Large new build.

[Muttley000]

I have never used cinder blocks ever but one thought popped into my mind when i saw the supporting steel.
Have you considered if the steel can/will leach into the system over time??
It would be so awful to go to all this effort and overlook something simple.

I think if water gets to the steel it's game over anyways. Similar to plywood builds, if the epoxy lets water touch the wood, it is a failed project and what could leach is a moot point.

 

[Gyerfat]

This looks very interesting, and I love your willingness to experiment and share with us! I have a large build on the horizon and cement blocks is an option where I will be putting it.
I think you are going to be suprised at the amount of heat that can get sucked out of the system by that wall and floor, especially if you live in a cooler climate. I have a multi tank system on a much smaller than yours sump (270 gallons plywood) and in northwest Ohio I had to raise it off the floor and lift my several tanks off of the concrete ledge in my basement on foam to keep the system warm. Maybe you are in a warm enough place it won't matter as much. At a minimum, look at heating with a Pex loop on your hot water heater, that will save you tons in energy bills! I unplugged almost 2000 watts of heaters and my gas bill didn't budge. If you need details let me know.

Thanks for your input. I will be using a titanium heat exchanger run off my heating system

 

[Gyerfat]

I have never used cinder blocks ever but one thought popped into my mind when i saw the supporting steel.
Have you considered if the steel can/will leach into the system over time??
It would be so awful to go to all this effort and overlook something simple.

I will be using liquid rubber to coat everything. It's not toxic. I'm not sure if it will work, but I think I can do it.

 

[Gyerfat]

Thanks for your input. I will be using a titanium heat exchanger run off my heating system

Another thing I considered is that I want the heat sucked out. I am much better at heating things than cooling them[emoji2]

 

[Muttley000]

Another thing I considered is that I want the heat sucked out. I am much better at heating things than cooling them[emoji2]

Absolutely, especially in a warm climate!

Thanks for your input. I will be using a titanium heat exchanger run off my heating system

I think this is a wise way to go. Can't wait to see your progress!

 

[Gyerfat]

Hello everyone. I'm taking a little time to get my other system stable while I work on my new one. I am implementing the Triton method to practice because that is what my new system is being designed for. I am having a difficult time with the chemistry side of water. I want to be told exactly what to dose and when. I enjoy working on systems so I think the Triton method is made for people like me. Happy reefing. Be back soon

 

[Gyerfat]

I was able to get some work done. This is the first section of the final height, just the cap block is left. I think it's coming out pretty well so far. I've never worked with concrete before, and as usual no one comes to finish the work. so I had to do it myself. Learning as I go. Gives me a greater respect for Mason's. They make it look easy

 

[cgdcinc]

This project is amazing. Looking good! Definitely following this one.

 

[Zack K]

Looking good for a first timer! I totally agree. The Masons are gods.

 

[1WildBill]

Are you filling the block with grout?

 

[SUS]

I may have missed it, but did you anchor the blocks to the wall? If not, I’d be quite concerned about it pushing away from the wall when full of water.

 

[don_chuwish]

This will be fun to watch. I say fill the blocks with concrete - it's cheap and will add a LOT of strength over just the mortar.

 

[Gyerfat]

I may have missed it, but did you anchor the blocks to the wall? If not, I’d be quite concerned about it pushing away from the wall when full of water.

Yes I did [emoji106]

 

[Gyerfat]

This will be fun to watch. I say fill the blocks with concrete - it's cheap and will add a LOT of strength over just the mortar.

I will be doing that, thanks

 

[Gyerfat]

I've reached my first milestone. Very happy. The wall was my biggest concern of the project as I've never worked with concrete before. What we have here is measuring inside diameter of 17ft x 41" x 32" at the first spillover. It's a full pallot of 16x8x8 block plus a few extra, a few thousand pounds of concrete brought through a basement window and mixed by hand. I have a few lines of rebar left so I'm going to cut them into pieces and drop them down all the chambers before I fill it all with concrete. Then I will install the cap blocks and the spillways. clean everything up and we move on to paint. [emoji2]

 

[Scurvy]

1st milestone! Well done! I’d have at least two broken toes, a sprained ankle and a busted hand from pounding the wall after breaking the toes! ;Blackeye

 

[vegamedic]

Just out of curiosity, why use stone for the sump vs. a custom fabricated acrylic or fiberglass/glass insert tank on a metal or stone stand? It seems like if you need to do any changes whatsoever you'd have a real tough time, not to mention having to practically put your head underwater to reach the bottom of it, especially the bottom near the wall. Tagging along for sure though

 

[Gyerfat]

Just out of curiosity, why use stone for the sump vs. a custom fabricated acrylic or fiberglass/glass insert tank on a metal or stone stand? It seems like if you need to do any changes whatsoever you'd have a real tough time, not to mention having to practically put your head underwater to reach the bottom of it, especially the bottom near the wall. Tagging along for sure though

This is just a fun project for me. I want to build every part of the system. And get out of my comfort zone, see if I can make it out of my head. All why keeping it reasonably priced. Plus the block was paid for with a winning 200 scratcher. I also want to use the cooling effect from the concrete to keep it at a temperature that I like. As I said before it's easy for me to heat water

 

[Gyerfat]

I guess reasonably priced wasn't a good word to use

 

[zcedric]

O oO Oo I am in! Watching this.