ltkenbo
Reefing newb
Yeah I was just thinking about that today, I'll place it up a little higher like under the overflow box or something, it's got a strainer over it too which should help somewhat but yeah I won't put it right down at the bottom.
ltkenbo's 55 Gallon Rebuild
- Thread starter ltkenbo
- Start date
ltkenbo
Reefing newb
Alright, so here comes the drilling.
Well first of all here is several pvc fittings I got:
So here's glass cages:
That whole warehouse is behind the guys house, it's pretty cool. I got to meet him, he started the company like over 20 years ago. Anyways, I picked up my tank and drove home. They did a good job, they made it the other day when I ordered it, I can smell the fresh silicone.
and no that bulkhead is not backwards, that's how is is supposed to go.
Well first of all here is several pvc fittings I got:
So here's glass cages:
That whole warehouse is behind the guys house, it's pretty cool. I got to meet him, he started the company like over 20 years ago. Anyways, I picked up my tank and drove home. They did a good job, they made it the other day when I ordered it, I can smell the fresh silicone.
and no that bulkhead is not backwards, that's how is is supposed to go.
Smitty
Reef pro
Congrats and good job!
ltkenbo
Reefing newb
Thanks. Here are the returns drilled:
I'm still contemplating where exactly I want to drill the closed loop outputs and how many. I'm trying to find pictures of drilled closed loop systems to get some ideas. I'm thinking down near the bottom since powerheads like koralias can remain on top since they tend to suck in debris otherwise which a close loop output and input can remain far apart.
I'm still contemplating where exactly I want to drill the closed loop outputs and how many. I'm trying to find pictures of drilled closed loop systems to get some ideas. I'm thinking down near the bottom since powerheads like koralias can remain on top since they tend to suck in debris otherwise which a close loop output and input can remain far apart.
Smitty
Reef pro
Everything is looking good. Good job on the holes.
ltkenbo
Reefing newb
Will a 1/2" bulkhead below the overflow box and 2 1/2" bulkheads for the returns located several inches above the bottom of the tank (on the back) be good for a small closed loop system? Keep in mind I do have a vortech powerhead and 3 koralia 2's also. I figured the closed loop returns near the bottom would help circulation in the bottom of the tank as well as possibly behind the live rock.
yote
In Memoriam
Before you actually drill for that closed loop,shoot RyanG a PM.He ran one for a while.
BTW
It's looking good.But whats the paintball mask for? :mrgreen:
BTW
It's looking good.But whats the paintball mask for? :mrgreen:
ltkenbo
Reefing newb
Thanks yeah I sent him a PM. I was using the paintball mask for eye protection cause I couldn't find my safety glasses lol.
RyanG
Reef enthusiast
Ok here is my input on a closed loop, keep it simple and keep it flexible. A single input and two or three returns is PLENTY! Any more than that and its overly complicated. I would keep the returns low on the back wall, you want to create a gyre(if you don't know look it up ;) ) But basically its a cyclical water flow, and you want the water rotating up the front pane of the glass and back across the surface towards the overflow(GREAT choice on the glassholes BTW I love the one I have on my nano)
Use the vortech to disrupt the flow and keep it randomized.
Just my disclaimer on closed loops, if I were to do my 180 over again I would do it either without a closed loop entirely or a MUCH simpler one. They can be cumbersome, take up a lot of room, use a lot of electricity and are typically louder than than powerheads. Im of the opinion that two vortechs on your sized tank would be better than a closed loop but don't let me make up your mind. Build your tank your way.
Use the vortech to disrupt the flow and keep it randomized.
Just my disclaimer on closed loops, if I were to do my 180 over again I would do it either without a closed loop entirely or a MUCH simpler one. They can be cumbersome, take up a lot of room, use a lot of electricity and are typically louder than than powerheads. Im of the opinion that two vortechs on your sized tank would be better than a closed loop but don't let me make up your mind. Build your tank your way.
RyanG
Reef enthusiast
Oh and use bulkheads that you can use locline returns with, that is my best tip.
ltkenbo
Reefing newb
So is a 1/2" inlet and 1/2" outlets sufficient?
RyanG
Reef enthusiast
I would go with a larger intake, Better to have room for too much pump than not enough. Maybe an 1" or even 1.5".
ltkenbo
Reefing newb
Ok, and 1/2" returns ok?
RyanG
Reef enthusiast
Half or 3/4" either would be suffice.
Bluespace
Reefing newb
It's comming along. Any updates?
ltkenbo
Reefing newb
No not yet, I worked all this weekend so I didn't have time but I'll be working some more on the stuff this week. I'll post some more pics soon.
Bluespace
Reefing newb
Work? There's on time for work you have a tank to build!:mrgreen:
dcantucson
Reef pro
Damn work! It always gets in the way. :grumble:
yote
In Memoriam
AINT THAT THE TRUTH:frustrat:
ltkenbo
Reefing newb
Lol true that, well the 1.5" bulkhead and strainer arrives today, so I just gotta drill like 2 more .5" bulkhead holes for the rest of the future CL system and then I can paint the back and then hopefully put it up in my room. I installed a light in the other closet the other day and so I'll probably put the one in the fish closet today.
