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View Full Version : 55 Gal Aquarium in Wall, diy sump, stand, overflow, lighting, diy everything lol



dbfzurowski
10-13-2011, 12:32 AM
Hello Good People!!!

Please allow me to present you my journey, to how I build the ultimate entertainment/relaxation point in my home.

End of spring, beginning of summer my condo became available for total remodeling! One among many, many projects that has kept me up at night thinking, planning
smiling the most was the in wall tank!

It had been discussed a number of times with my awesomely supportive wife. The pros...and the cons.....In the end, my love for fish took the podium, in wall tank it is!

It might not seem like much for some, but I find peace and relaxation every time I look at it and that my friends that makes me proud of what I have accomplished.

Enough of this boring into, lets cut to the pictures!

For future reference, front side is looking at tank from my living room, back side is in my office.
Some of the pictures were taken with my phone so please forgive the quality.

Simple beginning, measure out where the tank needs to be in the wall.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/IMG-20110526-00006.jpg


Then Begin cutting,

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/IMG-20110526-00004.jpg


Little more

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/IMG-20110527-00007.jpg


Then other side,

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/IMG-20110527-00008.jpg


Much more on back side

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/IMG-20110529-00014.jpg


Not much to look at, for now.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/IMG-20110529-00013.jpg





So then I build my header and base

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/IMG-20110529-00022.jpg
At this point I have removed all of the old electrical, well everything.


and front view
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/IMG-20110529-00017.jpg



I pulled a separate 15amp line dedicated for the aquarium
You can see electrical pipe running on top with one outlet for lighting, then going on right side where my two switches are, down to stand.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/IMG-20110530-00024.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/IMG-20110530-00023.jpg



I have planned and build everything, that if there is a need to disassemble it, I could do so with out any problems. Even saved the carpet under the stand.
That would be all for this episode. Good night.

Second Hand Pat
10-13-2011, 01:35 AM
Awesome Dominik

dbfzurowski
10-13-2011, 01:18 PM
Thanks, more to come later.

ZX10R
10-13-2011, 01:28 PM
NICE!!!!! can't wait to see the final show. I love built in tanks

dbfzurowski
10-13-2011, 06:55 PM
Due to lack of time/camera I didn't take any pictures further during the build. So these next pictures are of already completed project.

The stand I made out of one piece of finished plywood 4'x8'. I cut out the openings for cabinet doors with a skill saw and used them as doors.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-10-13172944.jpg

I used Black hinges and door handles to match the tank frame. Screws were gold to kinda blend in with the wood, they dont but still better then using black.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-10-13172923.jpg

Lamp is same as last build, Home Depot 4' fluorescent bulb fixture attached with black chains on both sides. Plugged into my timer which is plugged into my new outlet

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-10-13172845.jpg

dbfzurowski
10-13-2011, 07:17 PM
Overflow and sump.


For the overflow I took 4" and 2.5" pvc pipes. I split them into two halves and put one over the other

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-10-13173036.jpg


I drilled holes on bottom and then jigsaw across it. I did it this way so that debris can be sucked out from bottom. With this system I have not once had to vacuum the bottom.
Much better then traditional overflow from top imo.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-10-13173017.jpg

Soon after the setup good bacteria/algae started growing in my overflow, good stuff :)

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-10-13173056.jpg


Drains down to stand. One drain inside the wall, other just barely fits next to my desk.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-10-13173139.jpg


It all goes to my sump

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-10-13173229.jpg



Now the sump is a 25G high tank. I used 1/4 acrylic to divide the tank into 3 compartments. 1st is to hold my micro sock in place. I am using short 6", 5micron socks. Soon I will get 14" 25-50 micron so that it wont clog so fast. 2nd is where my K1 moving media will go. In mail as we speak. Bioballs have done great so far but its time to rid of them. 3rd is for my 600gph pump. I have it turned down to about 350gph

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_video-2011-10-13-17-35-29.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/?action=view&current=video-2011-10-13-17-35-29.mp4)
Digital Finnex heater and fusion700 air pump. All is controlled with switches next to my drains.

dbfzurowski
10-13-2011, 07:24 PM
Wallah!!!

Current stock:
-4 discus from Kenny
-3 green corycats
-4 bristlenose plecos
-4 german blue rams(2pair)
-25 blood fin tetras
-1 angelfish
Overstock you say? Damn right it is!!!! 3more discus coming in about two months.
Filter does its job is all I have to say

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_video-2011-10-13-17-33-49.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/?action=view&current=video-2011-10-13-17-33-49.mp4)

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-10-13173652.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-10-13173635.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-10-13173619.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-10-13173242.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/100_2023-1.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/IMG-20110625-00047.jpg

Wood is from PC1. Sand is pool filter sand. I love the simple look of it.


Thanks for watching.

Second Hand Pat
10-13-2011, 09:35 PM
Darn nice and great job :)

Darrell Ward
10-13-2011, 10:26 PM
It looks nice, and perhaps I missed something, but with water entering the overflow at the bottom of the tank, what prevents the tank from draining and overflowing the sump when the pump goes out during a power outage?

dbfzurowski
10-13-2011, 10:50 PM
Darrell; There are two layers there.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/waterflow.jpg

The smaller pipe works as a regular overflow, collecting water that overflows to it. The bigger one, is taller then the smaller. This causes the water to be pushed up from the bottom.
When I flip the switch for the pump, the inside of the smaller pipe is empty while the area between small and big pipe has water equal to tank water height.

dbfzurowski
10-13-2011, 10:53 PM
Thanks Pat, I cant wait for new discus. I think a pair of Piwowarski tefe RSG will look nice in there

Darrell Ward
10-13-2011, 11:04 PM
OK, thanks! Interesting design.

dbfzurowski
10-13-2011, 11:22 PM
It works great. With nothing but sand on bottom all my debris gets pushed down to the overflows and sucked up to sump, just as planned :)

Second Hand Pat
10-14-2011, 12:47 AM
Thanks Pat, I cant wait for new discus. I think a pair of Piwowarski tefe RSG will look nice in there

Dominik, I agree. If I wasn't doing wilds I would be all over those Piwowarski. :)

Second Hand Pat
10-14-2011, 12:48 AM
OK, thanks! Interesting design.

Darrell, the overflow on the 230 is exactly like this. It really does pull the junk off the bottom.

judy
10-14-2011, 11:33 AM
That is a great design!

ZX10R
10-14-2011, 01:27 PM
I like the look and very interesting idea on the overflow I will have to remember this one.

Sean

jimmyjoe
10-14-2011, 01:41 PM
Very nice Dominick, is carpentry a side job of yours or did you have help with all the innards I mean the electrical and plumbing? Jim in Ohio

dbfzurowski
10-14-2011, 05:47 PM
Thanks guys.

I had the opportunity to work/learn all few years ago and I got kinda good at it.
Plus I'm Polish so carpentry knowledge is a must, specially here in Chicago.

I had some help
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/IMG-20110611-00037-1.jpg

my wife :)

Besides that I would invite people over for bbq/drinks and make them paint etc :)

My K1 media just came in, yay!!!

Stag
10-14-2011, 06:22 PM
Really great idea with the overflow. Your tank is inspiring. Thanks for posting the project.

dbfzurowski
10-14-2011, 07:00 PM
Thanks Stag. I love it!
Overflow took some time to plan and even tho its not the pretties of all, it does its job.

Pat,
I really, really wanted this tank to be full of wilds. But I came to a conclusion that they would not be happy in such a motion/sound busy environment as my living room/office is.
Kenny's discus are gorgeous. I had more but some died during the power outages begging of summer. Rest got a little neglected but I had remodeling/new job/getting married going on so busy busy...

I went to my LFS recently where I sold one of my discus earlier this year. I often wondered what happened to him....and there he was, in their display aquarium. It was good to see he was still alive :)

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/IMG-20110705-00055.jpg

Second Hand Pat
10-15-2011, 12:44 AM
Hey Dominik, good to see your discus still alive and actually looks pretty good at the lfs. I have a "sort of" new tank which is located in my family room and it is full of wild tefes and they are as happy as little pigs. The tank is in a corner and is a big tank at 230 gallons.

dbfzurowski
10-16-2011, 02:15 PM
I assumed wilds would like a place to hide etc. With my "see through" design and nothing but one branch of wood I was afraid they my be to skittish. Oh and I was kinda worried I wouldn't be able to take care of them. Next time we move, hopefully to a house I will build my own tank T shaped with a biggg a** tree stump in middle. That tank will be filled with wilds for sure! I can't wait :)

Anyhow...

So yesterday I took out my bioballz from the sump and threw in K1 Kaldnes media. I read that it can take up to 4weeks for this thing to start moving around.
I'm hoping for much sooner :)


http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_video-2011-10-16-12-53-28.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/?action=view&current=video-2011-10-16-12-53-28.mp4)

Today one of my female German Blue Rams died after its morning feeding. Its belly was so full... I saw no signs of illness or anything. I wonder if maybe I had an ammonia spike but then again all other fish are ok...
No idea but it looks like I might have to bust out my 10G QT and buy another female, we shall see.

Second Hand Pat
10-16-2011, 02:24 PM
Dominik, you removed your seeded bio-media and replace it with new...I would check your ammonia like now.

ericatdallas
10-16-2011, 04:43 PM
Darrell; There are two layers there.

The smaller pipe works as a regular overflow, collecting water that overflows to it. The bigger one, is taller then the smaller. This causes the water to be pushed up from the bottom.
When I flip the switch for the pump, the inside of the smaller pipe is empty while the area between small and big pipe has water equal to tank water height.

Wow, I was wondering the same thing...

First, AWESOME looking tank.

Second, wow, that's one complicated system. Did you think of it? Are there any other sites explaining it?

dbfzurowski
10-16-2011, 05:33 PM
I upped my wc and eased up on feedings since Friday. I just checked ammonia, 0, but then again I just did another wc. I will keep an eye on it.

Eric, thanks
As far a overflow goes, I am not aware of anything out there. I did think of it and I haven't seen anyone do one like it. Main reasons were to pull debris off bottom and not having floating plants sucked up from top. I'm still debating if I should get some amazon frogbit, I kinda like the clean look of my tank, plus everyone thinks its saltwater lol
If you want I can explain in more detain how it works, how to build one. It's pretty easy actually. Hardest thing was splitting the pipes in half. First I tried with a table saw and I ended up cutting my nail off(very painful). Jig saw worked much better :)

jlcoop277
10-16-2011, 05:54 PM
I've seen others that pull from the bottom, but not as well thought out as yours. I almost did something similar and still might, but I'm about to get rid of all plants so I may not, but I love the design.

ericatdallas
10-16-2011, 08:18 PM
I upped my wc and eased up on feedings since Friday. I just checked ammonia, 0, but then again I just did another wc. I will keep an eye on it.

Eric, thanks
As far a overflow goes, I am not aware of anything out there. I did think of it and I haven't seen anyone do one like it. Main reasons were to pull debris off bottom and not having floating plants sucked up from top. I'm still debating if I should get some amazon frogbit, I kinda like the clean look of my tank, plus everyone thinks its saltwater lol
If you want I can explain in more detain how it works, how to build one. It's pretty easy actually. Hardest thing was splitting the pipes in half. First I tried with a table saw and I ended up cutting my nail off(very painful). Jig saw worked much better :)

Ouch! You should write it up! It's an interesting idea... it's different at least! I love stuff like this and learning about it even if I never do it :)

Bayou Discus
10-16-2011, 09:46 PM
Nice tank! You did a great job!

The overflow is similar to what Aqueon uses on their "mega overflows". I have a 120 gallon Aqueon that has dual overflows that are designed very similar to pull water from lower depths and not just the surface.

dbfzurowski
10-29-2011, 03:51 PM
I recently took a closer look at some of the overflows at my LFS on those bigger tanks and its a very similar double wall system.

Whats new? I have two pairs of GBR that keep on digging a pit on both sides of the tank, it's pretty cool but I stir my sand twice a week and they do not like that lol.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/100_2032.jpg



Finally my K1 started moving around, I really didn't want any power heads in there. Sump design and strategically placed air stones create somewhat of a circular water movement

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/100_2027.jpg

Video

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_100_2028.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/?action=view&current=100_2028.mp4)


Shot of my biggest one ~5in
With my cheap camera its impossible to capture its true colors, one day I shall poses a DSLR camera!

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/100_2034.jpg


Short Video of my tank. Patiently awaiting my Piwowarski fish...

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_100_2029.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/?action=view&current=100_2029.mp4)






Happy Halloween!!!

laborelch
10-29-2011, 04:51 PM
Love it! Very nice! :)

Melissa
10-30-2011, 01:49 PM
WOOOOW!!!!!!!

dbfzurowski
10-30-2011, 02:23 PM
Thanks :)

I'm working on getting a golden nugget pleco for this tank. I think it would be a nice addition.

dbfzurowski
11-02-2011, 10:38 PM
So its a no go on the golden nuggets. I'll talk to my local importer see what else i can keep with discus.

FINALLY I was able to record my German Blue Rams digging. My sand is about 2in near the filter and they dig down to the glass every week :)

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_ramsdiggingahome.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/?action=view&current=ramsdiggingahome.mp4)

My other pair used to do the same thing on the other side of tank. I guess they got tired of it.

Still patiently awaiting my Piwowarski fish...

I already planned my next tank. 500gal 4'x4'x4' plywood tank. Should be super fun:) I'm thinking 2years from now...maybe 3

Second Hand Pat
11-02-2011, 11:13 PM
Dominik, give your rams a round, flat rock to spawn on and maybe they will quit digging.

dbfzurowski
11-03-2011, 12:14 AM
They are laying eggs right now. The eggs are very similar to the size of my sand, just a little darker in color. I imagine they will be gone in the morning.
Round stone you say? Should I stick in the hole they dig? Also, does color matter?

dbfzurowski
11-03-2011, 09:17 AM
Well, looks like my corycats ate the eggs. I'm trying to decide if I should get my qt tank up and running and try to breed these.

Second Hand Pat
11-03-2011, 09:29 AM
Dominik, a round, flat river rock will work great. Home depot has rocks like this by the bag.

dbfzurowski
11-05-2011, 10:22 PM
I see them digging again... Supposed to be nice here tomorrow so maybe I'll go pick a rock out from local river.

So I guess there is no hope of getting Piwowarski sub adults anytime soon....I'm considering getting some fry and growing them out, a Red Turq x RSG cross.

What to do? what to do?

Second Hand Pat
11-05-2011, 10:26 PM
Dominik, Bill has the Red Turq x RSG cross as 1-3 inch fry. Maybe there are some left.

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?91012-1-3-inch-fish-finally-available

dbfzurowski
11-05-2011, 10:31 PM
If I find a replacement impeller for my 40gal tank tomorrow, I'm getting 6(if available)

TNT77
11-05-2011, 10:34 PM
If your looking for a sharp pleco. You can try L134s. I've kept them in with discus ever since I've started and never had an issue with the temp. In fact I've had them breed in my tanks with discus. I believe Snookn21 has some for sale on aquabid.
But if your really into getting the Gold Nugget or Rio Irris I believe Snookn also has them for sale.

dbfzurowski
11-06-2011, 01:02 AM
thanks for the info, I will look into these

dbfzurowski
11-07-2011, 02:47 PM
So I come home last night, pretty late and I see 2 german blue rams dead! I was like wth! I go to fish them out and the water is cold. Look at my heater its showing 71 deg! Led temp works but Not heating. I go to my storage where I have a spare one, its cracked! I dig through my storage and I found an old jager, 100W. Put it in the tank and bought 2 new from kensfish.com. In the instructions I asked to be shipped asap, I got a reply from Ken same night that it will be mailed in the AM(I knew I could count on him!). This morning temp @79, little heater is having trouble but I hope it holds. Fish seemed OK but I need it to be 4 alrdy so I could go home and check on them!

dacevedom
11-10-2011, 02:56 AM
Very nice set up... i hope i can see more of this tank progress

Theloachguy
11-10-2011, 08:20 PM
yep. nice setup.

CrazyAngels
11-20-2011, 03:42 AM
I noticed you had a FINNEX digital in your write up as I read thru it and then I get to this part. I had the same issue, where two of my five heaters just flat quit working on me also. The heaters were only 2 months old. I've had a hard time getting FINNEX to respond to the e-mails.

BTW, you have done one heck of a great job with your setup, thank you for sharing it with us. Congrats


So I come home last night, pretty late and I see 2 german blue rams dead! I was like wth! I go to fish them out and the water is cold. Look at my heater its showing 71 deg! Led temp works but Not heating. I go to my storage where I have a spare one, its cracked! I dig through my storage and I found an old jager, 100W. Put it in the tank and bought 2 new from kensfish.com. In the instructions I asked to be shipped asap, I got a reply from Ken same night that it will be mailed in the AM(I knew I could count on him!). This morning temp @79, little heater is having trouble but I hope it holds. Fish seemed OK but I need it to be 4 alrdy so I could go home and check on them!

space_madness
11-20-2011, 09:51 AM
new on here and just snoopin and poopin. your overflow is inventive and inspiring. does it make a bunch of noise??

dbfzurowski
11-20-2011, 02:42 PM
Thanks guys.

The last finnex only lasted few months. I just bought a visi-therm and it doesnt heat over 80deg, think I'll just stick to jagers for now.

The overflow by it self isnt bad. Most of the noise comes from running water in the plumbing. All depends how much water I run through it. I got about 500gph running on it now so its a bit loud. When I turn it down to about 300gph its quiet. I'm thinking about putting some isolation on the plumbing to reduce the noise.
I just cleaned my air pump because it was getting loud, just used simple green on everything and its like new.


Finished setting up my 40g grow out tank.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-11-20122330.jpg

Drilled left side for easy garden hose water changing :)
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-11-20122407.jpg

For the stand, I bought a TV stand as I needed something short. The top and bottom pieces of the stand were empty on the inside. Worrying if it would support the tank I drilled a bunch of holes from the bottom and I filled it with sealer foam found at home depot.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-11-16195253.jpg
My ideas amaze me sometimes :)

Looks like my K1 has settled in nicely. Notice the color difference between 1st vid and 3rd.

When I got it in.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_video-2011-10-16-12-53-28.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/?action=view&current=video-2011-10-16-12-53-28.mp4)

2Weeks later
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_100_2028.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/?action=view&current=100_2028.mp4)

Now, with my new 14" 100micron filter sock.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_video-2011-11-20-12-25-51.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/?action=view&current=video-2011-11-20-12-25-51.mp4)

Take care,
Dominik

dbfzurowski
12-17-2011, 11:31 AM
fish coming in today, YAY!!!

Chicago Discus
12-17-2011, 08:01 PM
Thanks :)

I'm working on getting a golden nugget pleco for this tank. I think it would be a nice addition.

I have a golden nugget Pleco if you build me a tank you can have him LOL.......Josie

dbfzurowski
12-20-2011, 11:48 PM
haha, I am itching for a new build ;)

New fish arrived Saturday. They were purchased from Chad @Hughes Hatcheries
1 Cobalt
1 Briliant
1 Eruption Leopard
1 Red Turq
1 Ring Loepard
All small ~3in. I have some growing out to do but this time around I actually have time for water changes. I do 80% a day.
I'll see how it'll differ vs 1wc every1-2-3 weeks like with my last babies. Wedding/remodeling/new job kept me quite busy.
They are a little camera shy so no pictures yet but they are top notch!!!

ps. Josie if you ever decide to sell it, let me know :)

Second Hand Pat
12-21-2011, 12:50 AM
Dominik, pictures when ready :)

TNT77
12-21-2011, 12:54 AM
Dominik, pictures when ready :)
+1

dadecountyalan
01-28-2012, 10:11 PM
this thread needs a update!

dbfzurowski
02-13-2012, 01:04 AM
I have been quite busy despite my plan for this year to do nothing but relax after work.

Anyways, so I got these from Chad ~2months ago
1 Cobalt
1 Briliant
1 Eruption Leopard
1 Red Turq
1 Ring Loepard

Man, growing these out has been a lot of work..lol... 90% wc every 1-2 days. I feed 3-4 times a day-FDBW, FBW, FBS, BH flake and regular flake.
Took a long time for these to actually swim around with me in front of the tank, quite shy I must say.

This will be my 3rd batch of young discus that I will be growing. So far in every group there has been one fish that just wouldn't eat as much and it wouldn't grow. In this case its my Eruption Leopard. I'm super sad because I only have 2 spotted fish and really wanted this one to get big. I decided to do a heat treatment on it. Pulled it out last week and today I started raising the temp. There is a lot of positive feedback with this treatment so fingers crossed!!!
Here are some videos. Unfortunately I had to use my droid because it seems like my HD cam charger is MIA.

The height on the brilliant is insane.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_video-2012-02-12-22-30-33.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/?action=view&current=video-2012-02-12-22-30-33.mp4)
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_video-2012-02-12-22-32-50.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/?action=view&current=video-2012-02-12-22-32-50.mp4)
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_video-2012-02-12-22-35-17.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/?action=view&current=video-2012-02-12-22-35-17.mp4)
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_video-2012-02-12-22-36-08.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/?action=view&current=video-2012-02-12-22-36-08.mp4)
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_video-2012-02-12-22-36-53.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/?action=view&current=video-2012-02-12-22-36-53.mp4)

For my in-wall 55G tank, all has been good. I see a lot of shaking and "dancing" between my two Albino Cobalt throwbacks.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_video-2012-02-12-22-38-01.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/?action=view&current=video-2012-02-12-22-38-01.mp4)
If I get a pair from these two I will deff try to breed them :)
No idea what the offspring would look like.

Stay worm!

dbfzurowski
02-13-2012, 07:09 PM
Um, spawn cleaning or just plastic hungry??? I will post these in the breeding section.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_video-2012-02-12-23-23-16.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/?action=view&current=video-2012-02-12-23-23-16.mp4)

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_video-2012-02-12-23-24-22.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/?action=view&current=video-2012-02-12-23-24-22.mp4)

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_video-2012-02-12-23-25-25.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/?action=view&current=video-2012-02-12-23-25-25.mp4)

fdlacy
04-04-2012, 12:30 PM
Dominik:

Can you please let me know what parts you used in the picture above where you drilled the left side for easy garden hose water changes? Looks like some type of bulkhead with intake strainer attached to schedule 40 PVC parts. I would live to the same thing.

Thanks,

Darren

MightyEvil
04-11-2012, 05:22 PM
How many bloodfins do you have in there? I love bloodfins, I have 11 myself, want to get more but I have like 3 females that look like they are about to pop... I added some anubias and some anacharis at the top of my aquarium but it is a bare bottom. I am hoping there is enough cover for tetra fry, if some survive, I wont have to buy more but if they dont, then no choice...

dbfzurowski
04-11-2012, 07:02 PM
I have 30 bloodfins. They are the hardiest tetra I ever had. Love them, half stay on top, half on bottom and discus swim between them. Awesome i tell you!

For the drain. Bulkhead from fishstore(1 1/4-1/2 sorry dont remember) threaded on the inside. 90deg 3/4" pvc(from Home depot) with same size thread. That goes into the bulkhead. I've had one where it glues in but then to remove you have to cut it off.
So now you got
bulkhead - elbow - glue in 3/4 plastic valve(home depot located by pvc and copper valves)- then 3/4 adapter to connect a garden hose.
You can grab a few and just walk over to garden section see which one will fit.

Once all that is done. I took a 3/4 pvc pipe(~3" left from connecting elbow-valve-adapter) and silicone it in between valve and tank glass so that when you go to turn the valve the bulkhead doesn't move.

Hope it helps, ask if you need more info.

dbfzurowski
10-25-2012, 09:29 PM
Back again with more diy!

So as I'm getting ready for my awesome Piwowarski RTs yay yay! I decided to build a moving bed bio filter.
I've seen many different setups but decided to go with a bottle :)

I though about it for a while... and wondered how efficient some of these setups are...
Basically you need water to pump in-do its thing-pump out. Now how does air do it? How does air inside a bottle pump water? Answer is..... it doesnt.
The way I see it:
Lets take a sponge filter for example. Ever wonder why it always comes with a plastic tube that goes on top? Because air bubbles push water up. If there is no tube water gets pushed aside. I made two low quality videos :) so you could see the difference between having air line inside bottle and one where air line sits inside a pvc pipe under the bottle pumping water up.



http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_video-2012-10-24-18-44-40.jpg (http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/video-2012-10-24-18-44-40.mp4)

Notice water level inside the bottle. Definitely water being pumped inside :)
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_video-2012-10-24-18-46-59.jpg (http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/video-2012-10-24-18-46-59.mp4)

blueangel150
10-25-2012, 10:38 PM
really nice set up, I always want a aquarium in the wall hopefully some day I would have my own, but if I ever decide to do it I know the rite person to asks questions!!!! lol:p

bogia99
10-27-2012, 06:23 PM
love your overflow design.

if you flip your bottle around then the narrow top with air trying to escape will push the water moving along a bit faster. And if you keep the top portion just under the water surface that will help to increase the volume flow.

this is my diy biofilters - no cleaning because food barely get stuck to the bioballs (that is why I didn't use K1)... if it does then I just shake it a bit and that its.
http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l570/bogia99/fish%20related/preview_image_0_97724062x.jpg?t=1351376226

dbfzurowski
10-29-2012, 08:43 PM
Thx for the tip. I tried it. Seems to pump the water faster but I had my K1 flowing out of the bottle so no go on that :(

So to "disinfect" the tank I added a ton of salt yesterday. Just did a wc and next comes pp, that should take care of anything unwanted...
Time to research quick cycle products. :)

bogia99
10-30-2012, 01:21 PM
drill a couple holes near the bottom of the pvc pipe (inside), insert a stainless steel pin in there ... problem solved. now you have an inverted non-moving bed filter :)

Sandy Clay
10-30-2012, 03:54 PM
Wow! That is just awesome!

dbfzurowski
02-27-2013, 01:14 AM
Think it might be time for an update lol
Main in-wall tank is doing good besides one discus hunting down my blood fin tetras. I'm down to 6 from ~25...

Now for my Piwowarski RTs that I got from Kraig...
Received Dec 15, 2012

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/Piwowarski%20RTs/Dec%2015%202012/2012-12-15164019_zps9f269ea0.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/Piwowarski%20RTs/Dec%2015%202012/2012-12-15164038_zpsb94898ce.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/Piwowarski%20RTs/Dec%2015%202012/2012-12-15172701_zpsd0ad875e.jpg

They get a 70%-80% water change every 1-2 days with straight primed tap water @ ~83*F
Feeding FDBlackworms, frozen bloodworms/brine shrimp and flake

Feb 26, 2013

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/Piwowarski%20RTs/Feb%2026%202013/IMG_0043_zps1ec69bab.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/Piwowarski%20RTs/Feb%2026%202013/IMG_0048_zps318d7e29.jpg

This is a female. I've seen her lay eggs twice now. There is one more confirmed female but shes camera shy...

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/Piwowarski%20RTs/Feb%2026%202013/IMG_0046_zpsd0c21d5a.jpg

Male

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/Piwowarski%20RTs/Feb%2026%202013/IMG_0047_zps92ba8cea.jpg
Haven't seen wrigglers because my BN pleco eats all the eggs but I'm really not looking to breed these now.

All looks good so far. 3/6 have grown noticeably, rest is hard to say since I see them everyday.
I'm kinda amazed that my two 100W Jagers that I calibrated in December are still synchronized. They both turn on at the same time which wasnt an easy thing to accomplish :)

Hopefully I'll be able to get them into a bigger tank soon. That 40G is getting small especially with two pairs chasing everyone around.

Take care.

rubinsteinnyc
02-27-2013, 04:06 AM
sliczna ta RT :)

andyl9063
03-08-2013, 11:22 AM
hey dbfzurowski

nice design. can you give more info about your sump design and the overflow?
The idea is interesting. I'm setting up a 220g so it would help in the vac of the substrate.

Fuze_drinker
03-30-2013, 09:23 PM
Cool stuff, I will probably still your idea on the overflow design but I'm gonna pain mine black with krylon fusion spray paint.

hillbillyamber
07-18-2013, 11:31 PM
Would love to see an update on this one!

dbfzurowski
08-16-2013, 12:55 AM
Oh Its been a long time since I've been here. I moved so no more in-wall tank :(
Fish are doing great! One pair keeps spawning and one discus(sold him) murdered all my rummy nose tetras. Got a baby on the way and trying to finish the new place so quite busy. Hopefully over this winter I'll get a bigger tank with a nice low maintenance setup.
Take care :)

anq812
09-17-2013, 04:24 AM
Hi Dominik, I realise this is an old thread and you don't come here often, but I'm hoping you (or one of the others with experience in your overflow) can answer some questions. I really like the look of the setup, and am looking at replicating it. I understand the principle behind the overflow, but what has me confused is the pvc pipes coming out. Due to the wall, I can't see the other side. I'm assuming as you have two overflows, you have two holes drilled down the bottom of the tank, one for each overflow. In the picture, you have a pvc pipe going up and back through the wall in addition to the one going down to the sump. You also have one further down coming out of the wall which I'm guessing is the other overflow. What is the pipe going up and through the wall for? I would have assumed you would have a pipe coming out of each hole for the overflow, going into a single pipe which feeds to the sump. Maybe it's obvious, but I have no history with sumps, I have always used canister filters.

cheers

dbfzurowski
09-26-2013, 07:29 PM
Hey,

You are correct, two drilled holes in tank going into one bigger pipe to sump. Did it this way to support more gph(gallon per hour) flow. Its at 500glh now if I remember correctly and could easily run more. From each tank hole I also have a small pipe going upwards, they also connect to a bigger one which ends above the tank water line. This is for noise reduction. Without it, the drains would create and break a siphon effect, similar to bathtub drain I guess as the water gets low and you hear the hissing. With air access from the top the water just flows down. Think about it this way. You flip over a gal jug of water to drain and it sucks the air up. If you drill a hole on top, it wont. Gas canisters have this also.

Now, since we got a baby due in 8 days I decided to get me a DSLR camera. Didnt have much time to play with it since baby room is taking up most of my time but here is me trying to take some creative pics of the fish :)

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/Piwowarski%20RTs/9-26-13/IMG_0592_zps47a7880e.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/wadopl/media/Piwowarski%20RTs/9-26-13/IMG_0592_zps47a7880e.jpg.html)


http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/Piwowarski%20RTs/9-26-13/IMG_0601_zps6f3c8291.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/wadopl/media/Piwowarski%20RTs/9-26-13/IMG_0601_zps6f3c8291.jpg.html)

Tank has been sitting in a basement for close to 4 months now with only two water changes??? God I love my sump!
I'm kinda upset a little that I haven't grown these out to 7" but they still look beautiful!!!

Second Hand Pat
09-26-2013, 08:49 PM
Dominik, the fish look good and congrats on the up coming little one. First born?

dbfzurowski
09-26-2013, 09:35 PM
Hi Pat!
Yes, first baby. We don't know what's it going to be so it's super exciting!
I picked up a 120G tank that I'll set up over the winter, super excited about that also :)

Second Hand Pat
09-26-2013, 09:42 PM
How exciting on both the new baby and the new tank, Dominik. The baby will keep you quite busy for a while but the tank will be there when you get some spare time.
Pat

marinum
09-27-2013, 05:58 AM
we speak of light? Congratulations very good

anq812
09-27-2013, 07:09 AM
Thanks for responding. That makes perfect sense. I have used canisters for the last 10 or so years, and am in the process of building a fish rack, and am not going to get 4 or 5 more canisters, so I was looking at going down the sump path.

Good luck with the baby, it's an amazing experience. My wife and I had our first child 5 months ago, and I am now only just starting to find a few hours here and there where I can work on my own projects.

Cole637
01-04-2014, 09:27 PM
Nice setup!

I have a big/complicated question. I'm trying to build a sump for my 720Gal plywood tank and have a 90gal tank reserved for the sump. I have a pond master pump that will cycle 3000gpm.
I need to ask how exactly the sump works. I haven't done anything yet until I figure out the best method.

I was going to use the (2) existing black overflow walls that were in the 220 but started thinking that I might better build my own because they won't be big or tall enough to handle new 720 gal tank.
I have detailed drawings which would make it a lot easier to understand what I'm doing but am new to forums & don't know how (or if I'm able) to attach. i either need to build risers for the (2) existing overflow walls I have OR make my own overflow walls out of Something? You used PVC but I'm not sure if I can get PVC big enough for my setup. I do like your drain holes at the bottom but i am really not sure how any of it works. Would greatly appreciate Any help or direction with what I'm trying to do. Thanks!!



Overflow and sump.


For the overflow I took 4" and 2.5" pvc pipes. I split them into two halves and put one over the other

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-10-13173036.jpg


I drilled holes on bottom and then jigsaw across it. I did it this way so that debris can be sucked out from bottom. With this system I have not once had to vacuum the bottom.
Much better then traditional overflow from top imo.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-10-13173017.jpg

Soon after the setup good bacteria/algae started growing in my overflow, good stuff :)

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-10-13173056.jpg


Drains down to stand. One drain inside the wall, other just barely fits next to my desk.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-10-13173139.jpg


It all goes to my sump

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/2011-10-13173229.jpg



Now the sump is a 25G high tank. I used 1/4 acrylic to divide the tank into 3 compartments. 1st is to hold my micro sock in place. I am using short 6", 5micron socks. Soon I will get 14" 25-50 micron so that it wont clog so fast. 2nd is where my K1 moving media will go. In mail as we speak. Bioballs have done great so far but its time to rid of them. 3rd is for my 600gph pump. I have it turned down to about 350gph

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/th_video-2011-10-13-17-35-29.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn29/wadopl/55Gal%20in-wall%20build/?action=view&current=video-2011-10-13-17-35-29.mp4)
Digital Finnex heater and fusion700 air pump. All is controlled with switches next to my drains.

dbfzurowski
01-12-2014, 01:42 PM
Hi Cole,

720G tank? I'm a little jealous :)

The overflow is simple. Two pvc walls. One in back is solid half of 3" pvc. This determines the water level in the tank. The front pvc is 4". This is longer then the 3" because I didnt want water to overflow this one. Drilled holes on bottom make the water go through the cutouts thus sucking up poop :)
I'm building a 120G tank and used same setup on this one. I'm running 800gph and it works great!
For a 3000gph... you might need to get maybe 8" and 6" pvc. Thats a lot of flow so I just dont know.

Melissa
01-12-2014, 06:17 PM
Dominik...

Brilliant idea on the overflow. I'm going to use it on a tank I'm currently setting up. Well done!

rickztahone
04-03-2014, 12:18 AM
any update Dominick? I know you don't have the house anymore but what about the discus?

Your sump idea looks great. I'm thinking of using a sump for the first time and I'm thinking I may give your setup a whirl. I'm thinking on how I can make it less obvious though, with the holes that is. Do you think if there were holes only on the opposite side, but taller it would work the same? That way, you wouldn't see any holes from a frontal view? Obviously the PVC would still be there but it wouldn't be as obvious.

dbfzurowski
04-04-2014, 12:59 AM
Hi,
Baby and fish are doing great :)
I am almost done with my new 120G tank setup. Foam fractionator and a 55G sump with full auto water change system. I have redesigned the overflow, you will like it.
Still using 4" and 3" pvc but no more drilled holes visible and still pulling debris from the bottom of my tank. It's much quieter now.

Need to wait till Sunday for my silicone to dry and I'll fill it up for good now. Hmmm... remember saying that last time...
Think I'll create a new thread for it. I'll post a link here...

rickztahone
04-04-2014, 02:45 AM
Awesome! I'm excited!

dirtyplants
04-04-2014, 07:45 AM
Forgive the dumb questions but why 2 drains? What happens if you loose power? I am assuming the water levels in tank and in PVC tubes always stay level?

dbfzurowski
04-04-2014, 12:42 PM
I'm using 3/4 bulkheads. You only get about 300-400 gal per hour of water flow with this setup per one. Pump i had was 650gph so I needed two. Plus, if one gets clogged...
Power goes out, water level is equivalent to the height of the inner pvc.

dbfzurowski
04-06-2014, 10:21 AM
And the journey continues...
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?113394-120-Gal-Aquarium-build-Diy-sump-stand-overflow-LED-lighting-and-full-auto-WC

Fkgriffin
01-11-2015, 05:15 PM
I love this setup and I will probably do this exact setup. I have one question on the overflow. You have one hole drilled on the side with pic going straight to sump and other to wall. What is that configuration, does the pipe run up or just a u back to the main line? Would love if you had a drawing of this. Thanks for any input

dbfzurowski
01-19-2015, 06:27 PM
Hi there,

You are correct, there is a vent PVC running above tank water level. You defiantly need this to ease with the water flow and also to lower the overflow noise. In my other build, the 125G tank, I redesigned the overflow a bit and it works much much better. Check it out.