Chuck's 150 Gallon Reef Project

[ChuckG]

Originally Posted by phlounder

You don't really want valves on the other side of the 4Way, because it is not good to restrict the flow and put back pressure on the drum. You can throttle the Dart back to around 400 gph with the output valve from the pump, if need be.

That can't be right. Go to OM's website and view set ups that people have already done. The majority put some type of valve on each outlet.

[phlounder]

Originally Posted by ChuckG

That can't be right. Go to OM's website and view set ups that people have already done. The majority put some type of valve on each outlet.

Well, a lot of those people have closed loop outlets drilled below the water line or the 4Way is inside the bottom of the stand, so they need a shut off valve to remove the 4Way - and some are not plumbed correctly either. There is no control over pics that people post.

I did a quick search on their site and one question was, "Why is my drum not turning?" Paul's answer started out like this "There may be some back pressure..." That has always been my understanding anyway. Write to Paul and ask, if you feel that it is really necessary to control the flow from individual outlets.

[ChuckG]

I'll definately talk to Paul before doing anything. In fact I emailed them today and told them to hold off mailing because I need to add some stuff like flex nozzles on to the order. Even got a reply that they would hold the order (on a Sunday no less). I'll call them tomorrow.

[phlounder]

Yep, OM is a whole different level of customer service. They will go out of their way to help you out.

I think Paul just does this as a side business or hobby and his wife Cass, probably handles most of the business out of their home.

[Scooterman]

WOW what an awesome project!

[ChuckG]

Originally Posted by phlounder

You don't really want valves on the other side of the 4Way, because it is not good to restrict the flow and put back pressure on the drum.

I stand corrected. The only reason for valves on the outlets are to shut the water supply off if need be. Having the OM above the water line (as you have it) eleviates the need for the valves.

[ChuckG]

Made some final decisions (and committments) - hope Matt doesn't read this before I talk to him.

My OM 4 way, 2 flex nozzles and two Sequence Darts where shipped today for arrival on Wednesday.

I have decided against larger pumps that I was originally going to go with mainly because I think it would have been overkill and a drain on my electric bill.

I waffled a bit with myself over doing the sump myself or going with something like a LifeReef sump. I'm a die hard DIY'er and I need that sense of accomplishment. I've decided to put it all together myself.

So this evening I put in an order for 5 tanks. All Perfecto's.

I haven't heard anything bad about the Perfecto's. It is my understanding that they are moving their operation out of the country so it is yet to be seen what the quality of future tanks will be like but for now they should still be good.

1 - 150 gal 48x24x30 - Display
2 - 29 gal 30x12x18 - To be connected together as one sump
1 - 20 gal 24x12x18 - QT
1 - 30 gal 30x18x13 - Frag

Price: $528
All tanks were on "special" except for the 30 gal breeder

Along with these tanks one Ecosystem Refugium will be plumbed in as well but I already have this.

I've also decided to do the mods on the display tank myself as well. I'll build up my confidence on the other tanks that will need drilled before I move on to the main tank.

Wish me luck............

[Paramecium]

You are a crazy man! Drilling the tanks are not hard, just go slow, support the opposite side of the whole so you do not get chip through when the bit breaks through the glass, and let the drill do the work!

[phlounder]

Not bad! You must have talked to Paul at OM. I was going to suggest the pump issue, but figured I would mind my own business.

I also think you made the right decision to DIY the sump and main display mods. I drilled the 140 and really wish I had done my own sump. Don't get me wrong, I love my all of my LifeReef stuff and I am glad I have it, but I am a DIY'er at heart too and do miss that sense of accomplishment that you mentioned. I think that is one of the reasons that I built the Pirate's Reef nano from scratch.

Looking forward to seeing it all come together! Get that camera cleaned up and ready for pics!

[phlounder]

Hey, if you bring all those tanks over here to Louisiana, I will be happy to drill them for you.