The Upgrade Has Landed!

[seffieuk]

Phew - its amazing how much it all costs - a vortech

 

[Stampos]

Just had my PDR at work, and I scored highly so the vortech money is taken care of in the form of a bonus Don't receive it until July/August time though

I've got a couple of days off now as I am working weekends and bank holidays where I can to pay for the set up Went to Wickes to get a pack of flooring to check the colour against the tank, and it's too light so going to get some form of oak variety now!

Brother has confirmed he is fitting it this weekend, and sump is due tomorrow at some point.

Once filled I'll go out and get the 20kg of LR needed, then I'm going to let things settle for a few weeks before the transfer.

Simon

 

[Stampos]

Got paid today so I've purchased my two 5000lph powerheads, which will sort the flow out until I get the Vortech.

Waiting in as I expect the sump to arrive this afternoon. I managed to sneak a quick visit to my LFS where they had a beautiful cream angel for sale, but alas I don't think I could trust one in an LPS tank

We've decided that the floor is going to be rustic oak so all that remains is to buy and fit it! All being well the tank should be wet Sunday/Monday!

Simon

 

[Stampos]

Just as I hit the reply button, I had a knock on the door:

36x12x15

No cover glass as I was expecting but at least I can fill the tank! In the pic you can also see the board colour we're going for.

Simon

 

[seffieuk]

Liking the rustic oak and the sump

 

[Funkoid]

Looking good going to be great following this one!

 

[Stampos]

Thanks very much

Ok, progress!!!

Floor got fitted today, after yet another change of mind re: the finish. Ended up using Elm which I think gives a nice contrast to the cabinet. Once the floor was done I cut the sump base mat to size and fitted the sump.

Tomorrow I will finish the plumbing (should be fairly straightforward) and then begin the fill!

Here's some pictures:

Simon

 

[seffieuk]

That looks really nice

Have you turned off the radiator?

 

[Stampos]

Thanks Seffie

The radiator is very rarely used, but during the winter months I'll be using a TC10 and fans to keep on top of things. I had my FW tank in the same space before with no issues, infact it may save on electric costs using the heater!

I have a day off today, and these arrived first thing this morning:

So I thought I'd do this!

That's 100 litres so far

Simon

 

[MrLiam]

that 100lt only looks like a dribble how many litres is the tank.

 

[Stampos]

The display is around 425 litres and the sump about 80

Just adding another 100l now

 

[seffieuk]

Your arms are going to ache - Whoa, look at the size of that tv!

 

[HappyGeorge]

Someone else with one of those great Ikea stool/steps. They are a godsend in my house, fish keeping and small persons worktop reacher.

Tanks looking good.

 

[Tony_essex]

love the tank mate will keep eye on this i really ehjoyed your other journal

Tony

 

[Stampos]

Your arms are going to ache - Whoa, look at the size of that tv!

I had an ingenious method to fill.......more below.

I work at the head office of an electrical retailer so get a nice discount - rude not to take advantage

Someone else with one of those great Ikea stool/steps. They are a godsend in my house, fish keeping and small persons worktop reacher.

Tanks looking good.

They are excellent, currently have it holding up the extension lead as the powerhead cables are very short!

Thanks for the comments

love the tank mate will keep eye on this i really ehjoyed your other journal

Tony

Cheers Tony, glad you enjoyed it. Anything I can help with let me know

Ok, so............the tank is now full!

I opted to get RO from the LFS as my unit would have taken days to fill it, and hammered the DI in doing so. In the end I had to use four containers and do four trips back and forth - knackered!! I'll be glad to go back to work to have some rest

Some pics:

About 200 litres in:

And my cunning method...........use the steps as a platform for the container, siphon it into the sump then pump into the display!

As I neared the weir I began sorting the plumbing, the standpipes were easy

Have the lower of the two just over halfway up

Then I built the sump pipework, solvent welded the tank connectors and first 45 degree connector - siliconed the rest to allow for removal should the tank need to be moved.

And finally, another piece of good luck! I went to another LFS (I only use them for dry goods) to get some more sand, whilst looking around I spotted a TMC V2 PH controller reduced from £150 to £30 as the box was tatty.

I'll use it as a monitor for now and perhaps use it for a calcium reactor should the need arise in the future. All in all a good day.

Simon