75 Gallon Reef Build with DIY Stand and Canopy

[guntercb]

I wish I had drilled the hole for the overflow about 1/8" inch higher. I think my water level may end up just below the top of the aquarium frame. I guess we will find out once I get the plumping connected and tested. At least it's not the end of the world.

 

[guntercb]

I have one coat of black paint on the back and bottom of the aquarium. It is close to 100F so I should be able to put on another coat shortly.

 

[guntercb]

Help! As typical in reefing, I have an issue. I have glass dust trapped between the glass and frame and currently sealed in because I painted the back. I posted about it in the DIY forum:

Glass dust between aquarium frame and glass

Hello: I bought an Aqueon tank and drilled it for an overflow and painted the back black. I cleaned the glass prior to painting, but did not think about glass dust getting between the frame and the glass. The glass dust is stuck behind the frame and the glass and I have painted the back and...

www.reef2reef.com

Here is a photo:

 

[guntercb]

I have received my Current Marine IC Pros. I just put them on top of the aquarium. I will fire them up later this week.

I also mounted my Eclipse overflow box and will begin plumping later this week.

I still need to start on my canopy and paint the stand once the temperature starts to go down.

I hope everyone is staying safe out there.

 

[Rp8]

Coming along nicely!

 

[guntercb]

Coming along nicely!

Thanks. It is not a fast journey, but I am enjoying it. I hope to get my QT tank set up in a few weeks!

 

[guntercb]

I hope all is well with everyone.

I did a little plumbing on my setup this weekend. Only 109 outside so I cannot work too long. I didn't get as much done as I had hoped. Here are are some photos:

Sump area:

Return. I will paint it black:

Cheers!

 

[Rp8]

Super sweet. I have the same light as a secondary... it's funny I went and got my plumbing stuff to get started soon. Following... enjoying ur build

 

[guntercb]

Super sweet. I have the same light as a secondary... it's funny I went and got my plumbing stuff to get started soon. Following... enjoying ur build

Thanks. It is a fun journey.

I am curious to see how I like the lights with coral. I like how the programming works. Time will tell how I really like them.

Stay safe.

 

[guntercb]

I hope everyone had a great Saturday.

I was able to complete my plumbing today. I am going to put some water in the system and check for leaks and see how the flow does tomorrow. Here is a photo:

I am also building a canopy for my QT tank. I hopefully will have my QT set up in a few weeks along with a RO/DI so I can at least get one fish! I will post a photo of the QT system when I get it set up.

Happy reefing!

 

[guntercb]

I had to tighten my unions and I replumbed the return to raise it up 1/2 inch so the power off siphon will not empty as much water in my sump. Here are some photos:

Have a great week!

 

[guntercb]

I ordered a RO/DI from Buckeye Hydro. I just got my shipment. I now will start installing the unit.

 

[guntercb]

It's tight, but it fits. Now to start plumbing.

 

[guntercb]

All done with the RO/DI. Now I have DI water for the tank and RO water to drink. I even got lucky and had no leaks!

 

[ironworker]

Ro water is horrible for drinking unless your mixing something in it. It has no mineral therefore tge flavor is odd. Also its dangerous as it has no electrolytes left amd your body cant process it.

 

[guntercb]

Ro water is horrible for drinking unless your mixing something in it. It has no mineral therefore tge flavor is odd. Also its dangerous as it has no electrolytes left amd your body cant process it.

Ironworker,

While it is true if you only drank RO water without eating anything it would mess with your electrolytes. I will be eating potato chips with my RO water. Because I will be eating food with my water I am not worried about it. If I start to have issues, I can always blend the RO with my tap water. Or just drink some tap occasionally. RO water makes great coffee!

 

[guntercb]

Well I made some progress this weekend on my setup. As you can see above, my RO/DI unit is installed.

My canopy for the QT tank is complete and I can set up my QT shortly. Here is a photo of my QT:

I glued the baffles in my 20 gallon sump (I had to go to a 20 because the 29 was a little to tall.) The caulking job is terrible, but it should work fine.

I hope all is well with everyone!

 

[Buckeye Hydro]

Ro water is horrible for drinking unless your mixing something in it. It has no mineral therefore tge flavor is odd. Also its dangerous as it has no electrolytes left amd your body cant process it.

Not an accurate statement....

 

[guntercb]

Not an accurate statement....

I agree.

Your RO/DI unit is making great drinking water for my family. I looked at about 6 different units before I decided to purchase from you. I like the little things you did like mount the water polisher instead of just having it hang off the tubing line like less built units.

Thanks for your help and making a great Reef / drinking water system! My wife is really enjoying the great tasting water.

 

[count krunk]

RO water is perfectly safe to drink. It is RO/DI that can cause an issue with drinking. RO water is simply a step up from water that runs through a fridge filter.