kriswaters

The rock is looking good. Left it outside though and still having trouble getting the temp above 68 degrees. No worries though. I am still struggling with my overflow plans. The bulkhead is fairly long, and if I go with an external durso as planned, the tank would have to sit about 8-12 inches away from the wall to accomodate the plumbing. Going back to a single "corner" over flow drilled through the bottom of the tank. I don't think I will lose that much space and most of the plumbing would remain under the tank. Looks like another trip to multi-craft for a piece of black acrylic. I plan on moving the water inside and will plant it with some LR from my LFS. That ought to get things really cooking!

Thanks again.

Kris

Will do...I live in Newberg and my LFS is a great place. The sell exotics as well. It's where I get the ferrett food, snake food, chameleon food, FW supplies.....I even met a breeder there and got my "baby puppy" AKA Raider, my 2 1/2 black lab.

Kris

LOL...there are already a variety of "little bugs" in it. It's been 24 hours and no leeks. I will leave it one more day then empty it. I will have to take apart my stand to get it under the tank! Luckily, there is no cross brace in the back, just 1/2 sheet of board. Shouldn't be to hard.

Kris

At this point, no. My LFS has Ro/DI water for $1 a container, no matter what the size. I am pretty much a home body and for the time being, top off shouldn't be a problem. I do plan on installing my on RO/DI unit, and then I will go with the auto top off.

Remember CO kills. Any gased powered generator will emit these toxic fumes. Make sure there is plenty of vent and NEVER use it inside....even the garage.

Sorry, my medical background speaking (plus the mom).

Kris

here is my "ugly duckling" soon to be "something".

I even have a cool "orb" floating in on the left upper side. Maybe a sign!

Kris

Well, it is 32" by 10" by 16". So about 20 gallons. Two hours and still no leaks. Maybe I should start a "tank build log" ohhh maybe not.

Kris

CCR-what a tank, I hope I can graduate to something like that someday. Glad I could teach you a few new tricks as well!

GOOD NEWS:

1) Filled the sump again and NO leaks.

2) SG stabilized in my rock storage to 1.021 (haven't test for params yet)

3) Went to HD and bought about $40 worth of plumbing for the overflow (I love plumbing)

4) I am no longer a "toad fish"!

Here is a pic with the sump and water. I plan on letting it set for a few days to make sure there is no leaks. I will pick up my return pump this weekend and try a test run with the skimmer and the return to make sure the operation is goooood.

Kris

Easier way....click on the IMG link (the last one on photobucket) copy and paste into your reply. Easy peesy lemon squeeze.

Kris

Aw wait, just figured it out.

Kris

That's cool, and you did that how?

Kris

whoops "monster skimmer"

Okay, here are a few pictures. Remember when I said that the tank is "ugly" right now. I think it will be a swan someday.

So, the tank, the sump, the moster skimmer, and the rock.

Enjoy.

Kris

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w163/kwaters_photos/tank007.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w163/kwaters_photos/tank006.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w163/kwaters_photos/tank005.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w163/kwaters_photos/tank002.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w163/kwaters_photos/tank001.jpg

okay...just took some pics of the rock I picked up tonight. I will figure out how to upload it here. As for the sump....good news/bad news.

Good news: filled it up, looked GREAT! No bows in the sides at ALL.

Bad News: A small leak ARGGGGG. Ok though, emptied it out and layed a thick bead of T-16 on the seam (outside). I think it will be fine. Of course, the leak is on the bottom, and in between the baffles so I can't really get to it from the inside, until, that is, I come up with some ingenious idea.

The bug is bitting hard!!! Can't wait to see my rock tank LOL.

Kris

Andy, I like your internal/external durso pipe. I bought a 1" bulkhead today at my LFS. No problem fiting a 1" in to the inside threads but wondering what size you used for the "T" on the exteranl, outside threads. I will be duplicating your set up and wonder what other tid bits you can offer.

Kris

I thought about taking some pics, but not sure if you all get bored with seeing pic after pic after pic. I should though, even if just for my own "build log".

Kris

external durso isnt an external overflow like you are thinking. look at this thread: http://www.pnwmas.org/forums/showthread.php?t=3231

the durso is just a type of standpipe that runs quiet and external just means the plumbing goes on the outside of the tank. wont lose suction like the esternal overflow hang on boxes. theres a link in that thread to a durso how-to page.

Gotcha! I have seen similar overflows but I certainly like this one! As a big DIY'er, it should be quite easy.

I bought a 1" bulkhead today from my LFS so hopefully hubby can help me drill tonight. The sump is all together, just waiting for it to "cure" properly and very anxious to put water in it to test.

Thanks for your help and advice.

Kris(clap)

Also interested in overflow box.

Kris

Interested in two pumps. Where are you located?

Kris

It is 48" x 14" by 20". I have looked into the external overflows. Frankly, they scare me to death. I worry about loosing shipon and having my display tank overflow and pumps burn out. This is still an option, but I need persuation. As for the SCWD, it will be powered by a pump and CL.

Kris

Ok, I have a 55 gallon acrylic tank that was given to me. This is my "starter" tank. I am planning on drilling for the overflows and wanted a little advice.

A) Drill in each corner for even overflow.

B) Drill in the middle/back of the tank.

As far as the returns:

Its kinda narrow 14" and I don't think I should use up that much display room with returns.

A) Drill for returns with the overflow.

B) Plum them from the back of the tank.

Either way:

A) return in each corner pointing center.

B) two returns in the middle pointing opposite.

I plan on going with a SCWD for one return pump and just a directional flow with the second.

As of now, I have a 20 gallon sump (just glued yippie) and plan on using two smaller pumps for return. I am in to saftey and want a back up in case one fails.

Anyway, just thought I'd get some input.

Kris(plotting)

There is also a plastic's store in Tigard on 72nd ave. called multi-craft plastics. They have it and their prices are way better than Tap's.

Kris

Great, pm me and let me know where/when I can come by. I live in Newberg.

Kris

I am interested in some of your LR. I have a 55 gal that needs some, but is not yet "live". Just trying to figure out if I can duplicate your storage for the rock. Love the price!

Kris (rock2)