Jimbo's CDA 250 Build

[Jimbo327]

I bought 2 of the printed mushroom boxes from a local reefer. So I dumped the loose corals in there, and hope they attach. It's frustrating when they just let go and drift away into anywhere, and if you don't pay attention...you just lost some corals or they melt.

I just got back home from a quick trip to Mammoth. My skimmer was not foaming up, so I turned it off until I have time to work on it. A few of my frags got turned over and I may have lost one of my OG bounce babies. My HG torch melted completely. My fishes are very destructive when left alone, they are getting huge and will knock frags over looking for food while not being fed by me. And some may even be nipping at my corals, but I have not caught anyone in the act yet.

All in all, I'm very glad that the crazy winds have died down in SoCal, and I have a tank/home to return to this week. I'm not near the fire this time, but it's always a risk. Prayers to all the folks who are impacted by this fire. I'm planning to head up to those areas in Altadena/Pasadena and volunteering to help the shelters as I grew up in that region. So my tank will probably be neglected a bit. My main priority this week is just to get my skimmer back up...I will need to pull it and see what is wrong...that is not an easy task as I have to remove it from the wiring nest.

 

[Jimbo327]

So on the RO skimmers, I was able to disconnect the skimmer pump from the skimmer body, and I only took the pump out of the sump. Left the whole skimmer body in the sump. This saved me hours because I didn't have to deal with the wiring rats nest.

After taking apart the skimmer pump, which was a Varios 6, I proceeded to use a toothpick and took out all of the baby snail shells stuck in the skimmer wheel. Checked the impeller, no issues. Did a quick soak in citric acid, and put it back together. This was all done under the sump. Now, the skimmer is back in action.

 

[lubeck]

Any updates. How’s the tank

 

[Jimbo327]

It's been awhile since I've updated. The tank has just past its 2 years mark!

To be honest, I've been on cruise control on the tank for the past year as work demands has really picked up and my kids are getting into sports (travel ball, etc.). I've been enjoying the hobby more by being the admin of the local reef forum (Socalireef), meeting local reefers through monthly meetups, and going to local corals shows.

Overall, the tank is doing well, and I feel it is finally starting to settle in.

 

[cilyjr]

Good deal,
I should join the social club, but I'm 3 hrs north in Pismo.

 

[ReefTankENG]

I picked up a used sump, and decided to drill and modify it for my setup. I drilled like 15+ holes. I found that the baffles did not work, so I added silicone to the baffles and clear windows. String lights and wire conduit raceway were added to the stand. Plus wiring the control panel. Lots of trial and error.

I did all of the work myself, so that is why it took over a year just to get it wet. After a lot of planning, DIY, and a million trips to Home Depot, I was able to finish the basic setup. Now I know why people get brand new plug and play systems.

That wiring and controller organization looks awesome! Did you make that yourself?

 

[ReefTankENG]

Next was the plumbing. Just used regular white PVC.

Plumbing looks sweet too!

 

[Jimbo327]

Thanks! I tried my best to imitate the pros at plumbing. I put in so many unions because I was paranoid that I would screw up somewhere. It's been 2 years and the plumbing has no leaks. So it's been good. Originally, thought about using the colored PVC, then I saw the prices and went straight to Home Depot for the white PVC. LOL. My jaws dropped looking at how much those large Spears valves were. So glad that plumbing is behind me. I spent a fortune plumbing the tank.

 

[Puggz]

Can you share some more info please? What are the tank's dimensions? What overflow box did you use. What size supply and return lines did you use?
I'm designing a 250 gal w/90 gal acrylic sump.
TIA!
P