Jewell Tank Build - Sump Questions

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Okay! I think we are finally ready to start our REALLY slow tank build! I've been watching the boards, reading, talking with Frank and I think we are finally ready! Bear with us because we are VERY inexperienced at all of this...
We were given a used 92g corner bowfront with a nice stand/canopy. It was formerly a freshwater tank. I am in the process of removing the old siliconed-in plumbing (too short) so that I can add an internal overflow.
My husband is a carpenter and wants to incorporate the aquarium into an entertainment center. We are planning on running a separate electrical circuit just for the aquarium.
Attached is a photo of the tank and stand and in the next post, a diagram of what we would like to accomplish. Of course, plans may change as we learn more about what we are doing! :wink:
Wish us luck and post lots of advice!
Alise
 
Looks cool , good luck on the build. I've been building mine for 2 months now .
 
Here is the used sump we got from Frank. We are planning on putting it in the undercabinet to the right side of the tank (not in the pieshaped tank stand). How should we position the sump? It has two drilled holes in the top of one section, a large middle section (for the refugium?) and another good-sized section (for the skimmer?). Which way should we orient the sump?

Thanks!
Alise
 
Good luck on the build. You are doing it right by going nice and slow, I have always been in a hurry and I end up redoing everything at least once. Plan plan plan.
 
Thanks for the comments! We like the corner tank, but didn't have a great corner to put it in. By putting it on the main wall in our family room, everyone who enters our home will have a great view of the tank as well as anyone in the family room, or kitchen! My only concern is the potential water hazard next to the electronics.

Alise
 
Cool design. Wouldnt the light from the tank create too much glare in the evening to watch TV? I always try to get my tanks away from the TV or computer screen as possible.
 
@chrisT wrote:
Be aware that some light ballast create interferance if too close to a TV. said:
Thanks for the heads up. We are still working out the lighting, but were thinking of using icecap ballasts to run 6 t5's along with a 175w MH. Here is an idea we got from ReefCentral for lighting in the canopy. The height of the canopy may be an issue for the MH.
Alise
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@Anton M wrote:
Cool design. Wouldnt the light from the tank create too much glare in the evening to watch TV? I always try to get my tanks away from the TV or computer screen as possible. said:
I still have the original freshwater lighting that came with the tank. I may try it out tonight while we are watching TV. I realize the light intensity won't be the same as reef lighting, but at least I can get some idea. We are hoping that the way we have the tank positioned along with keeping the lights confined within the canopy will help. I don't like having too much extra light spilling into the room. I would rather have it all directed down into the tank.
Alise

P.S. The "cool design" is my husband's idea. It's a little modern for me, but don't tell him I said that! :wink:
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@ajewell wrote:
I don't like having too much extra light spilling into the room. I would rather have it all directed down into the tank. said:
What you are describing is a lot of light. It will likely brighten up the room quite a bit. I have 6 X 54w T5s, and when all the lights are on, it looks like I invited the sun into my living room.
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You may be right, it may be more light than I am expecting. Do you think we are planning too much light for our size aquarium? We eventually want to have a full reef aquarium with corals and maybe a clam. I know they require more light. We wanted to get the lighting right the first time.

What I meant by light spilling into the room was like you get from pendants suspended over the tank. I like the idea of using the canopy to shield some of that excess light.
Thanks for the input!
Alise

P.S. With the way the tank is angled away from the TV and with the way Brian is planning on trimming out the back side of the tank, I'm hoping that will also help shield light from the TV. What do you think?
 
Something about condensation, saltwater and electronic's in close proximity to each other, would keep me awake at night. Will you be venting out of the rear of the cabinet somehow. :?: I would also have one of those waterproof covers to keep salt creep away from the plug's. Other than that it looks like a very nice setup, I'm jealous already.

Cheers!
 
@ajewell wrote:
You may be right said:
Oh no, don't get me wrong. I don't think it is too much light. I'm just saying your room will be a lot brighter. You are right though... with a canopy, it will be indirect light in the room instead of direct light... which won't glare as badly. And with the tank facing away from the T.V., you will probably be fine.
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Google sketchup is a great tool. I love the sketches. I used the tool to design my light arrangement for my free 90g corner.

Something I noticed about your diagram is that you have the front of your tank right by a door.

I have several beginner books that all recommend that you place you tank in a low traffic area.

Unfortunately, with twin 2 1/2 yrs olds, I don't have such a place. Some of my fish (Coral Beauty and Tomato clown) spend most of their time hiding because of all the traffic.

Happily, my maroon clown seems to love the attention and my blue/green chomis aren't bothered either.

Best of luck, it's looking awesome.
Kurt
 
Plan looks great! 8)
Everyone will be able to view from the front door which I think will be an instant hit.
I have a 90g in a high traffic area close to my front door and the neighbors all agree it looks like an alien space ship is in my house at night from the T5 actinic lighting.(sidelight windows and an arch window above my front door)

I admit it is a little stressful for some of my fish when I have to pass by often on my way to the kitchen. With limited space, it pretty much had to go there or the dining room. We just enjoy sitting on the couch and watching the tank instead of the TV.

Good Luck and enjoy,
Gail
 
1) I am worried about the saltwater/electronics combination. Any suggestions on how to minimize risk with our current layout? We are planning on keeping the electronics and aquarium equipment on separate circuits.

2) We knew that the location would be a higher traffic area, but it was really the best location for the tank. We don't have as much traffic going right in front of it by the doorway (to bedrooms) as we do to the side.

3) Thanks for the kind comments about the design. Google sketchup and drafting are new to me, but it has been fun.

4) Any tips on the sump? We want it to have a refugium, and I plan on using an in-sump skimmer. Based on the photo above, what is the best use of the space and which end should be closest to our tank?
Thanks for all the advice! Keep it coming!

Alise
 
@bimmerzs wrote:
Will you be venting out of the rear of the cabinet somehow. :?: I would also have one of those waterproof covers to keep salt creep away from the plug's. Cheers! said:
Where would I find a waterproof cover and what does it look like? Does it go over the outlet?

Here is how the canopy currently sits on the tank. It has a lot of space on both back sides to vent heat. We may have to modify it to make it taller for MH light.

Alise
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