JoeKooL KoolReef 210 remodeling into 428 display Custom DIY sump net BOOM!

[prsnlty]

Not really. I plan on reworking my skimmer. I'm thinking about adding a recirculating closed loop aeration pump to it.
I get pretty good results from it and good skimmate but could always do better. The cheaper route I may choose is to build a bigger venture and increase the output of my JCOD DCT15,000 pump to the skimmer as it is only running at 3/4 speed. I would have to increase my drain size too. Hey its only PVC and tubes and not buying another pump with two running. It is a good size skimmer 6'' by 5'.

I'm going to be using my 55 gallon tank I have empty as a quarantine tank and buying multiple fish. So I want the best skimming possible when adding in the fish.

I did figure out why I lost all but one fish awhile back. I had a hydra circ pump shock me in the tank and I assume the stray voltage that was tripping my GFCI was the cause. not sure if I had dormant ick in the tank or what but only my sailfin survived. all has been well and I have two fire fish I added about 8 months ago to test the waters and all is ok.

I will be adding in a UV sterilizer off the return as well.

I'm glad you found the short AND didn't kill yourself finding it [emoji12] !!!

I think your idea for the skimmer is great. I've when considering upgrading or upsizing mine but now with all the losses I don't see the need. Oh that's right the reason I didn't answer you right away was because my tank crashed again right after I received your reply to my post. I think the Caribbean green paly's that I have nuked my tank. Needless to say they're in the backyard right now. I have two acro's left and they don't look very good even the Monti's look pretty sad. All the LPS and zoa's are closed up. I also lost some inverts. Right now I'm on damage control and haven't hooked up my UV due to water change after water change.

On the bright side now I can do re aquascaping as soon as I get the rock made and cured. Not exactly how I wanted to go about it though.

Your tank looks really good I'm glad it's better now [emoji2]

 

[joekool]

Ok so gutted my tank and re did the drains for added room. And yes it is dual 2'' drains with dual emergency overflows. Yes I did bevel all the ends of the pvc for smoother flow in and through pipes. Got rid of the two mega overflows that took up a bunch of real estate. It will let me aquascape it differently and going bare bottom so no sand to stir. Still have a deep sand bed in sump though. Stay tuned as I continue to add more.

 

[joekool]

Update::::: using the overflow box butt bottom is out.
Next I made a new over flow box. It is pvc board. I used my router to add a releaf cut were I wanted to bend it. I used a heat gun to mak it bend easily and hold form once cooled. I wanted the water to move by it smoothly as I will have a counter rotation gyre in tank.

 

[joekool]

My wife took pictures of me laying in the tank. I'll have to get them from her and post one up lol.

 

[prsnlty]

Next I made a new over flow box. It is pvc board. I used my router to add a releaf cut were I wanted to bend it. I used a heat gun to mak it bend easily and hold form once cooled. I wanted the water to move by it smoothly as I will have a counter rotation gyre in tank.

Looks great!

 

[joekool]

I didn't want to strip down my tank because it was great but I wanted a change.
Tomorrow I'm plumbing the return lines. I will be custom bending the pvc pipes so there will be no fittings from my manifold up and over the top of the tank. I will be installing 4 1'' pvc lines, should get more flow than the three 3/4'' lines that I was using. I already had the 4300gph impeller in my reeflo.
Should be nice especially sense I mostly have sps. I may valve a line or two after I see the flow.

 

[joekool]

Goofing around

 

[joekool]

Flash update video. More to follow.

 

[joekool]

 

[joekool]

Ok it's all changed again. Taking the sides off the tank and installing 36''W X 28 1/2"T new glass panels. I will have a new bottom that is epoxy coated plywood with a custom made aluminum top brace similar to what's there now but larger of course. This takes the display from 210 to 330 gallons. wont be adding in extra rock but will have more room to scape and more room to have the fishes swim around. oh and bare bottom. oooh. maybe a little shell around the base of the rocks but I don't think so. Tank is mixed but mostly sps so the water will be moving. Increased drain sizes to herbie dual 2'' drains and emergencies and return so far is going to be 4 1'' returns. the old setup was two 1'' drains and three 3/4'' returns but not any more.

Comment on my video trying to figure out if I want to go the way I've done the returns or not.

 

[joekool]

Ok so got a quote on the glass end panels to make the tank bigger. $248 for both 1/2" 36" X 28.5" tempered panels with polished edges.

What do you guys think.

@prsnlty

 

[joekool]

still not sure if I'm going to use the manifold I made or just go up and over with the 1.5" and then run 5--1" ports off it. probably the later

 

[bif24701]

Ok so got a quote on the glass end panels to make the tank bigger. $248 for both 1/2" 36" X 28.5" tempered panels with polished edges.

What do you guys think.

@prsnlty

That's all, wow. Seems very reasonable.

 

[joekool]

You think. Doesn't seem bad to me. The glass shop doesn't really have to do anything but order it and have me pick it up so

 

[prsnlty]

Sounds pretty reasonable to me also

 

[bif24701]

You think. Doesn't seem bad to me. The glass shop doesn't really have to do anything but order it and have me pick it up so

Glass it's self isn't cheap. Surprised me the first time I bought glass.

 

[joekool]

Thinking of going to 40'' instead of 36'';Nailbiting

What do you think

 

[joekool]

OK so thinking while I have to take this tank apart to make it bigger why not go bigger than 330 display.

No comments. Wow I guess no one really check out this thread much.

I do plan on documenting the whole remodel on video and with pictures.

 

[prsnlty]

OK so thinking while I have to take this tank apart to make it bigger why not go bigger than 330 display.

No comments. Wow I guess no one really check out this thread much.

I do plan on documenting the whole remodel on video and with pictures.

Sorry Joe. I have been swamped at home trying to help my parents and my daughter at the same time. Plus one of my sons moved in temporarily from Texas. Now I'm preparing for this hurricane because I can't leave since my parents won't leave and neither will one of my daughters. You can believe I am making tons of Ro! I hope you all are doing well down there in Northport!

 

[joekool]

We will try to hang in. Got 300 gallons outside in my house RO tank I'll take it to the brim before it gets to bad. I fired the gen and got fuel today. I also got some food and propane for the grill. Cleared way to my shutters in the garage so I can get them up. I'll put some on tomorrow and the last few Saturday. Hope you are save and secure up there @prsnlty.