Jules New 180 Gallon Build Thread

[julesjt]

I would suggest the 50g for two good reasons.One,more water volume.Two,the best reason,it's 6" wider unless your talking about the 40 breeder which is 18" wide too.

I have to worry about height so I can get my skimmer in and out if needed. I was talking about 40 long not breeder which is 48" long.

You think wider over longer?

I worry about 50 gallon due to the 3 inches in height.

[julesjt]

I would suggest the 50g for two good reasons.One,more water volume.Two,the best reason,it's 6" wider unless your talking about the 40 breeder which is 18" wide too.

Thanks I am going with the 40 breeder, I just did some measurements and that works better than the 40 long.

Thanks so much, just another LFS suggestion gone bad hahaha

I get the same volume and dont take up as much space inside. 50 gallon is definately pushing it since my skimmer is sump.

[Steve McKay]

Thanks I am going with the 40 breeder, I just did some measurements and that works better than the 40 long.

Thanks so much, just another LFS suggestion gone bad hahaha

I get the same volume and dont take up as much space inside. 50 gallon is definately pushing it since my skimmer is sump.

Glad I can help one way or another.

[julesjt]

Glad I can help one way or another.

40 gallon breeder sump should be enough for a 180g right?

I keep looking at different tanks and that is the biggest I can safely get without worries of room in the stand.

My only other option would of been pay 500 or 600 bucks on a custom acrylic which I would rather not do so I can put that saved money into rock.

[Doodaa]

40 gallon breeder sump should be enough for a 180g right?

Any sized sump is better than none and there really is no best size sump for any given display tank size.

Here's how I rank a sump...
#1 - to keep your equipment out of the display tank
#2 - is the added water volume which leads to a bit more forgiveness and a bit less maintenance
#3 - partition for a refugium

The numerical order can be controversial...depends on your preference and priorities. The reason I put #1 as #1 is that it's usually what you size it for. Your skimmer (you most likely will use an in-sump version) will take up the most room and you don't want bubbles in the return. And then you want more room for other equipment and refugium. Any extra volume you can put into your water column, the better for stability.

[Steve McKay]

Any sized sump is better than none and there really is no best size sump for any given display tank size.

Here's how I rank a sump...
#1 - to keep your equipment out of the display tank
#2 - is the added water volume which leads to a bit more forgiveness and a bit less maintenance
#3 - partition for a refugium

The numerical order can be controversial...depends on your preference and priorities. The reason I put #1 as #1 is that it's usually what you size it for. Your skimmer (you most likely will use an in-sump version) will take up the most room and you don't want bubbles in the return. And then you want more room for other equipment and refugium. Any extra volume you can put into your water column, the better for stability.

Sounds good too me!

[julesjt]

Ok here is a picture of the sump I am going to build.

This is a design from Melev's sump

My main question to all is my height ok for the baffles and is rock rubble section on the right side needed for the intake for bubbles. All his sumps seem to have an intake section with rock rubble. I thought the bubble trap would be enough for the bubble issue?

http://www.reefland.com/forum/images/attach/jpg.gif

[Parrothead]

That should do it, as I mentioned before, melev's is pretty much the master of diy sumps, have never heard anything bad about him, looks like you got the sump down pat, now getter done

[julesjt]

That should do it, as I mentioned before, melev's is pretty much the master of diy sumps, have never heard anything bad about him, looks like you got the sump down pat, now getter done

Well I went to my local glass guy and ordered my cut baffles.

and I am using a piece of plexy that I will silicone to the glass baffle to have the teeth. Doing the teeth with glass is a bit difficult.

So I should have all I need early next week and should have my sump done by next weekend.

Than I begin the fun plumbing project.

[julesjt]

Plumbing Question:

Should I use PVC throughout the whole system or use some flexible hose to give me some easy adjustment? Also I have a buddy who thinks his PVC plumbing is too noisy with his 2400 GPH pump and it might be quieter user some flex tubes.

Any thoughts on the best way to keep the noise of the flow down?

[Parrothead]

Jules,

I've always just dealt with the noise as part of the hobby, maybe someone else has an idea for that issue, sorry

[julesjt]

Jules,

I've always just dealt with the noise as part of the hobby, maybe someone else has an idea for that issue, sorry

I am not too concerned about the noise either since it will be in the reef lounge. However if I could lower it a bit since I should try. Think about water rushing in the pvc versus tubing I can see some noise being eliminated. Maybe hybrid of both

[julesjt]

Recommendations on aquarium safe siicone?

Also when doing the glue for the PVC pipes, which glue should I use?

[ToddTT]

Recommendations on aquarium safe siicone?

Also when doing the glue for the PVC pipes, which glue should I use?

I've heard people mention Home Depot's paint department for silicone, but I could never find anything labeled safe for aquarium use, or anything even close.

The only place I've walked into that had this was Petland Discounts. Not sure if you have any by you:

Petland Discounts - The Complete Pet Shop

[Steve McKay]

Google what you need.

1.Aquarium safe silicone.
2.Aquarium safe glue for the PVC pipes.

It works.

[ToddTT]

Looks like Lowes might be a better bet than Home Depot:

Shop LOCTITE 3 Oz. Silicone Clear Adhesive Sealant at Lowes.com



3 Oz. Silicone Clear Adhesive Sealant

• For sealing, light bonding and waterproofing
• Aquarium Safe
• All temperature
• Clear & Flexible

Just don't do like this guy:

View topic - can silicone caulk be unsafe?• Forum • PlanetCatfish

[julesjt]

I've heard people mention Home Depot's paint department for silicone, but I could never find anything labeled safe for aquarium use, or anything even close.

The only place I've walked into that had this was Petland Discounts. Not sure if you have any by you:

Petland Discounts - The Complete Pet Shop

I found one at home depot and it is actually for aquariums. I dont understand why they have 20 different types at home depot and not one can be used for tanks.

So there is one type that is not in the paint department that you can use and it only comes in small tubes.

DAP - household adhesive sealant 100% silicone

Now I am finding some good DIY on actually doing the baffles and I found this guy who should help make the 1 inch baffle section easier.
How to build a sump in 2 hours! - Saltcity Reef Forums

[julesjt]

Well I have benn going back and fourth on the lighting topic and I am pretty set on going HQI MH fixture over doing the T5.

I have seen the HQI MH 150w on a tank with clams and SPS and they seemed to be doing fine with that wattage. Part me of is still going between do I go 250w or 150w?

I have a 24" tank that will have 4 to 5 inch sand bed and most stuff will be up on a rock which is addition height so 150w should cut it?

I would rather go 150w for power usage and heat, but if 250w is absolutely needed than I will.

I also have to think most of the sps and high end exspensive items may not be in my tank for years and by than maybe the LEDs will be proven or the plasms will be out.

So the question is can 150w MH do what I need. Softies, LPS, shouldnt be a problem right? SPS and Clams if I have them up higher they should be ok right?

[julesjt]

Ok, here is my Melev's Model F version sump from a 40 Gallon breeder

The silicone work is not the cleanest but it will do.

[ToddTT]

Ok, here is my Melev's Model F version sump from a 40 Gallon breeder

The silicone work is not the cleanest but it will do.

Looks good! Are the dividers acrylic? Did you cut them yourself? Cut those teeth too?