Leslies 1.2 V2.0

[leslie hempel]

The scape constantly changes according to new ideas developed due to learning, so I'm enjoying the sculpting process.

 

[leslie hempel]

Some DIY engineering to get the electrical down the overflow

 

[reef addict]

Coming along.

 

[leslie hempel]

Coming along.

rapidly

 

[leslie hempel]

Mini update

I made a small mistake with my base glass measurement and ordered the wrong size and braces, but its ok, ill just use that for the sump.
So I have reordered the pieces and have to fetch them later today.
a little rusty at this tank building thing so still dusting off the cobwebs here and there on certain issues

Ive semi finalized the scape, now to remove it from the stand and then drill all the holes in the base, I'm still not sure if i want to actually sand the base glass with a 60 grit sandpaper or not, the idea is to glue aragonite to the base and I'm not sure how well it will stock to the usual polished surface of the glass...maybe is should do a test but i dont have the time for a long-term stress text..

Ive been a bit stumped with the sump design, so many components and long-term implications to consider, and then BAM i got some inspiration this morning, so going to finalize the sump glass over the weekend and order Monday.

So far so good.

I managed to find a decent Mantis Tornado (4000lph) for my return, and another 10000lph for the one closed loop system, Ive got my eye on a second 10000lph but waiting for the owner to part with it.

Ive been lucky as usually when you try find a set of items at decent second hand pricing it can take months to assemble, this all happened in the last 2 weeks.. so Stoked!

Just looking for a kalkstirrer now and i have my massive Cal reactor but thinking id like to rather opt for a doser than Cal reactor. still undecided,

 

[leslie hempel]

Lots of measurements, lots of drilling and then lots of gluing!
its been a full weekend!

 

[leslie hempel]

.....and ofcourse a massive weekend for SA and our rugby team!!!

 

[J.C.]

The dimensions you have chosen are also what I like, and being a peninsula, should be amazing tank, keen to see the water flow and have a look.

 

[leslie hempel]

Due to the unknown of the closed loop flow pattern I'm pretty sure I'm gong to get some sand shifting and i hate the bald spots that open up and show the bare glass, so I am experimenting with gluing substrate to the glass., I considered a Plexiglas sheet but it will add to the expense of the build and going to be difficult to position with all my cutouts. i may still go that way depending on the adhesion results of the test.

 

[J.C.]

Thinking off the top of my head, a permanent sand glue to glass would not be as ideal as something that is more flexible down the line, well that would be my thought process.

 

[leslie hempel]

Organized a brand new 500lt bowser tank... stoked
Now to get pumps and pipes.

 

[leslie hempel]

Tank built now to pick this monster up and place on the stand!

 

[ianP]

Tank built now to pick this monster up and place on the stand!

Nice one Leslie! did you use spacing inbetween the silicone?

 

[leslie hempel]

Nice one Leslie! did you use spacing inbetween the silicone?

There's about .5mm of glue between the panes mainly so that the glass isn't seen. But its pretty solid.

Base was bonded float base style.

 

[leslie hempel]

Finally got the tank on the stand.
Freak yhis thing is heavy, the 4 pieces of 15mm alone equate to 95kg odd

The scape is only around 10-13kg

 

[leslie hempel]

2 Of the 3 pumps I'm using arrived, the 3rd needed is another 10000lph unit, I've found one and just need it to become available from the user.

I've been very lucky to get these so quickly, usually it can take months of searching to find a matching set of something at a good price and in good working order.

I'm hoping to couple the 2 larger units with 2 x 1 inch SCWD units for random flow, but I'm batteling to put that together as I need to import 12 units.

Tryung to put a group buy together for them. Let's see what they come back with.

 

[Dazz07]

that is some next level stuff sir

 

[leslie hempel]

that is some next level stuff sir

thank you bud, trying to see if i still have the touch.. loving the DIY...

 

[Brendon]

2 Of the 3 pumps I'm using arrived, the 3rd needed is another 10000lph unit, I've found one and just need it to become available from the user.

I've been very lucky to get these so quickly, usually it can take months of searching to find a matching set of something at a good price and in good working order.

I'm hoping to couple the 2 larger units with 2 x 1 inch SCWD units for random flow, but I'm batteling to put that together as I need to import 12 units.

Tryung to put a group buy together for them. Let's see what they come back with

Based on how you have done your plumbing, would you need to use non-return valves on the SCWD units? Depending on the what the landed cost will be, I would be interested in maybe 3 SCWD units.

 

[Brendon]

I've just realized you are running closed system flow loops so there would be no need for non-return valves