need some help with new custom tank build.

[joedirt]

Here's what I've done so far:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h125/joedirt1968/DSCF3228.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h125/joedirt1968/DSCF3232.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h125/joedirt1968/DSCF3236.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h125/joedirt1968/DSCF3238.jpg
The first pics is reg 1/4" plate glass on top of the starfire.
The front and sides are starfire 1/4" it's 18WX21LX16H, about 26gal. I will be installing a black plexi overflow the entire back 3". I will have 3- 1" bulkheads, two to drain and one for return. I have a squid that will be intalled behind the overflow and 2- 1/2" bulkheads to install in the overflow.

This will all be plumbed into a 10gal sump and 5.5 gal fuge. I tossed around the idea of a custom Acrylic sump but since the glass drilling went so well I thought I'd save some time and money and just buy those 2 AGA tanks for $10 each. I went with two tanks because of the small-cube footprint of my display.

My big question right now is:

How much heat would I save if I plumbed my Mag 9.5 inline. Would it be worth it. I'm going to drill the 5.5 and raise it above the sump enough so it can just overflow into it(50GPH). I really like the idea of drilling the sump too...it'll allow a much bigger return area where I can install bubble traps/extra LR.

Thanks,
Dirt

 

[Anonymous]

As long as you have a vented cabinet you should save some heat by putting the mag inline. I noticed about a 1 degree drop when I removed a mag 3 from my system.

However, I have heard that its hard to plumb them and have them leakproof.

that is just hearsay though....

 

[melas]

i've had several mags start leaking when plumbed external. . . its usally after a year or two of use. i think it's from the regular maintenance required ie - constantly having to take the cover off to clean them. . . they get loose over time

 

[joedirt]

I'll probably just silicone the impeller cover and replace it with a better pump later. I'm going to drill the 10gal sump and get that going. I allow room for some mouse pads under the pump.

~dirt

 

[joedirt]

I'll probably just silicone the impeller cover and replace it with a better pump later. I'm going to drill the 10gal sump and get that going. I allow room for some mouse pads under the pump.

~dirt

 

[The_Big_Fish]

Mags are niosy when used inline out side th aquarium too.
NICE WORK BTW!