225 gallon CDA build. Whoababy here we go!
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- Thread starter LDog74
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Beautiful tank! I hope mine looks that nice. Congrats, very exciting.
I noticed your return goes through a pretty hefty UV sterilizer only on one return. I've been thinking a lot about how to setup my UV sterilizer. I'm guessing you're going to have one return do most of the heavy lifting through the UV, and have the second one on low, as backup in case the first fails?
I noticed your return goes through a pretty hefty UV sterilizer only on one return. I've been thinking a lot about how to setup my UV sterilizer. I'm guessing you're going to have one return do most of the heavy lifting through the UV, and have the second one on low, as backup in case the first fails?
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LDog74
Active Member
Thank you! Correct, dual returns:
I have one Neptune COR20 just straight return with a flow monitor (one side of tank).
The other Neptune COR20 will run the manifold & UV and back to other side of the tank , also with a flow monitor.
I currently don't have anything planned as of yet off the manifold so right now it's just UV and 2nd return back to the tank.
Two reasons I did this... I needed a second pump for the UV anyways so I went with an over-sized pump that I could vary the flow for the UV based on what I was trying to accomplish. (Protozoa or algae bloom. I QT all my fish so it's an extra safety measure). Also, since I travel often I wanted a back up pump should one fail while I am out of town. It was more expensive to do this but I am trying to protect myself down the road if possible...
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CJBuckeyes
Active Member
Following, excited to see this tank get up and running. I have a 225g CDA waiting to be delivered once the shelter in place lifts.
RobB'z Reef
2500 Club Member
Nice job on the plumbing, looks sharp. Setup looks to be really shaping up!
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LDog74
Active Member
btw. I have two new trigger saphire ato and 3 dosing containers if you are interested. I ended up going custom sump instead.
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Thank you!
Unfortunately a day late or I would have taken you up on the ATO offer, sorry! I ended up ordering a 10 gallon Sapphire ATO yesterday from Trigger.
Note: For others looking for a Trigger sump or ATO container. Trigger sometimes has blemished products available for sale. I got the ATO container for a steal with full warranty. I am usually particular in regards to equipment & aesthetics but not so much on a water storage container. Trigger mentioned I probably wouldn't even notice where the scratch is.
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LDog74
Active Member
Fish have been in for week and half and everyone is doing great and getting along just fine. Installed the jumpguard pro, flow monitors, reefwave 45’s, Trident, Trigger ATO reservoir and a few other items. I ended up switching the Neptune ATKv2 out for the Tunze 3155 top off.
I was leaving town and couldn’t get the ATK working. After 3 hours I ran down to the LFS and picked up the Tunze 3155, had it installed and running in 20 min.
I did have some minor issues with salinity while I was out for a few days. The salinity was moving from 35.2 to 35.8 during the course of the day. When I got home I figured it out. I set the COR20’s to ramp up during the day and then ramp down late evening till the morning. This was changing the water level in the sump causing the salinity to rise. I am a little disappointed because I really liked this feature on the COR20. I ended up setting them at 50% each during the day and dialing back down to 40% during the evening. It looks like that is the sweet spot and keeping the sump water level consistent. I originally had them at 50%-25%. I should also mention I am going off the flow monitors to estimate the return flow. 680 gph on the straight and 525 on the UV return. That’s roughly 5x tank turnover through the sump. I will modify as needed but the water is crystal clear and all equipment is working good.
I also hooked up the automatic water change yesterday. Changed 2.5 gallons last night and it worked flawless. Exact amount out vs in and no changes to salinity or sump water height. Hopefully I have no issues because man is it nice to have it done like that during the night.
I will post photos.
I was leaving town and couldn’t get the ATK working. After 3 hours I ran down to the LFS and picked up the Tunze 3155, had it installed and running in 20 min.
I did have some minor issues with salinity while I was out for a few days. The salinity was moving from 35.2 to 35.8 during the course of the day. When I got home I figured it out. I set the COR20’s to ramp up during the day and then ramp down late evening till the morning. This was changing the water level in the sump causing the salinity to rise. I am a little disappointed because I really liked this feature on the COR20. I ended up setting them at 50% each during the day and dialing back down to 40% during the evening. It looks like that is the sweet spot and keeping the sump water level consistent. I originally had them at 50%-25%. I should also mention I am going off the flow monitors to estimate the return flow. 680 gph on the straight and 525 on the UV return. That’s roughly 5x tank turnover through the sump. I will modify as needed but the water is crystal clear and all equipment is working good.
I also hooked up the automatic water change yesterday. Changed 2.5 gallons last night and it worked flawless. Exact amount out vs in and no changes to salinity or sump water height. Hopefully I have no issues because man is it nice to have it done like that during the night.
I will post photos.
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LDog74
Active Member
Jumpguard Pro. I apologize for the light color. The photos just don’t come out with the lights on. I ordered the IceCap lens kit so hopefully I can provide better pictures. The I Phone is really doing pictures of the tank a disservice.
Blue storage is new water & white is old.
I have Chaeto and pods coming from Algaebarn should be here Thursday.
Blue storage is new water & white is old.
I have Chaeto and pods coming from Algaebarn should be here Thursday.
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LDog74
Active Member
My uncle is making a cabinet that will match the stand for the chiller. I went with a drop in because i will only need it for 2-3 months, you don’t need a pump to run it, less opportunity for leaks and I can store it when not needed.
dreamcatcherr9
Well-Known Member
Nice plumbing. What and where are you using to support PVC?Here she is! Absolutely blown away how it came out. Trent & Zoya at Crystal Dynamics did an amazing job. If you are looking for a new tank or upgrade don’t hesitate to call them. Still a few minor plumbing repairs needed ( one more flow monitor on the straight return & loc line added before I can fill which should be Thursday). The sump looks so good I had to order the Trigger ATO reservoir to match now. (Hate paying so much for a water container, lol)
Will be installing all electronics, refugium light, tank lid, etc over the next day or two and will continue to post pictures. I did hook up the LED under cabinet lighting in the sump last night. Always used a flashlight previously. $28.00 on Amazon quick & easy.
I have been following your build. Everything looks so awesome. What brand chiller did you choose?
BTW, I am in my final stages of planning and getting my build under way. Followed your advice and went with CDA. Thank you!
BTW, I am in my final stages of planning and getting my build under way. Followed your advice and went with CDA. Thank you!
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LDog74
Active Member
Thank you however I can’t take credit for it, CDA did all the plumbing. I believe it’s all schedule 80. No straps or supports. It’s sturdy, no vibration or weak points.
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LDog74
Active Member
Awesome, congratulation! You will be glad you did. I went with TradeWind Chillers. They are local here in SD & Hal the owner was really helpful & a great guy. I went with his recommendation 1/3HP Super. Like I mentioned it took the tank (265 gallons total) from 80 to 78 in 50 minutes. It’s also not obnoxiously loud either.
Extra bonus if you get a drop in chiller. Drop the coil in a pitcher of adult beverages/ margaritas & chilled in no time
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