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So, I'm breaking down the 26 gallon bowfront and setting up a 56 gallon column in its place. In order to do so, I want/have to stage the fish and other critters from that system. I opted to use a 38G that I have kicking around.
I first drilled it, and built a small overflow box:
I'm using an old cabinet that my mother was going to toss from her home. I took out the shelving and was left with a sweet stand with room for a decent sump:
The left side is a chamber for RO/DI water, for use in a top off. The chamber next to that will hold my skimmer, and the ATO switches. Then there are a series of three baffles leading to the return pump chamber. The section on the right is going to be a refugium.
Here are the ATO switches. I opted to use a dual switch system. Never can be too careful:
Tonight, I finished putting together the return plumbing. It's 1/2 inch:
Notice the drilled return nozzles, to prevent back-siphon:
I'll be visiting Home Depot this week to get the PVC for the overflow plumbing to the sump. Simply put, it will split, with water going to the skimmer chamber and the fuge, simultaneously. I'll take piccies then, when I get the supplies.
This system will have a simple NO lighting. It's going to be used for just a few months, until I set up the new tank. Eventually, this will be a system (Fish Only) for a fuzzy dwarf lion.
Yeah...thanks. This system is not going to be permanent, so I didn't want to tie in unneeded plumbing. This will hold 2 gallons of water and will have to be filled every week or so.. better than having to top off more often.
Figured out (I think) the overflow plumbing. I've not glued it or anything yet. I need to "sure up" the stand some and make sure it's ready to be fixed in place.
Measured the tank tonight.. it's bigger than I thought...edited the post, it's a 38 gallon also changed from the 36 bowfront (original wish tank) to the 56 column that I ordered.
Well I already changed the plumbing! I didn't like the fact that once glued, the overflow plumbing would be tough to move, remove etc. So I put in three unions. One on the pipe leaving the bulkhead and going downward and one on either side of the "T" in the sump. This way, I can remove the plumbing in three different pieces as needed.
I finished the sump, the plumbing (both overflow and return) and began set up today.
I washed sand for like.. 3 hours *sigh*. and built stands for the rock. 5 inch sand bed and 5 1/2 inch stands.
I've got a 20 gallon barrell of salt water going tonight. I should be able to put it in the tank tomorrow. Then one more barrell to go.
Looking good Dave. Well thought out and executed. Any particular reason you drilled for the overflow, but not the returns? What return pump are you using?
I didn't drill for the overflow I got the tank with the hole drilled in it already. A buddy had it kicking around. I didn't want to have to drill myself.
I am using the standard, over the tank, plastic 1/2 inch return tubes. They're plumbed into different hose than shown above. The inside diameter of that clear tube was too small. I rebuilt it this weekend.
Nice, very nice!
Your the pinicle example to others that planning is key to sucess, regardless of set-up.
Although as with any of us - a few trial & errors over the years to get the correct balance is almost a mathamatical certainty
This system was set up for no other reason but to hold the contents of my bowfront while I get a floor redone, and a new tank (56 column) set up. Well, it was supposed to be "ugly" and just hold the fish for a while. Instead, I kept going, and going, and going. It's now going to be something that will stay around for a while.
You all know that I've drilled it, sumped it and this weekend, I built a canopy and bought these lights (4X36 inch 39W T5's):
My question is this. Once I get the 56 going upstairs, what can I reasonably keep (photosynthetic) in this system thereafter? Any SPS? T. Squamosa? I know I can't try and keep Maxi or Crocea without more light.
What do you all think? I've always had MH and am completely dumb when it comes to T5 technology. Folks say that even though 4X39=156 watts and therefore 4.1 WPG over this tank, it is actually MORE than that because of the T5 Technology.
I forget where (most likely on here because I don't have time to browse too much else), but I have heard of people keeping clams under T5s. I love my T5actinic supplementals. They put out a good amount of light with very minimal heat. I think the main thing is to not go too deep with the stuff that has high light needs. T5s probably don't have the same penetration as MH. That tank doesn't look too deep. How far is it when you add the sand bed? Also, to get close to MH power I think you have to pack as many bulbs as will fit over the tank.
icon under their name to add to their reputation. 
Measured the tank tonight.. it's bigger than I thought...edited the post, it's a 38 gallon 
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