UNS R75 Build Thread

[popalud]

It's finally arriving tomorrow! After 2 tense weeks of zero updates (and a promptly replied to status update inquiry to Top Shelf Aquatics), my tank arrives tomorrow! Very excited (and nervous given my lack of patience), but I can finally start the build and setting up all of the components that have been sitting in boxes collecting dust!

Sadly I'm having some RO water issues w/high TDS readings so while I save the high TDS water to leak test everything and tweak/familiarize myself with my system, I'll be waiting a bit to dial in my water/mix salt and fill the badboy up for realsies.

Hoping to collect pics to share along the way and look forward to feedback. If anyone has some "this may be basic but..." type-tips, let me have them! All input is good input!

Let's gooooooo!!!

 

[UNS_Parker]

Exciting! Keep us updated.

 

[popalud]

Exciting! Keep us updated.

UNS_Parker, what was it like when you and the rest of the folks at UNS realized that you had in fact, THOUGHT OF EVERYTHING?!?!

This thing was packaged so well, it could've been airdropped out of a AC130 and looked great! Every detail is amazing. When I fix things around the house, I often mumble under my breath "who the heck put this together, and did they think about what whey were doing when they did?!?" Setting this up was the exact opposite! Lots of "OMG, this is awesome!" and "WOW!!! They thought about that?!?" (including the extra little bumper stickers for the doors on the cabinets. Seriously, who does that???

It has been a joy setting up so far, and Im hoping to get the display on the stand, plumping hooked up, and water in it to leak test tonight. I'll post pics when I'm done.

 

[popalud]

Is there supposed to be a gasket here (return pump connection bulkhead)?? I’ve discovered a tiny leak, have adjusted, and reinstalled the bulkhead but still getting a small leak.

 

[popalud]

Is there supposed to be a gasket here (return pump connection bulkhead)?? I’ve discovered a tiny leak, have adjusted, and reinstalled the bulkhead but still getting a small leak.

Another pic. Water definitely coming from the male end above the fitting/bulkhead.

 

[UNS_Parker]

Hey! That does look to be a pinhole leak in the return line. For the fastest fix, I would recommend just shutting off the flow for a bit and adding a small amount of PVC glue to that section.

If you want to email me at [email protected], I can pass this along to the team as well.

Really sorry you ran into that! Glad you enjoyed the setup, though. We all have these tanks at home ourselves and modified parts of the design to make the setup more user-friendly based on our own experiences.

 

[popalud]

Hey! That does look to be a pinhole leak in the return line. For the fastest fix, I would recommend just shutting off the flow for a bit and adding a small amount of PVC glue to that section.

If you want to email me at [email protected], I can pass this along to the team as well.

Really sorry you ran into that! Glad you enjoyed the setup, though. We all have these tanks at home ourselves and modified parts of the design to make the setup more user-friendly based on our own experiences.

Thanks! I hope to grab some pvc glue on the way home and fix it up! After getting my flow dialed in, things are coming together. A few more items arrive this weekend and I hope to be able to drain and fill with saltwater next week to start my cycle!

Any pointers on filling these things up so the water level is consistent? I can’t go by volume because I’ll be adding rock/sand and hoping it’s a simple as marking the water level somewhere in the sump. If that’s it, do you do it with the system running or when the pumps are off?

Also, any pointers on the best way to drain a tank?

 

[UNS_Parker]

Thanks! I hope to grab some pvc glue on the way home and fix it up! After getting my flow dialed in, things are coming together. A few more items arrive this weekend and I hope to be able to drain and fill with saltwater next week to start my cycle!

Any pointers on filling these things up so the water level is consistent? I can’t go by volume because I’ll be adding rock/sand and hoping it’s a simple as marking the water level somewhere in the sump. If that’s it, do you do it with the system running or when the pumps are off?

Also, any pointers on the best way to drain a tank?

I would recommend filling for the first time with the return pumps off. This will give you a better idea of what the water level would be in the event of a pump shutdown. You don't want to add too much water and accidentally flood if your power goes out. After your sump is 80-90% full, turn your pumps back on, and you should be good to go. I use a piece of blue masking tape with a Sharpie line on it to give me an idea of the standard water level. My ATO keeps the water level steady, but I like to have that line there so I can know if my ATO isn't functioning properly.

 

[popalud]

Feels like I got a good seal around it. As for measuring water level. I’ve have water in the tank for about 24 hours and working on dialing in flow but struggling with balance as I can’t seem to get the water to clear the lower baffle in the refugium to return pump chamber and keep up with the pump. I have the baffle to the skimmer chamber down as low as possible. I’ll keep tweaking once I have the plumbing back in. Thanks!

 

[UNS_Parker]

What pump are you running?

 

[UNS_Parker]

What pump are you running?

 

[popalud]

I'm using a Simplicity DC 1000gph. I'm guessing I'm getting about 430gph at 5' head.

 

[popalud]

Hey! That does look to be a pinhole leak in the return line. For the fastest fix, I would recommend just shutting off the flow for a bit and adding a small amount of PVC glue to that section.

If you want to email me at [email protected], I can pass this along to the team as well.

Really sorry you ran into that! Glad you enjoyed the setup, though. We all have these tanks at home ourselves and modified parts of the design to make the setup more user-friendly based on our own experiences.

Looks like there may have been another leak at the next fitting up. Looks like the same fix worked. Everything is holding up and no more leaks

 

[popalud]

Here it is!!

Simplicity DC1000ghp Return Pump
AI 16 HD Prime
AI Nero 3 (2x)
200W Heater on an Inkbird 306A
UNS Refugium Light (arrives on Wednesday)

Pretty excited about the cable management system


Getting the aquascape in was a little nerve wracking...


All systems go!


Added a shelf and motion detection light to the cabinet


Water quality is dialed in


Were ready to add life!

Looking forward to taking advantage of the Memorial Day Weekend sales to fill this thing up!

 

[that coffee guy]

Looks great! I have the same tank and I love it.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Here it is!!

Simplicity DC1000ghp Return Pump
AI 16 HD Prime
AI Nero 3 (2x)
200W Heater on an Inkbird 306A
UNS Refugium Light (arrives on Wednesday)

Pretty excited about the cable management system


Getting the aquascape in was a little nerve wracking...


All systems go!


Added a shelf and motion detection light to the cabinet


Water quality is dialed in


Were ready to add life!

Looking forward to taking advantage of the Memorial Day Weekend sales to fill this thing up!

Did you happen to buy anything from the Memorial Day sales?

 

[Method1]

I jut had an R75 delivered and installed down here in Miami. Im having an issue w the ATO. The float valve desnt seem to cut the water supply from the ATO off when the float valve is completely extended (up). Ive filled the ATO up 3 times and each time its drained within 30 min, and the water level in the sump is super high.

 

[Method1]

Here it is!!

Simplicity DC1000ghp Return Pump
AI 16 HD Prime
AI Nero 3 (2x)
200W Heater on an Inkbird 306A
UNS Refugium Light (arrives on Wednesday)

Pretty excited about the cable management system


Getting the aquascape in was a little nerve wracking...


All systems go!


Added a shelf and motion detection light to the cabinet


Water quality is dialed in


Were ready to add life!

Looking forward to taking advantage of the Memorial Day Weekend sales to fill this thing up

Where did you get that shelf and motion detection light (great idea)? Is the light plug-in or rechargeable? Do you have any issues w the ATO? Mine seems to be dysfunctional.

 

[popalud]

Where did you get that shelf and motion detection light (great idea)? Is the light plug-in or rechargeable? Do you have any issues w the ATO? Mine seems to be dysfunctional.

Thanks! Im a fan of the shelf and lights.

Here is the shelf, Shelf which fits perfectly. You can probably fit another one of the front panel (right side/opposite of the electric cabinet) but i held off on that for now.
Here is the light (battery operated - motion detection) Safe Lights. Not sure this is the best option, but a "safe light" is what I threw in there.

I'd like to find something to use to literally hang accessories such as tongs, nets, etc. somewhere. So far 3M command hooks are the only thing i found but where to put them is a challenge as outside of the stand is the easy spot, but less attractive...

For the ATO, I've struggled but have it somewhat working. Not a huge fan but was thinking it was more user error than design, but now I think it may be more 50/50. My running water level in the refugium chamber is just above the bottom of the top opening going into the return pump chamber, and that has my ATO float valve bracket pegged as high as it can go. I cant dial in the actual float valve to open (add TO water) before my water level gets to be about 2 gallons below where I want it.

I'm still adjusting it, but I wish there was some documentation on how to set it up from UNS because right now, its all manual TO. I also wish it was bigger (maybe 3-4g), since adding water to the container every other isn't very helpful. It looks like it could accommodate a tank at least twice as big as the one that came with the system.

 

[popalud]

Did you happen to buy anything from the Memorial Day sales?

I did! A couple mocha gladiator clownfish, a pink damsel, a tuxedo urchin, frogspawn, toadstool, candy cane and zoa corals. I added some snails, and a goby, with some more corals, cleaner shrimp, and tiger pistol shrimp expected to arrive next week from the Top Shelf Aquatic anniversary sale. So far, all are doing well except the toadstool which arrived damaged and didn't make it.