Author Topic: My 125 Gallon LED Reef Peninsula tank build (Read 12927 times)

mccorry · « **Reply #25 on:** February 06, 2013, 22:30:31 »

Ah.... good point. Hmmmm... I may need to do some "kitchen testing"... lol

Wall_Tank · « **Reply #26 on:** February 06, 2013, 22:35:46 »

One other point to consider, is that your skimmer will need to be in a constant water depth. Where it sits right now, the water will only be as stable as you are topping off your water.

lazylivin · « **Reply #27 on:** February 06, 2013, 22:48:08 »

If splashing, bubbles, saltcreep becomes an issue for you, you can without removing anything, carefully cut using a hole saw a few holes at the height you want in the first baffle. Or using a dremel cut about a 1/4" slot for the water to come through.

Consider pulling and replacing that last baffle (the one next to your return pump) with another one that is the same height as the one directly opposite to it. Also give yourself another 3"width for your pump/evaporation level. 3 reasons, 1> This will solve your issue that Paul is pointing out by keeping the skimmer at the same water level. 2> The pump is in such a small chamber you will have a hard time keeping your water at the right level. It won't evaporate much water before your pump will begin sucking air. 3> If you ever want to add a ATO it will need to go in the chamber the pump is in so you will need the room.

mccorry · « **Reply #28 on:** February 08, 2013, 11:16:16 »

I've re-configured the sump based on the input from you all. I really appreciate it.

From the return end it is configured as such:

1.) First baffle is existing. I do understand that I might want to lower it or modify with slots down the road... but for now, I've left it at 16" high.
2.) Second baffle is existing. This is the bubble trap to force the water down underneath it.
3.) I've changed the third baffle to a 15" high setup with a slight slope away. I did this to raise the water level in the bubble trap as suggested and to allow the water flowing over the 3rd baffle to flow down the baffle instead of falling off of it and potentially splashing / making noise. The slope is only 6% or so as to not lose too much room in the sump floor.
4.) I've added a fourth baffle at 7" tall just past the protein skimmer. This will keep the level at the skimmer at a constant 7" during operation. It might be a little higher based on top off.. but not much.
5.) The fifth baffle has been left as is for now. I plan on modifying with some perforated holes to lower the possibility of it sucking air. Still need to do some additional testing / thinking on this one

lazylivin · « **Reply #29 on:** February 08, 2013, 20:55:21 »

Sounds like you made some good changes. Take another pic for us when you get a chance.

mccorry · « **Reply #30 on:** February 10, 2013, 11:32:47 »

Hey... finally got the sump re-configured. Ended up ripping all of it out and going with thicker 0.22" Acrylic due to the thin stuff bowing under the water pressure.
Much better now.

Here are some pictures....

Baffles reconfigured

Skimmer section with Skimmer in place....

Splash guard (still need to cut the 1" hole for the return line to pass through and the holes for the temp and pH probes)

Water test, finally!

lazylivin · « **Reply #31 on:** February 10, 2013, 20:00:03 »

Very well done. It looks great and the silicone looks perfect.

mccorry · « **Reply #32 on:** February 10, 2013, 20:39:22 »

Hey, thanks. I really appreciate it.
Thanks for the pointers.....

mccorry · « **Reply #33 on:** February 15, 2013, 14:46:01 »

Not much to update at this point....

Currently running a dedicated circuit / GFCI for the tank from the breaker box.

I continue to have issues with my sunset/sunrise controller. They thought it was a capacitor, but I just replaced it last night and it still isn't working correctly.
Going to box it up and send the board to CA for the manufacturer to repair.....

Oh well....

mccorry · « **Reply #34 on:** March 06, 2013, 20:12:15 »

Been a bit.... Got busy with some other stuff plus a vacation for a week. :beer:

Been mounting equipment and plumbing. Here are some updated shots.

Electrical equipment in stand....

Sump in stand....

Stand completed....

Plumbing underway...

Live sand and dry rock here!

THE MAD REEFER · « **Reply #35 on:** March 13, 2013, 23:44:27 »

looking good so far

cant wait to see where this goes

gonna tag along for the ride

mccorry · « **Reply #36 on:** March 16, 2013, 18:55:43 »

Some updates.... Plumbing is done, as is the initial framing for the canopy.

Plumbing finished up....

Canopy framing underway...

lazylivin · « **Reply #37 on:** March 16, 2013, 20:52:09 »

Looking good. Question, is your check valve made to work in a horizontal position?

mccorry · « **Reply #38 on:** March 16, 2013, 21:06:25 »

Yes... as long as it's oriented so that the pivot is on the top of the body.

lazylivin · « **Reply #39 on:** March 17, 2013, 12:41:04 »

Okay that is good

Coraltastic · « **Reply #40 on:** March 22, 2013, 00:28:42 »

Looks great cant wait to see more.

mccorry · « **Reply #41 on:** March 23, 2013, 09:06:03 »

Some updates.....

Canopy build is underway.....

Sanding and Staining started.....

jhart · « **Reply #42 on:** March 23, 2013, 16:37:45 »

Very impressive setup! I like the way you've done your canopy, gives me inspiration to build one for mine.

mccorry · « **Reply #43 on:** March 24, 2013, 17:50:41 »

Thanks...

Some more pictures after work this weekend.... base stain completed on canopy... adding top molding and door hinge.
Will spray SPAR Urethane this week.

Coraltastic · « **Reply #44 on:** March 24, 2013, 18:29:06 »

Tank is looking great. Super clean and great planning.

mccorry · « **Reply #45 on:** March 24, 2013, 19:03:33 »

Thanks!

mccorry · « **Reply #46 on:** March 28, 2013, 22:34:33 »

More updates! Water is in the tank (ok... only a little water).....

Canopy finished......

Divider completed, sand and a little water in the tank!!

lazylivin · « **Reply #47 on:** March 28, 2013, 22:52:05 »

Thats exciting. It looks great. Very nice work

Neogenesis · « **Reply #48 on:** March 29, 2013, 08:17:55 »

Nice clean work.....I really like this. The only portion that makes me nervous is how you have a return very very low in the tank which makes you rely on that check valve. I know I have a BUNCH of stuff that lives in my plumbing, snails, sponges, not to mention the slimy stuff that sticks to the walls. I would be afraid that check valve isn't going to work properly and you could siphon your tank out onto the floor. Something to keep your eye on.......as it would make me very nervous.

volcano · « **Reply #49 on:** March 29, 2013, 08:34:09 »

Wow, very nice. That LED you built was insane!

2024 Ohio Reef Frag Swap

Author Topic: My 125 Gallon LED Reef Peninsula tank build (Read 12927 times)