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  1. #1
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    Mespe's 50 Gallon Aquarium setup in Progress

    Hi all, I wanted to share the construction of my AP project. It will be a CHIFT PIST setup with flood&drain using two autosiphons (one for each grow bed) and a valve to toggle flow between the two GBs. I will include pictures and prices and be happy to answer any questions.

    I located a 50 gallon aquarium on craigslist for $20.00. Wasn't too bad, kinda dirty, gave it a good cleaning with ammonia. It was fun finding a diamond hole saw, and I wasn't about to wait for something in the mail. True Value had a 1 3/8 diamond hole saw (Brutus No. 10569 - it doesn't say it works on glass, but it worked great $21.24 [total to date 41.24]), with a guide and some doubleback sticky tape. I must admit, the thing worked like a charm. Highly recommend.



    Place the tank on it's side (tall wise) drill the hole from the inside of the tank so that you have a smooth surface ensuring a good seal. the two sides are much thinner material than the long piece of glass.



    When drilling, do not apply much pressure, let the drill do the work. Be extra careful towards the end, so that you don't chip alot of the hole's outer edge.

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  2. #2
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    Re: Mespe's 50 Gallon Aquarium setup in Progress

    OK, there's a max of 3 pictures per post, so guess I need to break it up a little bit,,,

    Here's a picture of the newly drilled hole, after I righted the tank.



    I purchased some PVC fittings, the one inch threaded adapters wound up being the perfect fit. Lowes p/n 436010 and 435010. I had a rubber gasket already, but you'll need one, plus an elbow and a feed tube. Along with some glue - total spent at lowes 6.94 [ttd $48.18]



    Insert the larger diameter fitting (happens to be the female) with the rubber gasket on the inside of the aquarium. Thread the male one inch fitting on the outside of the tank.

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  3. #3
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    Re: Mespe's 50 Gallon Aquarium setup in Progress

    Now for the pickup or feed tube on the inside of the aquarium. I decided to try 1/2 inch PVC hoping that a faster flow will pick up more solids. I aimed the pickup tube towards the corner of the tank. Here's where I finished up tonight.



    Hopefully tomorrow I get some plumbing, pumps, and tanks.

  4. #4
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    Re: Mespe's 50 Gallon Aquarium setup in Progress

    welcome mespe, using pvc fittings certainly is less costly than bulkhead fittings a little more challenging to make leakproof.
    keep us posted on your progress.

  5. #5
    Moderator JCO's Avatar
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    Re: Mespe's 50 Gallon Aquarium setup in Progress

    Don't know what your tank was built from but you were extremely lucky because most are constructed of tempered glass which cannot be drilled WITHOUT SHATTERING. LUCKY...
    JCO
    Irish eyes are always smiling but
    • "In the eyes of the world, you are only as good as your last success"
    so never forget
    • "MAN IS ONLY LIMITED BY HIS IMAGINATION"

  6. #6
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    Re: Mespe's 50 Gallon Aquarium setup in Progress

    i think you might want your pickup tube to be at least 1"... with it being 1/2", you might be creating a little to much "suction"
    only one way to find out though! good luck and keep us up to date

  7. #7
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    Re: Mespe's 50 Gallon Aquarium setup in Progress

    Quote Originally Posted by JCO
    Don't know what your tank was built from but you were extremely lucky because most are constructed of tempered glass which cannot be drilled WITHOUT SHATTERING. LUCKY...
    I hope I don't find that out when I fill it with water.

  8. #8
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    Re: Mespe's 50 Gallon Aquarium setup in Progress

    Quote Originally Posted by keith_r
    i think you might want your pickup tube to be at least 1"... with it being 1/2", you might be creating a little to much "suction"
    only one way to find out though! good luck and keep us up to date
    Oh how right you are, the 1/2 pipe couldn't keep up with the flow, so one inch it is.

    Here are a few pictures with water running through the system so far [ttd= 48.18+ 5.16 (lowes) + 20 (two 160 GPH pumps) = 73.34]



    and another view

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  9. #9
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    Re: Mespe's 50 Gallon Aquarium setup in Progress

    Now for the lettuce trough,,, 3 inch PVC Pipe surrounding the FT

    Here's the effluent side Kinda hard going from 3 inch to 1 inch without a bunch of adapters,,,



    Now the view that makes sense.



    The 3 inch PVC will be directly below the FT discharge pipe.

    I haven't drilled the holes yet, not sure how far apart they need to be, am also considering adding holes in the elbows to add a couple more plants.

    I didn't want to pay $4 for a 3 in ch end cap, when a $2.81 90 degree elbow will accomplish the same thing, and allow me to view water height in the lettuce trough. [ttd= 73.34 + $25.76 = $99.10]

    Next I guess is going to be the FT/Lettuce trough stand, so I'll get to use my skill saw and mitre saw
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  10. #10
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    Re: Mespe's 50 Gallon Aquarium setup in Progress

    Think I found my sump tank

    http://www.toysrus.com/product/prodpop. ... totCount=0

    I figure if I pad the pool, and don't have little kids play in it, it should last a good long while, or atleast until a suitable replacement is found, something shallow,,,

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