Rags2Riches - The Learning Curve. 125g

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RichtheReefer21

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Couldnt resist the idea that before I install the sump, plumbing, etc, that I do everything I have to for the entire sump compartment.

1/2" PVC board will be used for the ceiling, rear wall, and side walls. I plan to leave a 5" gap lengthwise, on top along the entire back wall to allow for humidity to escape.

Great project and a beautiful day to spend with my retired father.
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I also decided to clean and repaint the base floor as well. Plastic sheets taped off for overspray. Its drying with a fan and doors and windows open now. Maybe itll bring my pH up a bit too :)

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Will update after walls and ceiling is done and installed.
 
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Not secured yet, will leave the paneling loose until I'm done with plumbing to ensure I left myself room. The joints will be siliconed for maximum moisture barrier.

The power chords and strip will not end up under the sump. So use ur imagination and remove them from this picture :)

The power console will be last on the list once the tank is done.

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I'm about to test the DT tanks' ammonia/nitrogen cycle one last time before fish and corals go back in.

Then it's time to finalize the plumbing and fill this puppy up!
 
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I'm currently dry fitting the last of the plumbing. Ran into a "oopsie". I plumbed the primary and emergency drains on the overflow on the wrong side in order to take the easiest paths to their destinations. So I had to get creative with my emergency drain.

This created the need for a few more fittings that I have, but didnt paint yet.

I keep tapping the wall accidentally and the neighbors upstairs have toddlers. And 2 dogs, that bark every time I do. I might have to take my medicine and out of consideration for them, finish this tomorrow. ;Shifty
 
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Ball valve black like the 90s?

Or leave it white with the blue lever?

Straight pieces on the left will not be visible.

I like the idea of "in case of emergency" it's easily identified to someone who doesnt know plumbing if I need to give shut-off directions to them over the phone. I.e. Her

20190327_234420.jpg
 
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Man I missed a bunch, looking good and I like the cover on the inside of the stand. Makes it look very clean under there.
Thanks. Fish and coral are moving in now. Dry fitting for plumbing is almost done. Definitely finishing today as long as theres no leaks.

#reefersprayer please.
 
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So I mentioned I did the order of the 3 overflow drains in reverse to what would have made for the easiest pathing.

Here is the doodle of the fix. (Primary and secondary should have been on the right, emergency on the left)

This view is looking at the tank from the front.

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The emergency drain will loop around the unions behind the tank and drop into the return chamber. Should be fine. Just extra plumbing.
 

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I say leave that valve handle blue. They can be a pain in the rear end down the road as it is. Adding paint may only make things worse.

Great job so far! Have you had enough yet?? I know half way through my upgrade I was more than done quite a few times ;)
 
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I say leave that valve handle blue. They can be a pain in the rear end down the road as it is. Adding paint may only make things worse.

Great job so far! Have you had enough yet?? I know half way through my upgrade I was more than done quite a few times ;)
It's been an emotional rollercoaster...

A learning curve ;)

Overflow is plumbed. Return is underway.

@NY_Caveman newly retired slippers for ya..

20190328_173343.jpg
 

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Ball valve black like the 90s?

Or leave it white with the blue lever?

Straight pieces on the left will not be visible.

I like the idea of "in case of emergency" it's easily identified to someone who doesnt know plumbing if I need to give shut-off directions to them over the phone. I.e. Her

20190327_234420.jpg
They have a tendency to freeze up given a long enough time frame.

Consider giving it a quick open and close every 3 or 4 months to keep it cooperating. :)
 
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