intially you have to go from a hose fitting (timer) to pipe thread and there is a reducer to go from 1/2" pipe thread to 1/4" compression fitting but you have to buy an insert to go inside the 1/4" tubing or the compression fitting will crush the line

just a little update for you guys. the plumbing is completed system running and temperature finally up. i started some aquascaping today only half done one structure but i thought i would give you some updates to keep you interested. the skimmer was hooked up today and skimmed like mad. with 5 minutes i had a 1/8" at the bottom of cup of dark goo. sorry there is a couple blurry pictures. the rock in the middle of the tank is only temporary to keep it wet
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...f/100_0654.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...f/100_0653.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...f/100_0652.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...f/100_0651.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...f/100_0650.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...f/100_0649.jpg

that is some absolutely amazingly neat pluming there niloc16. lookin good. keep us posted with pics and progress,

cheers

How easy will it be to remove the skimmer for cleaining? It looks like a pretty tight fit.

moereefer - i cannot take any credit, i was lucky to have had mark from hidden reef do all the plumbing, intially i wanted to the plumbing but after seeing his setup and how tidy it was i asked if he would do it. mine would have never turned out like that
dave c - skimmer actually comes out quite easily, i have to removed the cup, recirc pump and then the hole assembly pops right out.

Looking good Colin. I need to get me one of those water timers.:mrgreen: That's exactly how I have my RO unit hooked up, just need the timer.:biggrin:

i'm not super thrilled with this particularly timer. i didnt research it good enough because it is designed especially for outdoor sprinklers so max time it will run is 3 hrs at a time and 3 times a day i would have liked one that you could set for 10 - 12 hours a day steady

Your gonna need labels on those valves. :mrgreen:

i agree joe, i know what they do but i'm thinking for the wife i should label them in case something happens when i am at work i can tell her what valve to closed.

last night i FINALLY finished my rockwork. it turned out better than i anticipated. the downside to using pvc is you see some of the pipe but after i get the calcium reactor running it will be disguised with coralline. in the middle of the tank i'm saving to put some of the rock from my current tanks, i'm not putting it all but there some pieces i dont want to part with and they have some nice corals attached. the water is cloudy because i just put the crushed coral in last night but slowly it is clearing.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...f/100_0671.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...f/100_0670.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...f/100_0668.jpg