Very First Reef and Tank Build

[Chris Wells]

Well, I have the reef "bug". So I am diving in. I have lots of freshwater experience and reading everything I can find for reefing. Many Pics and question coming...

I love analyzing everything to a fault, so I will love feedback for the important decisions as they come.

Material List: (Will update as I am ready for each phase)
-90G 48x18x24 Marineland
-75G 48x18x20 Top Fin Sump -- Drain-->Skimmer-->Return-->Refugium (Located in Utility room behind DT wall)
- 1" Bean Animal - EShopps Eclipse L Overflow
- Varios-6 :3/4" Returns
- Rain2 Algae Scrubber
-Reef Octopus Regal 150 INT varios Skimmer
- 2 x 200W JAGER TruTemp Heaters
-APEX Neptune
-Neptune ATK
-Neptune ALD
- 3 x Hydra 26
- XF250 with 2 powerheads

 

[Chris Wells]

Phase 1 - First Drill and Paint

 

[Tahoe61]

You're off to a fantastic start.

Welcome to R2R.

 

[Idoc]

Looks good!

 

[Chris Wells]

Finished Drill, Paint, installed overflow and bulkheads.

 

[Chris Wells]

Next test is sump design. This is what I am messing with on the computer before I start cutting plexiglass.
I have a 75g tank and space to make this sump. It will be a Drain-->Return-->Refugium type sump. (As above 14"-->13"-->17" wide by 14" tall bubble trap and 15" tall refugium.
I used a RO 150INT as foot print for skimmer(not accurately drawn) If space, I might even rotate 90 degrees to get socks and sump in a row.

I am struggling with how wide the return has to be, I would like to make the refugium taller and wider.
Is there any rule of thumbs out there for how much water volume needs to be in return?

I am going to calculate water volumes today to contemplate power outage and being able to take additional 16g from DT.
If sump is big enough, would you still recommend check valves on returns?
Also, I have room for sponge filter area and need to design. Any recommendations on the best place for it? I was thinking about a ledge from refugium to return.


Thanks, C

 

[Cameron Wise]

Nice! I wish I had that much money for a tank like that!

 

[Chris Wells]

I don't really either..lol That is why I'm DIYing as much as possible.

 

[Chris Wells]

Another version:
Thanks for any input.

 

[Cameron Wise]

I don't really either..lol That is why I'm DIYing as much as possible.

Lol

 

[Chris Wells]

Started Cooking Rock:

 

[Chris Wells]

Trying to finalize Sump: Going to DIY forum to ask questions.

 

[Chris Wells]

DIY forum feedback was great.
Final sump revision is sizing up to be this.
3D pdf file will allow you to move around the tank. It seems to only work with Adobe on a PC, not on phone.

 

[Chris Wells]

Decided that 75G turtle stand was probably not meant for the 90g weight. So, to prevent "murphy" from biting me, I made some modifications to it,

 

[Flippers4pups]

Looking good.

 

[Chris Wells]

Sump Stand

 

[Chris Wells]

Decided to paint DT and Sump bottoms.

 

[n2585722]

It looks like you have a lot of unprotected particle board in that stand. Particle board and water do not mix too well. Looking good otherwise.

 

[Chris Wells]

It looks like you have a lot of unprotected particle board in that stand. Particle board and water do not mix too well. Looking good otherwise.

Yep, it was one of those Petsmart "Top Fin" stands that came with the 75 g. I might paint that back area where the exposed particle board is.
Importantly, this is not typical either, there shouldn't be constant water or condensation on or near the stand since the sump is in the other room.

 

[Chris Wells]

Rocks were finished today in 2 week bleach... lightly acid washed. Ready for aquascaping and curing. Too bad it looks like I didn't get enough. Ordered 30 more pounds.