The 50gal corner pentagon full set up, finally!!

[reefgeek84]

Well it is finally coming together. I am begining to set everything in motion and starting to set up my 50gal corner pentagon tank.

All I can say is that it has cost me alot more then I had orginaly planned! I will be including a price list of everything, I know people always ask what it costs to get into something like this and no one really has a break down, so hopefully that will help.

I went with the corner pentagon, becase I got it for free! My step dad got it from a LFS who was going out of business, and never used it, so I convinced him to give it to me for free.

My real dad is incredible with building things from wood. We started the stand but only got the build the stand and hood and never really got to finish it, and he has become consumed with work and lives in hood river, so I finally said I need to finish it. The stand does not look like I had wanted it to, but I live in an apatment and lack proper tools to finish it like I wanted. I went the route of a roller and some good paint. It has turned out better then i thought...So overall I am pretty happy, hopefully my tank will look so good that no one will notice anything that might be wrong with the stand

Please ask anyquestions that you would like!!

With that said, I will be posting pictures and writing stuff as the pictures are posted...

[reefgeek84]

A shot of the equitment.
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0427.jpg


The list-
-Aqua Medic 250w HQI Halide with 15k bulb-239.95
-Coralife SuperSkimmer 65-87.99
-Mag 9.5-73.99
-QuietOne 1200-20.99
-Coralife TurboTwist UV 9W-99.99
-Visi-Therm Stealth heater-20.99 (x2, an extra one if something goes wrong with the first)
-Coralife Digital Thermometer-6.99
-Coralife Power Center dual-33.99
-Some computer fans- Freebie
-Oceans Motions 4-way squirt-150.00
Total=734.79

[reefgeek84]

I do not have any unpainted shots of the stand...but here are some in the primer stage. It is now painted and I will get some pics of that up tomorrow....

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0451.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0454.jpg
This is what the stand is made out of its papered and 3/4", this is the same stuff they make the big road signs out of....
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0444.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0443.jpg

[reefgeek84]

Since I purchased a light that needs to be hung from the ceiling and I did not want to do that and my hood is enclosed on all sides, I could not hang it from the ceiling in order to make it easy to take it on and off.

here is the light...
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0441.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0440.jpg

And here is my creation to "hang" the light above the tank...

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0460.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0466.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0467.jpg

And the light hanging from it...Notice, I kept all the wire, so if in the furture I want to hang it I can...
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0470.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0469.jpg

[reefgeek84]

I bought the oceans motions 4-way squirt and I started to lay out how I want this pulmbed for the tank....
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0472.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0473.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0480.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0478.jpg

[reefgeek84]

The stand is going to be dry tonight so I can start mocking up all the plumbing for the closed loop and the drain and return from the sump...I will get pictures of all that very soon...One last shot...the tank sitting in my second shower with water making sure there are not leaks...

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0442.jpg

[H20cooled]

Looks good, not sure that skimmers going to do much for your tank though...

[reefgeek84]

Looks good, not sure that skimmers going to do much for your tank though...

Why is that? I guess cause of the sump? I need to go bigger? damn it, more money I do not have... Let me know

[H20cooled]

No not the sump, I just don't think that skimmer is near enough for a 50G tank. Just don't put to many fish in there or you will have TONs of algae...

[reefgeek84]

No not the sump, I just don't think that skimmer is near enough for a 50G tank. Just don't put to many fish in there or you will have TONs of algae...
How much for you to help me build a bigger one? along with the sump?

[H20cooled]

We can talk on Sat when we build that sump...

[reefgeek84]

We can talk on Sat when we build that sump...
good deal... and guiness draft bottles? (drinking)

[H20cooled]

Sounds good.

[impur]

Looks great. I like the pendant hanger!! I agree that skimmer will be a bit small. That sucks. Where did you get it? Think you can return it and get the 125?

[nu2reef-n]

When you put together your O.M. closed loop.Try to use the least amount of elbows(or turns)as possible.The more turns the more your flow is reduced

[funstarfish]

The skimmer is the one area you should nopt skimp on if there is one. That is your key piece. Im not sure how these perform, but i would say at least a euroreef rated to 90 gal would be a good place to start. look for a used one

[H20cooled]

Yep your skimmer is one of the most important keys to have a successful reef. I know that others might disagree but I also feel that a controller is very important. I really allows you to get your tank very stable with very little fluctuations in temp, pH, and others items...

[impur]

I have to say, i've got a crappy skimmer. But the thing thats made the most improvement in my tank was the temp controller on my AC Jr. I bought a Ranco temp controller for my next tank, it really does help.

[rude944]

Gotta agree on the skimmer, I had that model, and not the most efficient. Tank should be very interesting with the rest of the combination, tho.

[reefgeek84]

When you put together your O.M. closed loop.Try to use the least amount of elbows(or turns)as possible.The more turns the more your flow is reduced
Yeah, that is a tough feat to accomplish cause everthing with this tank is so compact in one spot. I mocked up the the closed loop, and I have 4 90's to the bottom of the OM and then the back to spots have 1 90 and the front to spots 3 90's each...It will have to do, cause there is no other way I can do it with any less... I need the returns(going into the tank) of the OM to be level with the light so they do not shadow the tank. Something that helps is that only 30" of pipe from the the mag to the OM at the top of the tank. I guess we will see what happens.

I will also have the return pump from the sump making some extra flow, it wont be much but it will be better then nothing.

RC's head loss calc says I will be around 500gph. I think that will be plenty for me thats about 10x turn over in my tank.

[impur]

Yah elbows lower the output a little, but that mag 9.5 is a good pump. I think you'll be ok.

[reefgeek84]

Looks great. I like the pendant hanger!! I agree that skimmer will be a bit small. That sucks. Where did you get it? Think you can return it and get the 125?

thank you, I am pretty proud of it.
Because DrsFosterSmith is such a good company to work with, they said even though I bought it in Feb, they will let me return for full price I paid...

Rich is the man and tomorrow I am going over to his house to build a sump and we are going to talk about building a skimmer...so I may go that route I hope we can work something out (fingers) .

If not then I will see what my options are for a skimmer...I need to get one soon though, because my live rock comes into today and I am going to be putting the rock in the tank tonight and starting the cycle...

[reefgeek84]

Yah elbows lower the output a little, but that mag 9.5 is a good pump. I think you'll be ok.

Thats what I am hoping. Like I said the head loss calc is claiming around 500gph, which is 10x turnover that should be good in such a compact space. (fingers)

[reefgeek84]

Yep your skimmer is one of the most important keys to have a successful reef. I know that others might disagree but I also feel that a controller is very important. I really allows you to get your tank very stable with very little fluctuations in temp, pH, and others items...

Yeah, I am going to be figuring something out with the skimmer, hopefully you and I can figure something out with the skimmer if not then I will figure something else.

A controller is something that may be in the future that and a Calcium reactor.

[reefgeek84]

The skimmer is the one area you should nopt skimp on if there is one. That is your key piece. Im not sure how these perform, but i would say at least a euroreef rated to 90 gal would be a good place to start. look for a used one
Euro reefs are way expensive...I think I will go with something else...

[reefgeek84]

Well...I am off for the day and will not be able to get to a computer until monday, however there will be lots of new pics from my project. Including pics of the sump that Rich is so kindly helping me build. It should all be up and cycling by sunday night. (fingers)

Talk you guys on Monday!!!

[reefgeek84]

Well... First a huge thanks to rich and his wife for letting me come over their house and a huge thanks to Rich for helping me with my sump!!!! It looks great!!! If you have not met them, they are very nice people.

So I got the sump home last night and the hieght will not allow me to put it in verticaly and then drop it in and set it down DOH! My bad, so now I have to put it to the side and call a cabinet place and have them make me a box to set over it so it is hidden. More money I really do not have at this point. If anyone is think about doing a corner pentagon tank, makre sure it is 100gal + because this 50gal sucks to do anything with!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But I am this far and I am going to make it work.

I also got my rock, so I will be posting pictures of that here real soon and tonight I will take pictures of the sump so you can see how good Rich's work is.

[reefgeek84]

Here is the tank and the stand and hood...Please ignore the mess of my place...I have to do everything in my front room and in an apartment its tough.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0501.jpg

[reefgeek84]

OK here are the pictures of the rock, they do the rock no justice.

Here are the boxes and one of my cats, inspecting them to make sure the rock is ok to have
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0505.jpg
The rock out of the boxes
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0506.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0507.jpg
continued.

[reefgeek84]

There was on huge piece of rock...and here are the pictures..I am not sure if it will fit in my tank...I do not want to break it apart...so if it does not fit in my tank, I may try and sell it, because I am sure that someone who has a big tank would like a piece this big, so we will see...But it is 16x16x13.
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0516.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0518.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0521.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0519.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0523.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0522.jpg

[reefgeek84]

here are some more shots....
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0530.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0528.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0526.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0508.jpg
This is a shot of my old rock that I got about 2 years ago and it was way to hard to cure for that long so I just let it go, but there are some very cool pieces that I am going to use in my tank and just get some stuff to grow on them, they are cycling with the new rock I got.
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/reefgeek84/CIMG0509.jpg

[impur]

Great progress!! How about pics of that sump??

[H20cooled]

Brandon,
That sucks that the sump won't go in. Where is it getting stuck? Maybe we could cut a bigger hole in the back to get it in.

Rich

[reefgeek84]

Great progress!! How about pics of that sump??
I was so mad about my mistake on the sump, that I just set it to the side and went on to work on something else. But I will get pictures tonight of it...

[reefgeek84]

Brandon,
That sucks that the sump won't go in. Where is it getting stuck? Maybe we could cut a bigger hole in the back to get it in.

Rich

yeah, I feel so stupid!!!!!!

I put it in vetically and when I try to turn it horizontal it gets stuck. I thought about cutting holes...but I do not have saw and I live in an apartment, so cutting is not really an option. Plus I do not have a car big enough to fit the stand in.

I think if I cut a couple holes in the sand on the back sides it would fall into place. I will try and get some pictures of it tonight.

I am not sure if it is worth the trouble to figure out to cut the holes or make a box and leave it to the side, because the box to cover it will be about 40 bucks. What do you guys think? will it look really stupid?

[H20cooled]

Can you get the sump in from the back of the stand or only the front? If you could get it in on the back you could just use a small hand saw to open it up more. If its the front then thats a whole different story, because if you cut it the door will not cover the new hole and it will look like cr*p.

[reefgeek84]

Can you get the sump in from the back of the stand or only the front? If you could get it in on the back you could just use a small hand saw to open it up more. If its the front then thats a whole different story, because if you cut it the door will not cover the new hole and it will look like cr*p.

Well I could drill a hole in the back and cut the back from there, I guess...but I would worry about support. I may just go with it on the side and a box to cover it, that is paitned the same color as my stand. if I really hate it in the future I can cut out sections in the stand. I mean if I cut a 11" x17" hole in the side I could slide it right in.

By the way seahorse aquarium, looked good yesterday! might want to check it out. fish looked healthy and no algae, maybe things have changed.

[H20cooled]

I was going to suggest trimming off some of the top of the sump but that would throw off your amount of water you could hold. Also I would be really worried about breaking the sump.

Not sure what else you can do at this point, could you remove the front of the stand/door, install the sump and the reinstall the front?

Rich

[reefgeek84]

I was going to suggest trimming off some of the top of the sump but that would throw off your amount of water you could hold. Also I would be really worried about breaking the sump.

Not sure what else you can do at this point, could you remove the front of the stand/door, install the sump and the reinstall the front?

Rich
I thought about that to, not so much worried about water, but screwing up the stand.

No it is put toghether via nails and expoxy that is like concrete.

I will just have to go with the box on the side...it might not be all that bad, cause then I can always add stuff in the stand down the road further (chiller, ozone, calcium reactor, etc) , cause with that sump i would have no room left. So maybe this is bitter sweet and with it on the side is the best way to go. I am going to talk to the guy about building me something.

But the sump is going to work out very well, either way.

[H20cooled]

Sounds good, just make sure you have air movement in the box for the sump other wise you will get heat building up and then mold...

Rich

[reefgeek84]

Sounds good, just make sure you have air movement in the box for the sump other wise you will get heat building up and then mold...

Rich
Well the back of the box is going to be open, but I will add a couple fans in it...

[Lowman]

Where did you but all that equipment? Some nice stuff. Did you consider a Aqua c urchin or remora for your skimmer. That may work.

[Krux]

maybe build a second tower, and have a bookshelf in it to hold reef books, and inside the pedestal you can hold the sump. you will find numerous ways to fill your tank stand, the key is making a secondary box that is attractive enough, and looks like it serves enough purpose, that you are happy looking at it long term.


i had to take the face plate and vertical suports on my stand to get my sump in, i made the same mis-calculation.

if you find you have problems with your light rig sagging, you can replace the cross piece with sch. 80 pvs which will sag less over time, especially when coupled with heat generated form the halide fixture.

[reefgeek84]

Where did you but all that equipment? Some nice stuff. Did you consider a Aqua c urchin or remora for your skimmer. That may work.
I got all my stuff from Drsfostersmith. No one can beat their prices.

Thank you.
As for the skimmer, I am going to use the one I have now...and hopefully by christmas I will have enough money to upgrade to the Tunze one.

[reefgeek84]

maybe build a second tower, and have a bookshelf in it to hold reef books, and inside the pedestal you can hold the sump. you will find numerous ways to fill your tank stand, the key is making a secondary box that is attractive enough, and looks like it serves enough purpose, that you are happy looking at it long term.


i had to take the face plate and vertical suports on my stand to get my sump in, i made the same mis-calculation.

if you find you have problems with your light rig sagging, you can replace the cross piece with sch. 80 pvs which will sag less over time, especially when coupled with heat generated form the halide fixture.

Yeah, I am having the box built right now to cover the sump...I am sure I will be filling the stand with something in the furture. probably a chiller and a calcium reactor (fingers) .

See I can not take supports out the whole stand is one solid piece.

As for the sch. 80pvs do they make it in 1/2"? Homedepot carries it?

[reefgeek84]

Ok here are a couple pics of the sump...

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0536.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0537.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0538.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0539.jpg

[reefgeek84]

So here is the progress of the closed loop. I had a scare last night when I plugged in my mag9.5 and nothing happened. I new the out let worked, cause I use it every morning. So I had no idea, it made no sense, so I called Rich to double check that I was not a retard and did not do something specail, he confirmed that I was not a retard and you do not have to do anything special...however I felt like a retard for calling him and asking him. Come to find out that the little "reset" switch in my second bathroom needed to be pushed, it works...so here is the progress on the the closed loop. I am almost done, I need a 45 and to glue a little bit more, then let it sit and by thursday I hope to have water in it.

Here is the back side, the far union/ball valve is the intake, the middle one is the outlet going to the oceans motions and the other is going to be my drain to my sump.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0540.jpg

Here is what it looks like from the top
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0542.jpg

I drilled a two holes for bulkheads in the front of the tank, this gives it majority stability, I had normal holes drilled and it always wanted to lean forward...so this solved the problem.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0543.jpg

Here is the oceansmotions close up
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0544.jpg

these are the back to pieces that I still need one more 45 for...I think I am going to put to 45's in the front to as well...this will allow alot of flow over the rocks and also all the streams will cross eachother's paths.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0545.jpg

And here is the light on top, I am not to worried about the pipe shadowing the tank at all...
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0541.jpg

[rude944]

I like the closed loop design, looks innvoative in the top returns, esp. with the om, it should act more "wave" like.

Are you going to paint the back? Cover with rock?

[reefgeek84]

I like the closed loop design, looks innvoative in the top returns, esp. with the om, it should act more "wave" like.

Are you going to paint the back? Cover with rock?

Thank you!!!! i am hoping all works out with the closed loop, first one I have ever done... I will get pictures of the waste, what you see now is basically my second attempt at it and it is much better then the first go-round.

I will do my best to cover it with rock... I have a couple of huge pieces that, fingers crossed, will cover it. And over time I'll let the coraline grow on the back to.

[Palani]

If you wanted to paint the back, use Krylon Fusion. It is made to bond to plastics. I would suggest it, to make it look more professional as it already is.

[H20cooled]

Brandon,
Glad to hear that your pump does work. And it was fine that you called me...

Closed loop looks good...

Rich

[reefgeek84]

Brandon,
Glad to hear that your pump does work. And it was fine that you called me...

Closed loop looks good...

Rich
Thanks for the compliment and letting me bug you.

Hopefully everything will be glued tonight and let it sit and tomorrow night I will run a water test.

[reefgeek84]

If you wanted to paint the back, use Krylon Fusion. It is made to bond to plastics. I would suggest it, to make it look more professional as it already is.

It only comes in a aresol can right? Homedepot.com and lowes.com does not have anything listed on their site about it. And I thought is was spray on...if that is the case I am SOL. But thank you for the compliment on how it all looks...

[rude944]

Seeing your plumbing, I wonder about the closed loop. Are you going to use another plumbed circuit to run your sump?

[reefgeek84]

Seeing your plumbing, I wonder about the closed loop. Are you going to use another plumbed circuit to run your sump?
The one union that has nothing attached to it, will drain to my sump and then from their I will have a return pump from the sump that will put the water back in the tank. Is that what you are wondering? or something else...Let me know and I apologize if I am confused.

[rude944]

Are you returning water back through the OM?

[reefgeek84]

Are you returning water back through the OM?
No. That would not be a closed loop. A closed loop is when you pull water from the tank and just put it back in via an OM, SCWD.

my sump is purely for filtration and and not flow. So the far right union pulls water from the tank and goes to my mag, then from the outlet of the mag goes to the middle union which goes up to the OM and puts the water back in the tank. Does that make sense...The sump plumbing is not done yet. that will hopefully be tonight.

[H20cooled]

Brandon,
I have a feeling that once you get this all setup your going to find that the Mag 9.5 just isn't going to be enough flow. For a setup like that (pipe size and height) you would be better off with a pressure rated pump. But its hard to say, I tried a Mag 9.5 for my closed loop and was very disappointed with the lack of flow, the external pump I have now is a lot better...

Rich

[Palani]

Brandon, you need to got to Napa, they have it over there. I highly suggest you paint the back NOW, but make sure you cover everything else. I'd hate for you to regret something that you could have done to your well planned tank.

[reefgeek84]

Brandon,
I have a feeling that once you get this all setup your going to find that the Mag 9.5 just isn't going to be enough flow. For a setup like that (pipe size and height) you would be better off with a pressure rated pump. But its hard to say, I tried a Mag 9.5 for my closed loop and was very disappointed with the lack of flow, the external pump I have now is a lot better...

Rich
The calculator at reefcentral is claiming around 650gph. So we will see. if it does not work, then I will have to figure something else out, but for now I really do not have the funds to purchase anything new. I did take your advice and I picked up a bigger pump. I bought it used from Joel at Waves. I think the mag will be fine.

[reefgeek84]

Brandon, you need to got to Napa, they have it over there. I highly suggest you paint the back NOW, but make sure you cover everything else. I'd hate for you to regret something that you could have done to your well planned tank.
I do not have anywhere to spray paint the back of my tank. I live in an apartment and have no where to do something like that. I would like to but do not have the space to do that. Thank you though.

[impur]

Use limo tint. Its even removable :D

[rude944]

No. That would not be a closed loop. A closed loop is when you pull water from the tank and just put it back in via an OM, SCWD.

my sump is purely for filtration and and not flow. So the far right union pulls water from the tank and goes to my mag, then from the outlet of the mag goes to the middle union which goes up to the OM and puts the water back in the tank. Does that make sense...The sump plumbing is not done yet. that will hopefully be tonight.

That's what I was trying to alleviate... there has been some confusion regarding this, and seeing the plumbing... well, I just didn't see it.

I also agree with Rich. Especially with the OM, you may want to get an external pump for this task. There will be a head pressure and this will be transferred to the pump, in the form of heat. Having it submerged may contribute to some problems down the road.

[reefgeek84]

That's what I was trying to alleviate... there has been some confusion regarding this, and seeing the plumbing... well, I just didn't see it.

I also agree with Rich. Especially with the OM, you may want to get an external pump for this task. There will be a head pressure and this will be transferred to the pump, in the form of heat. Having it submerged may contribute to some problems down the road.
Its not going to be submerged. its external. There are mixed reviews with this pump. There were also mixed reviews with me having SPS in my small tank with 30watts of light...and it is doing fine and is growing.

We will see how it goes. I understand that there will be head pressure, but like I said with the reef central calc. it is saying with all the 90's, vertical and horzintal feet, I will still have around 600gph. That is 12x over the volume of the tank and that should be plenty.

We will see what happens...

[reefgeek84]

Use limo tint. Its even removable :D

I actually thought about that. If I went that route then I would just go get the stuff from petco that is solid black and put it on there...Which I might still do.

[reefgeek84]

I finished everything up last night, for the most part. I just need my box to cover the sump so I can mount my UV and then run that line and I will be able to fill it up with water and test if for leaks are some more pics of what I finished.

These are my extra two bulkheads that I had... There are already holes in the tank so I just attacthed them to the tank. Then one with the off with nipple, is for my vinyl UV line and the other comes from my pump in the sump. I am not sure what I want to use at the bottom of the bulk heads for those that have the water enter my tank but I will figure that out, when I go back to Lowes and home depot to take back stuff I did not use.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0567.jpg

Here is my pump, I got from Joel at Waves, and the plumbing to run to the "T" which goes to the UV, the ball valve will allow me to get the flow that I want for the UV.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0562.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0561.jpg

here is that same thing excpet in the sump
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0564.jpg

Same part but hooked up to the return pipe to the tank.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0566.jpg

here is the drain from the tank going into the section with the Protien Skimmer...
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0565.jpg

Here is the waste that I ended up with. I was able to use alot of the pipe that was part of the waste and cut it and reuse it for smaller parts of the new pumbing set up.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0568.jpg

[H20cooled]

Brandon,
The problem that you'll see with the Mag 9.5 on your closed loop is not the amount of flow it is with the pressure. The mag pumps have very little pressure and when you add the height of the plumbing, the 90's and other fittings and then the OM you will lose a lot of head pressure. Add this is all on a pump that had virtual no head pressure to start with. The only way that I could see to improve it would be to move the pump up to the top as much as possible, this would eliminate a lot of the pressure...

Rich

[reefgeek84]

Brandon,
The problem that you'll see with the Mag 9.5 on your closed loop is not the amount of flow it is with the pressure. The mag pumps have very little pressure and when you add the height of the plumbing, the 90's and other fittings and then the OM you will lose a lot of head pressure. Add this is all on a pump that had virtual no head pressure to start with. The only way that I could see to improve it would be to move the pump up to the top as much as possible, this would eliminate a lot of the pressure...

Rich

Well Mag claims that max head is 14ft and that at 4ft of head there is 800gph(I do not even have 6ft of total pipe on the return of the system). There is not even 2 feet of pipe to the OM from the pmup. On top of that, the reefcentral calculator claims I will have 609gph with everything that I have....But like I said I will see what happens...I do not have the funds to drop 150+ on a used pump, so I will just have to live with it, if it does not work out.

Thank you for your advice though.

[H20cooled]

I understand completely, I was just telling you about what I've seen with those pumps. I think you'll be ok for a while anyway, but I think eventually you'll want more POWER...

Later!

Rich

[reefgeek84]

I understand completely, I was just telling you about what I've seen with those pumps. I think you'll be ok for a while anyway, but I think eventually you'll want more POWER...

Later!

Rich
Yeah, I see what you are saying.. I will probably upgrade in the future...Just like with my skimmer!!! that will for sure happen in the near future. I will be keeping my eyes open for a good deal on an external pump.

Like I said, I really do appercaite your input...I mean I upgraded my return pump, because you thought it would be best...so i do listen :D and take what you say to serious thought.

[Palani]

You could deffinatly get that black "wallpaper" stuff from some fish store. That could work. I'll PM you for a used external pump.

[reefgeek84]

You could deffinatly get that black "wallpaper" stuff from some fish store. That could work. I'll PM you for a used external pump.

Ok on the PM.

And I think I may go that route of the black wall paper crap from petco.

[reefgeek84]

OK, so I got everything hooked up last night...and Rich I see what you mean about pressure...so its a good thing that I made plans to buy a pump from Palani. Its a Gen-X/mak 4 external pump... He says its old but works, has some rust spots but is only 20 bucks. so hopefully that will do me much better.

[H20cooled]

Brandon,
Thats awesome that you got everything hooked up and found a good external pump. I think it will work a lot better...

Get some more pics up.

I just got my new Tunze 9005 skimmer for me softy tank and I'm going to install it tonight. I'll take some pictures and post my mini review later...

Rich

[reefgeek84]

Brandon,
Thats awesome that you got everything hooked up and found a good external pump. I think it will work a lot better...

Get some more pics up.

I just got my new Tunze 9005 skimmer for me softy tank and I'm going to install it tonight. I'll take some pictures and post my mini review later...

Rich
I will have pics up tonight and a couple of vids between the 9.5 and the gen x/ mak 4 trhough the oceans motions and the box that is housing the sump and the tank with rock in it....

I have also decided that I am really going to try and build this tank up with 5 and 10 dollar frags of coral. I think it can be done and I want to show that once a tank is up, it is possible to do it on a budget. I am sure that there will be a couple of corals that I will need to buy that will be more then 10 bucks, but the majority will be cheaper frags.

So if all goes well I will have everything up and running tonight and going through its cycle. (fingers)

[H20cooled]

Excellent. So, is there a big difference between those 2 pumps for your closed loop?

Rich

[reefgeek84]

Excellent. So, is there a big difference between those 2 pumps for your closed loop?

Rich
Not sure i will find out tonight (as I need a couple of things to change the plumbing and hook it up)...I hope there is, other wise I changed the plumbing for no reason and bought a pump for no reason. But I am sure there will be...(fingers)

[Chief]

I think you will be happy with the Mak4. The mag pumps can run a little hot, even if they are run externaly.

Jay

[reefgeek84]

Ok, well... I ended up getting a gen pcx-40 brand new for 80.00, I really did not have the money to spend, but my orignal intention was to buy one in the future to replace the used mak 4 that I bought...when I saw the deal I figured I might want to jump on it, so I did. Now the mak 4 I got is a back up, plus the mak 4 was really used, but still a good deal for a back up pump.

here are the pics of the pcx-40 and the mak 4...

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0570.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0571.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0572.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0573.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0574.jpg

[reefgeek84]

Here are some shots of the gen x, hooked up to the tank....
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0576.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0577.jpg

[reefgeek84]

Here are some shots of the rock in the tank and the tank itself...The water is still merky, so I apologize for that. but you will get the idea... There is to much rock in the tank right now so I am going to sell some of it (for a very good price) to take some of it out...I will start with the rock work pictures....

A full tank shot...
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0578.jpg
This is my bridge on the left of the tank...
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0579.jpg
I was trying to do like a serperate island, but the tank is so small and crowded that it is tough, it kind of looks like it, but once I get rid of some rock it will look much better...
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0580.jpg
Here is a piece that has some tunnels, I am not sure if you can see anything...
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0581.jpg
And this is the "shelf" that I created with some very cool flat pieces I got. I went with the shelf cause there are parts of the reef that have this...Its kind of hard to tell.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0582.jpg

[reefgeek84]

And here is a full tank shot....
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0584.jpg
and here is the "box" that houses my sump....
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0583.jpg


Again, sorry the pictures are not very good at all...but hopefully the water will clear up alot more and I will have my light up and on it and will take some shots that way as well and you guys will have a better idea of what I am talking about.

[reefgeek84]

Wow, looking at those pictures, the reflection is really bad...Sorry I will get some better ones tonight!!!! thanks for bearing with me.

[reefgeek84]

Here are two videos of my OM with the two different pumps...

This is with the mag 9.5 hooked up....
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/th_CIMG0569.jpg (http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/?action=view&current=CIMG0569.flv)

Here is the OM with the gen x pcx-40
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/th_CIMG0575.jpg (http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/?action=view&current=CIMG0575.flv)

There seems to be more pressure with the gen x, but its still hard to tell... I guess i was expecting alot more pressure in general, but I think everything is ok and the coral will enjoy it.

[reefgeek84]

OK here are some shots of the tank with the light on...Uncured live rock looks really bad no matter what you have lighting it.

Here is a full tank shot...
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0585.jpg
An above shot...
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0589.jpg
A tunnel shot...
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0587.jpg
A side shot....
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0590.jpg
A natural tunnel with the big piece of rock...
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h260/reefgeek1/CIMG0586.jpg

[impur]

Hey that looks real good. I agree you should take some of the rock out, you can't clean the sides as it is! But looks like some real good places for corals. That GenX pump does seem to do more flow. Got any pics of the plumbing from the tank to the sump?

[reefgeek84]

Hey that looks real good. I agree you should take some of the rock out, you can't clean the sides as it is! But looks like some real good places for corals. That GenX pump does seem to do more flow. Got any pics of the plumbing from the tank to the sump?
there is some on page 7 towards the bottom...but I will get some mroe tonight.

As for the rock yeah I need to get rid of some, but no one wants to buy the "live" stuff...just the "dead" stuff. So hopefully someone will be interested in buying the live stuff.

[impur]

there is some on page 7 towards the bottom...but I will get some mroe tonight.

As for the rock yeah I need to get rid of some, but no one wants to buy the "live" stuff...just the "dead" stuff. So hopefully someone will be interested in buying the live stuff.

Ahh ok, now i see it. Thanks.