new tank build

[dbc2804]

We went to the flea market down the road from our house this past weekend and found this tank and stand for $40 so we snatched it up. The light that was with it was crap so we bought a 24"-30" Marineland single bright led light at Petsmart and I built the wet/dry filter and overflow. This was my first attempt at a diy filter and overflow and its working great so far, I simultated several power failures and no problems. I like the fact that it is super quiet. No livestock yet still thinking about what we want to put in this one. 2012-11-12_09-15-13_421.jpg2012-11-12_09-16-12_788.jpg2012-11-12_09-16-39_777.jpg2012-11-12_09-15-27_190.jpg2012-11-12_09-17-00_373.jpg

[ChrisXB]

What type of pump did you use? I'm going to build a similar setup on the 240g I'm building.

[mistahoo]

What type of pump did you use? I'm going to build a similar setup on the 240g I'm building.

Any brand of submersible return pumps will do. You just have to match up the GPH of the pump with the GPH of the overflow. Then install a ball valve just in case the pump pushes too much GPH and the overflow can't handle. That way you can dial it back or close it off when you need to.

[mistahoo]

Make sure you take in account of hose length because that will cause you to lose some flow.

[ChrisXB]

Re: new tank build

Thanks for the information, but I just wanted to know what pump that was.

[dbc2804]

I use a submersible fountain pump from home depot its a 300gph pump

[cu0ngsayz]

Pretty good steal for 40$.

[cu0ngsayz]

Thanks for the information, but I just wanted to know what pump that was.

To determine your pump size you have to know how big of a drain hose you will be using also. 1" hose will drain 600gph I believe.

[ChrisXB]

Re: new tank build

Nvm

[ChrisXB]

Re: new tank build

Crap stupid phone, didn't let me finish lol. Nvm now anyways haha.

Oh hai

[troy tucker]

Nice pickup for $40.00. I like the wet/dry. Very nice Job...

[Jayplot]

Just one thought on your return system. Maybe I am missing it from the pics and if I did then please disregard, but it doesn't look like you have a second back up return.... This is important because over time your pump will slow down or become weaker and if you are not careful your syphon will not slow down and it will empty the tank enough to break the syphon. Once the syphon breaks your pump will continue to run and depending on how much water is in your sump you can actually over flow your tank if the syphon doesn't start back up on its own.

[dbc2804]

The drain stops as soon as it get below the overflow i have simulated several power failures and no problems as of yet i hadnt put any thought towards a second return i have even cut the pump back manually and no problem drain just slows down

[Jayplot]

The drain stops as soon as it get below the overflow i have simulated several power failures and no problems as of yet i hadnt put any thought towards a second return i have even cut the pump back manually and no problem drain just slows down

Well sounds like you have all your bases covered. The second drain that I mentioned is normally a little higher then your primary drain and is only used when something is not working normally (drain clogged with plants or snails.....). Just a thought, but it sounds like you have already put a lot of thought into that