The Portuguese Reef - 150 Gallon Reef Savvy Build

[MRodrigues1991]

Only one picture of sump?!

I know, I know...there are a bunch on the first page from Tyler at Elite Aquatics.

Definitely need to get an update on here, stand is complete structurally except for doors, just going through paint now when I find the time and then into the house we go.

 

[carlo_oz]

Those are so cool looking mounts you have. I was lazy and purchased mine online. Cool build !

 

[drtrash]

Nice job, may borrow your add on the stand. Will power strip fit in compartment? What about all the power bricks? What it height of stand?

 

[MRodrigues1991]

Quick update time!

The tank is in and planted! Not moving from this spot for quite some time

 

[scotturban54]

Looks good

 

[Clayton Jessup]

It looks really good

 

[MRodrigues1991]

So apologies on delaying updates been crazy busy with work.

Lights are hung, decided I will be using dual 6bulb Sunpower fixtures. Will see if it is too strong so may take a couple bulbs out.

Painted the stand “pixel white” which is a very faint light grey white color. I like how it came out.

Sump is in and began the plumbing process, also started working on the equipment display area, drilled the holes for the cords, just need to start mounting items. Laid out on the floor how I plan on organizing the equipment.

Set up the rock work as well. I like how it looks but flow wise not sure this will be ideal. Will be running 2 mp40s and an L1 for return going to two return lines. Will see if I can mount he Mp40s a certain way that will work.

Hope to get water in by end of March. Still need to reinforce the crawl space underneath before that happens. And will be traveling for work the next two weeks.

 

[MRodrigues1991]

So for the return I have an L1 that I plan on using. The two return holes on the tank are made for 3/4 pvc return sizing and there is one on each side. If i run the L1 with a reducer down to 3/4 inch, run a manifold off of it with two splits and then split it on the return again is there still too much restriction that is a risk to water turn over?

My main concern is the balance between return gph and the inflow from the overflow, I should be able to control the flow with the gate valve I have on my overflow but just nervous I wont have enough flow through my sump. L1 may be over kill but id rather run it on low power and increase the longevity of the pump.

I may just be paranoid becuase I dont want to have to cut everything apart and then recreate it once it is set up Any advice or people running L1s on a 3/4 inch return that is split would be great, thanks!

 

[Clayton Jessup]

That looks amazing with two 6 lamp fixtures I love it ! It looks like it’s coming along very nicely. I love the thread keep up the great work @MRodrigues1991! The display for the electronics looks very nice as well!

 

[HolisticBear]

Any advice or people running L1s on a 3/4 inch return that is split would be great, thanks!

The L1 is so popular on Broadfield's Reefer Show Off Thread, you might try asking there

 

[Fin]

I must have stopped getting notifications on this thread. I lost track of it. Everything is still coming along nicely. I also like your lighting choice.

Have you had any more thought on the glass doors? Something I am mulling over for mine also. Not sure what direction to go. I already have doors for the stand, just wondering if I can modify them with some glass panels.

 

[MRodrigues1991]

I must have stopped getting notifications on this thread. I lost track of it. Everything is still coming along nicely. I also like your lighting choice.

Have you had any more thought on the glass doors? Something I am mulling over for mine also. Not sure what direction to go. I already have doors for the stand, just wondering if I can modify them with some glass panels.

I was going to do solid wood doors on the stand opening to the sump but a glass door on the controller section.

But now you have me thinking of doing glass doors all around to show off the equipment underneath hmmmm....

 

[Fin]

I was going to do solid wood doors on the stand opening to the sump but a glass door on the controller section.

But now you have me thinking of doing glass doors all around to show off the equipment underneath hmmmm....

I have been known to be a bad influence.

 

[MRodrigues1991]

I have been known to be a bad influence.

I wonder if humidity will be an issue and will cause the glass to fog up

 

[Fin]

I wonder if humidity will be an issue and will cause the glass to fog up

Good question. I hadn't thought of that. In my case, the back of my stand is open and I have 4" fans on both sides for ventilation. Not sure if that would prevent moisture on the glass, or not. Something else to procrastinate about.

 

[MRodrigues1991]

Finished up piping the overflow down into the sump, need to now pipe the return and then get the supports underneath the floor in the crawlspace. Which should then allow me to start filling with water

 

[Ardeus]

I love the tank dimensions. I would rethink the rockwork though, maybe taking a look at how the guys who create iwagumi tanks lay their rocks.

 

[MRodrigues1991]

I love the tank dimensions. I would rethink the rockwork though, maybe taking a look at how the guys who create iwagumi tanks lay their rocks.

Yeah, may switch it up for flow purposes not sure yet...

 

[MRodrigues1991]

Update on the plumbing.

All the down flow has been plumbed. Half way completed with the return plumbing. Will contain a manifold with 4 ball valves to feed any reactors, water change system, etc. later on just incase.

Two lally columns have been placed underneath the floor as extra support.

Looking to get the slop sink and RO system up and running in the next couple weeks and then that means water in the tank!

 

[MRodrigues1991]

So took some pictures of the predicament I am currently running into. I need to run the apex power bar and the MP40 wires across the under side of the entire tank. Not sure if drilling a hole through each cross beam will alter the strength of the stand, if not that then I am looking for ways to do it with a wire run or some other clean way. Any ideas you guys may have would truly be appreciated !