150 gal tank build

[ktsalt]

I've had 3 inches of sand bed run across the tank all leveled, that only last a few days. I don't think it matters how thick your sand bed is, they will find a way and your rocks your tumble. Just be careful!

[Calgarynewtankguy]

Ya the tank has my undivided attention for a while (unless there is a poker game)

As an update I managed to get a hold of 50lbs of dry rock that is currently soaking and I will be checking in with a LFS because they have a new shipment of L.R coming in the next two days. I am going to fine tune a few things in the mean time and I will post some pics soon......

[Calgarynewtankguy]

An thanks for the heads up about the rocks. I will definitely have that in mind when I do my structure

[Calgarynewtankguy]

So after a fantastic meeting with reefwars this afternoon I came home and turned my 20db tank into a careless whisper!! He set me straight on how to get my overflow performing properly and I was even able to increase my flow. I also took his advise an installed a gate valve on my return. I did have to silicone around the hole in my over flow where my pump return comes out. I performed a power failure test and failed! (Of course I had a container and back up pump ready to go). Pics bellow of new set up

[molotov]

Hey Spencer,

It looks as though you've installed the gate valve on your overflow. I think Denny meant to have you put it on the return; being the return after your return pump in your sump. I'm also curious as to why a gate valve on the return? Most people do a ball valve after the return pump.

I'm also looking at the siphon line on one of your stand pipes. Are you running a beananimal overflow? I don't see a third standpipe? Maybe I just can't see it?

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by molotov

Hey Spencer,

It looks as though you've installed the gate valve on your overflow. I think Denny meant to have you put it on the return; being the return after your return pump in your sump. I'm also curious as to why a gate valve on the return? Most people do a ball valve after the return pump.

I'm also looking at the siphon line on one of your stand pipes. Are you running a beananimal overflow? I don't see a third standpipe? Maybe I just can't see it?

nope gate on drain , hes got it right

[molotov]

Why a gate on the drain? If he's setup a Herbie he wouldn't want to restrict flow. If he setup a beananimal he would only restrict flow on the main siphon. It seems a strange place to put it. How many drains does he have?

I think plumbing is my favorite part of this hobby. I've plumbed my tank 3 different times now. I may be looking at a fourth time but we'll see.

I'm interested to learn something new here perhaps.

[sphelps]

He's clearly got two drains, one with a gate valve and the other as back up, basic herbie overflow. All is normal here

Looking good bud!

[Calgarynewtankguy]

It has been a long day but this is where I am at........


Rock is in. Water level adjusted. Gate valve set and return pump now at max

Any one know what I can clean the filter socks with and how often. I was thinking weekly.

Tested for ammonia just to see. 2ppm

I will do a water change (10%) on Sunday. I just new to get my skimmer working then all is good and I can let the tank cycle for a while.

[kien]

Looking good! Well, minus the cloudy water but that'll sort itself out :-)

I have 4 socks that I sometimes use (like when I'm doing an aggressive cleaning of sand and rock). I rinse used socks and store them in a buket. After 3 spent socks socks I will throw them in the washing machine with a bit of bleach. No detergent tho. I don't really like sock maintenance so I generally will not use my filter socks if I'm not cleaning the tank.