2 fluval evo 13.5g system with 20g sump build thread

[Astromatix]

I originally was in to reefing with first a 32g solana and then upgraded to a 90g tank. Ended up moving across the country and had to shut everything down about 10 years ago. Now I am looking forward to getting back in the hobby with this nano system build for my office. Originally started with a 7.5g tank without a sump and realized this was never going to be viable long term.

Once I realized this I got to working on building my stand which I must say is way

I originally was in to reefing with first a 32g solana and then upgraded to a 90g tank. Ended up moving across the country and had to shut everything down about 10 years ago. Now I am looking forward to getting back in the hobby with this nano system build for my office. Originally started with a 7.5g tank without a sump and realized this was never going to be viable long term.

Once I realized this I got to working on building my stand which I must say is way over built.

Nice stand! Mind if I steal your handle idea? Those seahorses are awesome!

 

[GoReefin]

nope, I got them off amazon
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K43RPXB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Astromatix]

Dope! Thanks.

 

[GoReefin]

Dope! Thanks.

Anytime. Post a pic when it's finished would love to see the whole set up!

 

[GoReefin]

New video from today.

Thinking of adding a third evo 13.5g to the system for zooanthids and mushrooms. Let me know what you guys think.

 

[GoReefin]

Some good news today. Was able to pick up the new tank! 23.5x14.25x14.25 approximately 16 gallons low iron glass rimless tank. Will be drilling it soon and adding a small overflow box. Question I have is there anything I can use to stop the water from siphoning back into the sump if power goes off? I'm worried it may increase the water level to a dangerous level.

Thanks again!

Current water level with the main pump turned off. Should I purchase a larger sump?

Here is the water level when the tank is running. I could always lower the auto top off to add some room as well.

 

[dedragon]

backwater preventer or check valve from home depot for cheap to stop any water from getting into the sump. I think Bulk reef supply has better ones for more money

 

[dedragon]

if you put one in and are redoing plumbing i suggest adding multiple pvc unions in case you need to change plumping, add media reactor, or just clean clogged lines

 

[GoReefin]

if you put one in and are redoing plumbing i suggest adding multiple pvc unions in case you need to change plumping, add media reactor, or just clean clogged lines

For sure I already stemmed out a 3/4 line just incase I wanted to add another tank/ reactor so I'll branch off there and then add another stem just incase I add a reactor at some point.
I'll probably get an expensive check valve that I can clean regularly to be sure it's function incase of a power outage..

 

[dedragon]

Sounds good. Lmk when you are ready to upgrade your skimmer, I have an eshopps axium x120 used less than a month. I won a nyos in a raffle and started using that.

 

[GoReefin]

Good news today, drilled my new tank with 3/4 inch inlet and outlet. Single over flow. Will be working on the stand to support it over the current stand. Behind the two other tanks next.

 

[GoReefin]

Finished with the skeleton of the stand. Unfortunately it is slightly too large for the space and need to cut a small section off to fit it behind the intake of the lps/softy tank.

 

[GoReefin]

Updated video of my plumbing and inhabitants!

 

[GoReefin]

Well my clownfish reign of terror is finally at an end. She killed 2 males I attempted to pair her with and finally decided to put a full grown female with her. She was submissive as soon as the large female entered the tank.

 

[GoReefin]

Just some updated full tank shots. Cut all the plumbing for the new tank just have to glue them together and then get some liverock and sand for the new tank. Hopefully the sump will be able to support the 3rd tank!

 

[GoReefin]

Just purchased some liverock 95 lbs of tonga! Hopefully will have this 3rd tank up and running soon! Some large peices on the bottom.

 

[GoReefin]

Well some good news and some bad news. First off my mixed reef fluval 13.5g tank cracked. I was pretty lucky that the whole panel didn't blow out!

Had to get my 17g set up practically over night. Was lucky only 1 small pinhole leak formed on the intake side and was an easy fix with the pump off.

I purchased another fluval 13.5g to drill and restart the third tank again but I may just keep it as a completely separate system? What do you guys think?

My aquascape will probably change some I just hastily threw everything in the 17g last night.

 

[GoReefin]

Hi all, been a while since my last update. Figured I'd update everyone again.
Have had some battles post tank crack with BJD and pretty much lost my bubble coral and all but one torch colony... my other LPS seem unaffected. I recently received a new gogornian coral which has been great. Although now my leather corals are not happy... possible chemical warfare between them?

I bought a new mushroom box which has been awesome for keeping my mushrooms happy so far!

Still looking to get the third tank back up and running. Just need to get some time to drill it and plumb it into the system.

Anyhow here are some full tank shots from today.

 

[GoReefin]

My jawfish took a rid down the overflow Express over the weekend. I looked everywhere for him and gave up... then yesterday I saw the little booger in my overflow! Tore apart my sump and finally got him back in the display tank.

 

[GoReefin]

The start of a new era. The third tank is ready to be filled with water. I thought Long and hard about tying the third tank back into the 20g sump but ultimately decided against this because I want to have two separate water columns in case I need to transfer a coral this isn't doing well. Planning on stocking mostly Softies in the new tank.