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New 420 gal Plus reef tank build in m y sunroom

Following along this build.

Just a few questions.. One of the things I always told myself is that the DAY I get a FISH room I'm removing the heart of my tank (the sump) and placing it on a throne to be admired and worked in. Considering almost every component of most tanks are "stationary" the Sump is one place that so much happens in. Reactors get placed and removed, media gets changed, skimmers get removed and cleaned, pumps need maintainence, skimmer heads need removing, filtersocks need replacing, and detrius needs to be siphoned out...

I'm asking why you placed the sump UNDER the stand where it dosen't seem like much space to work on it. Placing the sump outside of the tank like Ricwilli did on a Stand means no breaking your back to remove skimmers and check on heaters/probes etc. It means that you can drill the refugium section or ALL 3 Sections and run them directly into a Drain to do a quick water change and also to drain the compartments to clean out detrius and buildup.

The UV sterilizer seems to be in a tight spot to slide out and slide in replacement bulbs.

Ever considered building an "Electrical Cabinet" to house all of the electrical components of your tank? Basically removing anything from under or near the sump?
 
Asonitez

I have thought about moving the sump to the basement room. It may be something I still do....contemplating it. I am worried the pumps in my sun room would be loud. The thought of moving everything downstairs was thought about early on....then I set everything under the stand. As I have everything now set under the tank that I am setting and the more I have looked at the setup, I am seriously thinking of moving it downstairs....so point is well taken.There is a dedicated cabinet next to the tank at tank height for the electrical.

Here is pic of electrical
20150226_201146.jpg
 

mnat

Officer Emeritus
Staff member
Moderator
Having a basement fish room is really really really nice if you can swing it.
 
I really like what you have planned, especially the tank!! I have my sump and service equipment in the built-in garage (no basement) and there is no sound in the house.
 
Well after looking at all this equipment in place...you guys convinced me to go back to my first plan...sump going in basement. That was my original idea. I had the option to go either way.

The lift and all that went into getting everything up under the tank, after setting it all in is cramped and I have a dedicated basement room to use...so, The move and quick rebuild of a wall starts this weekend in the basement. It will be a better install and certainly quiet. My wife likes the idea too...easier having everything to clean in the basement.
 
Thats a great plan. If you run a siphon drain, you'll be getting a lot of exercise going up and down the stairs to adjust it. Its the only negative on the set up. I had my first self induced water accident last night and I didn't really worry about ruining the flooring, just got some rags and did my best to clean it up.
 
Mike you will be so happy with the basement setup. Its MUCH Easier!... and under the tank could be stored some other stuff you use often like supplements and stuff. Not to mention easy maintenance of your sump and stuff.
 
Thats a great plan. If you run a siphon drain, you'll be getting a lot of exercise going up and down the stairs to adjust it. Its the only negative on the set up. I had my first self induced water accident last night and I didn't really worry about ruining the flooring, just got some rags and did my best to clean it up.

Trivan... What are you calling a siphon drain? Does anyone put in a shutoff valve into the drain lines when running lines to another room? Not sure the "proper" or BEST method with running the drain lines. I have 3 ft to get below floor and about 20 ft to where sump will be located and about another 5 ft drop into the sump.

any pics anyone has would be great.

What was the self induce water accident?
 

Hockeynut

NJRC Member
Well after looking at all this equipment in place...you guys convinced me to go back to my first plan...sump going in basement. That was my original idea. I had the option to go either way.

The lift and all that went into getting everything up under the tank, after setting it all in is cramped and I have a dedicated basement room to use...so, The move and quick rebuild of a wall starts this weekend in the basement. It will be a better install and certainly quiet. My wife likes the idea too...easier having everything to clean in the basement.
Awesome Mike I was planning on talking to you about moving it down to the basement when I was there I was thinking the whole time why, why under the stand when you have a nice area downstairs. I think you would have changed it right away after hearing those pumps and skimmer. Thumbs up
 
Hi Rob,

Everyone confirmed what I was looking at......so the move is on....and I guess we can add some shelves or to that end lower cabinet now,,,LOL...and only the LED lights transformers are in the electric cabinet....getting simpler upstairs now for sure. Glad for the opinions....love the reefing forums!!!
 
Okay...update...sump moved. Here is new sump area. Built wall with FRP walls and TPO liner over some High density insulation and framed flooring I use in commercial roofing. Acts like a pool liner. Adding emergency overflow to a floor sump. Progress continues...

20150306_201244.jpg
 
Well here is another pic with revised plumbing in basement. Waiting on answer as to now if the snapper hybrid pumps will handle the lift and flow. Might have to run them in series or upgrade to hammerhead barracuda pumps....change one thing...upgrade something else...arrhhh
20150307_121710.jpg
 
Well after months of redesign I am almost there. The sump room is almost 100%. The frag tanks are going and bought frags from the ReefaPalozza today. The main tank rock work is dome. Canopy lift was powder coated and tomorrow going to install the lift back in. Rob ( Hockeynut) delivered the cabinetry and should be getting installed in a week. So in about a week the tank gets refilled. I did a plain water test and had a few small leaks but ready to get rolling....finally.
updating some pics next
 
Canopy powder coated and now back up......ready for Rob (Hockeynut) to install new cabinets,,,,,soon be up and running...FINALLY
20150628_180736_resized.jpg
 

kschweer

Administrator
Staff member
Officer Emeritus
Moderator
Great progress! I think you will really be happy having all the filtration in the basement. The aquascape looks great. Best of luck with the rest of the build.


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Great progress! I think you will really be happy having all the filtration in the basement. The aquascape looks great. Best of luck with the rest of the build.


I am definitely like the filtration in basement....so much easier now... Thanks...
Ir has been too long getting this done...anxious now... Been bust with too many things but I didn't mind taking my time....20150628_194555_resized.jpg
 
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