Murdoch's 160G Tank Build

doch · #1 05-31-2011, 02:52 PM

As I lay in bed last night thinking (read: obsessing) about this build I had an epiphany. I bought 2 used Tunze waveboxes, and could not decide if I wanted to use both, (facing each other, one on either side), or just use one (and have a backup). I asked for opinions, and decided to use just the one. Now... since this tank is going to be viewable on 3 sides, I didn't like the idea of having the external waveboxes taking up viewing space on the side, but until last night, I could not think of a good way around it. Suddenly... it dawns on me. Why not use both boxes, put the external boxes on the back side of the tank leaving 3 fully viewable sides, and have the flow coming out towards the front, and then sucked back in towards the back? Done! Problems solved! Soon, I will be doing up drawings, and see if I can figure out how to post them here.

One question for you though... what would you use for a return pump? I don't really want to spend big dollars, but I want something of a good quality. The tank is about 160 gallons, and will be in the basement, with an average sized stand... so I'll need a pump for good flow at about 5 feet of head pressure.

I'm sure I've missed other details, but this will be ongoing... keep watching!

doch · #2 07-12-2011, 05:08 AM

Well, not much of an update, but here's a little one. After much planning, thought and well... way too much money, I now have my tank which is fully cured and ready for water. On top of that, I have all of my equipment except for my tunze 6105's which are unfortunately on back order, and my APC which the suppliers don't have yet. Apparently I`ll be using my koralias and the waveboxes for flow for now. Oh... and I'm missing one fiji purple bulb due to my jerk dog and his 106lb foot. Thankfully it was only one.
I also have this week off... and all (I hope) of my plumbing except for the means to tie my RO system into my house plumbing. I'll pick that up tomorrow when I go to grab all of the wood for the stand.

Oh... one more thing. I also ordered up two more tanks. (not received yet though) A 40x18x18 frag tank, and a 24x18x18 water change tank. My existing 55 will be used as a sump, on top of that will be the frag tank, and on top of that will be the water change tank. Flow will all come from my new Sedra 2000a pump. It will be tee`d off to 2 3/4" lines... one to the display, and the other going up to the water change tank. From the water change tank, water will over flow to the frag tank, then down to the sump. For a water change, I will close a valve to the water change tank, and open a valve to the frag tank, isolating the water change tank. Then a drain valve from the water change tank will be opened and will drain to the floor drain. From there, fill the tank with RO water, put salt in, turn on a Koralia and a heater, and walk away... wait for a while and revearse the valves. Done. For the record, I fully admit that I stole this idea from Dez... Thanks buddy!! I will likely also use this tank as a quarantine tank when need be.

Anyways, wish me luck. Thinking time is over... GAME ON!

I`ll post some pics over the next few days. The tank is a beauty!

fishytime · #3 07-12-2011, 02:08 PM

Looks like a great start to what should be a kick arse tank..... Have you looked at the reeflo line of pumps? They are not overly expensive, seem to be a good quality and definitely have the push to get you up from the basement

Dez · #4 07-12-2011, 03:59 PM

Johnny,

I wouldn't have the water change tank drain into the frag tank (this will cause bubbles and salt creep). Tee off the pump and feed the frag tank separately. Hope this helps. And I've already showed you how to post pics, so get on it stat!

doch · #5 07-12-2011, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dez

Johnny,

I wouldn't have the water change tank drain into the frag tank (this will cause bubbles and salt creep). Tee off the pump and feed the frag tank separately. Hope this helps. And I've already showed you how to post pics, so get on it stat!

Yeah, yeah... give me some time to make a little progress worth taking pics and I'm on it! lol

I'm confused. Why would the WC tank draining into the frag tank cause this? I was just going to use a pipe stand overflow plumbed directly into the frag tank. Maybe I'm missing something... but I don't see the issue. Please enlighten me.

BTW... sorry I didn't call yesterday. V wasn't feeling well, and as is I made her run around town until 4 with me getting parts.

doch · #6 07-12-2011, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishytime

Looks like a great start to what should be a kick arse tank..... Have you looked at the reeflo line of pumps? They are not overly expensive, seem to be a good quality and definitely have the push to get you up from the basement

Negative. I actually went with a Sedra. I was originally thinking I'd use the 3 pumps that I already have, but changed my mind when I found a good deal on a 2000a which should run all of the tanks.