The fabled prop system

AndyL · #1 02-02-2007, 11:04 PM

What I'm gonna prop - what catches my eye

generally how I go... Hopefully we'll have better success with the SPS in this system. Undoubtedly I'll be continuing to add to my LPS collection.

Lighting - I've got a 2x175w DIY fixture over the 65 right now - it'll move over. Thinking I might try one level with just a 150w de (you'll notice it lying on the floor not being used anyway). The other tank - unknown, pondering going t5... 65g will get some 96w pc's.

Just finished drilling the lower tank... Cutting shelves, spent HOURS at Rona/Home Despots, western pump, among others today - figuring out plumbing...

AndyL · #2 02-03-2007, 01:37 AM

Getting closer...

And just when you thought you were getting somewheres - you spot:

Now the fun becomes... Get a replacement built; see if I can track down a matching one - or try to patch it.

Looks like I may have found an external pump - more BA's leftovers, 3200gph! Sweet, that should reduce the number of powerheads!

dunl · #3 02-06-2007, 05:55 AM

Looking good, Andy.

AndyL · #4 02-11-2007, 06:05 PM

Got some plumbing done... Decided rather than doing my usual PVC plumbing - I used the fact that 1 1/2" ABS screws right onto 1 1/4" bulkheads - little bit cleaner - you'll notice the 2 upper tanks share a common overflow - down to the bottom tank. Somewhat limiting in flow in that way though.

Picked up this monster - second thoughts now... Little Giant TE-7-MD 3200gph, pressure rated to ridiculous heights... I'd have to re-drill and rework flow patterns...

Fish · #5 02-11-2007, 08:31 PM

Looks great Andy!
Can you say more about that ABS plastic... Where do you get it? Does it come in as many pieces as PVC? (elbows etc). Of course I have already gone and bought all my PVC stuff, but, I really like the look of yours.

- Chad

AndyL · #6 02-11-2007, 10:36 PM

home despots/rona/totem etc all stock em - rona has the pipe in 2/4/6/8' lengths - kinda nice that you don't need to buy a 10' hunk when you only need 2'. Most of the same fittings but in slightly different configurations. Big turn on for me was being able to thread onto bulkheads - so much nicer than gluing.

AndyL · #7 02-28-2007, 02:02 AM

Well quick update - Yep, been 3 weeks with little / no progress...

Been a busy couple of weeks...

Got glass ordered to fix the one tank (just going to patch over that cracked corner), a baffle and decided to redrill and add overflow boxes. Since it really wasn't much glass, price was ridiculously cheap if I was willing to be patient and wait for cut-offs.

Ran into some power issues... Having to rethink a lot of the system, as I found a power problem. The dedicated breaker/power I brought over for it, wasn't going to be enough... So I had my electrician friend come back - at which point I was told I've maxed out my 100amp service. Call to condo board & enmax - results in realization I better work within what I've got (10-20,000 is a bit much to power a prop system) as I don't feel like paying for new transformers and line upgrades.

So having to rethink everything now... Lighting and circulation being the big draws, pretty much decided on going with T5HOs - looking at workhorse ballasts, icecap reflectors. Been told I only need 4 39w per tank - however I think the 65 and one of the 50's will get 6 grand total of 20 lamps.

Return pumps and circulation become the headache - OR6500, and those hydor koralia 4's look reasonable - was going to buy some of the Tunze's - but after seeing/reading of many breakage problems... Turnover would be a little lower than I'd like but keeping the return pump below 150w is a bit more important, worst case I can throw a heater into each tank.