175 Gallon Rebuild Journal

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-08-26, 14:10

I'm starting this journal to motivate me to redo this 175 gallon in my living room. It has been sitting empty ever since I moved my Mbu puffer to the store.

Current thoughts are to keep my pack of clown loaches in it and a school of congo tetras.

My big dilemma is filtration. Do I continue to use the sump and if so, do I install a herbie drain. Or do I just install a canister filter etc.

Here is a quick cell phone pic to show that I at least drained it and got it pulled out from the wall so I could work on plumbing when I have time.

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JimA 2013-08-26, 14:13

Keep the sump, but change stock to Rainbow Kasanga tropheus. Then when you get enough I can buy them from you.. Smile

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-08-26, 15:03

The reason for keeping/ditching the sump is two fold. First it's noise. I believe with a different pipe system I can silence that. However floating food becomes much harder to feed with an overflow. I am considering getting a computer to control this aquarium for a pause button on the pump etc.

The other considerations is, do I want to clean mulm out of filter socks or a canister filter or Overhead filter?

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-08-27, 14:05

So I forced myself to find time to do a little work on this tank last night. I got all 3 bulkheads removed. Which is a real pain cause it's tight quarters where these bulkheads are. Ending up having to cut one of them out.

Here is a couple of pics to keep me motivated to keep pushing through this. I KNOW I'll love the tank when it's done.

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**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-08-28, 02:36

Found a great article on the Herbie style drain.

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Guest 2013-08-28, 02:53

For go* sakes. Photobucket sucks balls. I trying to see all your pics to see what you got in your store. Every 2 pics a freaking ad. Cant see your store stuff without getting annoyed. Hope your Facebook page has pictures. I really what to see what ppl are raving about in your store.

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-08-28, 02:55

Yeah there are pictures on facebook for sure. I just use photobucket currently as it's an app installed on my phone. New phone galaxy s4 coming in the mail and I'll setup a instagram account to share pics etc.

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-08-28, 03:18

Placed an order tonight for some parts for this tank rebuild.

A gate valve for the herbie drain system.
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A strainer for the drain system.
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Lastly a new gadget I've been wanting a for a long time... An Apex controller.
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Guest 2013-08-28, 04:51

If you don't mind; So, this Herbie system is quiet because once the syphon is created one adjusts the drainage with a valve inline with the drain so the water level in the overflow box hovers above the main drain? Hence a muffled drain, zero air, no "gurgle ".

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-08-28, 11:28

theChad wrote:If you don't mind; So, this Herbie system is quiet because once the syphon is created one adjusts the drainage with a valve inline with the drain so the water level in the overflow box hovers above the main drain? Hence a muffled drain, zero air, no "gurgle ".

Exactly. And you use an emergency backup overflow too in case lets say a snail was to take a ride and get stuck in the valve. The other overflow pipe that is 1 inch higher would kick in once the water level increased. They're supposed to be basically completely silent.

Guest 2013-08-28, 14:49

Interesting read, I may give this a shot in a future build or overhaul.

DMD123 2013-08-28, 23:02

Looking forward to more pics and updates on this build!
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**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-08-29, 14:49

Making a Virtual reminder list so I can see what I need while at the store etc. Plus instead of writing down on a notepad, I figure others can see what I'm doing.

Need to Pickup cordless drill and charger from the shop.
Need to buy holesaw for drilling acrylic.
Need 1/2 inch PVC pipe.
Monster Ray Light for front of the tank.
Finnex ray 2 for rear of tank.
White Algae Scrubbing pad
Krylon Fusion Black Spray Paint
Power Strip or extension cord for lights.

Angelman 2013-08-29, 16:58

What size wholesaw you looking for I might have it...

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-08-29, 17:43

I ended up picking up a hole saw kit as I was tired of having to borrow them Razz

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-08-29, 18:50

Hole has been drilled. now on to more stuffs on the tank Very Happy

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-09-01, 01:03

Started the drilling of the acrylic tank.
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Little bit deeper.
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Finally through!
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And a pic of the 50 congo tetras fattening up while they wait for the build out of this tank.
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cichlid-gal 2013-09-01, 07:54

Love love love congo tetras...that is going to be one exquisite tank...truly

DMD123 2013-09-01, 09:42

That's a lot of Congo Tetras! That will be an awesome school for sure.

Guest 2013-09-01, 10:00

Yikes! From this perspective that hole looks huge...

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-09-01, 14:54

theChad wrote:Yikes! From this perspective that hole looks huge...

That's what she said affraid

The hole is 1 and 3/4 for a 1 inch bulkhead. I'm hoping my gate valve and apex controller arrive tomorrow so I can finish plumbing!

Guest 2013-09-01, 21:34

Aquarium Co-Op wrote:
theChad wrote:Yikes! From this perspective that hole looks huge...
That's what she said

The hole is 1 and 3/4 for a 1 inch bulkhead. I'm hoping my gate valve and apex controller arrive tomorrow so I can finish plumbing!

Ha!

Apex controller? Interesting, I gotta look into that...

DMD123 2013-09-01, 22:06

Aquarium Co-Op wrote:That's what she said

I was waiting for someone to go there.... jocolor

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-09-01, 22:34

theChad wrote:
Aquarium Co-Op wrote:
theChad wrote:Yikes! From this perspective that hole looks huge...
That's what she said

The hole is 1 and 3/4 for a 1 inch bulkhead. I'm hoping my gate valve and apex controller arrive tomorrow so I can finish plumbing!
Ha!

Apex controller? Interesting, I gotta look into that...

It's a toy that no one needs... But I've decided to finally buy myself....

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-09-05, 16:26

Parts arrived today. I shall work on the install. Hoping everything goes smoothly and I don't have to make 15 trips to home depot.

Apex Controller Jr.
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Expensive Gate valve.
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**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-09-05, 21:28

I finished the plumbing, and move the aquarium across the room. Just need to wait for my Fiance to get home to approve the new location. Still have to test the plumbing for leaks and install the apex controller.

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**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-09-09, 13:15

Slowest build ever? Possibly. It's hard to find time to work on this tank for me. Its got some substrate, water is in it, and controller is installed. Gate valve is dialed in so it seems.

Only problem is 1 bulkhead leaks. The one that is a thread fit. I need to tighten it, so that means cutting the pvc so I can tighten it and then regluing it back on.

Here is a picture, cause that's all that really matters at the end of the day.

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**PokeSephiroth** 2013-09-09, 15:07

Looking good, Cory Smile

slow and steady.

LuminousAphid 2013-09-09, 18:20

Yeah, I would not rush it, you want to get it right the first time.

I would offer to help, but it looks like you have it under control. Next time you do a rebuild in the store or something though, I will totally help if you need an extra hand, especially cause I love working with plumbing and stuff. I find it's like some kind of a puzzle but without the pointlessess Very Happy

DMD123 2013-09-09, 21:04

Looks good! What kind of substrate is that? The Lapis Lustre?

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-09-09, 21:58

You nailed it, lapis luster on the sand.

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-09-15, 21:54

Well I came home to the power being out. Tank passed the first test, did exactly what it was supposed to do, sump held enough water etc.

**PokeSephiroth** 2013-09-16, 00:02

Wow nice on the sump being able to holding enough water. Sucks to be in a power outage though. Can't wait to see how it looks with everything set up. Mmmmm...

fishNAbowl 2013-09-16, 00:35

Aquarium Co-Op wrote:Well I came home to the power being out. Tank passed the first test, did exactly what it was supposed to do, sump held enough water etc.

Wait, you didn't test it under a controlled atmosphere?! Shocked

Nice though, totally dig these tank build threads.

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-09-16, 00:39

Oh no, I definitely tested it with controlled power outages before, but the first time the real power goes out is always a little scarier, make sure everything was still set correctly as I've been tinkering with it.

egsea 2013-10-01, 04:00

So.....any update? Smile

DMD123 2013-10-01, 11:58

egsea wrote:So.....any update?

Newbies are just so eager..... whistle

So any updates? haha

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-10-01, 12:42

I'll have to grab some pics tonight. Lots of green spot algae on the front acrylic right now.

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-10-10, 22:44

I have to post a picture of my green water monster. Tank is in limbo while we find a place we want to move too. Once we move hopefully I'll spend time setting it up correctly. Right now it's just growing congo tetras.

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fishNAbowl 2013-10-10, 22:50

Aquarium Co-Op wrote:I have to post a picture of my green water monster. Tank is in limbo while we find a place we want to move too. Once we move hopefully I'll spend time setting it up correctly. Right now it's just growing congo tetras.

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.oO Right on Cory, it's a good start. If moving I would defiantly be putting any major plans of decor on hold for after setting it up ..... again ....

fishNAbowl 2013-10-10, 22:51

If there was a prize for the WashFishBox member that has set up the most tanks for the 2013 year, you would definitely take 1st prize. HA!

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-10-10, 22:52

You should see it at the shop the new rack has been installed. Will be plumbing 15 more tanks tomorrow Smile

fishNAbowl 2013-10-10, 22:59

Aquarium Co-Op wrote:You should see it at the shop the new rack has been installed. Will be plumbing 15 more tanks tomorrow

Very cool! Think I'm over due for a visit & getting low on those white calcium/algae pellets for my shell dwellers & root tabs.

**PokeSephiroth** 2013-10-11, 02:41

Would be great seeing you at the store tomorrow or on Saturday, Chad ! Smile

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-12-03, 02:58

It's alive again after the move! I decided to ditch the sump, and just run a canister filter for now...

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**PokeSephiroth** 2013-12-03, 03:37

woooohoooo!!

fishNAbowl 2013-12-03, 09:47

zach_discus 2013-12-03, 16:14

Aww love my sumps. I run a Herbie on both my 120 and 90. Dead silent, I also use a DJ strip and just turn the pumps off when I feed.

**Aquarium Co-Op** 2013-12-03, 20:24

I'd love to hear more about the DJ Strips Zach. I'm assuming they have a timer to auto turn back on?

Here are some shots of the Clowns moving.

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Poke's hand for size reference.
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At home at last!
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**PokeSephiroth** 2013-12-05, 00:22

Yay!! So glad they made it home safely! Smile

They will no longer be terrorized by kids. Hahahahaha

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