330 gallon setup and sump build
- Thread starter jvc66
- Start date
Yeah we'll.let u recover financially lol
This lids we were talking about.
Theres probably 100 better ways to do it but i couldnt think of any lol. Ace hardware will cut the glas for free amd its dirt cheap. I think i did 6 inch section laid from fron to back and small section laid across them to cover up gaps near the plumbing. If i need to get into a certain area i can just remove the glass from that section amd not remove the whole lid and spill water all over (from condensation)
Tape marks are in the secon pic
ah I see what your saying now. And I wish I could have set my socks up on the ends like yours since they really do limit the space I have to access the inside of the sump. Itll have to do though since Im not getting that sump out of there. But I would love to do glass if I can. I might try and see if I can get that twin wall poly carbonate stuff first since Ill be able to cut out holes for the pipes
My favorite is how you used the wood branches...it looks artistic, and yes, I too like symmetrical in almost all things...LOL.
If you go with polycarbonate, you could glue pre-made tabs to the sump opening. Then you cut the lid to fit exactly the size. It would give a nice finish look too. just drill a hole so that you can use as a handle to remove. If you don't need light through your sump, marine board is an option too. You can buy it in any thickness, size and color, you work with it like wood (i.e. cut, drill, etc.), but it will never warp, rot, etc. I made a lid with that material for my internal overflow box.
Oh, if your sump can accommodate, I do like the pre-made sock holders out there. I know it takes away some of the fun DIY, but they are nice and are practical, but can be pricey. I don't have a need for the particular style, but it's a one time purchase and worth it IMO.
I spray my socks with a hose, then soak in water/bleach mix. Eventually I rinse and shake out and let dry. I think using a washing machine would make them even look brighter white, but it's good enough for me. Been doing this for almost three years with no issues.
I was excited to read some good conversations around drain methods and the use of gate-valves, ball vales, but as you resolved your issue, perhaps I'll just let it rest. What I will say is that I use a gate-valve on my 1" full siphon. My trickle drain has a ball-valve but that was intended for maintenance and it's always wide open. Although rare, I only adjust the gate-valve on the full siphon to adjust the amount of trickle in the second drain, ever. I also have a third completely dry e-drain and I don't touch that ever.
I think it's normal for the trickle drain to take on water if you're making waves decorating and what not. My Lei splashes and I can hear the trickle take on more water, but everything balances back out. I wouldn't worry too much JVC.
Thanks for the compliments I appreciate it! I didnt even think of using marine board thats not a bad idea at all. Will continue to look around but that a good option. I think I am just going to throw the socks in the washer so I dont have to do much work. The holders I have now are good but with how the acrylic tank I am using for a sump is situated its not very convenient when pulling them off or putting them back on.
My issue with the edrains taking on water was that there was more water in the sump which affected my water level in the overflows. Never knew the two levels were connected that by altering one you alter the other. But otherwise no issues! I did turn down my one pump so both are on the second setting and had to readjust the valve
Question for everyone. My tank gets indirect sunlight everyday and I am starting to get some algae growth. I'm working on getting some blinds to block it. Any good suggestions on keeping it at bay? My old 90 I had a uv sterilizer that I just threw in the tank but obviously this is much larger. I will be doing a water change this weekend
My advice to you is just to limit the amount of nitrtes in the tank as much as possible, if you take away the food for the algae then it wont grow.
Yea thinking about getting two pothos plants and putthing them in my overflows or something to work on the nitrates
That will work. I have pothos in my 75 now its working great. I don't get zero nitrates but its way better then it was. I was getting up to 80ppm before with 2 weekly water changes of 30% each. Now I do 1 50-70% weekly and don't see more then 20-40ppm on water change day. Its some where in between but the colors are close ish, lfs said 20 that was 2 days before w/c. If you still have the uv itll work too just not as well, but its still uv.
I gotta get some pothos then. wondering if that would mess with my water level in the overflow box. but that UV was just a crappy one from petsmart so I am not sure how much it would do. gave it to a friend unfortunately
