hux first tank build (will need help!!)

[Amphiprion]

See, I know all the theory behind it, but couldn't apply it in more complex circumstances, unless someone walked me through it. I don't know much about computers other than the functional aspect, which translates into knowing how to fix a messed up one (which should tell you that I've messed up my fair share of pcs and had to learn how to "fix" them, lol). Coding, etc. is all alien to me.

Anyway, I don't want to derail too much. Sorry for the tangent, hux.

 

[hux]

thats okay guys...

hahaa yeah.. seachem is a well known brand in Australia..
and they have some very competitive prices too..
thats the only reason ive stuck with them..

thanks for the tip ace...
like i said.. just because i have the supplements doesnt mean ill use it..
i like to have things on hand just incase..

on that note...
is there any medications you think i should have on hand?

and can either of you answer whether i should add all live rock at once or is it okay to do it in a couple shots because its so expensive?

full question is in before posts..

cheers guys

 

[hux]

okay so today was a big day...
been back and fourth trying to get certain plumbing parts etc...
i finally got all my plumbing parts almost!!
its basically complete but!

i got the 3 valves...
they look identical to the other ones but i can assure you they were double the price and theres no metal in them whatsoever!!
thanks for that ace, that was a sh** job but will save me everything ey! thanks mate. haha

so heres the 3 valves, all plastic!!

i had trouble doing the durso standpipe tooo.
i had it made, but when i actually read the DIY durso you have to use
certain sizings and reducers and bushs and the lot.
so been there and done that today..

ive made a new return pipe into the tank also...
its just got a 3/4inch bulkhead with a reducer to 1/2inch pipe for more pressure..

and heres a couple of pics ofwhat the plumbing will look like when finished...
basically where the black bulkhead is..
below is in the cabinet, and above it is in the overflow...

pipe on the left..
will drain or easy water changes/emergencies..
pipe in the middle..
durso standpipe with inlet into sump...
pipe on right is return pipe into tank..

ive also emptied the tank..
i will clean the sand and tank...

the tank will be moved into the spare room for a couple days so i can work on the sump..
so in a couple days i will post pics of everything..

cheers guys.

 

[Amphiprion]

Hmm, I didn't notice the relatively long horizontal on the drain. Be careful with that. Too much horizontal distance on a drain can make it back up. At worst, it will flood if too much air gets trapped, whereas best case is that it slows the drain down some. I suggest you put a 45 in somewhere to keep that from being so horizontal.

 

[hux]

horizontal.. put a 45 in so its on a move downward into the sump?

 

[Amphiprion]

horizontal.. put a 45 in so its on a move downward into the sump?

Exactly. Or soft plumb it to make it work. I just don't recommend long horizontal lengths for drains. You can try it, as it may work, but I think too much more and you may have an issue.

 

[hux]

i was contemplating on doing that...
thanks for the advice..
i will put a 45 in so its on a downward path..

thanks amp

 

[Amphiprion]

Sorry I didn't catch that sooner, hux. I hope you didn't glue anything yet.

 

[hux]

nah nah havent glued anything at all yet..
couple days..

 

[hux]

okay so i have done a couple jobs in the past few days...
ive redone all the sump..
so its perfect now... i think haha

ive also cleaned all the sand(was filthy)
and i have siliconed the bulkheads into the overflow...
i have put some L brackets inside the stand just for some extra support..
can never be too safe..

i also re siliconed the sump just to be safe..

here are some pics of the sump

stright after..

in the cabinet.

return chamber

first chamber

whole sump.. with equipment

last chamber

first chamber

full cabinet view

so first chamber is on the right..
water flow is to the left...
protein skimmer.. into refugium then return pump.

im extremely happy with my work..
how did i go?

please leave feedback.

cheers everyone