140 gallon dd

[Masgatigata]

Upgrading my 55 to a 140dd. The 55 is not reef ready, and is currently leaking, so this is my first time delving into the world of plumbing. Does anyone have any advice (or links) to plumb this bad boy?

Also, I'm researching the pros and cons to a deep sand bed. I'm leaning more and more towards adding it. Anyone think otherwise? I'll be building the stand this week. I'll update as this project progresses.

 

[maxxin69]

How you plumb it is ultimately up to you. I would suggest using PVC and lots and lots of unions. Keep it simple since making things too complex makes for a terrible time troubleshooting along with it looks ugly if it's all plumbed in the sump. As for DBS I don't have any preference.

 

[d2mini]

I wouldn't do a DSB in the tank.
If it ever turns on you, you need to tear down the whole tank.
Look into doing a remote DSB maybe.

 

[mcbridepcm]

Deap sand beds need careful observation, and make your system unnecessarily complicated.

 

[Masgatigata]

Almost finished with the frame. Do you guys think I need to add a center brace or can I leave it as is? Not gonna go with the dsb...looking into a remote bed. Any recommendations on skimmers?

 

[Masgatigata]

Got some trim done and skinned. Messed up on the front skin a bit but I think the cabinet doors will cover the line up just fine.

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[Masgatigata]

Got the tank sealed and primed. Tomorrow I will paint. In the meantime, I have to clean my kitchen. The horrors of building things in winter time...

 

[trido]

Looking good! As far as plumbing advice. I'd recommend using an over the back return pipe and using your overflows as dual Herbie's so they will be dead silent. I also prefer hard PVC for all my plumbing.

 

[Masgatigata]

Thanks. I will read up on that so I can figure out how to actually set it up.

 

[SantaMonicaHelp]

What a beautiful frame! I love it already! How long will this take to finish? I'm so excited for you!!

-Yating

 

[Masgatigata]

What a beautiful frame! I love it already! How long will this take to finish? I'm so excited for you!!

-Yating

Thank you so much! Things are coming together quite quickly. Im hoping the tank will be cycling sometime in the next two weeks.

 

[Masgatigata]

Picked up my return today. I'm going to be using a quiet one 6000. Friday some friends are coming over to help me move the tank onto the stand. The sump is almost finished. Everything is moving along nicely.

 

[Masgatigata]

Got the tank on the stand, sump is almost finished. I have one more baffle to add. I'm having a bit of trouble with the bulkheads in the overflows. I'm not sure if it's because I'm over tightening or what but the return ones are leaking a bit whenever I add water to test. Anyone have any advise on how to get a tight seal?

 

[maxxin69]

The gasket on the water side? I've done that mistake myself lol.

 

[Masgatigata]

The gasket on the water side? I've done that mistake myself lol.

Yes, gasket is on the water side. Should it not be?

 

[Rybren]

The gasket goes on the flange side and not on the nut side. Hand tighten and then a 1/4 turn more with a wrench.

 

[Masgatigata]

Got it to seal...finally. I bought a new overflow kit and that did the trick. Now onto attaching the sump plumbing...

 

[Masgatigata]

Got as much scraped off the overflows as I could. Not sure if I love the scape. Think I might need some more rock. I've got about 100lbs. Can't wait for it to finish cycling. I'm on day 2 lol.

 

[fishroomlady]

that tank looks really, really nice. I like your scape and love the white stand with the trim you put on. I also really like the light you have. Nice work!