265g Filter Upgraded 2/6/13

My Wet/Dry filtration is a 15 year old SeaView 200 rated for 200 gallon tanks with a 950 gph Mag Drive pump. I purchased this Wet/Dry from a Mom and Pop fish store an hour away.
My system now:

My Wet/DrySump

The new one will be an Eshopps 300 for tanks up to 300g's and a new Mag Drive 1200 pump (1200gph).

This 300 Wet/Dry system is much larger than my SeaView 200. I'll be able to add all of my filter media from the old SeaView Wet/Dry and both Aqua Clears 110 and 70 then I can remove these 3 filters.

With the 2 HOB Planted Refugiums and the new Mag Drive 1200, I'll have a total of 1650gph which I feel will be more than enough filtration for this tank and this type of system. I'll have even more housing for beneficial bacteria than I currently am using. The gph will be less but the beneficial bacteria housing will be greater. (I counsider refugiums, filtration)

The new Eshopps 300 is level across the top where the SeaView 200 is not. The SeaView slopes to one end. With the Eshopps being level, my plan is to purchase refugium lighting and add plants turning this into a planted refugium too.

Thoughts and opinions are always welcome.

I'll keep you posted. It may be a few weeks before it all takes place.

Ken

 

15 years for the old one? I would say it served you well.
good luck with the redo.

 

Sounds like quite a system!

You know the only way we can believe you is with pictures

 

LOL....Yes, I will provide photos once I get the new system.

15 years...wow, such a long time ago! Thanks!

Ken

Good morning,

I did some on line comparison shopping and found the Wet/Dry 300 on sale saving $65, and too, I found the Mag Drive Pump 1200 also on sale, $40 off. Free shipping. Total $432.49. Not bad at all.

Sold!

New system on the way! Yeah!

Ken

The new filter has been shipped per email that I just received.

Weight 55lbs! Yeah, again for free shipping!

Ken

 

Woohoo!!!! can't wait for the photos!

 

The filter is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow.

Ken

 

265g Filter Upgrade (Soon!)

Looking forward to updates Ken how long will it take for you to swap the filters?

 

Good morning,

More than likely I will have to cement some PVC pipes into bulk heads so probably a couple of days. Depending on if the overflow box is bigger than I'm currently using. More than likely it is. Currently my overflow box is only rated for 1000gph. The new one is rated 1200gph. I'll measure and compare the sizes of both.

Too, I may have to silicone some tubing to directional U Tubes for the out flow. We'll soon see . Again, I'm hoping I can use the one's I'm currently using.

Then again, I may replace everything at one time. Use all new equipment and dispose of the old (tubes). Keeping what I can for spare parts.

Ken

 

265g Filter Upgrade (Soon!)

I would change it all in one go may as well and scavenge the rest for spares. Although it does sound like allot of work I had enough trouble with my canister filter for my big tank and compared to yours it's a bowl

 

I think you're right Magoo and will use all new and spare the old.

Might save myself some heartache down the road by doing so.

Ken

 

265g Filter Upgrade (Soon!)

I think it is probably the best idea and will save time later

 

HI Magoo,

My concern is the accordion hoses I'm currently using are new, from 1 year to a few months old and I know they do not leak or have any cracks in them. Using new accordion hoses, you never know until you have everything connected. I've also learned thanks to another forum member that if I need to replace 1 hose, to replace them both at the same time. Very good tip for me. lol

My last accordion hoses lasted for many years. So I feel certain the ones currently on the filter should last a long time. We'll see. I still like the idea of everything new.

More to come!

Ken

 

HI Ken,
Cool new filter (I do like Eshopps stuff)

You're upgrading the return pump yes? Essentially you're running a sump (to compare to my reef, so I understand).

If everything in your 'overflow' is rated at 1000GPH, don't run a higher rated pump.

In my speak, my linear overflow is about 16", capable of about 1000GPH - no matter how fast the pump, it will still only allow 1000GPH to flow
My durso standpipe (tubing) allows about 2100GPH (40mm[1.5"] piping) reducing to 1" piping (960GPH)

My return pump is 2000 LPH (530GPH), in other words there is no chance that my overflow, or plumbing cannot handle the return pump rate. The safety factor I built in is excessive, but I don't want the display to overflow.

Some interesting references:

 

265g Filter Upgrade (Soon!)

If they are new ish then I would keep using them and keep the newer ones as back ups
And if it saves a bit of work even better as it sounds like you've got allot on already

 

Thanks Ryan Magoo.

I will surely upgrade the overflow box (included with the new filter) if it is larger than the one I'm currently using to prevent a flood. I am going to use the 1200gph (upgrade) pump for sure. So, more than likely I will have to change it.

More fun! lol

Ken

 

Sounds good Ken.

I know you know what you're doing...

I was petrified with my reef setup with a sump..... did I get the maths right? Will it overflow?
Now.... I wonder what I was worried about (but the maths was important)

 

When I first went with Wet/Dry filtration 15 years ago, it was a bit confusing at first but everything fell into place.

Now, I have to say it's the best filtration system I've ever used. I'm also using a Wet/Dry on my 33g long. Love it!

Agreed, Eshopps is a very good brand.

Ken

 

Good morning,

The new filter arrived yesterday. It's a monster compared to the one I'm currently using. The box was damaged which scared me a bit but I filled the filter for a leak test, no cracks, seams are good.

I'll be working on this over the next few days. I need to find a Female Insert Adapter to fit the pump. I want to use one return hose instead of two. Heading to ACE this morning and if they do not have what I need then I'll have to order it.

This filter is 35g's, actually holds more water than my 33g long (obviously).

Thanks for looking! More photos to come as I start making connections. Today, I'll be cementing connections and fittings and then I'll have to let them cure for a couple of days or three.

Ken

 

That's a lot of bio balls

 

HI Ryan!

They sent 10g's of bio balls.

Ken

 

That is one big filter!!!

 

Good afternoon,

I found the pieces I needed for the pump at ACE. They were very helpful. I took the pump, a piece of hose that I had and the directional flow U tube with me and it was a breeze.

Ken

 

Good morning,


the 265g completely this morning and a water change. Now I can start fresh with the new filter. I'll start connecting pieces together tomorrow. My goal is to have it installed and running by my next water change in 5 days.

Thanks for staying tuned!

Have a nice weekend everyone!

Ken

 

265g Filter Upgrade (Soon!)

Good luck Ken looking forward to picture updates

 

Thanks Magoo!

I cemented 2 pvc pipes into the overflow box yesterday evening after connecting the bulk heads. PVC came inserted into the accordion hoses so I placed clamps on those. Attached the bulk heads to the drip tray tops.

Today I'll attach and cement the accordion hoses to the overflow box. I'll let this cure for at least 48 hours. I have to check the curing time on the label for the exact amount of time they need to cure. Then I'll silicone the connections. Too, I'll attach the directional U Tube to the tubing and silicone this connection too.

The rest of the clamping and silicone work can be done the day I set it all up.

Progress yeah!

Ken

 

I use flexible coupling to attach the accordion hose to the bulkhead for peace of mind. I didn't use cement just in case it needed servicing.




Note: No water is touching the coupling. It just holds the tube and bulkhead together. But the coupling will keep the water contained just in case the connection leaks or breaks.

 

265g Filter Upgrade (Soon!)

Sounds like you're getting there Ken did you use the accordion tubes you already had or did you go all new?

Just think of all the exercise you'll be getting with the new filter if it was me I would treat myself to some gooey chocolate cake once it's done

 

Thanks for the tip Matsungit! So the coupling is clamped over the bulkhead and a portion of the accordion hose correct? I see 2 silver clamps in your photo. What I cement is the PVC into the bulk head and then coat the connection with silicone to prevent leaks. If I need to ever changes hoses, (and it's happened before) the hose can still be pulled off the PVC and the PVC remains in the bulk head. I do clamp the hose to the PVC.

I will pick up some couplings, even with the PVC and bulkhead cemented, I think the coupling would be good to have on hand.

Thanks Magoo! Yes, I am using everything new. I'll keep all the old for spares.

mmmm cake!

Ken

Edit: I'm going to hold off on cementing the PVC into the bulk head and use Matsungit's tip for couplings. My life will be much easier with the couplings should I ever have to replace a hose.

Thanks again for the tip!

Ken

 

Thanks for the tip Matsungit! So the coupling is clamped over the bulkhead and a portion of the accordion hose correct? I see 2 silver clamps in your photo. What I cement is the PVC into the bulk head and then coat the connection with silicone to prevent leaks. If I need to ever changes hoses, (and it's happened before) the hose can still be pulled off the PVC and the PVC remains in the bulk head. I do clamp the hose to the PVC.

I will pick up some couplings, even with the PVC and bulkhead cemented, I think the coupling would be good to have on hand.

Thanks Magoo! Yes, I am using everything new. I'll keep all the old for spares.

mmmm cake!

Ken

Edit: I'm going to hold off on cementing the PVC into the bulk head and use Matsungit's tip for couplings. My life will be much easier with the couplings should I ever have to replace a hose.

Thanks again for the tip!

Ken

No PVC needed on the overflow bulk head since the hose lip will fit neatly inside the bulk head. Just slip the rubber coupling over the connection. If you are to do the same on the sump side you will need the PVC coupling since you're connecting to the opposite side of the bulk head. Oh, and you will find that the metal clamps come with the couplings.

 

Ok...I just tried to slip the accordion hose into the overflow bulk head and it does not fit. I can still make it work using the PVC (that came attached to the hose) and the couplings though.

Thanks!

Ken

 

You must have a larger ID hose. Your way will work better in that case. Check the OD of the hose and the bulk head. This will affect the size of the rubber coupling you need to get. You may need a 1-1/4" to 1-1/2" coupling instead of 1-1/4" to 1-1/4".

 

Ken

 

With the Eshopps being level, my plan is to purchase refugium lighting and add plants turning this into a planted refugium too.

Thoughts and opinions are always welcome.

Ok...I just tried to slip the accordion hose into the overflow bulk head and it does not fit. I can still make it work using the PVC (that came attached to the hose) and the couplings though.

Thanks!

Ken

Use the PVC that comes with the sump. If you want the accordions for flexibility, why not insert them elsewhere in the piping? It could be easier to adapt and still maintain flexibility.

Regarding the idea of the planted refugium: That is a good idea, will help you getting rid of nitrates too! Will only be effective once the plants begin to grow in earnest, so you won't be able to rely on it fully from the beginning... But, once it 'kicks in' it will be a complete filter (all-in-one, so to say). Are you just putting java moss in the refugium or something more specific?

 

HI Siggi,

Yes, I am going to use the PVC that came with the system which is only 5" pieces inserted into the accordion hoses that inserts into the bulk heads on the overflow box and the sump itself. There is no other piping. It's a straight shot from the overflow bulk heads to the bulk heads on the drip tray cover/top of the sump. I'm trying to keep this as simple as possible .

Now I'm using regular tubing and a directional U Tube for the return flow from the pump into the tank. Clamp both ends, very easy, done. I drilled a pin size hole in the directional U Tube to prevent a backward suction into the refugium section. If a hole is not drilled here, the water will continue to drain from the tank to the refugium creating an overflow in the refugium. The pin hole allows air in the tube and will stop the suction from the tank. Keep your eye on it! Expect some drainage from the tank to the refugium even with the pin hole but the hole will prevent draining too much! The hole should be drilled right above the water line. Hang the directional U Tube in the tank when full and mark the spot where you should drill.

I already have 2 hob refugiums on the 265g tank with a total of 40 Marimo balls, some Java Ferns. The refugium I'd like to create in the new filter, I'm considering adding Anubias attached to driftwood. These are the plants that I have the best of luck with so far. I still have to buy lighting and I'm going to use the same type of lamp/bulb that I have on my 2 hob refugiums.
https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/refugium-freshwater-update12-23-12.124134/

Thanks!

Ken

 

Upgrade Completed

Good afternoon,

I'm done and very happy to say the least. It took me several hours to disconnect, reconnect, transfer media, water change, finally I am done and the filter is working great!

The first photo is all of the media that I transferred from the old Wet/Dry, too, I added another 5 gallon bucket of blue bio balls. Now I have more filter media than I did before. All of the filter media from the Aqua Clear 110 and 70 also went into this Wet/Dry.

Other photos are simply showing the set up, the couplings that I used to make connections. Thanks to our member Magsungit for the coupling suggestion!.

I removed an Aqua Clear 110 and 70. I'll update my Aquarium Profile Information.

Now I have the Wet/Dry 300 powered by a Mag Drive 1200 and 2 hob refugiums. This pump is so strong and instead of splitting the returns, I used one large hose and it's working better than expected! I have some current now! lol The fish are doing great and were very curious to what I was doing. Got lots of hand kisses from the Bloody Parrots.

Thanks for all of the responses, tips and suggestions from everyone, and thanks to those for simply reading! It's appreciated.

Ken

 

Looks very nice! You're very much welcome! I wish I'll have more useful suggestions to the forum in the future. I ordered a JBJ Formosa SS tilt stand and it arrives today. I'm planning to retrofit it to my Odyssea Quad. Maybe in the future I can find a pressure switch to turn the power off when tilted.

 

Wow Ken!
That's a heck of a set up!

 

That is a very impressive filter Ken I don't think I've ever seen that much media ever

It's awesome I bet you are happy it is all done now

Did you remember to treat yourself to some chocolate cake once it was done?

 

Thanks Lucy, Magoo!

Prior to taking most of the photos, I had it all in place, plugged it in and then I had a leak at the seal below the overflow box. I removed and disconnected the overflow box, added some Teflon Tape to the threaded bulk head and reconnected it. Problem solved. Whew!

This new larger Mag Drive Pump is more silent than the 950 that I removed. Yeah! Now to order a spare Mag Drive 1200.

In the next few weeks, I'm going to order a new light, some driftwood, low light plants and make the tide pool area a refugium. I'm impressed with the room this filter has being 3' long.

Magoo, I did treat myself to Duncan Hines Brownies!

Ken

 

Thanks Lucy, Magoo!

Prior to taking most of the photos, I had it all in place, plugged it in and then I had a leak at the seal below the overflow box. I removed and disconnected the overflow box, added some Teflon Tape to the threaded bulk head and reconnected it. Problem solved. Whew!

This new larger Mag Drive Pump is more silent than the 950 that I removed. Yeah! Now to order a spare Mag Drive 1200.

In the next few weeks, I'm going to order a new light, some driftwood, low light plants and make the tide pool area a refugium. I'm impressed with the room this filter has being 3' long.

Magoo, I did treat myself to Duncan Hines Brownies!

Ken

Excellent brownies were an apt reward

Looking forward to seeing the refugium don't you just love shopping for your fish I know I do it's like Christmas for me when I get to go to my LFS which I am on Sunday woo hoo.

Are you going for marimos again? Maybe some java fern too I guess lowlight plants are better for your needs.

How are the angels in the 265g?

 

HI Magoo,

Shopping for my fish and tanks is always fun!

Yes, I will stick with low light plants and more than likely all Anubias, the smaller variety. The plants need to be small since the water level is low and Anubia BarterI should fit the bill.

The Angels have mad themselves right at home. They are not bothered by the large Bloody Parrots at all.

Ken

 

That's excellent news Ken I'm glad they are getting along well

If you want smaller anubias look at nana and of course bonsaI I love those little plants

 

Thanks Magoo! I'll check those out. I always forget which ones I have. I usually just refer to them all as Anubias.

Ken

 

Lol me too I have done lots of research when I was looking for plants for my big tank there are so many different kinds the bonsai's are so cute

 

Thanks Lucy, Magoo!

Prior to taking most of the photos, I had it all in place, plugged it in and then I had a leak at the seal below the overflow box. I removed and disconnected the overflow box, added some Teflon Tape to the threaded bulk head and reconnected it. Problem solved. Whew!

This new larger Mag Drive Pump is more silent than the 950 that I removed. Yeah! Now to order a spare Mag Drive 1200.

In the next few weeks, I'm going to order a new light, some driftwood, low light plants and make the tide pool area a refugium. I'm impressed with the room this filter has being 3' long.

Magoo, I did treat myself to Duncan Hines Brownies!

Ken

Did you check if the rubber washer is on the inside portion of the overflow? Your bulkhead may be cracked if you're getting leaks on the threads. If the rubber washer is missing you can get an appropriate sized o-ring (or rubber washer if you can find one) from the hardware store.

 

HI Matsungit,

Yes, the rubber washers/gaskets are inside the overflow box, I didn't have the nut that attaches it all tight enough. When I removed the overflow box to tighten them a bit more, I decided to add the Teflon Tape. I should have added the Teflon Tape in the first place. I had the tape on my pump threads but failed to put it on the bulk heads.

I'm going now to check for leaks...Whew! All good . It's been 24 hours and no leaks. To me, this is like buying new fish, the first 24 hours being crucial.

I was very careful not to get the couplings too tight because I remembered you saying you accidentally cracked your bulk heads.

Thanks!

Ken

 

Wow, i'd just like to say that setup is something I literally dream about having! Beautiful thank you so much for sharing

 

Thanks RyanK!

Ken

 

HI Matsungit,

Yes, the rubber washers/gaskets are inside the overflow box, I didn't have the nut that attaches it all tight enough. When I removed the overflow box to tighten them a bit more, I decided to add the Teflon Tape. I should have added the Teflon Tape in the first place. I had the tape on my pump threads but failed to put it on the bulk heads.

I'm going now to check for leaks...Whew! All good . It's been 24 hours and no leaks. To me, this is like buying new fish, the first 24 hours being crucial.

I was very careful not to get the couplings too tight because I remembered you saying you accidentally cracked your bulk heads.

Thanks!

Ken

As long as you didn't put too much teflon tape I guess you'll be fine. Too much will cause stress that can make PVC crack. Mine cracked because the Eshopps bulkhead was cheap plastic and I accidentally dropped it. Now it has the right ones (schedule 40) but I had to cut off some edges to make it fit. You might not notice but threaded PVC are tapered (not sure about bulkheads) making teflon tape unrecommended and unnecessary. Tightening will unnecessarily increase stress on the joint. If you have to use teflon tape you can use liquid teflon or thread sealant instead.

 

Thanks for the additional info Mansungit!

Ken