Taking the plunge
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dowsetts101
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Sump (Take 2)
It was tempting to delete my previous post about my abortive effort on my sump...but I'm here to redeem myself!!!
I had another go tonight, and what a difference a second go has made so far.
It's not finished yet, but this time, using clamps, corner clamps and some right angled braces, it's looking a thousand times better.
The annoying this is that I had all these things in the garage anyway, so I could have used them the first time round.
Also taking it slower this time. Tonight doing each corner. Then coming back tomorrow night when the first batch of silicone has set and doing the angled corner infills.
It was tempting to delete my previous post about my abortive effort on my sump...but I'm here to redeem myself!!!
I had another go tonight, and what a difference a second go has made so far.
It's not finished yet, but this time, using clamps, corner clamps and some right angled braces, it's looking a thousand times better.
The annoying this is that I had all these things in the garage anyway, so I could have used them the first time round.
Also taking it slower this time. Tonight doing each corner. Then coming back tomorrow night when the first batch of silicone has set and doing the angled corner infills.
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dowsetts101
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The sump tank is now finished...now masking up for installing the internal baffled and dividers
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dowsetts101
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And now most of the dividers/baffles are in. You can start to see the three main chambers take shape. In a clockwise direction from top left I'll have the drain from DT, into skimmer (top right) then into small fuge chamber (bottom right) then into the return pump chamber (bottom left).
I suspect that my return pump chamber might be a bit small, but my fallback is to remove the dividers to the 'fuge' and then have the entire bottom section for the return pump.
I figure it's probably easier to cut out dividers if they cause dramas rather than adding them in afterwards. I'll give it all a week or so to cure, then next weekend I'll start to put everything together for a wet test.
I suspect that my return pump chamber might be a bit small, but my fallback is to remove the dividers to the 'fuge' and then have the entire bottom section for the return pump.
I figure it's probably easier to cut out dividers if they cause dramas rather than adding them in afterwards. I'll give it all a week or so to cure, then next weekend I'll start to put everything together for a wet test.
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dowsetts101
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Almost done with the sump now. I installed the last couple of baffles into it tonight.
I think that I'll drill for an overflow now (should have done that first!!)
Also got an electrician around this week and got them to install some additional power outlets inside for the tank and also some weatherproof ones externally where I'm going to place my mixing station and water storage tanks.
Next step is going to be drilling for plumbing through the wall and out to my water change tanks etc.
I think that I'll drill for an overflow now (should have done that first!!)
Also got an electrician around this week and got them to install some additional power outlets inside for the tank and also some weatherproof ones externally where I'm going to place my mixing station and water storage tanks.
Next step is going to be drilling for plumbing through the wall and out to my water change tanks etc.
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dowsetts101
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Link to some other posts where I was kicking around some plumbing ideas for tank.
Sump overflow and semi-automatic water change
https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?threads/Sump-overflow-and-semi-automatic-water-change.320792/
Sump overflow and semi-automatic water change
https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?threads/Sump-overflow-and-semi-automatic-water-change.320792/
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dowsetts101
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Wet Test of DT Weir and Pipework
I installed my three pipes in the DT Weir tonight and filled up the Weir area to just below the top of the lowest pipe.
I just wanted to check the integrity of the Weir and also the completed standpipes under almost full water level.
Went well. Not perfect but ok.
Two of the standpipes are 100%
The largest one (the main overflow 1 1/2" ) has a slow drip. One drip every 5-6 seconds.
I haven't tightened the nut with tools as yet, so not too worried.
I have to dismantle it all to move the tank off it's stand to continue to work on the stand so don't want to over work the fittings.
So pretty happy so far...but room for improvement!!!
I installed my three pipes in the DT Weir tonight and filled up the Weir area to just below the top of the lowest pipe.
I just wanted to check the integrity of the Weir and also the completed standpipes under almost full water level.
Went well. Not perfect but ok.
Two of the standpipes are 100%
The largest one (the main overflow 1 1/2" ) has a slow drip. One drip every 5-6 seconds.
I haven't tightened the nut with tools as yet, so not too worried.
I have to dismantle it all to move the tank off it's stand to continue to work on the stand so don't want to over work the fittings.
So pretty happy so far...but room for improvement!!!
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dowsetts101
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Back to Cabinet Making
So a bit of a revision to the design of the cabinets. Upon reflection I'll need a bit more storage for 'dry equipment' controllers, power boards etc, which I don't think I'll be able to fit in the area under the tank.
I ran it past the Principal Interior Designer, and the Chief Financial Officer...and she said...I thought you were doing that already!!!
Anyway, so back to the drawing board for some additional cabinets to each side of the tank. They are only going to be narrow, but will be enough to house powerboards etc. Also, it will enable me to have power in the right hand cabinet, and water pipes in the left hand cabinet....and I like the idea of keeping them separate wherever I can.
Some pictures to show the plans.
Photo of empty corner in desperate need of a nice reef tank!!
Sketch of the Tank, Stand and new Cabinets
Plan of Tank and new Cabinets
So now that the tank and sump are moderately under control...it's off to get some more timber sheets and back into the garage to make like a chippy and knock up some cabinets!!
So a bit of a revision to the design of the cabinets. Upon reflection I'll need a bit more storage for 'dry equipment' controllers, power boards etc, which I don't think I'll be able to fit in the area under the tank.
I ran it past the Principal Interior Designer, and the Chief Financial Officer...and she said...I thought you were doing that already!!!
Anyway, so back to the drawing board for some additional cabinets to each side of the tank. They are only going to be narrow, but will be enough to house powerboards etc. Also, it will enable me to have power in the right hand cabinet, and water pipes in the left hand cabinet....and I like the idea of keeping them separate wherever I can.
Some pictures to show the plans.
Photo of empty corner in desperate need of a nice reef tank!!
Sketch of the Tank, Stand and new Cabinets
Plan of Tank and new Cabinets
So now that the tank and sump are moderately under control...it's off to get some more timber sheets and back into the garage to make like a chippy and knock up some cabinets!!
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dowsetts101
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Wet Test of Sump...fail!!!
Famous last words on my previous post...sump not so moderately under control!!!
I did a wet test with my pump to recirculate the water to see how the weirs etc are going and fail!!!
With the flow rate that the pump was putting out the water backed up and filled the second chamber about 50mm higher than the baffle height. It's just not getting out quick enough.
I think that I might need to cut out my baffles and cut them down to provide a larger opening at the exit of the second chamber.
I did a video and when I work out how to post it I'll do so, but see below some photos in the meantime.
Famous last words on my previous post...sump not so moderately under control!!!
I did a wet test with my pump to recirculate the water to see how the weirs etc are going and fail!!!
With the flow rate that the pump was putting out the water backed up and filled the second chamber about 50mm higher than the baffle height. It's just not getting out quick enough.
I think that I might need to cut out my baffles and cut them down to provide a larger opening at the exit of the second chamber.
I did a video and when I work out how to post it I'll do so, but see below some photos in the meantime.
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dowsetts101
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Base Cabinets started
So went off to Bunnings yesterday and picked up three sheets of melamine for the Cabinets. They won't be particularly exposed to moisture, as the main tank stand will sort that out, but I've gone with the HMR (high moisture resistance) melamine to be safe.
The carcasses for the bottom Cabinets have been roughed in. Next I'm going to put together a plinth to tie everything together and then onto the upper cabinets.
So went off to Bunnings yesterday and picked up three sheets of melamine for the Cabinets. They won't be particularly exposed to moisture, as the main tank stand will sort that out, but I've gone with the HMR (high moisture resistance) melamine to be safe.
The carcasses for the bottom Cabinets have been roughed in. Next I'm going to put together a plinth to tie everything together and then onto the upper cabinets.
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dowsetts101
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Carcasses for upper cabinets done
The build looks really good can't wait to see it progress
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Plumbing for RODI and mixing station
I just finished with the plumber, who installed a new tap for me to feed my RODI unit from.
I've had to put it outside, so I'll be making up a cabinet to shield it all from the weather...and I'll probably have high temp issues in summer, but that's something I'll just have to deal with.
The tanks for the NSW and RODI water will be to the left of the picture and you can see the power points for the pumps there also. The power points are also switched from inside the house next to the display tank, so when I'm doing my filling, I can control everything from the tank location.
I just finished with the plumber, who installed a new tap for me to feed my RODI unit from.
I've had to put it outside, so I'll be making up a cabinet to shield it all from the weather...and I'll probably have high temp issues in summer, but that's something I'll just have to deal with.
The tanks for the NSW and RODI water will be to the left of the picture and you can see the power points for the pumps there also. The power points are also switched from inside the house next to the display tank, so when I'm doing my filling, I can control everything from the tank location.
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dowsetts101
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Thanks Clayton...it's a slow build, but I'm really enjoying doing all the bits and pieces. Heading out today to get paint for the inside of the stand...that's the next step.
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dowsetts101
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Thanks Dizz. How'd yo go with the drilling of your tank?
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Back pretending to be a carpenter!!
A few more items underway with the front cabinet doors, painting of the plinth and also the inside of the tank stand.
Bending the curved front doors for the cabinet
So after watching a few YouTube videos I've embarked on the creation of the curved panels for the doors. I've made up a frame which matches the profile of the cabinet. Then I've used some 3mm plywood and laid it over the frame. Then some PVA glue and the next layer of 3mm ply.
Following that, some ratchet straps and plenty of hand clamps and first set of boards done. I'll need to have another 3 panels to get to an overall thickness of 15mm and it should be fine.
First coat of oil based enamel on the stand
I've been tossing up the approach to painting. I spoke to the technical reps from Dulux and they recommended a few coats of oil based enamel. Then I plan on 3 coats of clear polyurethane varnish over the top. That should result in a hard shell, waterproof and easy to wipe down to remove salt creep, spilt water etc.
First coat of oil based enamel on the plinth
A few more items underway with the front cabinet doors, painting of the plinth and also the inside of the tank stand.
Bending the curved front doors for the cabinet
So after watching a few YouTube videos I've embarked on the creation of the curved panels for the doors. I've made up a frame which matches the profile of the cabinet. Then I've used some 3mm plywood and laid it over the frame. Then some PVA glue and the next layer of 3mm ply.
Following that, some ratchet straps and plenty of hand clamps and first set of boards done. I'll need to have another 3 panels to get to an overall thickness of 15mm and it should be fine.
First coat of oil based enamel on the stand
I've been tossing up the approach to painting. I spoke to the technical reps from Dulux and they recommended a few coats of oil based enamel. Then I plan on 3 coats of clear polyurethane varnish over the top. That should result in a hard shell, waterproof and easy to wipe down to remove salt creep, spilt water etc.
First coat of oil based enamel on the plinth
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dowsetts101
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Overdue for an update
I’ve been working on a few bits and pieces around the tank over the past few weeks.
Purchased my drums for my mixing station
Scoped out the flooring joists for where I needed to drill for my plumbing
Drilled through the tiled floor for the plumbing (the boss is not impressed!!!)
Dry fitting all the cabinets
This weekend I’ve been preparing and assembling the “shaker style” trimming to the cabinet doors that will match the style of ou new kitchen...small price to pay for harmonious home life...a bit fiddly to do up, but hopefully it will look good when complete. Also down to Bunnings today to pick up the hinges for the doors so I can hopefully drill for them this weekend.
I was originally hoping to get water in the tank before Christmas...at the rate I’m going Christmas 2018 is looking like a safer bet!!!
I’ve been working on a few bits and pieces around the tank over the past few weeks.
Purchased my drums for my mixing station
Scoped out the flooring joists for where I needed to drill for my plumbing
Drilled through the tiled floor for the plumbing (the boss is not impressed!!!)
Dry fitting all the cabinets
This weekend I’ve been preparing and assembling the “shaker style” trimming to the cabinet doors that will match the style of ou new kitchen...small price to pay for harmonious home life...a bit fiddly to do up, but hopefully it will look good when complete. Also down to Bunnings today to pick up the hinges for the doors so I can hopefully drill for them this weekend.
I was originally hoping to get water in the tank before Christmas...at the rate I’m going Christmas 2018 is looking like a safer bet!!!
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dowsetts101
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Yep...just finished redoing the kitchen and we used the “shaker style” on the doors. Didn’t know what they were myself...my wife loves the renovation shows and chose it...that’s her contribution to the aquarium!!!
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