Upgrade/build thread: 20 gallon to 50 gallon

[harpua2002]

As many of you have seen in my other posts, the 20 gallon reef has become to small to house our coral collection. It's time for an upgrade. I've had this drilled 50 gallon for a couple of years and now it's finally come time to set it up!
Dimensions are 36x18x18. Last night a member of the reef club came over to help us with plumbing. We'll be using a 20 gallon long for a sump.

Here's the tank. You can see the collection of PVC that's been growing while we tried to figure out the plumbing.


Here are some shots of the plumbing in progress. What a pain, LOL.




We're going to leak test in about an hour and a half. If all goes well, we may start the transfer later tonight. Might have to wait until tomorrow, though.

[djbrist]

What fun, it will be beautiful when it comes to life. Waiting for the coming pictures.

Dave

[harpua2002]

25 minutes until leak test....

[harpua2002]

*sigh*
We found a small leak in the return plumbing. Time for more PVC glue and we'll see what happens in a couple of hours.

[bolivianbaby]

Hang in there, you'll get resolved soon. Please keep us posted

[harpua2002]

Oh, for sure... I'll be keeping you all posted in a couple of hours when the PVC glue is cured! LOL

*edit*
Found another tiny leak. We're trying the PVC cement again and will retest in a couple hours.

[harpua2002]

Still working with the plumbing. I think we've almost got it under control. We're draining the tank tomorrow, and will start the upgrade in the morning.

[aquarist48]

Congrats on setting up the new tank Harpua! Plumbing drilled tanks can be a bit trying at times but well worth it in the end. Can't wait to see it up and running!

[harpua2002]

Thanks Ken!

*edit*
This morning's test went great. We're rinsing aragonite sand and will be beginning the transfer soon!

[bolivianbaby]

Swweeettt!

[harpua2002]

The sand is still dusty. We have the tank full of FW right now and are running a HOB filter on there to try to clear it up.

[harpua2002]

Getting better! The system is running with SW and the skimmer is running in the sump...

[harpua2002]

Well, we've been working on it since about 9 this morning. It's been a slow process for sure. It's really difficult to get the valves tuned just right so the display doesn't drain the sump, and vice versa. Pics coming soon.

*edit* Pics!

[MizRamzi]

I'm getting dizzy just reading this. It's looking wonderful Harpua. I'm soooo glad your making it look easy otherwise I'd get discouraged with my dreams of a bigger bigger bigger tank

Keep the pic's coming I'm finding this very very cool to watch.

[harpua2002]

LOL thanks!
It's done now. Here are some more pics. It doesn't really look that blue in person!
the sump:

FTS:

[bolivianbaby]

That looks fabulous!

Great work!

[ABCDemily]

Oh gosh! This is a beautiful tank! Aged nine I helped do sump plumbing for a 250 gallon saltwalter built into a wall!

And I'm glad I see the mandatory towels for unwanted spills!

Good luck, it's gorgeous, I know your hard work'll pay off soon

[harpua2002]

Thanks! It's got a long way to go before the corals grow in, but we'll get there eventually.