SCA 112 PNP Build

[WRB]

Thank You! Perfect timing!
My tank is leaking and I had that system on my short list.
And I've never had a system with a sump so I'm kind terrified about plumbing water outside my tank intentionally.
In this pic will that be the running water level, have read some owners were gluing acrylic on the weir to raise the water level.

PXL_20220128_025638286.jpg​

Dennis2213 · Jan 27, 2022 at 7:11 PM

 

[Dennis2213]

Thank You! Perfect timing!
My tank is leaking and I had that system on my short list.
And I've never had a system with a sump so I'm kind terrified about plumbing water outside my tank intentionally.
In this pic will that be the running water level, have read some owners were gluing acrylic on the weir to raise the water level.

PXL_20220128_025638286.jpg​

Dennis2213 · Jan 27, 2022 at 7:11 PM

this is my first sump aquarium as well and trust me the plumbing was not hard at all. I freaked out for nothing. I did get my local fish store service guy come over and make sure everything was ok and help me adjust the flow That is the running water level. The overflow at that level and will prevent it from getting any higher. If the tank ever clogged the emergency overflow will take over. But you don't need to glue anything you can control the water level with the gate valve on your return. If you fine tune it and slow it down it will raise the level. You will just have to raise the emergency drain pipe higher. I will be adjusting that after the cycle. So far I really am happy with this purchase. Plus when I purchased the tank i spoke directly with the owner and he was great. Available to answer any questions i had.

 

[WRB]

Appreciate the honest input and you sharing your build. I'm gonna talk with "My Guy" at the LFS and see what they offer in assistance if I run into issues. I'd be okay with it if I didn't have to worry about my livestock surviving the transistion. This tank has been running for over 3 decades, fish only using under-gravel filter with powerheads. Some of my gang are teenagers so changing to a sump I'm not sure of yet.
Plus I have to et everything up a fight of exterior stairs. UGH!

 

[Super Fly]

Great thread, thanks for sharing and keep the pix coming. Here's a SCA 120 build thread by CJ's Aquarium on youtube from several years ago, there are many videos in which he provides a lot of helpful details. hope you find it relevant.

 

[kaquarium]

Dennis, you are selling me on this tank as well! Love it! I am new to this hobby, so do you mind to share where did you buy it and how much did you pay? If sharing pricing info is not allowed in this forum, please PM me. Appreciate it. Thanks-

 

[Dennis2213]

Great thread, thanks for sharing and keep the pix coming. Here's a SCA 120 build thread by CJ's Aquarium on youtube from several years ago, there are many videos in which he provides a lot of helpful details. hope you find it relevant.

Thank you,this is a pretty great video.

 

[WRB]

They're in Montclair Ca.
I'm talking with them currently about a 112 PNP, I have the normal concerns, build quality is the big one.
Would love to hear from someone who's had one of their tanks up for several years. The company is not new to the industry, They are the importer from the factory in China.
I've never had a sump in 3 decades of the hobby and doubt I'd go with the one the supply but thats not a deal breaker for me.

https://www.scaquariums.com/

 

[Dennis2213]

So I wasn't happy with my first plumbing set up. I decided I was going to ahead and start over. Plus got a small leak in a few spots. Here is the new plumbing. Also eliminated the manifold. If I want to run a reactor or UV i will just get a small pump and use that instead. That will keep my main display with the optimum flow.

 

[Dennis2213]

I also went ahead and added my reef lights, not really happy about the light bracket but it's the only real stand i can use for Euro braced Thank. The nice thing is I'm going for SPS, so i need more lights and have to have them higher. The bracket will adjust lower.

 

[Fam5dad]

I also went ahead and added my reef lights, not really happy about the light bracket but it's the only real stand i can use for Euro braced Thank. The nice thing is I'm going for SPS, so i need more lights and have to have them higher. The bracket will adjust lower.

Looks really nice! I think I'm sold on this. What light brace is that? I'm still planning and considering a floating canopy but that looks ok. Is it sturdy?

 

[Dennis2213]

Looks really nice! I think I'm sold on this. What light brace is that? I'm still planning and considering a floating canopy but that looks ok. Is it sturdy?

Thank you I'm proud of this build. this tank is very well made, it's still made by hand, the red sea is computer glued. That's why the have so many blowouts in my opinion. The light bar It's Very sturdy, and very well built. It's made by AI, or aqua Illumination.

 

[Dennis2213]

So the sump configuration is really good, i was able to install to filter socks, a skimmer stand and the skimmer, have a pretty good size refuguim which I set up with cheato and live rock and a good assortment of pods. I'm using a Innovative marine refuguim light, is working really well. I also have a chaimber for biological. Here i used a bright well bio brick, bio balls, and ceramic cubes. I also used matrix. Some people said it's over kill but who cares. More biological less water changes in my opinion. In my return chaimber I'm using a current DC pump.The pump provided by SCA works at best ok. It does not give you the turnover needed for SPS coral later on. Also it kept the sump pretty stagnant with the drains fully open. Also it was not a Variable pump and was pretty noisy. The only negative issues with this sump is that the sump is to tall. They don't give you much clearance for anything. Also it's extremely long. This prevents you from adding an ATO system. I would like if they would build side access to be able to service the sump. Over all not bad at all for the price point and so far quick customer service. I will kep posting updates periodically.

 

[Dennis2213]

So it's been several months since this build. I absolutely love the tank. The quality and looks are amazing. It's hard to believe that you get quality at a reasonable price. I think the sump could be lower, and final chamber should be a 10 Gallon ATO. Also not very much room for servicing or accessing anything. As for the sca return pump it's junk, i would go a different route from the start. I'm pretty impressed with the skimmer. Does a good job sometimes too good. I will be updating this thread periodically to keep you all informed.

 

[biggie4jets]

How’s the tank? Is it worth getting the PNP system or just the tank and stand?

 

[Dennis2213]

How’s the tank? Is it worth getting the PNP system or just the tank and stand?

I would do the PNP system, knowing going in the return pump is garbage. I like the tank think is great for the price. The sump is huge, not a lot of room but gives you extra water volume. The skimmer also works really well.

 

[biggie4jets]

I would do the PNP system, knowing going in the return pump is garbage. I like the tank think is great for the price. The sump is huge, not a lot of room but gives you extra water volume. The skimmer also works really well.

Even if I already have a 36” trigger sump, skimmer and Apex return pump?
How’s the quality of the stand? Have you made any adjustments to it? Is it worth its $995 price tag?

 

[Dennis2213]

Even if I already have a 36” trigger sump, skimmer and Apex return pump?
How’s the quality of the stand? Have you made any adjustments to it? Is it worth its $995 price tag?

If you have the equipment, just do the tank and stand. The stand in my opinion is worth it it is solid wood. Not compressed wood like red sea or water box.

 

[Dennis2213]

Even if I already have a 36” trigger sump, skimmer and Apex return pump?
How’s the quality of the stand? Have you made any adjustments to it? Is it worth its $995 price tag?

I have several pics posted

 

[phildirt]

I have several pics posted

I thought the PNP sump had a ATO Reservoir

 

[Dennis2213]

I thought the PNP sump had a ATO Reservoir

It posted that it has one, but it doesn't. I called and complained they said it was a typo on the page.