Nevin's 14G + 5.5G sump

[Nevin]

First leak test tonight. The return plumbing is pretty leaky--I used a few pieces of plumbing intended for sprinklers that seem not to be a perfect fit with the rest of the 3/4" PVC. It's glued well enough that I can't pull it apart, but not well enough to hold water... I have most of the parts I need to redo it, but I'll have to try to drill out a part that's glued into the check valve tailpiece. Though the check valve is a true union type that comes apart, I don't think I can buy just a replacement tailpiece.

The tank picture follows, finally with some water. I'll probably try to bring the sump water level down a bit. As it is, a pump and check valve failure would likely cause an overflow into the stand (which is sealed with silicone), but not onto the floor (which would be a disaster).

[Nevin]

Finally, saltwater in the tank! I ripped apart the return plumbing and redid it. Much better now with no leaks. The only issue is the swing check valve--when I cut power to the return pump the flap in the valve jitters back and forth making a loud noise and allowing a significant amount of water through before closing. It also allows a trickle of water through when closed. I think I've read that they're adjustable--would I just tighten the screw(s) holding the flap to make it close quicker? Here is the valve I have:

3/4 true union swing check valve

Otherwise I'll have to lower the sump water level, put some plumbing on the return inside the tank to prevent syphon, put an aqualifter on battery backup to compensate or all of the above... I don't want to be too dependent on the check valve but there aren't a lot of other options.

I have put some of my existing live rock and sand, plus some new sand in the tank and will allow to cycle as I'm going out of town for a few days. I don't expect there will be much of a cycle just transferring from the old tank to the new one, will there?

Pictures follow and see my old 10G thread for new pictures as well.

Leak test:


Plumbing:


Cycling:


Any suggestions appreciated as usual.

Regards,
Nevin

[Midknight]

Hey Nevin,
Keep building beautiful stands like that and I may have to invite you over (ok begging on my knees) to help with my stands.

[Nevin]

Thanks Midnight! Trouble is, with the amount of time I spend on this stuff I would have to work for about $2/hour to be competitive if I were doing it for anyone else (and they would have to be willing to wait a year or two to get it done!).

Anyone have any thoughts on the check valve?

Regards,
Nevin

[Sebae again]

The thing about check valves is that they require head pressure to make them close. So at 6 inches bellow water height you would have .217 psi pushing down and at 1foot .433 psi . Therefore, the lower the better.

[Midknight]

Originally Posted by Nevin

Thanks Midnight! Trouble is, with the amount of time I spend on this stuff I would have to work for about $2/hour to be competitive if I were doing it for anyone else (and they would have to be willing to wait a year or two to get it done!).

Anyone have any thoughts on the check valve?

Regards,
Nevin

$2/Hr?? Is that all??? be careful someone might take you up on an offer that cheep.

[Nevin]

It's finally running! I transferred all the livestock and fixed up the sump last night. Found my pom pom crab in the process--glad he's still alive, but I wish he would come out once in a while.

I wasn't able to fix the check valve--no way to move it down lower to get more pressure--but it does seem to consistently close after a few seconds. I dropped the sump water level by an inch to allow an extra margin.

I don't know much about what my urchin needs. Ultimately it will likely go in the refugium. In the interim, would it be better off in the display tank (live rock, no macroalgae) or the refugium (base rock, macroalgae)?

The old 10G tank, nearly empty:


The new tank in the process of transferring livestock:


The new sump/refugium:


I'll take a picture today of the full system in operation--the lights were already off by the time I took pictures.

[Nevin]

Here's a full tank shot after the move (lighting is temporary). Still looking for opinions on whether the urchin would be better in the refugium or the main tank. Also ideas on a second fish--something with interesting behaviour that will get along with Nemo and won't jump. I like shrimp gobies--are there any that wouldn't jump?

Regards,
Nevin

[Nevin]

I finally got a jigsaw (what a pleasure to use!) and found a little time to finish the light fixture. It's custom-built in oak to match the stand, with 175w halide, 18w PC actinic and 2 x .75w moonlights. I gutted a 2 x 9w Coralife fixture for the actinics, already had one moonlight and got a second moonlight and the halide ballasts, reflectors and socket used. No fans (will add if needed), but there's room for hot air to flow around the reflector and out the top vent. Pictures follow. Obviously I'll find a better way to hold it up--probably adjustable pegs in the ends. And I assume it will be mounted lower once the livestock acclimates. Looking forward to getting a clam now that I have enough light!

The tank is looking pretty good as it grows out a bit. I'll get some pictures when the lights are on. On the down side, my 3-year-old daughter is crying because I gave away our urchin (a few weeks ago) and she has now realized that he was her best friend. Ah well...

Guts


Exterior


Moonlights


Actinics


Halide


Full tank


Regards,
Nevin