Benapilot's SCA 150 Upgrade

[ChrisQ0904]

Which pump are you running the skimmer with?

 

[benapilot]

Which pump are you running the skimmer with?

Jebao/Jecod DCP-8000. It’s been solid for a couple years now.

 

[lost66]

One of your recent pictures show the tank on the stand. Doesn't look safe, I would support the corners.

 

[benapilot]

One of your recent pictures show the tank on the stand. Doesn't look safe, I would support the corners.

Thanks for checking :)

Optical illusion... it’s good!

 

[ChrisQ0904]

Jebao/Jecod DCP-8000. It’s been solid for a couple years now.

Man, I've been thinking of upgrading to that size for a while now. I currently have the 5000 on it and it seems like it could be performing better. I may just have to make the switch sooner than I thought. Thanks

 

[8251reefer]

Do you have a flush valve? If so, make sure it's not set on "flush". What's your pressure looking like?

My “75 GPD” RODI unit is more like 30 gpd... It’s been going 24 hours so far and the tank is only a quarter full. I’m contemplating adding straight tap water....

Invest in a booster pump and add a 75 gpd water saver RO filter.

 

[benapilot]

Invest in a booster pump and add a 75 gpd water saver RO filter.

I know! I should have thought about this weeks ago.... unfortunately, by the time the upgrade arrives, the tank will be full :p

 

[8251reefer]

I know! I should have thought about this weeks ago.... unfortunately, by the time the upgrade arrives, the tank will be full :p

Slowly but surely. Good luck! Can’t wait to see it with water!

 

[benapilot]

Took an excursion with my Valentine while the tank filled with RODI:

Tank is full, time for salt! I calculated about 123 gallons, that’s just over 61 cups of salt! Oh, and I hung the light fixture, too!

Tomorrow morning I’ll check salinity, adjust, then rocks and sand!

My wife will sure be happy when I can get the install mess cleaned up!

 

[CMMorgan]

There’s water in it! It’s still in my garage and this is just temporary fresh water, but I wanted to test and make sure the plumbing works!

The Exotic Marine overflow is silent. It took a little trial and error to get the level in the external box just right. I’ve got three ways to adjust: the gate valve and two return pumps. I’ve got my new COR20 and a spare Jecod DCT-8000 running. I’m running both pumps at about 30%. Any more and I’ve got a lot of flow through the secondary with the primary gate valve wide open. It’ll be interesting to see how it is with my existing COR15.

Here’s a video of it running. Note that the Jecod pump is what you hear. The COR is much quieter.

WOW. That is quiet.

 

[AbjectMaelstroM]

WOW. That is quiet.

Yeah, I've got one on my SCA120 and love it. The only thing I hear is my skimmer.

 

[CMMorgan]

There’s water in it! It’s still in my garage and this is just temporary fresh water, but I wanted to test and make sure the plumbing works!

The Exotic Marine overflow is silent. It took a little trial and error to get the level in the external box just right. I’ve got three ways to adjust: the gate valve and two return pumps. I’ve got my new COR20 and a spare Jecod DCT-8000 running. I’m running both pumps at about 30%. Any more and I’ve got a lot of flow through the secondary with the primary gate valve wide open. It’ll be interesting to see how it is with my existing COR15.

Here’s a video of it running. Note that the Jecod pump is what you hear. The COR is much quieter.

Are you using Schedule 80 (grey) fittings and unions with Schedule 40 furniture grade yellow PVC? 1" pipe?

 

[benapilot]

Yes. 1” Schedule 40 PVC from Amazon!

FORMUFIT Furniture Grade PVC... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085B4YW27?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[CMMorgan]

Yes. 1” Schedule 40 PVC from Amazon!

FORMUFIT Furniture Grade PVC... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085B4YW27?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I did not realize we could use the sch 80 fittings with the sch 40 pipe. (Honestly, I have not researched it yet.) I love the look of the grey and yellow. You did a fabulous job.

 

[benapilot]

Works good!
Color may be off in the video, but the pipe
is orange :p

 

[CMMorgan]

Works good!
Color may be off in the video, but the pipe
is orange :p

Oops... my bad.

 

[benapilot]

Did some work last night!

Rocks and sand are in!

I’m still getting the salinity dialed in (that’s why the skimmer pump is sideways in the sump- I’m adding salt to that chamber!). The calculators at Hamza's Reef are awesome. Once I get that dialed in I’ll add the fish and the rest of my corals.
I’m trying to figure out a drip acclimation strategy for the fish...

 

[Nelsons_reef]

Looks good!

 

[Zach B]

Looks great!

 

[benapilot]

I’ve had this pallet wood sitting in my garage for years....

I’m not sure if i want to stain it or just keep it rough. Two halves, right and left are held in place magnetically.
If I decide to keep this, I’ll put a couple doors in.

Equipment Love: