DIY Concrete Aquarium 5,000 gallon - Anderson Family Reef
- Monster Build
- Thread starter dca22anderson
- Start date
- Tagged users None
OP
OP
dca22anderson
Valuable Member
I'm still trying to work out the best configuration for the layout of the sump and then I'll build out the catwalk around that.
I would like to have it be as big as possible. Right now it's working out with just a little access from a step stool I have up against the back of the tank. I'll post some pics of the quick drawings I have for possible layouts soon.
djf91
Valuable Member
What are you keeping your water parameters at?
OP
OP
dca22anderson
Valuable Member
Goals for the sump:
1) Easy access to all reactors, equipment & socks (when I run them)
2) Longterm reliable solution with minimal leak opportunities (love to get internal return pumps)
3) Provide access to more of the back of the tank
4) Self contained so all filtration can happen within its footprint (except skimming)
5) Eliminate micro bubbles from the display
OP
OP
dca22anderson
Valuable Member
8/3/23
Ph - 8.13
Co2 - 410
Po4 - .5 (drip 80ml/Gal mix to sock)
Nitrate - 55
Salt - 1.0255
Ca - 500
Alk - 10
Mg - 1440
Temp 77/77.7apx
Kalk - 35/min
ICP test sent (they lost it so I sent another one on 9/5)
I have tested since then on specific parameters:
8/16/23
Ca 500
Alk 10.9
(stopped Alk dose for a few days)
8/21/23
Mg 1470
Po4 1
djf91
Valuable Member
Could the high Po4 be causing the issues?
If mine goes above .2, I start to have issues with my SPS.
OP
OP
dca22anderson
Valuable Member
Yes for sure, I've been dosing Lanthanum Chloride for the last few weeks to get it down slowly...
I hope to have my ICP test back this week so I can make some adjustments...
OP
OP
dca22anderson
Valuable Member
I really think it’s something else…
Here are my test results from my personal tests this evening:
9/7/23
Ph - 8.08
Co2 - 445
Po4 - .6
Nitrate - 60+
Salt - 1.025/1.024 sea test
Ca - 500
Alk - 9
Mg - 1400
Temp 77/76.9apx
Kalk - 19ml/min
ICP test #2 sent on 9/5
I knew my Nitrates would go up after the Cipro treatment (just killed a ton of good, bad and ugly bacteria)
I’ll seed it back with some good bacteria now…
Daveobrien
Active Member
I don't have a problem with your current nutrient levels. Slightly higher Alk wants slightly higher nutrients.
I ran my system at PO4 at 0.3-0.4 and NO3 at 80-120 for over a year. (Alk at 9) Corals grew like crazy. I don't think I got as good of color as I could have, but livestock didn't complain.
That said, I don't think there's as much wiggle room at these value. I'd prefer them not to Double... On my end, I worked my values back under 0.2 and 25. And did so well that I ignored testing this summer, and ended up at 0.02 and zero(NO3)... shocked and had to dose to restore some values. I'm back at 4 and 0.06. Around 50-100ish multiplier.
OP
OP
dca22anderson
Valuable Member
That's helpful thank you!
I feel like my params are ok (they have been consistently in that same range)... I'm chasing something else... Still losing colonies of SPS which is driving me crazy.
Mark Goode
Well-Known Member
I'm currently watching your youtube channel on the TV with the Mrs. Great stuff!
OP
OP
dca22anderson
Valuable Member
Thanks Mark for checking it out!!
Can't wait to see the sump get completed and make your life a lot easier!
Goals for the sump:
1) Easy access to all reactors, equipment & socks (when I run them)
2) Longterm reliable solution with minimal leak opportunities (love to get internal return pumps)
3) Provide access to more of the back of the tank
4) Self contained so all filtration can happen within its footprint (except skimming)
5) Eliminate micro bubbles from the display
A few questions for you:
1. My brain is struggling to determine where the water leaves the sock holder box? It seems like it's all completely contained, are you going to drill the bottom panel for a drain for that water?
2. What are the dimensions of the filter sock holder?
3. Do you plan to mount the filter sock holder in the sump? Or have it elevated above and have it draining into the sump?
4. Will the catwalk sit just inches over the sump or will it be 2-3 feet above it? (Not sure on the spacing to the ceiling).
Last edited:
OP
OP
dca22anderson
Valuable Member
Good questions!
1. I will drill holes for 3" bulkheads which will give me the option to run it on its own or just drop it in the sump.
2. 40"x30"x24"
3. Could do either one depending on final lay out and spacing. Thought about putting it on the other side of the wall with super easy access to change the socks but I may like the simplicity of just having it contained in the sump...
4. The catwalk will have to be pretty close to the top of the sump because of the low ceiling... I may just move it away from the back wall of the tank a bit to make a small 12"-16" platform to provide standing access if needed.
Catwalk honestly sounds miserable to work from. Just a gap you can walk all the way around that’s wide enough to squeeze your hips into the wide way seems like the way to go to me. I can just picture the back strain trying to reach from catwalk to bottom of two foot deep sump. Kneeling on the ground and laying across a board though seems fine.
OP
OP
dca22anderson
Valuable Member
The catwalk would just give me better access to the back of the inside of the show aquarium since the new sump set up will span across the whole back of the tank (except the 2' section where the skimmer is).
I will be able to access all parts of the sump while standing on the ground next to the sump.
The change has to make my life easier not harder for servicing, that's the goal anyway!
Something like that...
Similar threads
