BlindSwordsman's 3 Tank System (1 Viewer)

[H2OHOH]

 

[BlindSwordsman]

I'm a fan of the egg crate frag racks. Nice and cheap! I wonder if you could lean one against the side (with a piece of live rock or something to hold the bottom from slipping) and effectively recreate your concrete wall or if the frags would fall out too easy...

I'm pretty thrifty. I don't have anything against eggcrate, but after a while, some of the stuff overgrow onto them and I don't know what to do with them. Also, they show through to the backwall, and the eggcrate and the backwall look dirty and I get lazy to pull them out to clean and it looks a bit messy . I was actually considering using them on the backwalls like you just suggested until I want to change it.

@H2OHOH : Thanks for the info and the picture. That's very helpful. And YES!!! Pictures!!! That's what I really need!!!! ... If you just throw words at me, they are just jargons to me. I usually have no idea what you are talking about because I can't visualize it. I'm an old kid that need picture book like instructions!!! I think with the strainer installation, it's similar to what I did for my 10 gallon tank, but I didn't know these things existed so I bought those things from Menards and they don't look very pretty compared to this but .. Well, they work!

@Varig , @bigmax : That's what I was thinking. Calling Aqueon up probably doesn't get anywhere as they might use whatever, whenever available. I will probably try to check the glass out again, but I will just chance with one of the tanks to see how that goes. It's not the end of the world if I lose one. And I can live with some water dripping noise. My house is way too noisy for some to be noticed. If it's a constant sound of water dropping, it can sound like a 'sound effect of the ocean scene' to me and I can live with it. I just can't stand random, sudden, out of usual sound, because sometimes, if I get mouse getting into the house and it makes a noise in the kitchen or sound from running across the floor? Darn! I can hear it even when I sleep!

Again, thanks for all the inputs and info. I appreciate you.

 

[reef junkie]

This member, can’t remember the sig name. But looks to have those style overflows. If someone recognized the tank and knows the name maybe they are still around and would be a good one to ask??

 

[BlindSwordsman]

I think it is the same overflow style but he applied 2 of them on either sides, so if one is clogged up, the other one might be operational, like a backup/emergency drain kind of plan? That's what I'm guessing from looking at it.

And I'm not frustrated yet but just not sure what to do next yet. I did the sunglasses-and-cell-phone tempered glass test, and I was not sure what I was seeing. So, I tried the sunglasses and laptop screen test. They say if you put the sunglasses in front of the glass and the screen, then rotate the sunglasses 90 degrees, it would turn dark or black if the glass is tempered. Well, either I was not doing it right or every single piece of glass I tried so far around the house was all tempered glass (i.e. the tank, picture frame's glass, the curios' door glass, ..) .. I only turned the sunglassss 45 degrees, not 90 degrees yet, and it already looked black!!! If the test result was correct, then these tanks probably made completely out of tempered glass . I actually checked a few bottom glass and a few side glass, but they turned out the same. .. I don't know. Not sure if it's worth it to buy a drill bit and chance $60 tank to see if it'll shatter into little pieces or not or just return everything then buy the expensive predrilled frag tanks and look for more alternatives .

 

[reef junkie]

I thought it was one drain and one return.

For what its worth Ive never seen a 40 breeder with sides being tempered only the bottom .

 

[reef junkie]

I think this is the build tread from that tank I shared. I dont see any pictures anymore though so not sure how helpful it will be,

3 Foot Nano Tank

Live Stream (Currently OFFLINE) Latest Video Jan 2016 Youtube Channel 12 Gallon Nano Room Picture Full Tank Shot Archive Nov 2015 Sept 2015 Jan 2015 April 2014 Jan 2014 Aug 2013 May 2013 Feb 2013 Dec 2012 Aug 2012 Mid May 2012 Early May 2012 Mid...

www.tcmas.org

 

[Varig]

Just to be clear, are you 100% sure you’re using polarized sunglasses? Like you tested on the laptop screen alone to make sure it turned black?

 

[BlindSwordsman]

OK, I feel dumb .. and confused. I watched some YouTube videos. I thought I heard 'if it turns black, it's tempered' .. Then now, I found this one person wrote on their site: 'If the glass is not tempered, the screen will look like it is shifting from white to solid black as you rotate the sunglasses. If the glass is tempered, stripes or splotches will appear on the screen when the sunglasses are rotated. ' .. So, it's not the 'blackness' that I'm looking for, but it's the 'splotches'?? That will be hard because the sunglasses I have are small. I think I will just need to figure out how big the hole I need to drill is, going to the store, get the drill bit and drill the heck out of one of these tanks and see how it goes .

@reef junkie (Edited) Again, I'm pretty forgetful so I might remember it incorrectly. I only remember that the person worked as a graphic designer of some sort, and had that tank in his office, then eventually moved it home. There were some issues with that tank and there were some up and down? Don't ask me why I remember things I remember and don't remember things I don't remember . Did he move out of state??? (Another edition: Ahh, I see what you mean. You think he used one of them as a return? But if so, if the return pump stops, if I do that for a 40 gallon tank, with the dimension of the top surface x 3 tanks, that a bit of water volume that will be drained back to the sump. Either I must have a very big sump to handle that much water (which I do not have the room for), or it will flood my house if the pump(s) stop. Probably not a good idea.)

 

[reef junkie]

@reef junkie (Edited) Again, I'm pretty forgetful so I might remember it incorrectly. I only remember that the person worked as a graphic designer of some sort, and had that tank in his office, then eventually moved it home. There were some issues with that tank and there were some up and down? Don't ask me why I remember things I remember and don't remember things I don't remember . Did he move out of state???

Not sure on that. I just remember the Overflow system he was doing.

I feel like my polarized Oakleys glasses make the back of car windows looked weird and blotchy. Thats how I knew they were polarized. Maybe that would help To determine if the glasses you are using is polarized?

Some of the DIY overflow box kits come with drill bits if you plan to use a box.

 

[miltonkl]

If you're planning to paint the back of the glass black at all, I just bought a can to paint my own that I'm done with and you're welcome to have the rest and save a few bucks.

 

[BlindSwordsman]

Just to be clear, are you 100% sure you’re using polarized sunglasses? Like you tested on the laptop screen alone to make sure it turned black?

Yes, I did. I just got a bit confused if it was tempered or not tempered if it turned black. Watching those hyperactive YouTube videos confused the heck out of me with those people jumbing, twisting and turning, going 'tempered', 'not tempered' all over the place .

Not sure on that. I just remember the Overflow system he was doing.

I feel like my polarized Oakleys glasses make the back of car windows looked weird and blotchy. Thats how I knew they were polarized. Maybe that would help To determine if the glasses you are using is polarized?

Some of the DIY overflow box kits come with drill bits if you plan to use a box.

I think I'm done trying to figure out if it's tempered or not tempered with my tiny sunglasses . I'm going to assume I've come to the conclusion that it's not tempered because my glasses turned black and will go ahead with the drilling.

I don't have the drill bits right now, and I had to cancel the purchase of the overflows because I was not sure at the time that I could drill these tanks. But these overflows are cheap and they don't come with anything. I will have to figure out the holes and the sizes that I need, come up with some sort of design for these things then head to the store to get all of the tools I need. Like what the usual size for the overflow tube? Is it 3/4" or 1"?? Then I have to see if I want to try to fit in an emergency drain and what size I want to go for that too. And what is the size for the return tube? ... Hahaha ... I need to figure these out first. I'm working on these things at the pace of a snail here .

If you're planning to paint the back of the glass black at all, I just bought a can to paint my own that I'm done with and you're welcome to have the rest and save a few bucks.

I think I will start the drilling first. Once I'm done with that, I'll start the painting. I'm just going to do one thing at a time .. slowwwwllllyyy . The other day, it took me a few hours and 2 cups of coffee just to get the stands put together, and that was just basically screwing some bolts on. I feeelllll oolllllldddddd and not in the mood to move quickly like when I was younger anymore. Why the rush??!! .. Thanks for the offer, but how long is the drive from Oakdale to your place, and how much is that can of paint?? ... Ummm ... But, I'll keep that in consideration! Thank you!

 

[BlindSwordsman]

Did I tell you that I'm slow and I don't like dealing with 'hardware'??!!! And my brain is like a single core processor?? OK, so for the overflow, I'm going to order these items from BRS:

The strainer: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/low-profile-bulkhead-overflow-strainers.html
The elbow: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/schedule-80-90-elbow-barb-x-female-thread.html
The gasket: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/replacement-gasket-for-abs-bulkhead.html

Hopefully, I'm getting the right stuff . Am I???

I would want to find everything and order all at once but I'm still figuring out what the heck it is that I need to buy for the return line if I want to drill the tank for it. I see they sell some sort of nozzles but I don't know what those are supposed to connect to. Can anyone give me an idea what those things are called or point out what I should buy for a 1/2" return line?? I'm guessing I need some sort of 1/2" elbow, but there the 'thing' between that the the nozzle? ... I'll keep on searching around but, just to see if someone can make my life easier here .

My 3 new lights are arriving today. I'll update about those later. ... More searching/figuring to do now!

Edited: I think I found this on Ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1559340173...U+N0jwaR9ULxn5vRGNI1TToqjK|tkp:Bk9SR_SFgMKnYw

It's probably something I need. I couldn't find it on BRS though. So, beside this one, I need some sort of elbows and gaskets .

 

[Varig]

I think what you want is a 1/2" bulkhead for your return line. My tank has the ABS thread/thread version. That way I can thread in the Loc-line on the inside the tank side and outside the tank I threaded in a NPT to slip adapter. Then glued my return line plumbing all together. According to BRS you would need a 30mm diamond drill bit to drill for that 1/2" bulkhead. Clearly you'll need a different size for your overflow.

Also, to be clear, I see you bought the strainer (which size did you buy?). But you'll need a bulkhead I think. I don't think the threads are long enough on that strainer to actually go through the glass (but I could be wrong). But the point of the bulkhead below is that it has the gaskets/flange/tightening ring to get a good seal on the tank. Then you'd just thread the strainer into the tank side and whatever fitting on the outlet side (again, you can use soft plumbing with a barb fitting as you showed OR adapt the bulkhead to a slip connector and then plumb it with glued together PVC.

I think . Could be the blind leading the blind here. But that's how my tank was done. And it's how I would do it if I was drilling a new tank. I think the bulkhead itself is critical.

 

[BlindSwordsman]

I think what you want is a 1/2" bulkhead for your return line. My tank has the ABS thread/thread version. That way I can thread in the Loc-line on the inside the tank side and outside the tank I threaded in a NPT to slip adapter. Then glued my return line plumbing all together. According to BRS you would need a 30mm diamond drill bit to drill for that 1/2" bulkhead. Clearly you'll need a different size for your overflow.

Also, to be clear, I see you bought the strainer (which size did you buy?). But you'll need a bulkhead I think. I don't think the threads are long enough on that strainer to actually go through the glass (but I could be wrong). But the point of the bulkhead below is that it has the gaskets/flange/tightening ring to get a good seal on the tank. Then you'd just thread the strainer into the tank side and whatever fitting on the outlet side (again, you can use soft plumbing with a barb fitting as you showed OR adapt the bulkhead to a slip connector and then plumb it with glued together PVC.

I think . Could be the blind leading the blind here. But that's how my tank was done. And it's how I would do it if I was drilling a new tank. I think the bulkhead itself is critical.

I think what you say makes sense. So, the nozzle is screwed onto the ' thread/thread bulkhead' and the bulkhead goes through the glass, then the elbow is screwed on the bulbhead on the outside .. Okiee!!

And you think I need a bulkhead for the overflower/strainer as well?? ... From what @H2OHOH posted above, it doesn't look like we actually need one. And I think with the extra bulkhead, it might cause me some trouble as the overflow box I'm going to buy is only 1 3/4" wide, not much space for extra thing there .

EDITED: And great! BRS is out of stock on the 1/2" thread/thread bulkheads!

 

[miltonkl]

Are you still doing an overflow box if you're doing the strainer route? I was understanding from the above posts that the strainer was instead of the overflow box.

If you have a Menards nearby they have 90 degree elbows you can thread right into the back of a thread/thread bulkhead and then cheap barbs (40 cent cheap!) you can screw into that 90 degree elbow.

NIBCO® 1-1/2" MIP x FIP PVC 90-Degree Street Elbow

The PVC Schedule 40 90-degree street elbow is used in cold water pressure distribution systems including irrigation, pool and spa, potable water, and chilled water applications. Please refer to NIBCO® technical data sheets and catalogs for engineering and installation information. The PVC...

www.menards.com

1/2" ID Barb x 1/2" MIP Poly Pipe Adapter

1/2" Poly Insert Adapters Are Used To Adapt 1/2" FPT To Polyethylene Pipe In A Straight Line In Cold Water Applications Only. Can Be Used Underground Or Above Ground For Pool And Spa Applications, Water Service And Agriculture Uses. Join fittings to pipe with stainless steel hose clamps. NSF...

www.menards.com

For the return, most go with locline in which case you'd need that male NPT connector in Varig's above image to screw into the bulkhead and then attach the locline to that. They sell a special tool to connect that stuff but if you just soak it in hot water for 30 seconds it goes together and comes apart really easily.

Also, while you're placing yours BRS order, you might look at getting some nylon hose clamps.

 

[MistakesWereMade]

And great! BRS is out of stock on the 1/2" thread/thread bulkheads!

I just went through this as well. Needed to buy bulkheads from Amazon. Just read carefully on what size opening the bulkhead requires. I was doing 3/4" bulkheads and the preexisting holes were 1 3/8" in the overflow and 1 1/2" for return. Ended up with separate bulkheads as the 1 1/2" I wanted threaded flange side for a locline return. The others were just slip on both sides. I think typically 1 1/2" is for 3/4" fittings.

 

[BlindSwordsman]

It seems I have started the new year with a spending spree. I spent, I spent, I spent . I already bought whatever from BRS, some stuff on Ebay. I just got the slip/slip bulkheads instead for the return as they were available and I think they'll work with other items. If not, I will have to improvise somehow later. I won't know for sure until I get them. The next thing I will need to do is to buy more tools and work on the tank drilling. And we'll see how that'll go . After that, I'll move on with the tank back walls painting, and see into creating some panels to cover up the uglies underneath the stands.

For underneath the stands, again, I plan to have 1 sump with skimmer, 1 chaeto compartment, and 1 live rock compartment.

After the setup completes, I will let the water run and cycle it with the old fashion way by adding some live rock and sand and let it goes for a few months, no chemicals involved.

For what specifically I want to keep in these tanks, I kind of flip and flop on that a bit. I'm thinking now: Maybe 1 softie frag tank, 1 LPS frag tank, and a kind of 'display' tank in the middle with some rock and sand, start to experiment with some SPS. The SPS tank will be a steep learning curve for me. I think I need to invest in an Apex system to navigate my way around that. I will seek for more advice when I get to that point where the system is cycled and stabilized. If I can't improve my SPS keeping skill down the road, I will revert this back to my regular mixed reef mode with some easy SPS, or simply convert it to another complete frag tank. And since I have these frag tanks, I might convert the current 10 gallon frag tank to maybe an all fancy mushroom tank? All flower rock anemone? Or a little jungle of an easy beginner softie tank with pulsing xenia, clove polyps, .. ? Things that I had found so fascinating when I'd first ever seen a reef tank??

I just got the 3 new lights delivered. They are 150W Nicrew lights. Some people said they worked well. I never had them before so I have to play around with them a bit. I'm expecting them to be similar to the cheap black boxes, which works perfectly fine to me.

And here is another dry fit photo. I'm going to grab some lunch and stop my spending for the day . Beside this stuff, I also got 2 OG bounce mushrooms delivered half an hour ago. I will need to put those into my tank also .

 

[reef junkie]

Cant wait to see what you do with this. Looks great. Now do I get to cal you Mr. upgrade now.

 

[BlindSwordsman]

Cant wait to see what you do with this. Looks great. Now do I get to cal you Mr. upgrade now.

Darn!!!! I guess this is a very tight knit community. Did someone tell you I have been nick naming you 'mister Upgrade'??? ... OK, this is actually, technically not an 'upgrade' because I'm still keeping my old tank. It's more like an .. 'expansion', and it's probably ... worse!

 

[Mathew0]

Yeah, you've taken multi-tank syndrome and really just run with it