06:03 AM

So I was just cleaning up the tank and I have seen a few tanks like mine that have has the plastic rim removed. Does anyone know if this is structural or is it safe to remove?

phi delt reefer · #4 05-31-2011, 10:19 AM

wouldnt recommend removing the trim on a 50 gallon. I have seen it done with no issues on smaller tanks (ie. 30 gallons or less) but bigger tanks have more pressure against the glass. You could try it but you may start noticing some bowing - which isnt good with glass.

ensquire · #5 05-31-2011, 07:13 PM

Wouldnt take much to put a eurobrace on that, much neater looking IMO.

windcoast reefs · #6 05-31-2011, 08:40 PM

Okay, Thanks for the imput! I am gonna leave the trim on just to be safe!

windcoast reefs · #7 05-31-2011, 08:44 PM

Okay, So i finally picked up a real skimmer! I just bought a reef octopus extreme 200 for this tank!. A little overboard but I think it will do a great job! The seaclone I had was driving me crazy!

I will post some pick up in a few days.

windcoast reefs · #8 06-03-2011, 12:33 AM

Well it took some searching, but I finally found someone who had the right size bulk head! I decided to go with a 1 inch drain for the and a half inch return!. Don't know if this is the right move, but most people seem to go with 1 to 1 1/4" drain lines.

windcoast reefs · #9 06-04-2011, 01:32 AM

So I picked up this RO filter unit for $35. I had my concerns, but it has been running for the day and created 30 gallons of pure water that I had the water tested at work for just about everything on the face of this earth. All the tests looked great! So I guess I lucked out!

windcoast reefs · #10 06-05-2011, 01:23 AM

So I just about finished assembling everything together. I'm a little worried aboutvthe scratches that the tank has, but I'm going to fill up the tank outside again a few times just to make sure it's safe. I'll post a few more pics soon!