Hey all. I've been building my own tank setup and figured I might as well post some pics and updates as I go along.
I'm pretty new to this hobby, I've started out with a 1 gallon pico - upgraded to a 2.5 gallon pico and onto a 10 gallon nano. My latest adventure has been this 37 gallon + sump. It's a bit of an overkill for what it is - still nano land, but it's been a fun experience so far and I've learned at least a couple things.
As for the 37 gallon I had it drilled on the sides originally since I wanted to be able to view it from 3 sides, but that plan fell through and so I decided to just keep going with it anyways. Please bear with me as I explain it, I'm guessing someone is bound to ask what is that... so I'll try my best to explain.
The vertical pipe is my 1" drain pipe, which I've implemented an adjustable pipe so I can regulate my water level better. I've seen some where they tilt the pvc elbow to achieve this, but I wanted something a little cleaner. The drain does go through a series of 90 degree corners, which I may change in the future to a 45 degree. The drain continues across and into my drain tube which will contain my bio-media. I can place phosphate, carbon, etc in here as well as bio-balls. (I know there is conflicting opinions on the bio-balls, but I want to try them) I will be adding some mud and a mangrove plant later as my parameters permit.
There are the traditional 3 baffles to separate the chambers and to help cut down on micro bubbles, which at the moment doesn't seem to be doing a very good job of. I may need to raise the water level of my return section to cut down on the bubbles. Over the top I have a 11w pc, I only have one in there now and can add a second, but for now there really is no need for 22w of lighting in there.
The return pump being used is a ViaAqua 1800 rated @ 476 gph, I'm estimating that it puts close to 300g/hr after height and distance. This travels up a flex hose into a 45 degree to 90 then into my return nozzles. I have a check valve in case of power/pump failure. It is capped at the end to help ensure the pressure is even. (in theory?) The two black nozzles are pointed in such a way to create a swirl. There is quite a swirl too, I was concerned with enough water flow, but it looks to be sufficient. I may decide make the flow fight against each other, still debating. I may need to add a power head later. The center cap is actually drilled and a constant stream is going upward.
Right now missing:
Drain Cup - once the sand and rock are in I'll add this
Skimmer - don't need it at the moment
Lighting - planning on sub 500w halide + pc
Live Sand - once i get the salinity and other parameters stable
Live Rock - once i get the sand settled
Of course fish and corals, but much later.
I tested for about two weeks with fresh water out on my patio with various setups and this seems to be pretty efficient. I've been running it about 48 hours in the house now with RO/DI'd water with no leaks, woohoo. The wife is happy. Only time will tell. This is probably a bit of an overkill for such a small tank, and if I had it my way - and a bigger bank account I would've opted for a 90-120 gallon tank instead.
Let me know your thoughts, positives and criticism - just don't flame me for trying.
jkt
I'm pretty new to this hobby, I've started out with a 1 gallon pico - upgraded to a 2.5 gallon pico and onto a 10 gallon nano. My latest adventure has been this 37 gallon + sump. It's a bit of an overkill for what it is - still nano land, but it's been a fun experience so far and I've learned at least a couple things.
As for the 37 gallon I had it drilled on the sides originally since I wanted to be able to view it from 3 sides, but that plan fell through and so I decided to just keep going with it anyways. Please bear with me as I explain it, I'm guessing someone is bound to ask what is that... so I'll try my best to explain.
The vertical pipe is my 1" drain pipe, which I've implemented an adjustable pipe so I can regulate my water level better. I've seen some where they tilt the pvc elbow to achieve this, but I wanted something a little cleaner. The drain does go through a series of 90 degree corners, which I may change in the future to a 45 degree. The drain continues across and into my drain tube which will contain my bio-media. I can place phosphate, carbon, etc in here as well as bio-balls. (I know there is conflicting opinions on the bio-balls, but I want to try them) I will be adding some mud and a mangrove plant later as my parameters permit.
There are the traditional 3 baffles to separate the chambers and to help cut down on micro bubbles, which at the moment doesn't seem to be doing a very good job of. I may need to raise the water level of my return section to cut down on the bubbles. Over the top I have a 11w pc, I only have one in there now and can add a second, but for now there really is no need for 22w of lighting in there.
The return pump being used is a ViaAqua 1800 rated @ 476 gph, I'm estimating that it puts close to 300g/hr after height and distance. This travels up a flex hose into a 45 degree to 90 then into my return nozzles. I have a check valve in case of power/pump failure. It is capped at the end to help ensure the pressure is even. (in theory?) The two black nozzles are pointed in such a way to create a swirl. There is quite a swirl too, I was concerned with enough water flow, but it looks to be sufficient. I may decide make the flow fight against each other, still debating. I may need to add a power head later. The center cap is actually drilled and a constant stream is going upward.
Right now missing:
Drain Cup - once the sand and rock are in I'll add this
Skimmer - don't need it at the moment
Lighting - planning on sub 500w halide + pc
Live Sand - once i get the salinity and other parameters stable
Live Rock - once i get the sand settled
Of course fish and corals, but much later.
I tested for about two weeks with fresh water out on my patio with various setups and this seems to be pretty efficient. I've been running it about 48 hours in the house now with RO/DI'd water with no leaks, woohoo. The wife is happy. Only time will tell. This is probably a bit of an overkill for such a small tank, and if I had it my way - and a bigger bank account I would've opted for a 90-120 gallon tank instead.
Let me know your thoughts, positives and criticism - just don't flame me for trying.
jkt
