Chuck's 150 Gallon Reef Project

[ChuckG]

OK - made another committment.

Ordered the Deltec APF600 Skimmer this evening.

This might seem strange that I would shell out big bucks on a skimmer and turn around and link two aquariums together as a sump. I figure that there are a couple of things you don't want to skimp on.

Live Rock - I have plenty. I'll probably even have to sell some off after I'm done aquascaping the new system.
Lights - Initially I will use two Current Satellite's that I already have unless I make the committment on final lighting before I need them.
Skimmer - It simply has to perform.

I figure everything else can be a DIY job. A lifereef sump is merely a plastic tank that holds water. I can accomplish this with cheap aquariums, add baffles, etc. No, it won't look as good but I would like to think that people will be looking at what's inside my tank rather than what's under it.

[Paramecium]

Originally Posted by ChuckG

No, it won't look as good but I would like to think that people will be looking at what's inside my tank rather than what's under it.

So? The only people who will see this tank are non-reefers or those who do not, have not, never will have a tank?

[ChuckG]

I guess I'd also like to think that it will show that you don't have to go overboard to have a healthy system.

What's the difference in functionality between a nice acrylic chamber that will hold some sort of media versus a cheap phosphan reactor chamber used for the same media or even a piece of PVC with end caps? All will get the water flowing through the media and accomplish the same task for the overall health of the system.

[olsaltybastard]

Chuck,

My sump is an AGA 50g tank with acrylic baffles that I made from sheets sold at Dummy Depot. Not skimping, just saving where necessary. Actually, the two pieces of Chinese made equipment that I own are TLF phosban reactors. I may never forgive myself for supporting stinky communists, but it saved a few bucks.

[ChuckG]

I hear ya loud and clear.

[Paramecium]

I am just giving you crap! You know us reefers are more interested in what is under the tank!

[ChuckG]

About to start building a frame to hold the frag tank and refugium. This is what I came up for positioning of the tanks.



My question concerns the plumbing. Rather than running a seperate line to the frag tank and refugium if I plumb it as I've drawn then I think it should work with one line. The way the water is diverted, I can have more flow in the frag tank and less in the refugium.

Since water entering the frag tank will be equal to the water exiting the bypass, I don't need to increase the size of the pipe after the bypass reenters the ouput line (circled area of plumbing) - do I?


No - the frag tank isn't hitting the ceiling. One square equals one inch. The top of the frag tank is at about the 5 foot level.

[ChuckG]

Day off today. Had some other chores to accomplish so didn't get too far on the new framing but it's a start. I have Sun / Mon off so I should get a lot done then.

[phlounder]

Ok, I have what may be a dumb question. In your plumbing diagram above, are you feeding the frag tank and refugium from the tank drain or from the sump?

[ChuckG]

Sump . . . . .