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Here's what I did with the closed loop: http://www.melevsreef.com/closedloop.html

Gotcha! ThanKs Marc.

And the Light Project looks great!

Thanks,

Aaron

A Mag 7 will push 1 SCWD though right? Thus splitting theo/p into 2 separate streams/currents.

I don't think a Mag 7 will have enough strength to push into two SCWDs. One is okay, but the SCWD reduces the flow by 20% (that's what is used to make the gears turn and change the flow pattern). I ran a closed loop with a SCWD and a Mag 7 for a couple of years. As a return pump, the additional head pressure vertically will probably leave you less than impressed.

I like one powerhead up near the surface to keep the water rippling. Then a few mid-height, and at least one near the substrate pointed upwards slightly to avoid weak flow in that area while not moving the sandbed too much.

[COLOR="rgb(0, 255, 255)"]WHOO HOO!!!! I didnt have any ridgid int he box, but, I stuffed a bit of flex down the elbow and Bingo!!! Nice and Quiet! Thanks Marc. [/COLOR]

Thanks, will make this Modification.

Freshwater is noisier than saltwater, and during the first 14 days of saltwater it will still be a little noisy until the plumbing slimes over.

Your strainer isn't going to help with noise, but it will keep fish or snails out of the sump. I would insert eggcrate inside the inner section of the weir instead to keep them out in the first place.

What you'll want to do is use an elbow and some rigid tubing to vent the drain pipe. This makes it run quietly.







The rigid tubing has a small piece (1/2" or so) of flexible tubing slide down the correct point to keep the rigid from fallling down the drain. It's a holding collar. You'll have to lift and lower the rigid tubing to find the perfect spot, but it tends to be about 3" down. Once a month, remove this tubing to clean off the end because it will clog up with salt -- the drain will start to slurp indicating this problem. Soak that end in vinegar, then clean it out with something (wire, toothpick, drill bit) and re-position as before.

Don't use Rio pumps. The Mag 9.5 will probably be too much flow for the 1" drain in that overflow box, but if you installed a second bulkhead it could probably handle it. You could use a Mag 7 with 1" plumbing instead.

How are you venting trapped air in the weir box ?

Originally Posted by rossbryant1956

I am building a sump somewhat like yours. It looks like you are attaching acryllic panels to the glass aquarium walls. How are you doing that? Glue and then sealant, just sealant, or just glue. Thx in advance

Just as Marc States, 100% Aquarium Safe Silicon.

Man!! Phil you just pulled out the big spoon

You are going to use 100% pure Aquarium-Safe silicone. Here's the page about how to do so properly: http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/glass/

I am building a sump somewhat like yours. It looks like you are attaching acryllic panels to the glass aquarium walls. How are you doing that? Glue and then sealant, just sealant, or just glue. Thx in advance

The live sand sold in bags is a crock. There's nothing alive worth while in it. Just use clean dry Argonite sand and seed it from another tank. If you can't get a couple cups of sand from an established tank, your live rock will eventually provide all the little critters you need.

If you really want to start a debate, ask about bare bottom vs. shallow sand bed vs. deep sand bed.

Not necessary, just get a few cups of sand from a friends tank you trust and seed your sand with it... If you have a few tanks you can get it from that will help add diversity... If not one bag should be enough to get you started.

If you want to have two lines running off a single drain from the overflow, you want the ball valve under the Tee fitting, which then runs to the skimmer section. When you close that valve, less water pours into the skimmer section, diverting some to the refugium zone. Here are a few pictures:









To read the article with more pictures, here's the page on my other site: http://www.melevsreef.com/install_sump.html

Haha. My previous roommate had cats, and even though she moved out seven months ago I still find cat hairs, including one floating in my tank yesterday.

Yes, thanks for the tip, Will try to post these pix asap.

I'm Always a day late.... or early as the case may be.... Thanks.

We can't see the photos, just their location on your computer. You can either post them to a photo hosting service and then enter the photo URL into "Insert Image," or enter use Manage Attachments at the bottom of the posting page to attach them. Does that make sense? Hope to see your setup soon!

I've heard you can buy new aquariums at Petco for $1 per gallon starting January 2: http://www.dfwmas.org/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=79298