Its almost time. My 180 gallon tank is being built and should be ready in the next few weeks. I am going to do my best to document this build.
Waiting on the Tank- 180G 72"x24x"24, Modular Marine external overflow with 3 -1 1/2" drains setup bean animal, Steel stand with magnetic wood skin.
Sitting in the garage waiting - Trigger Triton 44 sump, COR-20
I will be transferring my current Skimmer,MP40s and Radions and APEX over but will be adding/upgrading as needed and funds allow.
My first hurdle will be plumbing. I plan on building a manifold and want to run a separate pump for it. I want to plumb it so that if needed I can use it as a backup. Since I have dual returns I thought about running the COR-20 on one return line by itself then adding a second pump (Model unsure) and running the manifold and second return line. That way if either fail I will still have flow.
Second option would be to run both pumps on the same pluming running both return lines and manifold. I have hear strange things can happen if one pump goes down. I would have to make sure there are check valves in place to prevent water from going out the failed pump back into the sump.
Other option I thought about putting the second pump on a T that feeds into the manifold and one of the return pipes but put a ball valve between the two pumps so they couldnt flow toward each other unless I choose to allow it. This would allow them to run independently but if needed both pumps could potentially run the manifold and retrun lines. This make sense in my head but I'm sure I am missing something.
I'm not sure if I want to attempt auto water changes or not. I see mixed reviews and I feel like $300 could go towards some other gear thats needed more than the convenience of auto water changes.
I know that the dual MP40s will not be enough flow but I want to see how things work when I get it setup and decide what I need in addition.
Hopefully I will have some pictures of the tank in the next few weeks.
Waiting on the Tank- 180G 72"x24x"24, Modular Marine external overflow with 3 -1 1/2" drains setup bean animal, Steel stand with magnetic wood skin.
Sitting in the garage waiting - Trigger Triton 44 sump, COR-20
I will be transferring my current Skimmer,MP40s and Radions and APEX over but will be adding/upgrading as needed and funds allow.
My first hurdle will be plumbing. I plan on building a manifold and want to run a separate pump for it. I want to plumb it so that if needed I can use it as a backup. Since I have dual returns I thought about running the COR-20 on one return line by itself then adding a second pump (Model unsure) and running the manifold and second return line. That way if either fail I will still have flow.
Second option would be to run both pumps on the same pluming running both return lines and manifold. I have hear strange things can happen if one pump goes down. I would have to make sure there are check valves in place to prevent water from going out the failed pump back into the sump.
Other option I thought about putting the second pump on a T that feeds into the manifold and one of the return pipes but put a ball valve between the two pumps so they couldnt flow toward each other unless I choose to allow it. This would allow them to run independently but if needed both pumps could potentially run the manifold and retrun lines. This make sense in my head but I'm sure I am missing something.
I'm not sure if I want to attempt auto water changes or not. I see mixed reviews and I feel like $300 could go towards some other gear thats needed more than the convenience of auto water changes.
I know that the dual MP40s will not be enough flow but I want to see how things work when I get it setup and decide what I need in addition.
Hopefully I will have some pictures of the tank in the next few weeks.